Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded in Canada

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026

If you are an exceptional high school student looking to study in Canada without financial burden, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is the holy grail. Recognized as one of the most prestigious undergraduate awards in the world, this fully funded scholarship is designed to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership within their schools.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is incredibly comprehensive. Because the University of Toronto is one of Canada's most expensive institutions, this award removes all financial barriers. It covers:

• Full Tuition: 100% of your undergraduate tuition fees for four years.
• Books and Incidental Fees: Complete coverage for all required academic materials.
• Residence Support: Full accommodation coverage for four years in the university dormitories.

If you are exploring other highly prestigious undergraduate scholarships, you should also consider reading about the Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK.

Eligibility and Nomination Process

Unlike standard scholarships where you apply directly, the Lester Pearson Scholarship requires you to be nominated by your high school. To be eligible for the 2026 intake, you must be an international student requiring a study permit, and you must be in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2025.

Your high school counselor or principal must submit a nomination form directly to the University of Toronto. Once nominated, you will receive a secure link to complete the scholarship application. Make sure your application essays highlight your community impact. For tips on writing powerful essays, review our guide on Crafting a Winning Personal Statement.

Deadlines for 2026

The timeline for this scholarship is extremely strict. Typically, school nominations are due by late November of the preceding year (November 2025 for a Fall 2026 start). Your student application to the University of Toronto through the OUAC portal must be completed by mid-December, and the final scholarship application is due in mid-January 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions