Updated: September 1, 2026 | Reading time: 5 min | Written by: StudyTribune Team
University of Toronto Scholarships for international students span two distinct funding pools — roughly 4,400 entrance scholarships automatically considered when you apply, and a separate 5,900+ in-course awards pool for continuing students — with routes ranging from automatic tuition credits to the fully funded Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, worth full tuition, books, fees, and residence for four years. Here’s exactly which program fits your situation, real current deadlines, and an honest picture of what these scholarships do and don’t cover.
Quick Facts
- University: University of Toronto (St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough campuses)
- Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Entrance Scholarships: Approximately 4,400 awarded annually to newly admitted students, totaling roughly $20 million
- In-Course Awards: 5,900+ available to continuing students via Award Explorer/MyAwardsHub
- Application: Varies by scholarship — some automatic, others require school nomination or departmental nomination
- Reality Check: U of T cannot offer need-based financial aid to international students as a publicly funded institution, and most scholarships don’t cover your full cost of study — plan your funding realistically rather than assuming full coverage
The Major Scholarships, By Degree Level
Undergraduate: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
U of T’s flagship international undergraduate award, and the most competitive on this list.
- Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and complete residence support for four years
- Restriction to Know: You must be starting your first post-secondary studies at U of T in September 2027 — current post-secondary students elsewhere, or students starting a different institution in January 2027, are not eligible
- Process: Your high school must be verified with U of T and submit a nomination on your behalf — only one student per school can be nominated. Once nominated, you apply for admission, then complete the separate Pearson scholarship application with supporting documents.
- Key 2026–2027 Dates: School nomination around early-to-mid October 2026; admission application deadline October 16, 2026; Pearson scholarship application and full documentation due November 6, 2026
- One Program Only: Even if you’re admitted to multiple programs, the Pearson Scholarship applies only to your first-choice program
For a deeper walkthrough of the Pearson application specifically, see our dedicated guide : Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Undergraduate: Arts & Science Global Scholarship
Automatic consideration for international applicants to the Faculty of Arts & Science — no separate application. Covers international tuition and compulsory fees for eligible recipients.
Mississauga Campus: University of Toronto International Scholar Award
A significant award specific to UTM (University of Toronto Mississauga), worth up to CAD $180,000 for eligible international undergraduate applicants — one of the largest single scholarship values available at U of T. Confirm current eligibility and value directly with UTM admissions, since high-value awards like this are frequently capped to a small number of recipients.
PhD: Connaught International Scholarship
For incoming international doctoral students. Unlike Pearson, this is nomination-based through your academic department rather than a school-based nomination — talk to your prospective department about their internal nomination process and timeline well before you apply.
Master’s (Selected Programs): Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
U of T is one of several universities globally participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, funding selected African students at the Master’s level. Confirm current program availability and eligible degree programs directly with U of T’s specific partnership terms, since Mastercard Foundation program structures vary significantly by host institution: Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
In-Course Awards for Continuing Students
If you’re already studying at U of T, a separate pool of more than 5,900 in-course scholarships and awards is available through Award Explorer and the central MyAwardsHub application, which typically opens in early September and closes in mid-November for that academic year — check the current cycle’s exact dates, since these shift annually. Individual academic divisions often run their own additional competitions on top of the central pool, so check both your division’s page and the central system.
What These University of Toronto Scholarships for International Students Actually Cover (Read This Before You Budget)
U of T is direct about this: as a publicly funded Canadian institution, it cannot offer need-based financial aid to international students, and most scholarships — including many on this list — don’t cover your complete cost of study. Build a realistic funding plan that accounts for the gap, and remember that Canada’s immigration authorities require proof of funds for your study permit regardless of any scholarship you hold: Canada Scholarships for International Students
How to Apply
- Identify which scholarship(s) fit your degree level and program — the routes above don’t share one application system, so confirm your specific path before assuming automatic consideration applies to you.
- For automatic/entrance scholarships: simply submit a strong admission application — no extra form needed for most of these.
- For Pearson: confirm your school is verified with U of T, secure your school’s single nomination, then complete the separate scholarship application once nominated.
- For Connaught: discuss nomination directly with your prospective PhD department.
- For in-course awards: once enrolled, apply through Award Explorer/MyAwardsHub during the annual application window.
- Prepare supporting materials relevant to your specific scholarship — transcripts, references, and a personal statement are common requirements across most routes: Personal Statement for Scholarship / SOP Examples : Recommendation Letter for Scholarship}
Frequently Asked Questions
How many scholarships does the University of Toronto offer? Two separate pools: approximately 4,400 entrance scholarships for newly admitted students, totaling roughly $20 million annually, plus a separate pool of more than 5,900 in-course awards for continuing students.
Is there one single University of Toronto scholarship application? No. Different scholarships have entirely different processes — some are automatic upon admission, Pearson requires a school nomination, Connaught requires departmental nomination, and Mastercard Foundation has its own selection process.
Does the University of Toronto offer need-based financial aid to international students? No. As a publicly funded institution, U of T states it cannot provide need-based aid to international students. Scholarships here are merit-based, and most don’t cover your full cost of study.
What’s the most valuable University of Toronto scholarship for undergraduates? The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, covering full tuition, books, fees, and residence for four years — though it’s highly competitive and requires a school nomination.
Can I apply for the Pearson Scholarship if I’m already at another university? No. Pearson is restricted to students beginning their first post-secondary studies at U of T — current post-secondary students elsewhere aren’t eligible.
Are there scholarships specifically for graduate or PhD students? Yes. The Connaught International Scholarship supports incoming PhD students through departmental nomination, and selected Master’s programs participate in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for eligible African students.
Official Resources
- U of T Future Students (admission scholarships): future.utoronto.ca
- Award Explorer / MyAwardsHub (in-course awards): studentlife.utoronto.ca