Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship to Study in Canada

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is now accepting applications for the 2027 competition. This is a three-year, fully funded program for doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences whose research aligns with one of the Foundation’s four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, or People and their Natural Environment. The process starts with an eligibility verification form that opens on 1 September 2026.

The scholarship provides a stipend to cover tuition and living expenses, plus an annual allowance for research, networking, and travel. You also get membership in a vibrant community of scholars, mentors, and fellows, plus lifelong access to the Foundation’s alumni network. If you receive other funding, the value is adjusted, but you always receive at least $25,000 from the stipend plus the full $20,000 allowance.

To apply, you must be in the first or second year of a doctoral program at the time of application. Canadian students may study at a Canadian or foreign university; international students must be enrolled at a Canadian university. You do not need to be bilingual; you just need to communicate effectively in either French or English. There is no age limit.

Programme Details

• Host Institution: Canadian universities (or any university for Canadian students) in Canada.
• Eligible Program: Doctoral research broadly related to the humanities and social sciences, aligning with at least one of the Foundation’s Four Themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People and their Natural Environment.
• Number of Awards: Not specified.
• Duration: Three years.
• Eligible Countries: Open to Canadian citizens (studying anywhere) and international students (enrolled at a Canadian university).

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants for the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship will enjoy full support that provides the following benefits:

1. Annual stipend: Up to $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and living expenses.
2. Annual allowance: Up to $20,000 per year for three years to support research, networking, and travel related to the doctoral project and Foundation programming.
3. Community membership: Membership in a dynamic community of Scholars, Mentors, and Fellows, all recognised for excellence in their respective fields.
4. Lifelong alumni network: Lifelong membership in the Foundation’s alumni network, which includes over 500 individuals.

If you receive other scholarships, the Foundation adjusts the stipend amount, but you always receive a minimum of $25,000 from the stipend plus the full $20,000 allowance. Scholars may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while continuing to receive full benefits.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Eligibility

To apply for this North America program, candidates must meet all of the following conditions:

• Be in the first or second year of a doctoral program at the time of application.
• Your field of study is broadly related to the humanities and social sciences and aligns 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
• Be a Canadian citizen (enrolled at a Canadian or foreign university) or an international student (enrolled at a Canadian university). International students residing outside Canada or enrolled at a university outside Canada are not eligible.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and intellectual ability.
• Be able to communicate effectively in either French or English (you do not need to be fluent in both).

There is no age limit. The strongest applications typically demonstrate academic excellence, a compelling research project addressing issues shaping Canada’s future, a strong commitment to making a positive impact, and a willingness to engage in dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration.

How to Apply for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

The application process has two steps. First, you must complete a short eligibility verification form. Second, if your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive access to the full application form.

Step 1: Eligibility Verification

The eligibility verification form is available starting September 1, 2026. Please click on this link to access the form. Before completing the form, review the eligibility criteria to make sure your profile meets all requirements. The deadline to submit an eligibility verification request is October 2, 2026. Only applicants whose eligibility is confirmed can proceed to the full application.

Step 2: Complete Application

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will have access to the full application form. You may fill out the form in either English or French – but you must choose one language for the entire application. The form requires:

• Three reference letters (see below for details).
• Transcripts for all post-secondary education.
• Essays and responses about your doctoral project, themes, and other information.

The deadline to submit the complete application is November 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. References must be received by October 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET.

Reference Letters

You must provide exactly three reference letters:

1. Your thesis supervisor – if your supervisor has not yet been chosen or does not know you well, you may ask a former supervisor or another professor. Explain this in the “Special Circumstances” section of your application.
2. Another academic referee – someone who can vouch for your academic progress as a student, researcher, or academic.
3. A non-academic referee – someone who knows you outside of academia and can speak to your character, commitment, and engagement in non-academic settings.

Referees may respond in either French or English, regardless of the language used in your application. No family members can act as referees. There is a specific way to submit reference forms within the application. Details are clearly provided in the form.

Key Dates for the 2027 Scholarship Competition

• September 1, 2026: eligibility verification form opens.
• October 2, 2026: Deadline to submit an eligibility verification request.
• October 30, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET: Deadline for references to be received.
• November 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET: Deadline to submit the complete application.

For any questions, contact [email protected]. Successful applicants will be announced later in 2027. For further information, visit the official Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation website.

The deadline to submit the complete application is November 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET. For further information on the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program in Canada, please visit the official page.