Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship is looking for students with an outstanding academic record who demonstrate exceptional potential to advance knowledge and address the major challenges facing Canada and the world.
Application Deadline
- 25th November 2026
Tell Me About The Scholarship
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards. It equips scholars with funding and leadership training to become engaged leaders in academia and society. The program emphasizes values such as plurality of perspectives, service, audacity, and innovation.
Which Fields are Eligible
Doctoral research must align with at least one of the Foundation’s four themes:
- Human Rights and Dignity
- Responsible Citizenship
- Canada and the World
- People and their Natural Environment
Type
- PhD Scholarship | Leadership Fellowship | Canada
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be accepted into or in year 1–2 of a full‑time doctoral program.
- Expect to complete doctoral studies in 2026 or later.
- Be Canadian or foreign citizens studying at Canadian or foreign institutions, or non‑Canadians enrolled in a Canadian doctoral program.
- Conduct research broadly related to humanities or human sciences relevant to Canada’s future.
How Are Scholars Selected
- Based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to society.
- Scholars must engage in Foundation events, organize an Impact Conference, volunteer 30 hours annually, and improve proficiency in Canada’s official languages (French/English) and Indigenous languages.
Which Countries are Eligible
- Global – Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students enrolled in Canadian doctoral programs.
Where Will the Scholarship Be Taken
- Canadian universities or institutions.
How Many Scholars
- Limited cohort selected annually; highly competitive.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship
- Up to $50,000 per year for three years (tuition + living expenses).
- Additional $20,000 per year for research, travel, and networking.
- Leadership training, mentorship, and experiential learning.
- Membership in a vibrant community of scholars, mentors, and fellows.
- Lifelong alumni network.
How Long Will the Scholarship Last
- Three years (doctoral program duration).
Required Documents
- Completed application via Foundation portal.
- Research proposal aligned with one of the four themes.
- Three letters of reference:
- PhD supervisor
- Academic referee
- Non‑academic referee
How to Apply
- Register on the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation application portal (do not create a new account if you’ve applied before).
- Complete the application form and respond to required questions.
- Submit references and supporting documents.
- Await selection and interview process.
🌐 Visit the application webpage for details
