Overview
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a prestigious full-tuition (and more) scholarship for outstanding international high-school students who show academic excellence and leadership. It is awarded by the University of Toronto to students beginning undergraduate study at U of T.
Who is eligible (high level)
- International students applying to begin an undergraduate degree at U of T in the scholarship year (e.g., begin studies September 2026).
- Must be nominated by your high school and meet U of T admission requirements. Future at U of T
Key dates (example/most recent cycle)
- Deadline to apply for admission to U of T to be considered for Pearson: October 17, 2025 (for those beginning September 2026). Confirm the exact year on U of T’s page each cycle. Future at U of T
Step-by-step: How to apply (detailed)
- Check that you’re eligible
- You must be an international student (non-citizen, non-PR of Canada) and planning to start an undergraduate degree at U of T the specified intake year. Confirm eligibility details on U of T’s Pearson page. Future at U of T
- Talk to your school now (nomination step)
- Your high school must nominate you for the Pearson Scholarship program. Each school has its own internal process and deadlines to select nominees — contact your guidance counselor early (ideally months ahead). Schools have strict nomination limits and internal timelines.
- Apply to U of T
- Apply to at least one undergraduate program at University of Toronto by the admissions deadline (the Pearson consideration deadline is the university application deadline — e.g., Oct 17, 2025 for the 2026 intake). When you apply for admission, indicate your first-choice program carefully because the scholarship considers your first choice at decision time.
- Submit supporting documents to U of T
- Follow U of T’s instructions for transcripts, English tests, and other required documents. If your school nominated you, U of T will contact nominated students with next steps for the scholarship application.
- Complete the Pearson scholarship application (if invited)
- If nominated/selected by your school and considered by U of T, provide essays/personal statement, proof of leadership/community impact, and any additional documents requested by U of T’s scholarship office. Follow their application portal instructions carefully.
- Wait for decisions & accept admission
- If awarded, follow U of T’s instructions to accept the offer and the scholarship. Confirm deadlines for acceptance and any conditions (e.g., maintaining a certain grade).
Practical tips & warnings
- Begin the process early. School nominations and university admissions have separate deadlines. Future at U of T
- Emphasize leadership and contribution (not only grades) in essays/applications.
- Keep copies of transcripts, recommendation contacts, and proof of extracurricular leadership.
- Double-check time zones and exact yearly dates on U of T’s official page.
Official source / apply link
University of Toronto — Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships. Apply here
Let Worldbridge Immigration Services be your guide to a successful future in Canada
Contact us:
Website: www.theworldbridge.ca
Email: info@theworldbridge.ca
Phone/WhatsApp: +1-416-727-7766
Social media: @worldbridgeHQ








