Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious doctoral award designed to support emerging researchers who are committed to impactful work within the humanities and social sciences. The program brings scholars into a vibrant community of mentees, academics, and leaders focused on the future of Canada and the world.

What’s Offered

• An annual stipend of up to CA$50,000 for each of three years to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

• An additional allowance of up to CA$20,000 per year for three years to support research travel, networking, language development, and participation in Foundation events.

• Membership in an international network of Scholars, Fellows and Mentors—all committed to public engagement, interdisciplinary perspectives, and leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be enrolled full-time in the first or second year of a doctoral programme (PhD or equivalent research-based degree).

• Research must relate to at least one of the Foundation’s four themes:

  • Human Rights & Dignity

  • Responsible Citizenship

  • Canada and the World

  • People & their Natural Environment

• Applicants can be Canadian citizens studying in Canada or abroad, or international students enrolled in a Canadian university.

Process & Structure

• Application opens on 9 September 2025; deadline for 2026 entries is 17 November 2025 at 4 p.m. ET.

• After submission, a multi-stage review process includes document evaluation, references, interviews, and selection of up to fifteen scholars each year.

• Scholarship tenure is three years, with an option for a fourth year for thesis writing or dissemination under specific conditions.

Deadline

• 17 November 2025 (4 p.m. ET) for the 2026 competition.