The Lester B Pearson Scholarship 2026 in Canada is among the most prestigious fully funded undergraduate awards for international students applying to the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s top public universities. Named after Nobel Laureate and former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, this scholarship offers a comprehensive funding package covering tuition, books, incidental fees, and four years of on‑campus residence support—ensuring recipients can focus entirely on their academic journey without financial concerns.
Every year, approximately 37 high-achieving scholars are selected through a competitive process that values academic excellence, creative merit, and leadership potential both within school and community environments. Applicants undergo a two-stage evaluation: first, nomination by their secondary school, followed by admission to the University of Toronto via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), and finally completion of the Pearson Scholarship application portal.
Set to start in September 2026, the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship offers a transformational experience—studying in a vibrant academic environment with access to 700+ degree programs, cutting-edge research, and a multicultural student community. If you’re an international high school student with strong leadership qualities and a passion for impact, this fully funded undergraduate scholarship in Canada could be your gateway to world-class education and lifelong global connections
Lester B Pearson Scholarship 2026 in Canada Details:
- Host Country: Canada
- Host University: University of Toronto
- Degree Level: Undergraduate
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- No of Scholarships: 37
- Scholarship Deadline: 17th October 2025
Fields of Study:
One of the key advantages of the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is the flexibility it offers in choosing your academic path. Pearson scholars can select from over 700 undergraduate programs offered across various disciplines, ensuring there’s a field of study for every passion and career goal. Below are the major academic areas you can explore:
- Life Sciences
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Music, and Architecture
- Commerce & Management
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Kinesiology & Physical Education
- Physical & Mathematical Sciences
Financial Benefits:
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026 at the University of Toronto is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship in Canada, offering exceptional financial support to high-achieving international students. Designed to eliminate all financial barriers, this prestigious award ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their academic and personal growth. Here’s what the scholarship covers:
- Full Tuition Coverage (4 Years)
The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the entire duration of the undergraduate degree. - Book and Study Material Allowance
Scholars receive financial support to cover the cost of textbooks and required academic materials. - Incidental Expenses Covered
Additional academic and student fees (such as lab use, student union fees, and insurance) are fully funded. - Full Residential Support
Recipients are provided with free on-campus accommodation for four years, ensuring a secure and engaging living environment.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the University of Toronto. These criteria are designed to ensure that the most talented, deserving, and globally-minded students are selected. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- Open to International Students
Applicants must be international students from any country, holding citizenship outside Canada. - Canadian Citizens Not Eligible
Students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada are not eligible to apply for this scholarship. - Nomination by School Required
Candidates must be officially nominated by their current high school or secondary school. Each school can nominate one student per year. - Apply to the University of Toronto
Students must also apply for an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto and begin their studies in September 2026. - Final-Year Secondary School Students
Applicants must currently be in their final year of high school or secondary education at the time of applying. - Recent High School Graduates
If you have already graduated, your graduation must have taken place no earlier than June 2025. - No Previous Post-Secondary Studies
Applicants must not have begun any post-secondary or university-level studies before applying. - Start of Program
All scholarship recipients must be ready to start their undergraduate program at the University of Toronto in September 2026.
How to Apply for the Lester B Pearson Scholarship 2026 in Canada:
Applying for the prestigious Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026 at the University of Toronto involves a multi-step process that includes school nomination, university admission, and a separate scholarship application. It is crucial to follow the official process carefully to be considered for this fully funded undergraduate scholarship in Canada. Below is a step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Apply to the University of Toronto
Start by applying to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto for the Fall 2026 intake through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). Make sure to apply before the university’s application deadline. - Step 2: Secure a Nomination from Your High School
You must be nominated by your current high school. Speak to your school counsellor or administrator to initiate the nomination process. Only schools that are verified and participating in the Pearson Scholarship program can nominate students. - Step 3: Ensure School Eligibility
If your school has not participated before, they must submit a request to become a nominating institution through the University of Toronto’s official Pearson Scholarship platform. - Step 4: Choose Your Program Wisely
When applying to U of T, make sure your first-choice program reflects your true academic interests. The Pearson Scholarship will only consider the first program choice made during the application process. - Step 5: Receive the Scholarship Application Link
Once your school has nominated you and you’ve applied to the university, you will receive a personalized and secure scholarship application link from the University of Toronto. - Step 6: Complete the Pearson Scholarship Application
Use the received link to access the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship online application. Fill out the required sections and submit all necessary details before the deadline.