What the funding covers
- Tuition, books and incidental fees for four years.
- Full residence support for four years.
- About 37 scholarships are awarded each year.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition, books and incidental fees for four years | The scholarship |
| Residence (housing) for four years | The scholarship: full residence support |
| Study permit (CAD 150) and biometrics (CAD 85) | You |
| UHIP health insurance, compulsory for international students ($792 in 2025–26) | Not in the Pearson list of covered costs; ask U of T how it is handled |
| Flights to and from Canada | Not in the Pearson list of covered costs |
Who can apply
- International students who will need a Canadian study permit.
- In the final year of secondary school in 2026–27, or graduated no earlier than June 2026, and starting a first undergraduate degree at U of T in September 2027.
- Students already enrolled at a post-secondary institution are not eligible.
- Your school must nominate you; each school can nominate one student a year.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality except citizens of Canada.
Documents you will need
- A nomination from your secondary school (for 2027 entry the deadline was 9 October 2026); schools can nominate one student a year
- Your University of Toronto admission application, which for 2027 entry was due by 16 October 2026
- The Pearson Scholarship application (you receive a private link after you are nominated), by 6 November 2026
- Evidence of academic excellence, creativity and leadership in your school and community
How to apply
- Ask your school counsellor or principal to nominate you. For 2027 entry, nominations closed on 9 October 2026.
- For 2027 entry, the U of T admission application was due by 16 October 2026.
- Complete the Pearson Scholarship application by 6 November 2026.
- Finalists are selected on academic excellence, creativity and leadership in their school and community.
Before you apply: things to know
- All three steps fall in October and November, far earlier than U of T's normal admission deadlines. Nominations for 2027 entry closed on 9 October 2026; for 2028 entry, ask your school counsellor before the summer.
- One nomination per school means competition begins inside your own school.
- U of T also has other entrance awards for international students; apply for admission even if you are not nominated.
Common questions
My school has never nominated anyone. Can it start now?
Only verified schools can nominate: U of T verifies schools and sends them the nomination form each July. Ask your counsellor straight away whether your school is set up for this year.
When will I hear?
U of T notifies Pearson Scholars from the end of January, and tells every nominee its decision by April.
Can I apply if I start in January or am already at university?
No. You must start at U of T in September 2027, and students already in post-secondary studies are not eligible.