The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship 2027 at the University of Toronto is an opportunity for exceptional international students seeking undergraduate study in Canada.

The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, creativity and leadership potential, while also showing the potential to contribute positively to the global community. The University of Toronto describes it as its most prestigious award for international students.

For the 2027 intake, eligible students must be nominated by their high school, apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto and subsequently complete the Pearson Scholarship application.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 Overview

The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship provides financial support for four years of first-entry undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.

According to the University of Toronto, the scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years. Approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars each year.

The programme has represented students from 188 countries, and the university reported more than $12 million in funding in 2024.

What Does the Pearson Scholarship Cover?

Successful Pearson Scholars receive support covering several major costs of their undergraduate education.

The scholarship covers:

• Tuition fees
• Books
• Incidental fees
• Full residence support
• Four years of undergraduate study

The award is tenable only at the University of Toronto and applies to first-entry undergraduate programmes.

Who Is Eligible for the Pearson Scholarship?

For the 2027 intake, applicants must meet the eligibility conditions established by the University of Toronto.

You must:

• Be an international student, meaning a non-Canadian student who requires a study permit to study in Canada.
• Be enrolled in your final year of senior secondary school during the 2026–2027 academic year, or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
• Be starting your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027. 

Students who are already attending post-secondary studies are not eligible.

Students who will begin post-secondary studies in January 2027 at the University of Toronto or another post-secondary institution are also not eligible for the Pearson International Scholarship.

How to Apply for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

The Pearson Scholarship application process has three main stages.

Step 1: Get Nominated by Your High School

The first step is to speak with your guidance counsellor, principal or head of school about the Pearson Scholarship.

Your high school must nominate you for the scholarship.

A key requirement is that each high school can nominate only one student per year.

For the 2027 intake, schools that have previously participated in the programme receive access to the nomination form beginning July 6, 2026.

The deadline for schools to nominate a student is:

October 9, 2026.

If your school has not previously participated in the programme, the school can apply to join the programme by noon Eastern Time on October 9, 2026.

Step 2: Apply to the University of Toronto

After being nominated, you must apply to at least one undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto.

You must plan to begin your studies in September 2027.

The deadline to apply for admission to the University of Toronto and be considered for the Pearson Scholarship is:

October 16, 2026.

Applicants can apply to up to three areas on their University of Toronto admission application. However, if the Pearson Scholarship is awarded, it will be restricted to the applicant's top-choice programme at the time scholarship decisions are made.

Step 3: Complete the Pearson Scholarship Application

Once your school nominates you, the University of Toronto will provide you with a private link to the Pearson Scholarship application.

You can complete the scholarship application after submitting your University of Toronto admission application.

The deadline to complete the Pearson Scholarship application and submit all required documentation is:

November 6, 2026.

Pearson Scholarship 2027 Important Dates

These dates are published by the University of Toronto for the 2027 Pearson Scholarship intake.

What Does the University Look for in Pearson Scholars?

The University of Toronto says Pearson Scholars demonstrate:

• Exceptional academic achievement
• Creativity
• Leadership potential
• Potential to contribute positively to the global community

The scholarship therefore considers qualities beyond academic results. Students should be able to demonstrate their achievements, leadership experiences, creativity and contributions through their application.

Can Ghanaian Students Apply?

Eligible students from Ghana can be considered for the Pearson Scholarship because the programme is intended for international students.

A Ghanaian student completing senior secondary education during the 2026–2027 academic year may be eligible if they meet all other requirements and receive a nomination from their school.

Since a high school can nominate only one student each year, interested students should contact their school authorities early.

The University of Toronto reports that the Pearson programme has represented students from 188 countries.

How Students Can Prepare

Students interested in the scholarship should begin preparing before the official deadlines.

Contact Your School

Speak with your guidance counsellor, principal or head of school about the scholarship and find out whether your school is eligible to nominate a student.

Review Your Academic Performance

Make sure you understand the admission requirements for your intended University of Toronto programme and review your academic record.

Build Your Leadership Profile

Think about leadership roles, community projects, school activities, creative initiatives and other activities in which you have made meaningful contributions.

Research Your University Programme

Research the University of Toronto undergraduate programmes available to you and identify your preferred programme before submitting your admission application.

Keep Track of Deadlines

There are three important deadlines in the Pearson Scholarship process. Missing the school nomination deadline can prevent you from moving forward to the scholarship application stage.

Important AI Rule for Applicants

Applicants should pay close attention to the University of Toronto's policy concerning generative artificial intelligence.

The university states that the use of generative AI tools, including ChatGPT and other AI applications, is prohibited when creating content for University of Toronto undergraduate award applications.

The university further states that nominees or applicants found to have used generative AI to create content for an undergraduate award application will be disqualified from award eligibility.

Applicants should therefore prepare their scholarship application content themselves and follow the university's academic-integrity requirements.

Beware of Pearson Scholarship Scams

Students should also be cautious about individuals or organisations claiming to provide special access to the Pearson Scholarship.

The University of Toronto warns that the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Program does not work with recruitment agencies or educational agents to recruit students or offer scholarships.

The university has also warned about fraudulent emails, false acceptances and requests for fees involving unaffiliated third parties. Pearson recipients can only be nominated by their current secondary school through the university's official online process.

Students should therefore rely on official University of Toronto sources when checking scholarship information.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 Summary

Information in this table is based on the University of Toronto's current Pearson Scholarship page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship fully funded?

The University of Toronto states that the scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years of first-entry undergraduate study.

How many students receive the scholarship?

Approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars each year.

Can international students apply?

Yes. The scholarship is specifically intended for eligible international students.

Can I apply without a school nomination?

No. Your current secondary school must nominate you before you can complete the Pearson Scholarship application.

Can a school nominate more than one student?

No. Each high school can nominate one student per year.

Do I have to apply to the University of Toronto?

Yes. Pearson Scholarship candidates must apply to at least one undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto and plan to begin their studies in September 2027.

When is the Pearson Scholarship 2027 deadline?

The deadline for the Pearson Scholarship application and required documentation is November 6, 2026. However, students must first meet the earlier school nomination and University of Toronto admission deadlines.

Can current university students apply?

No. Students already attending post-secondary studies are not eligible. Students starting post-secondary studies in January 2027 are also excluded.

Final Thoughts

The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship provides eligible international students with four years of financial support for undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.

For students targeting the September 2027 intake, the process begins with their secondary school nomination. Interested students should contact their school, confirm their eligibility, research their intended University of Toronto programme and carefully follow the three-stage application process.

The most important dates to remember are October 9, October 16 and November 6, 2026.

Applicants should also verify all requirements directly with the University of Toronto before submitting their applications, as the university's official scholarship page is the authoritative source for the programme.

Official Scholarship Website

University of Toronto — Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships