University of Toronto Scholarships for International Students: Complete Guide 2025/26
Introduction
The University of Toronto (U of T) is one of Canada’s top universities, consistently ranked globally. For international students, the cost of tuition and living can be high, but U of T offers a range of scholarships and awards to help. Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate or graduate study, this article will walk you through the major scholarships, how to apply, eligibility criteria, and tips to improve your chances.
Key Scholarships & Awards for International Students
Here are some of the most important scholarship programs at the University of Toronto that international students can access:
| Scholarship / Award | What It Covers | Who Is Eligible | Important Details & Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Full 4-year scholarship covering tuition, books, incidental fees, full residence support. future.utoronto.ca | Exceptional international students in their final year of secondary school. Must be nominated by their high school. Begin studies in September of the entry year. future.utoronto.ca | School nomination deadline: ~October; admission + scholarship application deadlines follow. future.utoronto.ca+1 |
| University of Toronto International Scholar Awards (UTM, Scarborough, etc.) | Automatic entrance scholarships renewable over four years. Value can be tens of thousands of CAD, depending on campus and admitted average. University of Toronto Mississauga+2utsc.utoronto.ca+2 | High-academic-achieving international students admitted from secondary school. University of Toronto Mississauga+1 | Award amounts vary based on admitted average; often no separate application needed beyond application to U of T. University of Toronto Mississauga+1 |
| Automatic Entrance Scholarships | Entrance scholarships that students are automatically considered for, based on academic merit. utsc.utoronto.ca+3utsc.utoronto.ca+3future.utoronto.ca+3 | First-year students (domestic or international) applying to U of T, strong academic record. University of Toronto Mississauga+1 | These are often renewable if the student maintains good academic standing. utsc.utoronto.ca+1 |
| Rotman Commerce & Faculty-Specific Awards | Some scholarships specifically for certain faculties (e.g. Rotman Commerce) that include large merit awards or entrance awards. artsci.utoronto.ca+1 | International students admitted to those programs with high grades, meeting any additional criteria. artsci.utoronto.ca | Values depend on program; check the specific faculty’s scholarships & entrance award listings. artsci.utoronto.ca |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Full financial assistance for eligible graduate studies + living support etc. Centre for International Experience | Citizens from Sub-Saharan Africa (or other eligible region) who meet the program criteria. Centre for International Experience | Application opens before academic year; includes non-tuition costs (housing, food etc.). Centre for International Experience |
Eligibility & Conditions
To qualify for these scholarships or awards, you typically need to satisfy several criteria:
- International fee status: Non-Canadian students needing a study permit. future.utoronto.ca+2future.utoronto.ca+2
- Academic excellence: High school grades/equivalent with strong averages; leadership, creativity and extra-curricular achievements especially for big awards like Pearson. future.utoronto.ca+2future.utoronto.ca+2
- Nomination (if required): For some scholarships (e.g., Lester B. Pearson), your high school must nominate you. future.utoronto.ca
- Renewal requirements: Often you must maintain full-time registration and meet GPA or credit requirements each year to keep the scholarship. utsc.utoronto.ca+1
- Application / deadlines: Many awards are automatic once you apply to U of T; others require additional application forms or financial aid profiles. Missing deadlines can mean missing the scholarship. Centre for International Experience+3future.utoronto.ca+3future.utoronto.ca+3
How to Apply
- Apply to the University of Toronto for your chosen undergraduate or graduate program by the relevant admission deadline.
- Check scholarship deadlines: For Pearson, school nomination, admission, and separate scholarship form deadlines; for others, ensure your application to U of T is complete and meets any automatic-consideration criteria.
- Complete any required additional forms (e.g. International Financial Aid Application, Awards Profile) if needed. Rotman Commerce+1
- Submit supporting documents early: transcripts, proof of English proficiency, leadership achievements etc.
- Monitor your offer letter / portal: Some scholarships will be mentioned in your admission offer or via the student portal. Ensure you accept the offer and meet all conditions.
Tips to Maximise Your Chances
- Aim for highest possible grades and strong academic standing.
- Engage in leadership, community work, or creative projects — especially for the most competitive awards like Pearson.
- Apply for scholarships even if they seem out of reach — some automatic consideration may surprise you.
- Ensure your high school is eligible to nominate (for Pearson). If not, reach out.
- Have a backup plan for finances; many scholarships do not cover full living costs.
Limitations & Things to Watch Out For
- Most scholarships do not cover full costs of tuition + living + travel + visa; even the most generous ones have limits.
- Pearson is extremely competitive; only about ~37 scholars chosen annually. future.utoronto.ca
- Some automatic scholarships may be renewable only under specific academic conditions. If you fall below required grades or reduce your course load, you may lose them.
- Scholarship money availability and value can change each year — always check the current University of Toronto website for latest info.
Example: What You Might Pay After Scholarship (Hypothetical)
Suppose an international student is admitted to U of T Scarborough with top grades and receives an International Scholar Award of CAD $45,000 over four years. If annual tuition + fees are CAD $60,000 (hypothetical, for example):
- Scholarship reduces total by $11,250/year
- Remainder (tuition + fees + living) must be covered by you or other aid.
Even with top scholarships, budgeting for housing, books, and living expenses is essential.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to apply separately for most scholarships? | Not for many entrance-based awards — you’re automatically considered when you apply to U of T. But for Pearson and some faculty-specific awards, a separate process or nomination is required. future.utoronto.ca+1 |
| Can I combine scholarships? | Sometimes, but many awards cannot be stacked; the university has rules about which scholarships can be held together. utsc.utoronto.ca+1 |
| Will the scholarship cover living costs? | Usually no. Most awards focus on tuition and sometimes residence; extras like food, travel, visa etc. are rarely fully covered except in specialized programs. future.utoronto.ca+1 |
| What if my high school doesn’t participate in nomination for Pearson? | If your school is not eligible for nomination, you may contact U of T to see if it can join, or consider other scholarship options. But you won’t be eligible for Pearson without nomination. future.utoronto.ca |
Conclusion
University of Toronto offers world-class opportunities for international students via scholarships, awards, and merit-based entrance awards. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship stands out as the most prestigious, with others like the International Scholar Awards and faculty-based awards also offering substantial support. To maximise your chances, keep your grades high, build leadership experience, meet deadlines, and explore all scholarship options early.
