Hey, future global leaders! Are you dreaming of studying at one of the world’s top universities, like the University of Toronto in Canada? Well, get ready because the incredible Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program Bursary is here for 2026, and it’s your golden ticket to a fully funded international education!
This isn’t just any bursary; it’s one of the most prestigious and competitive opportunities out there for international students, including those of you in South Africa. The University of Toronto wants to find exceptional young minds who show amazing academic achievement, creativity, and real leadership potential. If you’ve made a positive impact in your school or community, and you’re ready to contribute to the global community, this could be perfect for you!
Who Can Apply?
Listen up, because not everyone qualifies. To be eligible for this fantastic bursary, you need to tick these boxes:
- You must be an **international student**. This means you’re not a Canadian citizen and will need a study permit to study in Canada.
- You need to be enrolled in your **final year of senior secondary school during 2025/2026**, or you must have graduated no earlier than **June 2025**.
- You must be planning to begin your university studies at the **University of Toronto in September 2026**. Sorry, but if you’re already attending another post-secondary institution or started studies in January 2026 elsewhere, you won’t be considered for this specific bursary.
What Does It Cover?
This is the exciting part! The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is designed to be fully comprehensive, covering all your major expenses for four full years:
- **Full tuition fees**
- **Cost of books**
- **Incidental fees**
- **Full residence support** (that’s your accommodation covered!)
Remember, this bursary is specifically for first-entry, undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto only. Each year, roughly 37 lucky students become Lester B. Pearson Scholars!
How to Apply?
Ready to make this dream a reality? The application process for the 2026 program opens on **July 1, 2025**. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you need to follow:
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Get Nominated by Your School: This is a crucial first step! Your high school needs to nominate you. If your school hasn’t participated before, they’ll need to submit an application to join the program. High schools that have participated in previous years will receive their nomination access starting July 1, 2025.
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Apply to the University of Toronto: You need to apply to study at the University of Toronto by **October 17, 2025**, to start your studies in September 2026. Keep in mind: you’ll be considered for the Pearson Bursary based on your **first-choice program** at U of T. Even if you apply to multiple programs, the scholarship, if awarded, will be tied to that top choice.
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Complete the Online Scholarship Application: Once your school has nominated you and you’ve applied to the university, you’ll receive a private link to complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application. Make sure to get this done by **November 7, 2025**.
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Submit All Required Documentation: All necessary supporting documents must be submitted online by the **November 7, 2025** deadline.
For the most detailed and up-to-date information, and to access all the necessary forms, be sure to visit the official University of Toronto website:
Visit the Official Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program Webpage
If this sounds like the perfect bursary for your academic journey, don’t wait — start preparing now! Apply and remember to explore even more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room to secure your funding future!