Applications will soon be open for Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship for researchers who want to study in Canada. Interested candidates should start preparing for this opportunity. This article gives a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the scholarship. Apply Below:
Application Deadline:
2 October 2026 is the deadline to submit the eligibility screening form, which is the mandatory first step of the application process.
Other key dates:
| Stage | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Confirmation Request | 2 October 2026 |
| Mandatory Information Sessions | Weeks of 5 October and 12 October 2026 |
| Reference Letters Due | 30 October 2026 (9:00 a.m. ET) |
| Complete Application Due | 6 November 2026 (4:00 p.m. ET) |
Tell Me About The Award:
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship 2027 is one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards. The scholarship supports exceptional doctoral researchers whose work contributes to important social, political, environmental, and public policy issues affecting Canada and the world.
Beyond funding, scholars participate in a three-year leadership development programme involving mentorship, field experiences, conferences, masterclasses, networking opportunities, and engagement with public leaders.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Research must fall broadly within the:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
Projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s themes:
- Human Rights and Dignity
- Responsible Citizenship
- Canada and the World
- People and their Natural Environment
Type:
Fully Funded PhD Scholarship.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must be:
- In the first or second year of a PhD programme when applying.
- Canadian citizens studying in Canada or abroad, OR
- International students enrolled in a PhD programme at a Canadian university.
Not eligible:
- Students who have not yet started a PhD.
- International students enrolled in PhD programmes outside Canada.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Research quality and originality
- Social engagement and community involvement
- Alignment with Foundation themes
- Ability to communicate research beyond academia
- Potential to create public impact
Which Countries Are Eligible?
| Applicant Type | Eligible |
|---|---|
| Canadian citizens studying in Canada | ✅ |
| Canadian citizens studying abroad | ✅ |
| International students studying at Canadian universities | ✅ |
| International students studying outside Canada | ❌ |
Where will the Award be Taken?
At eligible Canadian universities offering doctoral programmes.
Canadian citizens studying for a PhD outside Canada may also be eligible.
How Many Awards?
The Foundation does not specify the exact number of scholarships awarded annually.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition & Living Support | Up to C$50,000 |
| Annual Research, Travel & Networking Allowance | Up to C$20,000 |
| Maximum Annual Funding | Up to C$70,000 |
| Maximum Total Value (3 Years) | Up to C$210,000 |
Additional benefits include:
- Leadership training
- Mentorship programme
- Networking with policymakers and scholars
- Conferences and masterclasses
- Community engagement opportunities
How Long Will the Award Last?
The scholarship is awarded for three years.
How to Apply:
Step 1: Eligibility Screening
- Review the scholarship eligibility requirements.
- Submit the online eligibility screening form by 2 October 2026.
Step 2: Full Application
- Receive eligibility confirmation from the Foundation.
- Attend a mandatory information session.
- Complete the full scholarship application.
- Arrange three reference letters:
- One from your PhD supervisor
- One from an additional academic referee
- One from a non-academic referee
- Upload all required documents.
- Ensure references are submitted before 30 October 2026.
- Submit the complete application by 6 November 2026.
- Await competition results.
Which References are Required?
| Reference Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Reference 1 | PhD Supervisor |
| Academic Reference 2 | Additional Academic Referee |
| Non-Academic Reference | Community, leadership, professional, or social engagement referee |
