University of Toronto - Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program 2026-2027

Study Where the World Comes Together

Established in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s largest university, recognized as a global leader in research and teaching. U of T’s distinguished faculty, institutional record of groundbreaking scholarship and wealth of innovative academic opportunities continually attract outstanding students and academics from around the world. Few other universities offer as great a diversity of programs and resources.

U of T is committed to providing a learning experience which benefits from both a scale almost unparalleled in North America and from the close-knit learning communities made possible through its college system and academic divisions. U of T has 700 undergraduate programs(external link) in Humanities & Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Commerce & Management, Computer Science, Engineering, Kinesiology & Physical Education, Music, and Architecture.

Located in and around Toronto, one of the world’s most diverse regions, U of T’s vibrant academic life is defined by a unique degree of cultural diversity in its learning community. The city of Toronto is rated as one of the safest large cities in the world and one of the best places to live — it’s a city that draws the best and the brightest, who come seeking world-class business, culture and education. Toronto hosts more than 30 major festivals and cultural events annually, has the third largest public transit system in North America, and hosts over 8000 hectares of park space. Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area is a place with changing landscapes, welcoming communities and exciting opportunities.

A World-Renowned University

The University of Toronto stands among the top research universities in the world(external link). U of T’s 44 libraries make up the third largest library system in North America, we produce more research than almost any other institution worldwide and our 500,000+ alumni can be found across the globe. Our students learn from leading scholars and academics who come to U of T for its world-class facilities and global prestige. An education from the University of Toronto is not only internationally recognized, it is highly regarded and easily transferable — in fact, our graduates are considered some of the world’s most employable(external link).

U of T’s reputation attracts students from 170 countries and regions(external link). They participate in hundreds of clubs, compete in 25 varsity sports and take part in unique learning opportunities. Our Colleges and undergraduate faculties give students the support of small, welcoming communities, while also the benefits of a large, internationally connected institution.

Apply

To become a Pearson Scholar, you must be nominated by your school and apply to undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. Ask your school guidance counsellor about being nominated. Once you’ve been nominated and have applied to the University of Toronto, you will be sent a personalized, secure link to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship application.

Pearson Scholars are students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and creativity, who are accepted as leaders within their school, and who have the potential to contribute to the global community in the future. They can be distinguished from other students who may have equally high academic results by virtue of their breadth of interest, intellectual energy and impact on the life of their school and community.

Application Process

The 2026 Competition opens on July 1, 2025. To apply, you will need to:

1. Receive a nomination from your school. High schools not already contacted/verified are asked to submit an application to participate in our program, available here.(external link) High schools who have participated in a previous year will receive their nomination access starting July 1, 2025.
2. Apply to study at the University of Toronto(external link) by October 17, 2025 in order to begin your studies in September 2026. Please be advised that you will be considered for the Pearson Scholarship for your first choice of program at U of T. You may apply for several programs and may receive admission to them all; however, the Pearson Scholarship, if awarded to you, would be restricted to your first choice of program at U of T at the time our scholarship decisions are made.
3. Once we’ve received a nomination and you’ve applied to the university, you can complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application by November 7, 2025.  You will receive a private link to the scholarship application when you are successfully nominated by your school.
4. Submit all necessary documentation online by November 7, 2025.

Pearson Scholarship 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

About U of T

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has evolved into Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery and knowledge creation. We are proud to be one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, driven to invent and innovate.

Our students have the opportunity to learn from and work with preeminent thought leaders through our multidisciplinary network of teaching and research faculty, alumni and partners. 

The ideas, innovations and actions of more than 560,000 graduates continue to have a positive impact on the world.