Great news for Nigerian students dreaming of studying abroad! The University of Toronto in Canada has opened applications for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026. This fully funded scholarship is a fantastic chance for bright and talented international students, including those from Nigeria, to pursue their undergraduate studies at one of the world’s top universities. Here’s everything you need to know about this prestigious award and how to apply.
What is the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a highly competitive award offered by the University of Toronto to outstanding international students. Named after Canada’s former Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Lester B. Pearson, this scholarship celebrates students who excel academically, show creativity, and demonstrate leadership in their schools and communities. It aims to recognize young minds who have the potential to make a positive impact on the global community.
Each year, about 37 students from around the world, including those studying at Canadian high schools, are selected as Lester B. Pearson Scholars. For Nigerian students, this is an incredible opportunity to study in a vibrant, multicultural city while attending a university ranked among the best globally.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is fully funded and covers the following for four years of undergraduate study:
- Full tuition fees
- Cost of books and study materials
- Incidental fees
- Full residence support (accommodation and meals)
This means Nigerian students can focus on their studies without worrying about financial burdens. The scholarship is valid only for first-entry undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto, which offers over 700 programs across fields like humanities, social sciences, engineering, computer science, life sciences, music, and more.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be an international student (not a Canadian citizen) and require a Canadian study permit.
- Be in your final year of secondary school in the 2025/2026 academic session or have graduated no earlier than June 2025.
- Plan to begin your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2026.
- Not have started post-secondary studies at any institution.
- Not be starting studies at another post-secondary institution in January 2026.
The scholarship looks for students with exceptional academic records, creativity, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to their school and community. Nigerian students who have made a significant impact in their schools or local communities through projects, leadership roles, or volunteer work stand a good chance of being considered.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
Applying for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship involves a few important steps. Follow these carefully to ensure your application is successful:
- Get Nominated by Your School:
Your secondary school must nominate you for the scholarship. Each school can nominate only one student. If your school has not participated in the program before, they need to apply to join by submitting a form available here starting in September 2025. Schools that have nominated students in previous years will receive nomination access in early September. The deadline for school nominations is October 10, 2025. - Apply to the University of Toronto:
You must apply for admission to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) by October 17, 2025. You can apply to multiple programs, but the Pearson Scholarship will only be considered for your first-choice program at the time scholarship decisions are made. Visit future.utoronto.ca/apply for details on the application process. - Complete the Scholarship Application:
After your school nominates you and you’ve applied to the University of Toronto, you will receive a personalized, secure link to the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application. Complete and submit the online scholarship application along with all required documents by November 7, 2025.
Important Note: The University of Toronto strictly prohibits the use of generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) in preparing your scholarship application. All content must be original and written by you. Ensure your application is authentic to avoid disqualification.
Key Deadlines to Remember
- School Nomination Deadline: October 10, 2025
- OUAC Application Deadline: October 17, 2025
- Scholarship Application and Document Submission Deadline: November 7, 2025
- Notification of Scholarship Decisions: Starting from the end of January 2026, with all nominees informed by May 2026
Why Choose the University of Toronto?
The University of Toronto is Canada’s largest and most prestigious university, ranked 18th globally by Times Higher Education (WUR 2023). With three campuses in Toronto, it offers a world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a diverse community of students from over 170 countries. Toronto is also rated as one of the safest and most multicultural cities in the world, making it an ideal place for Nigerian students to live and study.
The university has 44 libraries, the third-largest library system in North America, and produces more research than almost any other institution worldwide. As a Pearson Scholar, you’ll learn from top scholars, participate in unique learning opportunities, and join a global network of over 500,000 alumni.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Showcase Leadership and Impact: Highlight your leadership roles in school clubs, community projects, or volunteer activities. Share how you’ve made a difference in your school or community.
- Be Authentic: Write your essays in your own voice. The scholarship committee values originality and wants to hear your unique story.
- Meet Deadlines: Submit all applications and documents on time to avoid missing out.
- Avoid Fraudulent Offers: The University of Toronto does not work with recruitment agents or agencies. Be cautious of fraudulent emails offering assistance with your application. Always apply directly through the official website: future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about.
A Word of Caution
The University of Toronto has warned about fraudulent emails claiming to assist with the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application. Always verify information through the official website and submit your application directly to the university. For any questions, use the inquiry form on the university’s website or contact pearson.scholarship@utoronto.ca.
Final Thoughts
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for Nigerian students to study at a world-class university without financial worries. It’s more than just funding—it’s a chance to grow, connect with global minds, and prepare for a bright future. If you’re a high-achieving student with a passion for leadership and community impact, don’t miss this chance.
Start preparing now, talk to your school about nomination, and apply to the University of Toronto before the deadlines. For more details, visit future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about.