
For outstanding leaders
Pearson Scholars demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and potential to contribute positively to the global community.
Full 4-year scholarship for international students
One of our most competitive scholarships, the Pearson Scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Nominated by your high school
High schools can only nominate one student per year.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships is one of the largest scholarship programs for international students in Canada.
37 scholars annually
$12M+ funding in 2024
188 countries represented
Become a Pearson Scholar
To become a Pearson Scholar, you need to be nominated by your school and apply to undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. Follow these steps to get started.
BEFORE YOU APPLY Confirm your eligibility
To be eligible to apply to the Pearson International Scholarship, you must be:
- an international student (i.e. a non-Canadian requiring a study permit);
- enrolled in your final year of senior secondary school in 2025/2026 or have graduated no earlier than June 2025; and
- beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026.
Students who are already attending post-secondary studies or students who are starting their post-secondary studies in January 2026 at another post-secondary institution are not eligible for the Pearson International Scholarship.
JUL - OCT Your high school nominates you
Ask your guidance counsellor, principal or head of school if your school is eligible to nominate students for the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship.
Schools that have previously participated will receive access to the nomination form beginning July 1, 2025. The deadline to nominate a student is October 10, 2025.
If your school has not yet participated, they can apply to join the program.
Sep - Oct Apply to study at U of T
To be considered for the Pearson Scholarship, you must apply to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. You must begin your studies in September 2026. The deadline to apply for admission to U of T and be considered for the Pearson Scholarship is October 17, 2025.
Please note: You may apply to up to three areas on your application for admission, however, the Pearson Scholarship, if awarded to you, would be restricted to your top choice of program at the time our scholarship decisions are made.
Oct - Nov Submit your Pearson Scholarship application
You will receive a private link to the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship application when you have been nominated by your school. You will be able to complete this form after you have submitted your application for admission to U of T.
The deadline to complete the Pearson International Scholarship application and submit all required documentation is November 7, 2025.
More details about the Pearson International Student Scholarships
Award value
The Pearson International Student Scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years. The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry, undergraduate programs. Each year approximately 37 students will be named Pearson Scholars.
Pearson Program Office
The Pearson Program Office housed within the Centre for International Experience (CIE) offers different enrichment and support programs for Pearson Scholars currently studying at U of T.
Important dates and deadlines
- School nomination deadline: October 10, 2025
- Student OUAC admission application deadline: October 17, 2025
- Student scholarship application deadline and documentation submission deadline: November 7, 2025
Meet with Pearson Scholars Learn more about our scholars
Questions
We’re here to help! For questions about applying to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, please visit our Pearson Scholarship Inquiry Form.
Resources for counsellors, principals & heads of school
We value our relationships with counsellors, principals and heads of schools around the world. We've prepared resources and answers to commonly asked questions about the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships to help you advise your students.