The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship bridges this gap as the University of Toronto’s most prestigious fully funded undergraduate award. Designed for high-achieving international students—including WAEC and NECO curriculum graduates in Nigeria—this award covers four years of study.

This guide outlines the eligibility rules, key dates, WAEC/NECO academic expectations, and the application procedure for the 2027/2028 academic cycle.

Key Highlights of the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Pearson Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for four consecutive years of undergraduate study:

• Full Tuition Fees for four years across any undergraduate program (St. George, Scarborough, or Mississauga campuses).
• Full Room and Board (Residence Support) for the duration of your degree.
• Book Allowance and essential course material costs.
• Incidental & Student Fees fully covered.

Eligibility Requirements for Nigerian Applicants

To qualify for consideration by the selection committee, Nigerian applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

1. High School & Graduation Status

• Must be an international student requiring a Canadian Study Permit (non-Canadian citizens/permanent residents).
• Must be currently in your final year of secondary school (SS3) during the 2026/2027 session OR have graduated no earlier than June 2026.
• Must begin your undergraduate degree at U of T in September 2027.
• Note: Students already enrolled in a university or polytechnic in Nigeria or elsewhere are not eligible.

2. High Academic Performance (WAEC / NECO / IGCSE)

The scholarship is highly competitive. Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• A track record of high academic performance (mostly A1s and B2s in WAEC or NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations).
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, original thinking, and creativity.
• Proven leadership inside the school and positive contributions to the local community.

How the Nomination Process Works for Nigerian Schools

Direct self-applications are not accepted. You must be officially nominated by your secondary school, and each secondary school can only nominate ONE candidate per year.

[Step 1: Secondary School Nomination] (Deadline: Oct 9, 2026)
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[Step 2: Submit U of T Admission via OUAC] (Deadline: Oct 16, 2026)
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[Step 3: Complete Pearson Portal Application] (Deadline: Nov 6, 2026)

For Participating Schools

If your secondary school in Nigeria (public or private) has participated in the Pearson Scholarship in previous years, your Guidance Counsellor or Principal already has access to the U of T nomination portal.

For New Schools (School Verification)

If your school has never nominated a student before, your school administration must submit a Verification / Participation Request to the University of Toronto.

• WAEC and NECO curriculum schools in Nigeria are fully eligible to apply for verification.
• School verification requests close on October 9, 2026 (12:00 PM EST).

Important Deadlines for the 2027 Entry Cycle

Mark these key dates on your calendar to ensure all requirements are met on time:

1. School Nomination Deadline: October 9, 2026Your secondary school must submit their nomination form online.
2. U of T Admission Application Deadline: October 16, 2026You must submit your undergraduate admission application to U of T via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
3. Scholarship Application & Document Deadline: November 6, 2026
   After nomination and OUAC submission, you will receive a secure link to complete the Pearson application essays and upload documents.
4. Final Decisions Announced: Late January to April 2027.

Step-by-Step Application Roadmap for Nigerian Students

1.Notify Your School Leadership Early:
Do this immediately in August / September 2026.

Approach your Guidance Counsellor, Headmistress, or Principal. Inform them of the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship and ask if the school is registered to nominate candidates. Remind them that each school can nominate only one student.

2.School Submits Official Nomination:
Deadline: October 9, 2026.

Your school completes the nomination form on the U of T portal. If your school is new to the process, your counsellor must submit a participation request before the October 9 deadline.

3.Apply for U of T Admission:
Deadline: October 16, 2026.

Submit your application for admission to your desired program at the University of Toronto via the OUAC portal. Ensure you select your preferred program as your top choice.

4.Complete the Pearson Online Application:
Deadline: November 6, 2026.

Once your nomination is logged and your OUAC application is processed, U of T will email you a personalized, secure link to the Pearson Scholarship application. Complete the essay questions highlighting your academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does U of T accept WAEC or NECO results for the Pearson Scholarship?

Yes. The University of Toronto accepts both WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations for admission from Nigerian high school applicants. Candidates are expected to submit strong predicted grades or official transcript statements showing top performance (primarily A1 and B2 grades).

Can I apply if I took a gap year?

You are eligible as long as you graduated no earlier than June 2026 and have not registered at any tertiary or post-secondary institution (university, polytechnic, or college) in the interim.

Do I need to write IELTS or TOEFL?

If your primary instruction language in secondary school was English, you may request an exemption from U of T’s English Proficiency Requirement, though official proof of English medium instruction from your school may be required during the admission review.

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