by University of Toronto scholarships for international students range from automatic entrance awards to the fully funded Lester B. Pearson scholarship. Also, for graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa, there is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Below, this guide lists each award, who it suits and the key dates for 2027 entry, using official University of Toronto pages.
Last verified: 12 October 2026. For the full Pearson process, read our Lester B Pearson scholarship guide.
University of Toronto scholarships at a glance
| Scholarship | Level | How you get it |
|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Undergraduate | First a school nomination, then an application |
| Arts & Science Global Scholarship | Undergraduate | Automatic, because it is merit-based |
| Arts & Science International Undergraduate Entrance Award | Undergraduate (first year) | Automatic |
| President’s Scholars of Excellence Program | Undergraduate | Automatic for about 150 top applicants |
| U of T Scholars Program | Undergraduate | Automatic, so it depends on your admission average |
| U of T Engineering International Scholarships | Undergraduate | Financial information section of the Engineering Supplemental Application, by 15 January |
| UTM and UTSC International Scholar Awards | Undergraduate | Automatic |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Graduate, health-related | A separate application |
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
In short, this is the most generous University of Toronto scholarship for international undergraduates. For example, it covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years, and about 37 students win it each year.
For September 2027 entry, the timeline is as follows:
- 9 October 2026: school nomination deadline (now passed)
- 16 October 2026: apply to at least one U of T programme through OUAC
- 6 November 2026: Pearson application and all documents due
However, only students nominated by their school can apply. So if your school did not nominate you this year, plan with your school early for the next cycle.
Automatic University of Toronto scholarships
Fortunately, several awards need no separate application. For example, the Arts & Science Global Scholarship covers international tuition, incidental fees and health insurance (UHIP) fees for up to four years for selected outstanding students, but not residence fees. Similarly, the President’s Scholars of Excellence Program goes to about 150 top first-year applicants. In addition, the Arts & Science International Undergraduate Entrance Award is shown in your applicant portal and is paid toward first year only.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at U of T
Unlike the awards above, this fully funded programme is for graduate studies in health-related disciplines, for citizens of Sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, it covers travel to Canada (including passport and visa fees), tuition, housing, a food stipend, health insurance and learning materials.
However, applications for 2026-27 closed on 3 November 2025, and U of T has not yet listed the next deadline. Therefore, check the Centre for International Experience page regularly if you are a graduate applicant from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya or another Sub-Saharan country.
Worked example: which awards could you get?
Take a Ghanaian secondary school student with top grades applying to Arts & Science for 2027:
- If her school nominated her, she can apply for the Pearson by 6 November 2026.
- Even without the Pearson, however, she is automatically considered for the Arts & Science Global Scholarship and the entrance award.
- If her average is high enough, she may join the U of T Scholars Program.
Avoid scholarship scams
Importantly, U of T says it does not work with recruitment agents and only offers Pearson scholarships to students who apply directly. So, ignore anyone who charges a fee to “secure” a U of T scholarship.
Frequently asked questions
Does the University of Toronto give scholarships to international students?
Yes. In fact, most undergraduate awards are automatic, while the Pearson needs a school nomination.
Can I apply for University of Toronto scholarships after starting university elsewhere?
Not for the Pearson, because students already in post-secondary study are not eligible.
Is the Mastercard Foundation programme for undergraduates?
No. Instead, the current U of T page describes it as a graduate programme in health-related disciplines.
Official sources
- International Students Scholarships, University of Toronto
- Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Centre for International Experience
Award details can change, so confirm on the official pages before applying.
