Lester B. Pearson Scholarship in Canada 2026
If you’re a high-achieving international student dreaming of studying in Canada without worrying about money, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto might just be the golden ticket you’re looking for.
This fully funded undergraduate scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards in the world—and it could cover everything you need for four years of study at Canada’s top-ranked university.
What is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?
Named after Lester Bowles Pearson—a Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Prime Minister of Canada—this scholarship recognizes the most outstanding international students from around the world.
Each year, the University of Toronto selects around 37 students who’ve not only shown academic excellence but also made a real difference in their communities through leadership, creativity, and positive action.
And yes—it’s 100% fully funded.
What Does It Cover?
If you win the Pearson Scholarship, here’s what you get:
Full tuition fees for all four years
Books and study materials
All incidental (extra) fees
Full residence support (you’ll live on campus!)
Health insurance
In other words, your entire undergrad journey will be covered—no stress about finances at all. It’s like winning the academic lottery
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you need to check all of these boxes:
You’re an international student (not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
You’re currently in your final year of high school, or you graduated no earlier than June 2025
You’re planning to start your bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto in September 2026
Your school must nominate you (each high school can nominate only one student)
You’ve shown exceptional academic ability, creativity, and leadership
So if you’re the kind of student who’s not just great in class but also takes initiative—whether that’s through volunteer work, clubs, innovation, or activism—this scholarship is made for you.
What Can You Study?
You can choose from almost any undergraduate program at the University of Toronto, including:
Engineering
Computer Science
Life Sciences
Arts & Humanities
Business & Commerce
Social Sciences
Architecture
Music, and more!
There are three campusesSt. George (downtown Toronto)Mississauga, and Scarborough—and all are included in the scholarship.
Key Dates for 2026 (Expected)
The official 2026 deadlines haven’t been posted yet, but here’s what we expect based on previous years:
Step Deadline (Expected)
Nomination by your school | By mid–October 2025 |
Apply to U of T (via OUAC) | By October 17, 2025 |
Scholarship application due | By November 7, 2025 |
Results released | January–April 2026 (rolling) |
Important tip: You must apply to U of T before submitting your scholarship application. And your school has to nominate you before you can even begin the Pearson form.
How to Apply — Step by Step
1. Get Nominated
First, talk to your school counselor or principal and ask them to nominate you. They can only pick one student per year, so this is a big deal. If your school has never nominated anyone before, they’ll need to register online with U of T.
2. Apply to the University of Toronto
Next, submit your undergraduate application through OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre). Choose the program you’re most passionate about—it matters!
3. Fill Out the Scholarship Application
Once U of T receives your school nomination and your university application, they’ll send you a personal link to complete the Pearson Scholarship application.
You’ll write essays and share examples of your leadership, community involvement, and creative projects.
4. Submit Supporting Documents
Make sure to prepare:
Your transcripts
Reference letters
Any awards, certificates, or project details
A valid passport or ID
Then, submit everything by early November.
Tips to Stand Out
The Pearson Scholarship is ultra-competitive—over 7,000 students apply, and only about 37 are chosen. But don’t let that scare you. Here’s how to stand out:
Be authentic – Tell your story. Don’t exaggerate or copy others.
Show leadership – Highlight how you’ve made a real impact, even on a small scale.
Think globally – Pearson Scholars are expected to become global leaders.
Ask for strong references – From teachers or mentors who truly know you.
Don’t rush – Give yourself time to write thoughtful, meaningful answers.
Stick to the deadlines – Missing a deadline means automatic disqualification.
Real Talk: What’s It Like to Be a Pearson Scholar?
Being selected means more than free education. You’ll be part of a small, powerful community of global changemakers. You’ll study with world-class professors, live in one of the world’s most diverse cities, and connect with mentors, researchers, and leaders from all over the globe.
Many Pearson Scholars go on to become innovators, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and more.
It’s not just a scholarship—it’s a launchpad.
Official Application Links
Here are the links you’ll need to apply:
[University of Toronto – Pearson Scholarship Info Page]
[School Nomination Page]
[OUAC Application Portal (University Application)]
Bookmark these and keep checking the official site for updates.
Final Checklist
Before you go, make sure you’ve got everything ready:
Talk to your school about getting nominated
Apply to the University of Toronto (OUAC)
Wait for the Pearson link and complete the form
Gather your documents and references
Submit everything before the deadlines
Stay calm and check your email between January and April 2026
Ready to Apply?
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship could change your life. It’s your chance to earn a world-class degree, connect with future leaders, and do it all without financial pressure.
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