The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years. For 2027 entry, the school nomination deadline is 9 October 2026, the University of Toronto admission deadline is 16 October, and the scholarship application deadline is 6 November. Pakistani students need a nomination from their secondary school before they can complete the scholarship form.
Quick Overview
| Scholarship | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship |
|---|---|
| University | University of Toronto, Canada |
| Entry term | September 2027 |
| School nomination deadline | 9 October 2026 |
| U of T admission deadline | 16 October 2026 |
| Scholarship deadline | 6 November 2026 |
| Awards | Approximately 37 scholars each year |
| Funding | Tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years |
About the Program
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship recognises international secondary-school students with exceptional academic achievement, creativity and leadership. It is for first-entry undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
Each participating secondary school may nominate only one student per year. Nomination is therefore a competitive school-level decision, not a form that a student can bypass independently.
The official school nomination deadline date has now been reached. Students whose schools have already submitted a valid nomination can continue with the University admission and scholarship steps. Anyone without a nomination should confirm portal availability with their school immediately and should not rely on agents claiming they can issue nominations.
Financial Benefits
The scholarship covers the following for four years of undergraduate study:
- tuition;
- books;
- incidental fees; and
- full residence support.
The award is tenable only at the University of Toronto. Applicants should still confirm personal costs such as travel to Canada, study-permit charges and expenses not named in the award terms. Scholarship selection does not guarantee a Canadian study permit.
Scholarship Structure
The application has three connected steps:
- A secondary school is verified by the University and nominates one student.
- The nominated student applies for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto.
- After the nomination is received and the admission application is submitted, the student receives a private link to complete the Pearson scholarship application.
The nomination, admission and scholarship deadlines are separate. Missing one step can make the application ineligible even if another form was submitted on time.
Eligibility Requirements
According to the official 2027 criteria, an applicant must:
- be an international student, meaning a non-Canadian who requires a study permit;
- be in the final year of secondary school in 2026/27 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026;
- begin studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027; and
- receive the required nomination from the secondary school.
Students already attending post-secondary studies are not eligible. Students beginning studies at another post-secondary institution in January 2027 are also not eligible for this award.
The University assesses more than grades. The scholarship focuses on academic excellence, creativity, leadership and the applicant’s positive effect within school and community.
Required Documents
The admission and scholarship processes may require:
- a valid school nomination;
- the University of Toronto undergraduate admission application;
- secondary-school transcripts and required academic records;
- English-language proficiency evidence if required for the applicant;
- the Pearson scholarship application received through the private link; and
- truthful responses and supporting details requested in the scholarship form.
Follow the official admission portal for programme-specific prerequisites and document deadlines. Pakistani applicants should allow time for their school to send records in the format requested by the University.
How to Apply
- Read the official Lester B. Pearson Scholarship page.
- Confirm that your school submitted your nomination by 9 October 2026.
- Apply to the University of Toronto for September 2027 entry by 16 October 2026.
- After the University receives the nomination and admission application, use the private scholarship link sent to you.
- Complete the Pearson scholarship form and required documents by 6 November 2026.
- Monitor official University email and application portals for updates.
Important application-integrity rule: the University explicitly states that generative artificial intelligence tools must not be used to compose scholarship application content. Applicants should write their own responses and follow the University’s academic-integrity instructions.
Further Scholarship Opportunities
- University of Miami Stamps Scholarship for undergraduate study
- Open Doors Russian Scholarship application guide
- HEC Commonwealth Scholarships guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Pakistani student apply for the Pearson Scholarship?
Yes. A Pakistani student can apply if the international-student, school, graduation and September 2027 entry requirements are met.
Can I apply without a school nomination?
No. A verified secondary school must nominate the student before the scholarship application link is issued.
What should I do if the nomination deadline has passed?
If your school already nominated you, continue with the admission and scholarship deadlines. If it did not, the official process does not provide a student self-nomination route.
May I use AI to write the scholarship application?
No. The official University page says generative AI tools must not be used to compose scholarship application content. Write your own answers.
Related guide: Younger secondary students can also check the UWC Scholarship Pakistan deadline and eligibility guide.
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