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.
Documents you will need
- A nomination from your secondary school by 9 October 2026 — schools can nominate one student a year
- Your University of Toronto admission application 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 by 9 October 2026.
- Apply for admission to U of T 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. Start talking to your school now.
- 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.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next typical deadline (Oct 9, 2026). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Jul 17, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth — confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Jul 31, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Aug 14, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Aug 28, 2026 · NOWOrder transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Sep 11, 2026 · NOWSecond draft — get feedback from someone who reads critically
Sep 25, 2026 · NOWFinalise every document and complete the online form
Oct 2, 2026Submit — never on the last day
Oct 9, 2026Typical deadline
Related routes
University of British Columbia — International Scholars
Due in 51 daysDetails →
Mastercard Foundation Scholars — McGill
Closed · next ≈ Apr 1, 2027Details →
Berea College
Due in 66 daysDetails →
Harvard University
Due in 37 daysDetails →
Sources
- University of Toronto — Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — Fee list
- University of Toronto — University fees (including UHIP)
Page reviewed Sep 25, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.