University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 in Canada (Fully Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships here. The University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students. Every year, around 37 outstanding students from around the world are named Pearson Scholars.
For the September 2027 intake, the scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for four full years. This guide walks you through eligibility, deadlines, the visa process, and living costs so you can plan your application with confidence.
University of Toronto Lester B Pearson Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Abroad: Study in Canada
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Stipends | Accommodation
- Deadline: November 6, 2026
Financial Benefits
This fully funded scholarship removes the biggest financial barrier for international students who want study visa sponsorship without heavy tuition debt or an education loan. It is one of the most generous undergraduate awards offered by any Canadian university.
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Fully covered for four years |
| Books and Course Materials | Included |
| Incidental Fees | Included |
| Residence Support | Full support for four years |
| Renewability | Renewed yearly if academic standing is maintained |
Because the award is restricted to your first-choice programme at the time scholarship decisions are made, it pays to think carefully about your top programme before submitting your U of T application.
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Available Study Programs
The Pearson Scholarship applies to first-entry undergraduate programmes across U of T’s three campuses. Popular choices among international students include:
Life Sciences and Health Studies
Covers biology, physiology, and pre-health tracks. Popular with students planning graduate studies in medicine or research.
Computer Science and Engineering
One of the most competitive streams, known for strong co-op links with Toronto’s tech industry and clear post-study work opportunities.
Commerce and Management
Offered through the Rotman Commerce programme, it’s popular with students aiming for finance, consulting, or entrepreneurship careers.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Includes political science, economics, and international relations, often chosen by students interested in policy or law school pathways.
Arts, Design, and Music
Smaller but highly selective programmes that combine creative training with U of T’s research-intensive environment.
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Top Universities
While the Pearson Scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto, it helps to compare it against other leading Canadian universities offering strong scholarship support for international students.
| University | City | World Ranking | Tuition Range (CAD/year) | Scholarship Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Toronto, Ontario | Top 25 globally | $45,000–$65,000 | Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (fully funded) |
| University of British Columbia | Vancouver, BC | Top 40 globally | $40,000–$58,000 | Merit-based international scholarships |
| McGill University | Montreal, Quebec | Top 35 globally | $35,000–$50,000 | Entrance scholarships for top applicants |
Eligibility Criteria
The Pearson Scholarship is highly competitive, so meeting every requirement precisely matters. Applicants must:
- Be an international student who requires a Canadian study permit (student visa)
- Be in their final year of secondary school in 2026/2027 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026
- Start undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027
- Be nominated by their secondary school, which may nominate only one student per year
- Not already be enrolled in post-secondary studies, and not be starting studies at another institution in January 2027
Selection is based on exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership within your school, and your potential impact on the wider community. There is no separate scholarship-only application form until your school submits your nomination.
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Required Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| School Nomination Form | Confirms you are your school’s official Pearson nominee |
| University of Toronto Application for Admission | Required before the scholarship application unlocks |
| Academic Transcripts | Verifies grades and course history |
| Personal Profile / Essays | Highlights leadership, creativity, and community impact |
| Proof of English Proficiency | Required if your prior instruction was not in English |
| Passport / Identification | Needed later for the study permit application |
Application Process
Follow these steps in order, since each stage unlocks the next:
Step 1: Confirm your school is eligible to nominate students. Schools that took part before regain nomination access from July 6, 2026.
Step 2: Ask your principal, counsellor, or head of school to nominate you. Only one nomination is allowed per school.
Step 3: If your school has not participated before, it must apply to join the programme by noon EST on October 9, 2026.
Step 4: Submit your application for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto by October 16, 2026.
Step 5: You may apply to up to three programmes, but the scholarship, if awarded, applies only to your first-choice programme.
Step 6: Once nominated and admitted, you will receive a private link to the Pearson Scholarship application form.
Step 7: Complete the scholarship application and upload all required documentation by November 6, 2026.
Step 8: Wait for the admissions and scholarship committee to review your file; decisions are usually communicated in the months following the deadline.
Step 9: If selected, begin preparing your study permit application well ahead of the September 2027 start date.
Step 10: Only use official University of Toronto channels. The university has warned that fraudulent emails and unofficial agents have targeted Pearson applicants in the past.
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Student Visa Guide
Once admitted, international students need a Canadian study permit, sometimes referred to loosely as a student visa. Canada moved to a single regular processing stream after retiring its old expedited track in late 2024.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Letter of Acceptance | From a Designated Learning Institution (U of T qualifies) |
| Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) | Generally required for undergraduate applicants under the national study permit cap |
| Proof of Funds | Roughly CAD 22,895 in living costs for a single applicant outside Quebec, plus tuition and travel; scholarship award letters can offset the tuition portion |
| Biometrics | Fingerprints and photo, collected at a visa application centre |
| Processing Time | Typically 4 to 16 weeks depending on country of residence and application quality |
| Application Fee | CAD 150 study permit fee, plus a CAD 85 biometrics fee where applicable |
Apply for your study permit as soon as your Pearson Scholarship offer is confirmed, since peak season for September intakes runs from May through July and can add several weeks to processing.
Health Insurance
Ontario’s provincial health plan does not cover international students, so the University of Toronto automatically enrols all international students in the University Health Insurance Plan, known as UHIP.
- UHIP is mandatory and runs from September 1 to August 31 each academic year
- The current cost is approximately CAD 792 per year, billed directly to your student account
- Coverage includes physician visits, hospital stays, emergency care, and basic diagnostics
- Dental, vision, and full prescription coverage are not included and need a separate supplementary plan
Because UHIP is charged automatically, budget for it separately even though your scholarship covers tuition and residence.
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Accommodation & Living Costs
Pearson Scholars receive full residence support for four years, which typically covers a room in one of U of T’s undergraduate residences. Students who move off-campus later in their studies should plan for Toronto’s cost of living.
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| University Residence (if not fully scholarship-covered) | $1,000–$1,800 |
| Private Rental (shared apartment) | $900–$1,500 |
| Groceries and Food | $350–$500 |
| Local Transit Pass | $130–$160 |
| Personal and Miscellaneous | $150–$300 |
Since Pearson Scholars have residence support built into the award, most day-to-day budgeting concerns shift to personal spending, health insurance premiums, and travel costs.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
After graduation, most Pearson Scholars are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows open work authorisation in Canada.
- Bachelor’s degree graduates face no restriction on field of study for PGWP eligibility
- Applicants generally need Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or the equivalent in French
- Permit length usually matches program length, up to a maximum of three years for programs of two years or more
- You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation that you completed your programme.
Toronto’s job market is strong in finance, technology, healthcare, and professional services, giving graduates several routes toward Canadian work experience and, eventually, permanent residence through pathways like the Canadian Experience Class.
Frequently Asked Questions (Latest Google FAQs)
Is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship really fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years at the University of Toronto.
Can I apply directly without a school nomination?
No. You must be nominated by your secondary school before you can access the scholarship application form.
How many students receive this scholarship each year?
Approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars annually, chosen from schools around the world.
What is the deadline to apply for the September 2027 intake?
The university admission deadline is October 16, 2026, and the scholarship application deadline is November 6, 2026.
Does U of T work with agents for this scholarship?
No. The university has explicitly warned that it does not partner with agents or educational consultants for the Pearson Scholarship recruitment.
Can current university students apply?
No. Only students who have not yet started post-secondary studies and who are beginning at U of T in September 2027 are eligible.
Is IELTS or another English test required?
It is required only if your previous education was not delivered in English, as part of the general admission requirements.
Can Pearson Scholars work in Canada after graduation?
Yes. Most graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit, which allows open work authorisation for up to three years.
Conclusion
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship remains one of Canada’s most competitive and rewarding opportunities for international students. It combines a fully funded undergraduate education with the academic reputation of a world-leading university.
Success starts with securing your school’s nomination early and preparing a strong University of Toronto application well before the October 2026 deadlines. Apply only through official university channels, and verify every detail directly with the university before making any decisions.
Official Resources
| Website Type | Official Website | Latest Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Scholarship Page | future.utoronto.ca/pearson-scholarships | November 6, 2026 (scholarship application) | Applications Open (from July 2026) |
| Pearson Scholarship Program Office | internationalexperience.utoronto.ca | October 9, 2026 (school nomination) | Official |
| University Admissions | future.utoronto.ca | October 16, 2026 | Official |
| Student Visa / Study Permit | canada.ca – Study Permit | N/A | Official (IRCC) |
| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada | canada.ca/immigration | N/A | Official |