The University of Toronto (U of T) is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, making it one of the most prestigious and competitive institutions in Canada. For international students seeking fully funded scholarships with visa sponsorship, U of T offers world-class opportunities in the 2025–2026 academic year.
Whether you’re planning to study at the undergraduate, master’s, or PhD level, this article explores available scholarships, visa sponsorship support, and how to apply.
Why Choose the University of Toronto?
Located in the heart of Toronto, Ontario, U of T is known for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a diverse student population.
Key Highlights:
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Ranked in the Top 25 Universities Worldwide (QS & Times Higher Education)
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Over 980 undergraduate and graduate programs
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International students from 170+ countries
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Access to co-op and work-study programs
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Modern campuses in St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough
Scholarships for International Students at the University of Toronto
U of T offers numerous scholarships specifically for international students, ranging from partial to fully funded awards that also provide visa application support.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
One of Canada’s most prestigious and fully funded undergraduate scholarships.
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Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years
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Eligibility: International students in their final year of secondary school
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Selection Criteria: Academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and community impact
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Visa Sponsorship: U of T provides all necessary documents for your Canadian study permit
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Deadline: November 2025 (school nomination), January 2026 (application)
👉 Only 37 students are selected each year globally.
2. University of Toronto International Scholar Award
A merit-based award for exceptional international students applying to undergraduate programs.
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Value: CAD $20,000–$100,000 over four years
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Automatic Consideration: No separate scholarship application required
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Visa Support: Official offer letter and enrollment documents provided for visa application
3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Available to graduate students (master’s and doctoral) studying in Toronto.
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Value: CAD $15,000 per year
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Eligibility: Full-time graduate students with high academic standing
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International Student Eligibility: Yes (varies by faculty)
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Visa Sponsorship: University assists with study permit application support
4. Faculty-Specific Awards
Many departments and faculties at U of T offer tailored scholarships, such as:
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School of Graduate Studies Fellowships
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Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarship
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Rotman School of Management Funding for MBA students
Check each faculty’s website for current offerings and deadlines.
Visa Sponsorship and Study Permit Support
While the University of Toronto does not offer immigration sponsorship in the same way an employer would for work visas, it fully supports your study visa application through:
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Letter of Admission (required for visa processing)
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Financial support documents (for scholarship recipients)
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Dedicated International Student Support Center
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Help with medical insurance, accommodation, and permit renewals
International students who receive scholarships or secure admission will get all the necessary documents to apply for a Canadian Study Permit (Student Visa) via IRCC.
Who Can Apply?
General Eligibility for Scholarships:
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International student (non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents)
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Strong academic record (GPA, transcripts)
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Proficiency in English (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
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Leadership or extracurricular achievements (for certain awards)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Choose a Program
Explore undergraduate or graduate programs at future.utoronto.ca or [school websites].
Step 2: Check Scholarship Requirements
Visit the scholarship pages and note application deadlines and required documents.
Step 3: Apply for Admission
Submit your application via:
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OUAC for undergraduate
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SGS Portal for graduate programs
Step 4: Submit Scholarship Application (If Required)
For awards like Lester B. Pearson, request nomination from your school and apply by deadline.
Step 5: Receive Offer & Apply for Visa
Once admitted, use your offer letter and scholarship details to apply for your study permit through the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.
Estimated Cost of Study at U of T (Without Scholarship)
| Expense | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (annual) | CAD $45,000–$60,000 | CAD $20,000–$45,000 |
| Living Expenses (annual) | CAD $15,000 | CAD $15,000 |
| Books and Supplies | CAD $1,500 | CAD $1,000 |
| Total (per year) | CAD $61,500–$76,500 | CAD $36,000–$61,000 |
Scholarships greatly reduce or eliminate these costs for qualified applicants.
Final Thoughts
The University of Toronto offers not only world-class education but also fully funded scholarships and visa support for international students in 2025–2026. Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program, U of T provides excellent opportunities to study in Canada with financial and immigration assistance.
With proper planning and a strong application, your dream of studying in Toronto at one of the world’s top universities can become a reality.