The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 is now officially open for applications, offering one of the most prestigious fully funded undergraduate awards available to international students anywhere in the world. Offered by the University of Toronto, this scholarship recognizes academically outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and a sustained positive impact within their schools and communities. In particular, students seeking fully funded undergraduate scholarships in Canada 2027 will find this program especially compelling, as it covers full tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, books, and incidental expenses across a complete four-year Bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, approximately 37 international students are selected each year, making it one of the most selective and career-defining undergraduate awards available to global learners.
What sets the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship apart from other University of Toronto scholarships for international students is its holistic selection framework. Specifically, the program does not select on academic performance alone — it looks equally for leadership qualities, community involvement, creativity, and the demonstrated ability to make a positive difference in the world. Not only does the scholarship fund the full cost of a University of Toronto undergraduate degree, but it also places scholars inside one of the world’s top-ranked universities in Canada’s largest and most globally connected city. Additionally, Pearson Scholars can choose from more than 700 undergraduate programs spanning engineering, computer science, humanities, commerce, life sciences, music, and more. Consequently, this remains one of the most flexible and financially complete undergraduate awards available to international students in 2027.
There are three consecutive deadlines to manage — the school nomination deadline is October 9, 2026, the OUAC admission deadline is October 16, 2026, and the Pearson Scholarship application deadline is November 9, 2026. Because the nomination must come from your high school before you can access the scholarship application, contacting your school immediately is the most critical first step. The comprehensive guide below covers every financial benefit, eligible program, eligibility condition, required document, and step-by-step application route for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027.
Details About the Pearson Scholarship 2027 in Canada
- Scholarship Name: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027
- Host Country: Canada
- Host University: University of Toronto
- Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Number of Scholarships: Approximately 37 per year
- Open To: International students (must not hold Canadian citizenship)
- Application Intake: September 2027
- School Nomination Deadline: October 9, 2026
- OUAC Application Deadline: October 16, 2026
- Scholarship Application Deadline: November 9, 2026
Also check: McCall MacBain Scholarships 2027 — Fully Funded at McGill University Canada
Financial Benefits
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship provides one of the most comprehensive undergraduate funding packages available at any Canadian university. Specifically, the award eliminates every major financial barrier a student might face throughout their four-year degree at the University of Toronto.
- Full Tuition Fees: Complete tuition fee coverage for up to four years of undergraduate study
- On-Campus Accommodation: Free university-managed housing provided throughout the scholarship period
- Book Allowance: A dedicated financial allowance to cover all required textbooks and study materials
- Incidental Expenses Coverage: Support for additional essential academic and personal expenses throughout the degree
- Full Financial Support: Comprehensive coverage of all major costs for the complete four-year undergraduate program
Also check: Simmons University Kotzen Scholarship 2026 — Fully Funded Undergraduate in USA
Available Fields of Study
Pearson Scholars can choose from more than 700 undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto. Therefore, students from virtually any academic background can find a program that aligns with their goals and interests.
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Commerce and Management
- Architecture
- Music
- Kinesiology and Physical Education
Why Study at the University of Toronto?
The University of Toronto consistently ranks among the world’s best universities. In addition to the scholarship itself, studying at UofT delivers long-term academic and career advantages that extend well beyond graduation.
- Globally recognized undergraduate degree valued by employers and graduate schools worldwide
- World-class faculty and advanced research facilities across all major disciplines
- A diverse, truly international student community representing hundreds of countries
- Access to more than 700 undergraduate programs — one of the broadest selections at any Canadian university
- Strong graduate employment prospects supported by UofT’s extensive industry and alumni network
- Vibrant campus life in Toronto — Canada’s largest, most multicultural, and globally connected city
Also check: DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027/28 in Germany — Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship applies a multi-dimensional selection framework. Academic achievement is essential, but leadership, creativity, and community impact carry equal weight throughout the evaluation process. Review every condition below before beginning your application.
- Nationality: Applicants must be international students — Canadian citizens are not eligible
- Current Status: Applicants must be in the final year of secondary school, or must have graduated no earlier than June 2026
- Nomination Requirement: Applicants must be nominated by their high school — self-nomination is not accepted
- University Application: Applicants must apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto as part of the process
- Post-Secondary Status: Applicants must not have started post-secondary studies at another institution
- Academic Achievement: Outstanding academic performance throughout secondary school is required
- Leadership and Community: Demonstrated leadership qualities and meaningful community involvement are required alongside academic records
Who Is NOT Eligible
Before investing time in your application, confirm you do not fall into any of the following categories.
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Applicants who graduated from secondary school before June 2026
- Students who have already begun post-secondary studies at another institution
- Applicants whose high school is not an approved Pearson Scholarship nominating institution
- Candidates who cannot demonstrate leadership, creativity, or community involvement alongside their academic record
Also check: Rhodes Scholarship 2027 — Fully Funded Postgraduate at University of Oxford
Required Documents
Prepare all application materials carefully before each of the three consecutive deadlines. Every document must meet the University of Toronto’s specific formatting and submission standards.
- High School Nomination: An official nomination from your secondary school confirming you as their Pearson Scholarship candidate
- University of Toronto Application: A completed undergraduate admission application submitted through OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre)
- Academic Transcripts: Official secondary school transcripts demonstrating outstanding academic performance
- Passport Copy: A clear, valid copy of your current international passport
- Scholarship Application Form: The personalized Pearson Scholarship application link received after your nomination is confirmed
- Additional Supporting Documents: Any supplementary materials requested by the University of Toronto during the application process
How to Apply for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application runs across three parallel tracks — school nomination, university admission, and scholarship application. Therefore, managing all three timelines simultaneously is essential.
- Apply to the University of Toronto: Submit your undergraduate admission application to the University of Toronto for the September 2027 intake through OUAC
- Request Your School Nomination: Contact your high school and formally request that they nominate you for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship before the October 9, 2026 nomination deadline
- Confirm Nominating Institution Status: Ensure your school is an approved Pearson Scholarship nominating institution — not all secondary schools are eligible to nominate
- Submit Your OUAC Application: Complete and submit your University of Toronto admission application through OUAC before October 16, 2026
- Receive Your Scholarship Application Link: After your nomination is confirmed, the University of Toronto will send you a personalized Pearson Scholarship application link via email
- Complete the Scholarship Application: Fill in the online scholarship application form and upload all required information and supporting documents
- Review Before Submitting: Check every section of your application carefully for accuracy and completeness before final submission
- Submit Before the Deadline: Submit your completed scholarship application before November 9, 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| School Nomination Deadline | October 9, 2026 |
| University of Toronto OUAC Application Deadline | October 16, 2026 |
| Pearson Scholarship Application Deadline | November 9, 2026 |
| Program Intake | September 2027 |
| Scholarship Duration | Up to 4 years |
Found this guide useful? Share it with a fellow international student in your network who is looking for a fully funded undergraduate degree in Canada. For them, the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 could mean everything.
Have questions about the school nomination process, the OUAC application, or how to strengthen your scholarship application? Drop them in the comments section below — we review and answer every serious query!




