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Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 for African Students: Fully Funded University of Toronto Scholarship

African secondary school students with outstanding academic results, leadership experience and a strong record of contributing to their communities can apply for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 at the University of Toronto in Canada.

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious scholarship for international students. Each year, the university selects approximately 37 Pearson Scholars from around the world.

The scholarship provides financial support for four years of undergraduate study and covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support.

African students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Ethiopia and other countries can apply if they meet the scholarship and University of Toronto admission requirements.

However, the application process differs from many other Canadian scholarships.

You cannot simply visit the University of Toronto website and submit a Pearson Scholarship form on your own.

Your secondary school must nominate you first.

For the 2027 intake, the school nomination deadline is October 9, 2026. After receiving a nomination, the student must apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto by October 16, 2026 and complete the Pearson Scholarship application by November 6, 2026.

Therefore, students who want this scholarship should act immediately.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 at a Glance

Scholarship: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

University: University of Toronto

Country: Canada

Study Level: Undergraduate

Eligible Applicants: International students

African Students: Eligible

Number of Scholarships: Approximately 37 each year

Duration: Four years

Tuition: Covered

Books: Covered

Incidental Fees: Covered

Residence: Full residence support for four years

School Nomination Required: Yes

School Nomination Deadline: October 9, 2026

University of Toronto Application Deadline for Pearson Applicants: October 16, 2026

Pearson Scholarship Application Deadline: November 6, 2026

Study Begins: September 2027

Application Status: Open

Last Updated: October 2026

What Is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship created by the University of Toronto for exceptional international students.

The university looks for students who combine strong academic performance with creativity, leadership and the potential to make a positive contribution to the global community.

Unlike scholarships that focus entirely on examination scores, Pearson considers the wider student.

The University of Toronto highlights qualities such as:

  • Outstanding academic achievement
  • Creativity
  • Leadership potential
  • Contribution to school and community
  • Potential to contribute positively to the global community.

Therefore, the ideal applicant is not simply someone with excellent grades.

A competitive applicant may also have experience leading school activities, solving community problems, building projects, competing academically, volunteering, creating organisations or making a measurable difference around them.

Is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Fully Funded?

The University of Toronto describes Pearson as a full four-year scholarship for international students.

The award covers:

  • University tuition
  • Books
  • Incidental fees
  • Full residence support

for four years of undergraduate study.

This makes Pearson one of the strongest undergraduate scholarship opportunities available to international students in Canada.

However, applicants should understand exactly what the university promises.

The official scholarship description does not state that Pearson automatically pays every possible personal expense, visa expense or flight cost.

Therefore, students should avoid assuming that every cost associated with travelling to Canada falls under the scholarship.

The guaranteed benefits are the ones stated by the University of Toronto: tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.

How Many Lester B. Pearson Scholarships Are Awarded?

The University of Toronto selects approximately:

37 Pearson Scholars each year.

Students compete globally for these places.

That makes the scholarship extremely competitive.

However, African students regularly appear among successful Pearson Scholars.

For example, the University of Toronto’s 2026 Pearson cohort included students from Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, including multiple recipients from Nigeria and Kenya.

The 2025 cohort also included a Nigerian Pearson Scholar studying Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

Therefore, African students should not assume that the scholarship only goes to applicants from Europe, Asia or North America.

Strong African applicants do win Pearson Scholarships.

Can Nigerian Students Apply for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?

Yes.

Nigerian secondary school students can apply for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Recent University of Toronto Pearson cohorts provide clear evidence.

The 2026 cohort included Oluwadarasimi Esther Adekunle and Chidera Daniella Echedom, both from Nigeria.

The 2025 cohort also included Nigerian student Renfred Ize Alonge, who entered Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

Therefore, Nigerian students should focus on building a strong application rather than questioning whether their country qualifies.

Can Kenyan Students Apply?

Yes.

Kenyan students can apply.

The University of Toronto’s 2026 Pearson Scholars included students from Kenya, including recipients entering Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Eligible Kenyan students still need school nomination and must satisfy University of Toronto admission requirements.

Can South African Students Apply?

Yes.

South African students can apply.

The 2026 Pearson Scholar cohort included a student from Cape Town, South Africa.

Can Ghanaians Apply?

Yes.

Pearson is available to international students rather than being limited to a particular list of nationalities.

Therefore, eligible Ghanaian students can compete if they meet the scholarship and University of Toronto requirements.

Can Ugandan, Rwandan or Tanzanian Students Apply?

Yes.

Eligible international students from these countries can apply.

Pearson’s nationality requirement focuses on whether the student is an international student who requires a Canadian study permit rather than restricting the scholarship to a small number of countries.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

The University of Toronto has published specific eligibility conditions for students entering in September 2027.

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements.

You Must Be an International Student

You must be an international student who would require a study permit to study in Canada.

Canadian citizens do not apply through Pearson.

You Must Be in Your Final Year of Secondary School or Have Recently Graduated

For the 2027 scholarship, you must either:

  • Be in your final year of senior secondary school during 2026/2027; or
  • Have graduated no earlier than June 2026.

Therefore, students who finished secondary school several years ago cannot normally use this scholarship route.

You Must Begin University in September 2027

The scholarship is for students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto in:

September 2027.

You Cannot Already Be Attending University or College

Students who are already studying at a post-secondary institution are not eligible for the Pearson Scholarship.

Likewise, students beginning post-secondary study in January 2027 at the University of Toronto or another institution cannot apply for Pearson for September 2027.

This is important for African students considering a gap year.

If you finished secondary school recently and remain eligible under the graduation-date rule, enrolling at another university before September 2027 could make you ineligible.

Do You Need School Nomination?

Yes.

This is one of the most important Pearson Scholarship requirements.

Your high school must nominate you before you can complete the scholarship application.

The University of Toronto allows each participating high school to nominate only one student per year.

Therefore, becoming your school’s nominee can already be competitive.

If five excellent students from the same school want Pearson, the school cannot nominate all five.

The school must select one candidate.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Nomination Deadline 2027

The school nomination deadline for students beginning in 2027 is:

October 9, 2026.

Students should contact their:

  • School principal
  • Guidance counsellor
  • Head of school
  • College counsellor
  • Academic adviser

immediately.

Do not wait until October 9 before asking.

Your school needs time to understand the process and submit the nomination.

What if Your School Has Never Nominated a Pearson Scholar Before?

Your school can still participate.

Schools that have previously participated receive access to the nomination process from the University of Toronto.

If your school has never participated before, it can apply to join the Pearson nomination programme.

For the 2027 cycle, a new school must request participation by 12 noon EST on October 9, 2026.

Therefore, attending a school that has never nominated someone before does not automatically disqualify you.

However, your school needs to act quickly.

How Many Students Can a School Nominate?

Only one student per school per year can receive a Pearson nomination.

This means students should not treat the school nomination as a simple administrative step.

Your school will likely choose the student it believes best represents the qualities Pearson seeks.

That can include:

  • Excellent academic performance
  • Leadership
  • Original thinking
  • Creativity
  • Community involvement
  • Personal initiative
  • Strong character

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 Deadlines

There are three deadlines, not one.

Missing any of them can end your application.

October 9, 2026 – School Nomination Deadline

Your school must nominate you by this date.

October 16, 2026 – University of Toronto Admission Application Deadline

You must submit your application for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto by:

October 16, 2026.

This date is earlier than some normal Canadian university admission deadlines because Pearson candidates follow the scholarship timetable.

November 6, 2026 – Pearson Scholarship Application Deadline

After your school nominates you and you apply to the University of Toronto, you receive access to the Pearson Scholarship application.

You must submit the completed scholarship application and all required documentation by:

November 6, 2026.

Do not confuse these dates.

A nomination alone is not a scholarship application.

Likewise, applying to the University of Toronto without completing the Pearson application will not complete your scholarship process.

How the Lester B. Pearson Application Works

The application process has three major stages.

Step 1: Your School Nominates You

First, speak with your school.

Explain that you want to compete for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship.

If the school agrees to nominate you, its authorised official submits the nomination through the University of Toronto process.

Remember that your school can nominate only one student.

Step 2: Apply for Undergraduate Admission to the University of Toronto

Next, submit your University of Toronto application.

International students normally begin their application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre and then complete additional steps through the University of Toronto applicant portal.

For Pearson consideration, submit your U of T admission application by October 16, 2026.

Step 3: Complete the Pearson Scholarship Application

After your school nomination and university application, the University of Toronto sends you a private link to the Pearson Scholarship application.

You then complete the scholarship application and upload the required information.

The deadline is:

November 6, 2026.

Can You Apply to More Than One University of Toronto Programme?

Yes.

Pearson applicants can apply to up to three areas of study through their University of Toronto admission application.

However, there is an important condition.

If you win the Pearson Scholarship, the award applies to your top programme choice at the time scholarship decisions are made.

Therefore, rank your programmes carefully.

Do not place a course first simply because you think it might be easier to enter if it is not actually your preferred programme.

What Can You Study With the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?

Pearson is available for first-entry undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.

The University offers more than 700 undergraduate programmes across a wide range of disciplines.

Depending on your academic background and admission requirements, options can include areas such as:

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Economics
  • Commerce
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Environmental Studies
  • Architecture
  • Physical Sciences
  • Biological Sciences
  • Management
  • International Business

and many other undergraduate programmes.

However, each programme has its own academic prerequisites.

University of Toronto Admission Requirements for African Students

Pearson eligibility does not replace the normal University of Toronto admission requirements.

International applicants must satisfy the academic requirements for the undergraduate programme they select.

The University of Toronto assesses students according to the school curriculum they are completing.

All international secondary-school applicants must present a senior-level English course, and individual programmes may require additional subjects at senior secondary level.

For example, programmes in Engineering or Computer Science can require mathematics and science prerequisites.

Therefore, check the requirements for your country and programme before choosing your course.

Can You Apply Before Finishing Secondary School?

Yes.

In fact, Pearson specifically targets students in their final year of senior secondary school.

The University of Toronto allows students to apply before receiving their final secondary-school results.

The university may make conditional admission decisions based on previous-year results and available in-term or mid-term grades.

You must later complete your final year successfully and satisfy all admission conditions.

Does the University of Toronto Require IELTS?

Not every international student automatically needs IELTS.

The University of Toronto requires applicants to demonstrate adequate English proficiency.

If English is not the first language you learned at home, you may need to provide approved proof of English proficiency unless you qualify for an exemption.

Therefore, applicants should check the University’s current English-language rules.

Depending on your background, accepted evidence can differ.

Do not assume that being from an English-speaking African country automatically guarantees an exemption.

Likewise, do not pay for IELTS before checking whether the University accepts your educational background as proof of English.

Is There an Age Limit for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?

The University of Toronto’s published Pearson eligibility criteria do not give a simple universal maximum age.

Instead, eligibility focuses heavily on your school status.

You must either be:

  • In your final year of secondary school in 2026/2027; or
  • Have graduated no earlier than June 2026.

Therefore, the graduation-date requirement effectively limits the applicant profile more than a general age rule.

Can Gap-Year Students Apply?

Yes, in some circumstances.

If you graduated from secondary school no earlier than June 2026 and have not enrolled in post-secondary studies, you can potentially apply for September 2027 entry.

However, students who already attend a university or college are not eligible.

Therefore, someone taking a genuine gap year may qualify.

Someone already enrolled at another university normally will not.

Can University Students Apply?

No.

Pearson is designed for students entering their first undergraduate programme directly from secondary school or shortly after graduation.

Students already attending post-secondary education cannot apply.

If you already hold a university degree and want international postgraduate funding, consider scholarships designed for master’s students instead.

For example, African graduates can read our guide to the Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students.

Students interested in another major UK postgraduate opportunity can also see the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students.

What Does the University of Toronto Look for in Pearson Scholars?

The university highlights four broad qualities:

Academic Achievement

Your academic results matter.

Pearson Scholars typically demonstrate exceptional academic performance.

However, there is no single published Pearson percentage such as:

“Every applicant must have 95%.”

The University evaluates students within the context of their school system and programme requirements.

Therefore, focus on achieving the strongest results possible in your curriculum.

Creativity

Pearson also recognises creativity.

This does not only mean painting, music or writing.

Creativity can appear in:

  • Scientific research
  • Technology projects
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Community programmes
  • Problem-solving
  • Engineering
  • School initiatives
  • Arts and culture

Show where you created something, improved something or approached a problem differently.

Leadership

Leadership matters greatly.

However, do not assume leadership means becoming your school’s head boy or head girl.

Leadership can involve:

  • Starting a project
  • Coordinating volunteers
  • Leading a team
  • Running a school club
  • Organising an event
  • Building a social initiative
  • Mentoring other students
  • Taking responsibility when a problem appeared

Focus on what you actually did.

Community Contribution

The University of Toronto also wants students who contribute positively to their school and wider community.

Your contribution could involve:

  • Tutoring younger students
  • Volunteering
  • Environmental initiatives
  • Health awareness
  • Education programmes
  • Technology projects
  • Youth organisations
  • Community fundraising
  • Social entrepreneurship

Again, evidence matters more than impressive language.

How to Build a Strong Pearson Scholarship Profile

Pearson is extremely competitive.

Therefore, a student needs more than excellent examination scores.

A strong application should show a consistent story.

Start With Your Strongest Achievement

Think about the achievement that best represents you.

Maybe you:

  • Won a national academic competition
  • Built an educational app
  • Started a community initiative
  • Led a school organisation
  • Conducted scientific research
  • Created a business
  • Helped hundreds of students access learning
  • Developed an engineering project

Ask yourself:

What did I actually do?

Why did I do it?

Who benefited?

What changed because of my work?

Those questions produce stronger application material than simply describing yourself as “passionate.”

Use Numbers When They Help

Avoid:

“I helped many students.”

Instead:

“I organised weekly mathematics tutorials for 45 junior students over two academic terms.”

The second version helps the reader understand your impact.

Only use real numbers.

Never inflate your results because you think the actual figure looks too small.

Do Not Try to Sound Like Every Other Scholarship Applicant

Statements such as:

“I have always dreamed of changing the world.”

tell the reader very little.

Be specific.

For example:

“After seeing students in my school struggle to access past examination questions, I built a simple website that organised free study materials by subject.”

Now the selection committee can see:

  • The problem
  • Your action
  • Your skill
  • Your initiative
  • Your impact

Explain Your African Context Clearly

Do not assume that someone in Toronto automatically understands your school or community.

If an achievement needs context, provide it briefly.

For example, if you developed a low-cost irrigation project because farmers in your community experience seasonal water shortages, explain that connection.

However, do not turn every application answer into a general discussion about Africa.

Keep the focus on you and your actions.

Avoid Generic Statements About Africa

Do not write:

“I want to use my education to develop Africa.”

That covers an entire continent and gives no clear direction.

A stronger statement could be:

“I want to develop affordable diagnostic tools that help rural clinics in Nigeria identify preventable diseases earlier.”

Now the reader understands your intended area of impact.

Show Initiative

The strongest scholarship candidates often act before receiving permission, money or recognition.

For example, instead of waiting for your school to create a robotics club, perhaps you started one.

Instead of complaining that students lacked career guidance, perhaps you organised an alumni mentoring session.

Initiative shows that you do more than identify problems.

You respond to them.

How Your School Can Choose a Strong Pearson Nominee

Because each school can nominate only one student, school officials should look beyond raw grades.

A strong nominee may combine:

  • Consistently excellent academics
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Creativity
  • Community service
  • Strong communication
  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Significant achievement

Schools should also consider whether the student’s activities show depth rather than a long list of memberships with little involvement.

Common Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Mistakes

Waiting Until October 9 to Ask for Nomination

Your school needs time to complete its process.

Ask immediately.

Assuming You Can Nominate Yourself

You cannot.

Your secondary school must nominate you.

Applying to U of T After October 16

Pearson candidates need to meet the scholarship-specific U of T application deadline.

Missing the November 6 Scholarship Deadline

University admission and scholarship applications are separate stages.

Complete both.

Enrolling at Another University Before the Scholarship Starts

Existing post-secondary students are not eligible for Pearson.

Ranking Your University Programmes Carelessly

Pearson applies to your top programme choice at the time scholarship decisions are made.

Writing Generic Leadership Claims

Do not say:

“I am a natural-born leader.”

Show where you led.

Listing Activities Without Explaining Your Role

A list such as:

“Debate Club, STEM Club, Red Cross, Football, Volunteer Club”

does not explain your contribution.

Focus on what you achieved.

Paying an Agent Who Claims to Guarantee Pearson

The University of Toronto specifically warns applicants about fraudulent scholarship communications and agents claiming they can obtain Pearson Scholarships.

The university does not work with recruitment agencies to select Pearson Scholars.

Recipients can only enter through the official school nomination and University of Toronto process.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Scam Warning

African students should be particularly careful with messages offering:

  • Guaranteed Pearson nomination
  • Guaranteed University of Toronto admission
  • Guaranteed scholarship approval
  • Paid Pearson application forms
  • Special connections with the University
  • “Reserved” Pearson scholarship spaces

The University of Toronto has issued a fraud warning concerning organisations and individuals offering scholarship application assistance or false scholarship offers.

Your school nominates you.

The University of Toronto then sends eligible nominated students access to the official scholarship application.

No outside agent can guarantee selection.

Does Pearson Cover Accommodation?

Yes.

The scholarship provides full residence support for four years.

This represents a major benefit because accommodation forms a significant part of the cost of studying in Toronto.

Does Pearson Cover Books?

Yes.

Books are included in the scholarship package.

Does Pearson Cover Incidental Fees?

Yes.

The scholarship covers University of Toronto incidental fees for the four-year award period.

Does Pearson Cover Flights to Canada?

The official Pearson benefits list states tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support.

It does not list international airfare among the standard Pearson benefits.

Therefore, students should plan separately for any travel expenses unless the University later confirms additional support in an individual award.

Does Pearson Cover Canadian Visa Fees?

The standard scholarship description does not list Canadian study-permit fees as one of the guaranteed Pearson benefits.

Successful applicants should therefore follow the immigration instructions they receive and plan for any expenses outside the official scholarship package.

Can Pearson Scholars Work While Studying?

International students in Canada must follow the work conditions attached to their study permits.

However, applicants should not choose Pearson because they expect to finance their studies mainly through employment.

The scholarship already provides major support covering tuition, books, incidental fees and residence.

Focus first on your academic responsibilities and scholarship conditions.

Is Lester B. Pearson Only for Poor Students?

No.

The University of Toronto describes Pearson primarily around academic achievement, creativity, leadership and contribution, rather than publishing financial need as the main selection requirement.

Therefore, applicants should not invent financial hardship.

Focus on the qualities the university actually evaluates.

Is Pearson Only for Straight-A Students?

Strong academics matter, but Pearson is not described as an award based solely on grades.

The University specifically highlights creativity and leadership alongside academic excellence.

A student with excellent grades but no meaningful involvement outside the classroom may therefore present a less complete Pearson profile than a student who combines strong academics with exceptional initiative and leadership.

How Competitive Is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?

Very competitive.

Approximately 37 students worldwide receive the scholarship each year.

Furthermore, each participating school can nominate only one student.

Therefore, candidates effectively pass through several competitive stages:

School selection → University admission → Pearson Scholarship selection.

However, do not allow the competition to stop you from applying.

Recent cohorts show that African students can and do win the award.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027 Application Timeline

Before October 9, 2026

Speak with your school and secure nomination.

If your school has never participated before, it should complete the required school participation process.

October 9, 2026

School nomination deadline.

October 16, 2026

Deadline for Pearson candidates to apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto.

October to November 2026

Nominated applicants receive access to the scholarship application after completing the required university application steps.

November 6, 2026

Pearson Scholarship application and required documentation deadline.

2027

The University of Toronto completes admission and scholarship decisions according to its selection process.

September 2027

Successful Pearson Scholars begin undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027

Is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship open for 2027?

Yes.

The 2027 application process is currently active.

Schools must submit nominations by October 9, 2026.

What is the Pearson Scholarship deadline?

There are three important deadlines:

School nomination: October 9, 2026

University of Toronto application: October 16, 2026

Pearson Scholarship application: November 6, 2026.

Is Lester B. Pearson fully funded?

Pearson provides a full four-year scholarship covering tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support.

How many Pearson Scholarships are available?

Approximately 37 students receive the scholarship every year.

Can Nigerian students apply?

Yes.

Nigerian students have also received the scholarship in recent University of Toronto cohorts.

Can Kenyan students apply?

Yes.

The 2026 Pearson cohort included Kenyan students.

Can South African students apply?

Yes.

South African students are eligible, and the 2026 cohort included a recipient from South Africa.

Can Ghanaians apply?

Yes.

The scholarship accepts eligible international students regardless of nationality.

Can students from other African countries apply?

Yes.

Eligible international students from African countries can compete if they meet the scholarship and admission requirements.

Can university students apply?

No.

Students already attending post-secondary studies cannot apply for Pearson.

Can gap-year students apply?

Yes, if they graduated no earlier than June 2026 and have not begun post-secondary studies.

Can final-year secondary school students apply?

Yes.

Students in their final year during 2026/2027 are the main target group for the 2027 scholarship.

Does my school need to nominate me?

Yes.

You cannot apply without school nomination.

Can my school nominate several students?

No.

Each school can nominate only one student per year.

What if my school has never participated?

Your school can apply to participate in the nomination programme.

For the 2027 cycle, new schools need to complete the relevant process by October 9, 2026.

Do I need IELTS?

That depends on whether you satisfy the University of Toronto’s English-language requirements through another approved route or qualify for an exemption.

Does Pearson cover accommodation?

Yes.

The scholarship provides full residence support for four years.

Does Pearson pay tuition?

Yes.

The scholarship covers tuition for four years.

Does Pearson pay for books?

Yes.

Books form part of the scholarship package.

Does Pearson pay for flights?

The University of Toronto’s standard Pearson benefits list does not include international airfare.

Can I study Computer Science?

Yes, if you meet the admission requirements for the relevant University of Toronto programme.

Recent Pearson Scholars have entered Computer Science programmes.

Can I study Engineering?

Yes.

Recent Pearson Scholars have entered University of Toronto Engineering programmes.

Can I study Life Sciences?

Yes.

Recent African Pearson Scholars have entered Life Sciences programmes at U of T.

Do I need work experience?

No.

Pearson is an undergraduate scholarship for secondary school students and recent secondary school graduates.

Professional work experience is not a standard eligibility requirement.

Final Advice for African Students

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 is one of the strongest undergraduate scholarship opportunities currently available to African students who want to study in Canada.

The University of Toronto selects approximately 37 exceptional international students each year and provides them with four years of tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support.

African students have successfully won the scholarship in recent years, including students from Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

However, students need to move quickly.

The first deadline is not in November.

Your school must nominate you by:

October 9, 2026.

You must then submit your University of Toronto admission application by:

October 16, 2026.

Finally, you must complete the Pearson Scholarship application by:

November 6, 2026.

If you want to apply, speak with your principal, guidance counsellor or head of school immediately.

Explain the scholarship and ask whether your school can nominate you.

If your school has never participated before, it can still request access to the University’s nomination process.

At the same time, begin researching the University of Toronto programme you genuinely want to study.

Check the academic prerequisites.

Prepare your admission application.

Most importantly, do not approach Pearson as a grades-only scholarship.

Strong academics matter, but the University also looks for creativity, leadership and evidence that you contribute positively to your school or community.

Show what you have actually done.

Explain the problem you addressed.

Describe the action you took.

Then show the result.

That approach creates a much clearer picture of who you are than simply describing yourself as hardworking, passionate or ambitious.