The Lester B. Pearson application process allows exceptional international students to compete for a fully funded undergraduate scholarship at the University of Toronto in Canada. Students cannot apply independently because they must first receive a nomination from their secondary school.
- Lester B. Pearson Application Overview
- About the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
- Who Can Apply?
- School Nomination Requirement
- Choosing a University of Toronto Program
- Required Documents
- Important Application Deadlines
- How to Complete the Lester B. Pearson Application
- Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
- Step 2: Contact Your Secondary School
- Step 3: Ask the School to Register
- Step 4: Receive the School Nomination
- Step 5: Apply for Admission
- Step 6: Monitor Your Email
- Step 7: Complete the Scholarship Form
- Step 8: Submit All Documents
- Selection Process
- Fraud Warning
- Important Application Tips
- Final Thoughts
After nomination, the student must apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto. The university then sends the nominated student a private scholarship application link. This guide explains the eligibility criteria, school nomination, required documents, deadlines, and complete application process.
Students who want complete information about the funding package can read our Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 guide.
Lester B. Pearson Application Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship |
| Host university | University of Toronto |
| Host country | Canada |
| Degree level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible applicants | International students |
| Funding period | Four years |
| School nomination required | Yes |
| Direct student application | Not available without nomination |
| School nomination deadline | October 9, 2026 |
| U of T admission deadline | October 16, 2026 |
| Scholarship deadline | November 6, 2026 |
| Study begins | September 2027 |
About the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
Lester B. Pearson application The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious scholarship for international undergraduate students.
Approximately 37 students are selected as Pearson Scholars each year. The university looks for students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and the potential to make a positive contribution to their school and community.
The scholarship covers:
- University tuition
- Books
- Incidental university fees
- Full residence support
- Four years of undergraduate study
The award can only be used for a first-entry undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
Who Can Apply?
Lester B. Pearson application Applicants must satisfy the official eligibility requirements before beginning the Lester B. Pearson application process.
An eligible applicant must:
- Lester B. Pearson application Be an international student who requires a Canadian study permit
- Be in the final year of secondary school during the 2026–2027 academic year or have graduated no earlier than June 2026
- Begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027
- Apply for a first-entry undergraduate program
- Receive an official nomination from their secondary school
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement
- Show creativity and leadership
- Contribute positively to their school and community
Students already attending a post-secondary institution are not eligible. Students beginning post-secondary studies at another institution before September 2027 are also not normally eligible.
School Nomination Requirement
A school nomination is the first and most important stage of the application.
International students cannot nominate themselves. Their secondary school must submit the nomination directly to the University of Toronto.
Each school may nominate only one student per year. Students should therefore contact their:
- School principal
- Headteacher
- Academic counsellor
- University guidance counsellor
- Scholarship coordinator
Schools that previously participated in the Pearson Scholarship program receive access to the nomination form. A school that has not participated before must apply to join the program through the University of Toronto.
The school nomination deadline for the 2027 intake is October 9, 2026. Students should speak to their school several weeks or months before this date because schools may have their own internal selection process.
Choosing a University of Toronto Program
After seeking a school nomination, the student must select an eligible undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
Applicants may choose programs offered at:
- St. George campus
- University of Toronto Mississauga
- University of Toronto Scarborough
Students may list up to three admission choices. However, if selected for the Pearson Scholarship, the award will be connected to the student’s first-choice program at the time scholarship decisions are made.
Applicants should therefore place their preferred program first instead of arranging choices randomly.
Before applying, check:
- Academic prerequisites
- English-language requirements
- Required school subjects
- Supporting documents
- Campus location
- Program-specific requirements
- Admission deadlines
Required Documents
Lester B. Pearson application The exact admission documents depend on the applicant’s country, school curriculum, and chosen program. Students may need:
- Secondary school transcripts
- Lester B. Pearson application Predicted or final examination results
- School nomination
- University of Toronto admission application
- Pearson Scholarship application form
- English-language test results, when required
- Passport or identification information
- Supporting documents requested through the Join U of T portal
- Information about academic achievements
- Leadership and community activity details
Applicants should upload accurate, readable documents and follow the instructions displayed in their University of Toronto applicant portal.
Important Application Deadlines
Applicants must complete three separate stages before their respective deadlines:
School Nomination Deadline
October 9, 2026
The secondary school must nominate the student by this date.
University Admission Deadline
October 16, 2026
The nominated student must submit an undergraduate admission application to the University of Toronto.
Scholarship Application Deadline
November 6, 2026
The student must complete the private Pearson Scholarship Lester B. Pearson application and submit all required documentation.
These deadlines are different. Receiving a school nomination does not replace the University of Toronto admission application or scholarship application.
How to Complete the Lester B. Pearson Application
The Lester B. Pearson application follows a strict nomination and admission process. Complete the following steps carefully.
Students can also explore our latest fully funded scholarships for more international study opportunities.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check your international student status, secondary school graduation date, intended September 2027 enrollment, and first-entry undergraduate eligibility.
Step 2: Contact Your Secondary School
Speak with your school counsellor, principal, or headteacher and request consideration for the Pearson Scholarship nomination.
Explain that the school can nominate only one student and that the official nomination must be submitted to the University of Toronto.
Step 3: Ask the School to Register
If the school has never participated, an authorized school representative must apply to join the nomination program through the official University of Toronto process.
Students should never register themselves as their school representative.
Step 4: Receive the School Nomination
The school evaluates its students and selects one nominee. The authorized representative then completes the official nomination form before October 9, 2026.
Step 5: Apply for Admission
Submit an application for at least one University of Toronto undergraduate program before October 16, 2026.
Use accurate personal and academic information and place your preferred program as your first choice.
Step 6: Monitor Your Email
After the nomination and admission application are processed, the University of Toronto sends the nominated student a private link to the Pearson Scholarship application.
Check the inbox, spam folder, and the email address used for admission regularly.
Step 7: Complete the Scholarship Form
Use the private link to complete the scholarship application. Provide thoughtful and honest information about academic achievement, creativity, leadership, community involvement, and future goals.
The scholarship application should reflect the student’s personal experiences and natural voice.
Step 8: Submit All Documents
Upload any required documentation and submit the completed scholarship application by November 6, 2026.
Review every section before submission and keep confirmation emails or screenshots for your records.
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Selection Process
The University of Toronto reviews nominated applicants based on academic performance, creativity, leadership, and contributions to their school and community.
Because only approximately 37 Pearson Scholars are selected each year, nomination does not guarantee an award.
Strong applicants should demonstrate:
- Consistent academic excellence
- Original thinking and creativity
- Meaningful leadership
- Service to their community
- Positive influence on other students
- Clear educational and future goals
- Ability to benefit from the University of Toronto environment
Successful applicants receive official communication directly from the University of Toronto.
Fraud Warning
The University of Toronto does not use recruitment agents or private agencies to nominate students or guarantee Pearson Scholarships.
Applicants should not pay anyone who promises:
- Guaranteed school nomination
- Guaranteed scholarship selection
- A private application link
- Direct access to University of Toronto officials
- An unofficial scholarship offer
Students should communicate through their school and official University of Toronto channels only.
Important Application Tips
- Contact your school early because only one student can be nominated.
- Confirm that your school submits the official nomination.
- Research University of Toronto programs carefully.
- Put your genuine preferred program as your first choice.
- Apply for admission before the scholarship deadline.
- Check your email and spam folder regularly.
- Use specific examples of leadership and community contribution.
- Submit all documents before the deadline.
- Avoid agencies claiming to guarantee selection.
- Verify every instruction on the official scholarship website.
Final Thoughts
A successful Lester B. Pearson application begins with a school nomination and requires a separate University of Toronto admission application. Students cannot access the scholarship application form until their school has nominated them and they have applied for admission.
Eligible international students should contact their school early, choose an appropriate undergraduate program, prepare their academic documents, and complete every stage before the relevant deadline.
Always verify the nomination process, dates, and application instructions through the official Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship page.
