Are you a high-achieving international student with a vision to change the world through education and leadership? The Lester B Pearson Scholarship 2026 in Canada is a once-in-a-lifetime, fully funded opportunity to study at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, the University of Toronto.
This highly competitive scholarship is designed to attract the brightest young leaders globally and to empower them academically and socially for lifelong impact.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2026
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026 offers full financial support to international students beginning undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026.
Named after Lester Bowles Pearson, the former Prime Minister of Canada and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, this program was created to recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community service.
This scholarship allows recipients to study tuition-free, covering books, residence, incidental costs, and health insurance. Beyond finances, it opens doors to a diverse academic network, leadership training, and career development opportunities, thereby removing the barriers that often hinder access to quality education for international students.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Canada |
| Host University | University of Toronto |
| Scholarship Type | Undergraduate Degree (All Fields) |
| Funded By | University of Toronto |
| Eligible Applicants | Non-Canadian International Students |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded (Tuition, Books, Housing, Insurance, Expenses) |
| IELTS/TOEFL | May Be Required Depending on the program |
| Application Deadlines | October 10 (Nomination), October 17 (University Application), November 7 (Scholarship) |
| Study Mode | Full-Time, On-Campus |
| Academic Session | September 2026 Entry |
What Is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship All About?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is Canada’s most prestigious and competitive undergraduate award for international students. It provides a platform for academically talented and socially conscious youth from across the globe to gain a world-class education without financial strain.
Each year, 37 students are selected through a rigorous process. The scholarship rewards not just academic excellence but also demonstrated leadership potential, innovative thinking, and a passion for community transformation.
The University of Toronto, the scholarship’s host institution, is Canada’s highest-ranked university and one of the leading global research universities. Through the Pearson Scholarship, selected students become part of a vibrant, supportive academic community with access to world-class resources.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2026, students must fulfill all the following conditions:
- Must be an international student requiring a study permit to study in Canada.
- Currently in their final year of secondary school, or have graduated no earlier than June 2025.
- Be nominated by their high school, which must be officially verified by the University of Toronto.
- Must apply for an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto for the September 2026 intake.
- Must show outstanding academic performance.
- Must demonstrate strong leadership skills, especially in extracurricular, volunteer, or community roles.
- Must show a genuine desire to make a positive impact globally.
Scholarship Benefits
The Pearson Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive and generous undergraduate scholarships in the world. Recipients will benefit from:
- Full tuition fee coverage for four years.
- Books and academic materials were paid in full.
- Health insurance throughout the degree.
- Incidental and miscellaneous expenses allowance.
- Full accommodation costs, including on-campus housing for the entire undergraduate program.
- Access to enrichment activities, mentorship programs, and leadership development workshops.
This all-inclusive package allows students to focus solely on their academics, personal growth, and building their future careers.
Fields of Study
Students selected for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2026 can choose from a wide array of undergraduate programs offered at the University of Toronto. Available fields include:
- Life Sciences
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Commerce & Management
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Kinesiology & Physical Education
- Music and Architecture
- Physical & Mathematical Sciences
This breadth of options allows students to tailor their academic journey based on their passion and career aspirations.
Required Documents
To successfully apply for the scholarship, applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- A nomination form submitted by their secondary school.
- A completed undergraduate application via the OUAC portal (University of Toronto’s admission system).
- An invitation-based Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application (sent after nomination).
- Academic transcripts and school certificates.
- Proof of expected or completed graduation.
- A copy of a valid passport.
- A statement of purpose or motivation letter (if required by the specific program).
All documents must be accurate, complete, and submitted within the deadline to avoid disqualification.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to applying for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2026:
- School Nomination (Deadline: October 10, 2025)
Ask your high school to nominate you for the scholarship. Your school must be registered and verified by the University of Toronto. Schools can only nominate one student per year. - University Application (Deadline: October 17, 2025)
Apply for an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). You must apply before the deadline. - Scholarship Application (Deadline: November 7, 2025)
Once nominated and your university application is submitted, you will receive a personalized and secure link to the Pearson Scholarship application. Complete and submit the online form with all supporting documents before the deadline.
Note: These three steps are interconnected. Failing to complete any one of them in the correct order will result in disqualification.
Why Choose the University of Toronto?
- Global Reputation: Ranked among the top 25 universities globally.
- Research Excellence: Home to groundbreaking innovations in medicine, technology, and public policy.
- Diverse Community: Welcomes students from over 160 countries.
- Student Support: Provides academic mentorship, mental health services, and global networking opportunities.
- Toronto Advantage: Study in Canada’s largest and most diverse city, known for its safety, cultural richness, and economic opportunities.
Being a Lester B. Pearson Scholar at the University of Toronto doesn’t just offer academic excellence; it offers a launchpad for global impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Canadian citizens or permanent residents apply for the Pearson Scholarship?
No. This scholarship is exclusively for international students who require a study permit to study in Canada.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Approximately 37 scholarships are awarded annually.
Is it possible to apply without being nominated by a school?
No. Nomination by your secondary school is mandatory for eligibility.
Can I change my program after being selected?
You must remain enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. Major or program changes within the university may be allowed, subject to faculty approval.
What if my school has never nominated a student before?
Your school can register with the University of Toronto to become eligible to nominate students. It’s a simple online process.
For more details and updates, visit the official University of Toronto website: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about/
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