The University of Toronto offers some of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarships for international students. These opportunities cover not only tuition fees but also provide a comprehensive financial package, ensuring that recipients can focus on their studies without financial concerns.
Below, we highlight the top fully funded scholarships available for international students applying to the University of Toronto in 2026.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most competitive and comprehensive awards offered by the University of Toronto. It covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence costs for four years.
This scholarship is available for outstanding international students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
Nominated by their high school, candidates must apply to the university by October 17, 2026, and submit their scholarship application by November 7, 2026. Each year, about 37 students are selected to receive this prestigious scholarship.
2. Schulich Leader Scholarships
The Schulich Leader Scholarships, established through a generous $100 million donation by Seymour Schulich, aim to foster leadership in STEM fields. Every year, 100 scholarships are awarded, with 50 for engineering students (worth $120,000) and 50 for students in other STEM disciplines (worth $100,000).
The University of Toronto is a participating institution, selecting two recipients annually. These scholarships recognize students with exceptional leadership potential and a passion for innovation in their chosen fields.
3. Loran Award
The Loran Award is one of Canada's most distinguished undergraduate scholarships. Valued at over $100,000 over four years, it includes an annual $12,000 living stipend, a matching tuition waiver, and funding for three summer internships.
The University of Toronto is one of the 25 partner universities that participate in the Loran Award program. Up to two Loran Scholars are selected each year from the University of Toronto, recognizing students who exhibit strong character, leadership, and academic excellence.
4. TD Canada Trust Scholarship for Community Leadership
The TD Canada Trust Scholarship for Community Leadership recognizes exceptional high school students who have demonstrated leadership through community involvement. The scholarship, valued at up to $70,000, provides full tuition coverage for up to four years, along with $7,500 per year for living expenses and summer employment opportunities at TD.
The University of Toronto is a participating institution, selecting recipients annually. This scholarship is aimed at students who show a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a merit-based award that supports graduate students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at universities in Ontario, including the University of Toronto.
The OGS provides $5,000 per term for a minimum of two terms, with funding shared between the provincial government and the university. International students with study permits are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which offers support for high-achieving graduate students from various disciplines.
Eligibility criteria for the top fully funded scholarships at the University of Toronto for 2026
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
- International Status : Applicants must be international students requiring a study permit to study in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not eligible.
- Educational Status : Applicants should be in their final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
- University Admission : Applicants must apply to study at the University of Toronto and receive an offer of admission. Only the first choice of program is considered for the scholarship.
- Nomination Requirement : Applicants must be nominated by their school. If the school is not already a participating institution, it must apply for nomination rights.
Application Deadlines
- School nomination deadline: October 10, 2026
- University application deadline: October 17, 2026
- Scholarship application deadline: November 7, 2026
2. Schulich Leader Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nomination Requirement : Each high school in Canada can nominate one graduating student per year. CEGEPs in Québec can nominate up to four students annually.
- Academic Excellence : Nominees should have a strong academic record, particularly in STEM subjects.
- Leadership Qualities : Candidates must demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities and a passion for innovation.
- Program Enrollment : Nominees must plan to enroll in a STEM program at one of the 20 participating universities, including the University of Toronto.
Scholarship Value :
- Engineering students: $120,000 CAD
- Other STEM disciplines: $100,000 CAD
Selection Process : Each participating university selects its Schulich Leader recipient(s) by June 15, 2026.
3. Loran Award
Eligibility Criteria:
- Citizenship : Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Educational Status : Applicants should be entering university for the first time in September 2026.
Academic Requirements :
- High school students: Minimum cumulative average of 85%.
- CEGEP students: Minimum R score of 29.
Age Requirement :
Applicants must be born between January 1, 2004, and September 1, 2010.
Application Process
Candidates must complete an in-school nomination form to be considered.
Scholarship Benefits : The Loran Award is valued at over $100,000 over four years, including an annual $12,000 living stipend, a matching tuition waiver, and funding for three summer internships.
4. TD Canada Trust Scholarship for Community Leadership
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Status :
- Students in their final year of high school (outside Québec).
- Students in their final year of CEGEP (in Québec).
Community Involvement : Applicants must have demonstrated exceptional leadership through community involvement.
Academic Requirements :
- High school students: Minimum average of 75%.
- CEGEP students: Minimum R score of 26.
Application Deadline : Applications must be submitted online no later than 1:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, October 22, 2026.
Scholarship Value : Up to $70,000 CAD over four years, including up to $10,000 per year for tuition and $7,500 per year for living expenses.
5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Eligibility Criteria
- Program Level : Applicants must be enrolled in a master's or doctoral program at a participating university in Ontario, including the University of Toronto.
- Full-Time Enrollment : Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time program for a minimum of two terms (21 to 52 weeks) during the academic year.
- Academic Requirements : Applicants must maintain a minimum academic standard of an "A" or 80% average over the preceding two years of study.
- Application Process Applications are submitted through the graduate unit at the university.
Scholarship Value $5,000 per term, with funding provided jointly by the provincial government and the university.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for University of Toronto Scholarships
The University of Toronto (U of T) offers a diverse range of scholarships for international students, encompassing automatic entrance awards, merit-based scholarships, and faculty-specific funding. Understanding the application process and key deadlines is crucial to securing financial support for your studies.
1. Understand the Types of Scholarships
U of T provides several scholarship categories:
- Automatic Entrance Scholarships : These are awarded based on academic excellence and do not require a separate application. Examples include the University of Toronto Scholars Program and the President’s Scholars of Excellence Program.
- Merit-Based Scholarships : These require a separate application and are awarded to students with exceptional academic records and achievements. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a notable example, offering full tuition, books, residence, and living expenses for four years.
- Faculty-Specific Scholarships : Certain faculties offer their own scholarships, which may require additional applications. For instance, the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering offers the International Engineering Scholarships.
2. Apply Through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC)
All undergraduate applications to U of T must be submitted through the OUAC. Ensure you select the appropriate program and campus (St. George, Scarborough, or Mississauga) during the application process. The general application deadline is January 15, 2026, but early application is recommended.
3. Submit Required Documents
Prepare and submit the following documents:
- Academic Transcripts : Provide official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended.
- English Language Proficiency : Submit IELTS (minimum score of 7.0) or TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 100) scores.
- Standardized Test Scores : If required by your program, include SAT or ACT scores.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two academic references are typically required.
- Plan of Study : Some scholarships, like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, may require a plan of study or research proposal.
4. Apply for Scholarships
After submitting your application to U of T, you can apply for scholarships:
- Automatic Scholarships : No separate application is needed; you will be considered based on your application.
- Merit-Based Scholarships : Apply through the U of T Awards Portal or directly through the faculty’s website. For example, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship requires a separate application after receiving a nomination from your school.
- Faculty-Specific Scholarships : Check the specific faculty’s website for application procedures and deadlines.
5. Monitor Deadlines
Key deadlines for the 2026–2027 academic year include:
- Early Application : November 7, 2026
- General Application : January 15, 2026
- Final Document Submission : February 14–28, 2026
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Application : November 7, 2025 (after receiving a school nomination)
6. Follow Up
After submitting your applications, regularly check your U of T student portal (ACORN) for updates on your application status and scholarship decisions. Ensure all required documents are submitted and complete.
Tips for Standing Out in the University of Toronto Scholarship Application
1. Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Aim for a high GPA, as many scholarships, including the automatic entrance awards, have minimum GPA requirements. Consistent academic excellence demonstrates your commitment and capability.
2. Engage in Extracurricular Activities
Active participation in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, or volunteer work, showcases leadership skills and community involvement. These qualities are highly valued in merit-based scholarship evaluations.
3. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
For scholarships requiring essays or personal statements, clearly articulate your achievements, goals, and reasons for pursuing studies at U of T. Highlight how you align with the values and mission of the university.
4. Seek Strong Letters of Recommendation
Request letters from individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential. Provide them with information about the scholarship and your achievements to help them write a detailed and supportive letter.
5. Apply Early
Submitting your application early allows time to address any issues that may arise and demonstrates your enthusiasm and preparedness.
6. Tailor Applications to Specific Scholarships
When applying for faculty-specific scholarships, ensure your application aligns with the specific criteria and focus areas of the faculty. For example, the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering looks for applicants with strong technical skills and research potential.
How Scholarships Help International Students Reach Their Academic Goals
Getting a scholarship at a top university isn’t just about covering tuition it can completely change the academic journey for international students. Scholarships provide financial help, but they also show that a student’s potential has been recognized, opening up many new opportunities. For students coming from countries where education is expensive or hard to access, scholarships make studying at a world-class university possible.
These scholarships can cover a lot sometimes all of the costs for tuition, housing, books, and living expenses. With this kind of support, students can focus entirely on their studies, research, and personal growth, without worrying about money. Scholarships offer long-term security, allowing students to get involved in academic activities and extracurricular opportunities, like going to conferences or doing research, without financial stress.
Getting a scholarship also boosts confidence. It shows that a student’s hard work and potential have been recognized. This recognition often pushes students to challenge themselves even more, take on tough courses, and get involved in leadership or research projects that they may have felt were out of their reach before. By removing the need to work part-time jobs or stress about tuition, scholarships give students the freedom to focus on their academic goals.
In addition to financial help, scholarships offer many other benefits. Many programs provide scholarships that include mentorship or opportunities to join special programs that help students grow as leaders and innovators. These experiences help students improve their academic skills and give them valuable career insights. Scholarships also give students a chance to connect with a global network of peers and mentors, which can be helpful for their future careers.
One of the most important but often overlooked impacts of scholarships is how they encourage cultural exchange and collaboration. Students from different backgrounds bring unique perspectives to their classes, discussions, and research projects. Scholarships allow these students to fully participate in campus life, helping them form lasting connections with people from all over the world.
Ultimately, scholarships give international students the chance to succeed by removing financial stress and motivating them to reach their academic goals. Scholarships help turn potential into real achievement, allowing students not only to succeed in their studies but also to make valuable contributions to the global community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What types of scholarships are available for international students?
International students can apply for different types of scholarships, including those based on academic achievements, financial need, or specific areas of study. Some scholarships cover all costs, while others only help with part of the expenses, like tuition or living costs. Make sure to check each scholarship for its specific details.
2.How can I improve my chances of receiving a scholarship?
To improve your chances, it’s important to keep a strong academic record, get involved in extracurricular activities, and take on leadership or volunteer roles. Writing a strong personal statement and getting good letters of recommendation will also make your application stand out.
3.Do scholarships cover all costs, including living expenses?
Some scholarships, like full-ride scholarships, cover everything tuition, books, accommodation, and living expenses. However, other scholarships may only cover tuition. It’s important to carefully read the details of each scholarship to understand what is included.
4. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for. Just make sure to keep track of the requirements and deadlines for each one to make sure you meet all the criteria.
5. Are there scholarships for graduate and doctoral students?
Yes, there are many scholarships available for graduate and doctoral students. These scholarships are often for students with strong research potential or those pursuing specific areas of study. Be sure to check your field of study and the university for graduate scholarship opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, scholarships are more than just financial support; they are tools that help international students achieve their dreams. By removing financial stress and providing access to networks, scholarships make it possible for students to focus on their education, excel in their studies, and set themselves up for success in their careers. Scholarships play a key role in shaping students’ futures, helping them make a meaningful impact in the world.