The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of Canada’s most competitive undergraduate awards for international students. For students beginning university in September 2027, the scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
Kenyan students are eligible if they meet the University of Toronto’s international-student requirements and are nominated by their secondary school. Because the 2027 cycle has several separate deadlines, applicants should begin with school nomination rather than waiting until the final scholarship deadline.
What the Pearson Scholarship covers
- Tuition for four years of undergraduate study.
- Books and required learning materials.
- Incidental university fees.
- Full residence support for four years.
The University of Toronto says approximately 37 Pearson Scholars are selected each year. The award is tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry undergraduate programmes.
Who is eligible?
For the 2027 intake, applicants must be international students who require a Canadian study permit, must be in their final year of secondary school in 2026/27 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026, and must plan to begin undergraduate study at the University of Toronto in September 2027.
Students who are already enrolled in post-secondary education, or who plan to begin post-secondary study before September 2027, are not eligible for the Pearson Scholarship.
2027 Pearson Scholarship deadlines
- 9 October 2026: school nomination deadline.
- 16 October 2026: deadline to apply to the University of Toronto and remain eligible for Pearson consideration.
- 6 November 2026: deadline to submit the Pearson Scholarship application and required documents.
These deadlines are different, and missing the school-nomination stage can end the process before the student application is even available.
How school nomination works
Each participating high school may nominate only one student per year. Students should therefore speak with their principal, head teacher, guidance counsellor or other authorised school official as early as possible. Schools that have not previously participated can apply to join the nomination process through the University’s official system.
How to apply step by step
- Confirm that you meet the international-student and secondary-school eligibility rules.
- Ask your school whether it can nominate you for the Pearson Scholarship.
- Apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto by the Pearson admission deadline.
- After nomination and admission application, use the private Pearson application link provided to you.
- Complete the scholarship form and upload all required documents before 6 November 2026.
- Monitor your email for requests or updates from the University of Toronto.
What makes a strong Pearson candidate?
The programme looks beyond exam results alone. The university highlights academic achievement, creativity, leadership potential and a record of contributing positively to school or community life. Applicants should therefore make sure their nomination and application accurately reflect meaningful leadership, initiative and academic strength.
Students should also note that the University of Toronto explicitly prohibits the use of generative AI to create content for undergraduate award applications. Applicants should write their own scholarship responses and follow the university’s academic-integrity requirements.
Fraud warning
The University of Toronto warns applicants about fraudulent scholarship messages and unofficial agents. Pearson recipients are nominated by their secondary school through the university’s process. Applicants should not pay third parties who promise nominations, guaranteed admission or scholarship selection.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Kenyan student apply?
Yes. Kenyan students can be considered as international applicants if they meet all eligibility and school-nomination requirements.
Is this a full scholarship?
The award covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
Can I apply without school nomination?
No. School nomination is a required first step in the Pearson Scholarship process.
Editorial note: This article was independently prepared from the University of Toronto’s official scholarship information and checked on 2 October 2026. JobScholarship.com is not affiliated with the University of Toronto and does not guarantee admission or scholarship selection.