University of Toronto Pearson Scholarship: October 16 Undergraduate Admission Deadline for 2027
International students hoping to study at the University of Toronto with full financial support should take note of the October 16, 2026, undergraduate admission deadline for the 2027 Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship cycle. The prestigious scholarship recognises outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity and leadership within their schools.
The Pearson Scholarship is designed for students beginning their first undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in September 2027. Applicants must be nominated by their current secondary school and complete the university admission process before submitting the separate scholarship application.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027: Important Dates
| Application stage | Deadline or date |
|---|---|
| School nomination deadline | October 9, 2026 |
| University of Toronto undergraduate admission application | October 16, 2026 |
| Pearson Scholarship application and supporting documents | November 6, 2026 |
| Expected start of undergraduate studies | September 2027 |
These dates apply to the Pearson Scholarship process for September 2027 entry. Students should confirm the latest requirements on the University of Toronto's official scholarship page.
What Does the Pearson Scholarship Cover?
The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for up to four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto. According to the university, the award covers:
- Undergraduate tuition fees.
- Books and required study materials covered under the award.
- Incidental university fees.
- Full residence support for the scholarship period.
The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto and applies to eligible first-entry undergraduate programmes. The university awards approximately 37 Pearson Scholarships each year, making the programme highly competitive.
Who Is Eligible for the Pearson Scholarship?
Applicants must meet the university's eligibility conditions for the 2027 entry cycle. The principal requirements include:
- International student status: Applicants must be international students who require a Canadian study permit.
- Secondary school status: Candidates must be in their final year of senior secondary school during 2026–27 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
- September 2027 entry: Students must plan to begin their undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
- School nomination: The candidate's current secondary school must nominate them through the university's official process.
- Academic admission: Applicants must meet the admission requirements for their chosen undergraduate programme.
Students already attending post-secondary education, or those beginning post-secondary studies in January 2027, are not eligible for this scholarship under the published criteria.
How to Apply for the University of Toronto Pearson Scholarship
- Contact your school: Ask your principal, head of school or guidance counsellor whether your school is eligible to nominate a student.
- Secure a nomination: The school must complete the nomination process within the prescribed deadline. The published deadline for the 2027 cycle was October 9, 2026.
- Apply for undergraduate admission: Submit the University of Toronto application through the required admissions system by October 16, 2026.
- Receive the scholarship application link: Nominated students receive a private link to the Pearson Scholarship application after applying for university admission.
- Submit the scholarship application: Complete the separate application and submit all required supporting documentation by November 6, 2026.
Applicants may select up to three areas on their university admission application. However, if awarded the Pearson Scholarship, the award is restricted to the candidate's top-choice programme at the time scholarship decisions are made.
Important Advice for International Applicants
The university warns applicants about fraudulent scholarship offers and unauthorised agents. Students should apply directly through official University of Toronto systems and should not pay third parties who claim they can secure a Pearson Scholarship. The award requires a valid school nomination and cannot be obtained simply by purchasing an application service.
Because the October 9 school nomination deadline has passed, students who have not already been nominated should contact their school and the university to confirm their position. Completing the university admission application by October 16 does not replace the separate nomination requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the October 16 deadline for?
It is the deadline to apply for University of Toronto undergraduate admission and be considered for the Pearson Scholarship for September 2027 entry.
2. When is the Pearson Scholarship application due?
Nominated students must submit the scholarship application and required documents by November 6, 2026.
3. Does the scholarship cover living accommodation?
The university states that the award includes full residence support, along with tuition, books and incidental fees, for four years.
4. Can students apply without a school nomination?
No. A nomination from the applicant's current secondary school is a required part of the official application process.
5. Can the scholarship be used at another Canadian university?
No. The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto for eligible first-entry undergraduate programmes.
