Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
A highly selective doctoral scholarship for students at Canadian universities researching human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada's global role, or people and the environment, combining up to $210,000 in funding with leadership mentorship. Recently restricted to first- and second-year PhD students.
Quick Facts
Status
Opening SoonFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Around November 17 (annual)
Country
CanadaAbout the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship funds around fifteen doctoral scholars a year at Canadian universities, selected as much for how their research connects to one of four foundation themes, human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada and the world, or people and the natural environment, as for academic strength alone. Total funding can reach roughly $210,000 across three years.
Beyond the money, the program is built around mentorship and a genuine peer network among scholars working across very different disciplines but shared values. As of the current cycle, eligibility has been narrowed to students in their first or second year of a PhD program at a Canadian university, so students further along in their doctorate are not eligible under the current rules.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Substantial funding alongside genuine leadership mentorship, not just a stipend
Open across a range of fields as long as your research connects to the foundation's themes
A small, tightly-knit scholar cohort rather than an anonymous large program
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Canada
Canada's research universities offer strong doctoral programs across the humanities and social sciences, with this foundation specifically building a cross-disciplinary network of scholars connected by shared civic themes rather than a single field.
Eligibility Requirements
3 requirements
Documents Checklist
4 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Confirm your PhD program year meets the current first/second-year eligibility rule
Prepare a research proposal explicitly connected to one of the four foundation themes
Submit the online application with required essays and references
Advance through shortlisting and interviews if selected
Application Timeline
Late summer/early fall
Applications Open
Around November 17
Application Deadline
Confirm exact date each cycle
Following months
Selection
Around 15 scholars selected annually
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Confirm you are within the first or second year of your PhD before applying, since this recently changed and rules out later-stage candidates
Be explicit and specific about which foundation theme your research connects to, rather than a loose thematic gesture
Highlight leadership and civic engagement alongside your academic work, since this is evaluated as heavily as research strength
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questions - click any to expand
Under the current eligibility rule, no. The program has been restricted to first- and second-year PhD students at Canadian universities.
Not necessarily, but it must connect clearly to one of the foundation's four themes, one of which is specifically Canada and the world.
Ready to Apply?
Applications open Late summer/early fall - get your documents ready now.
Apply on Official Website →More Scholarships to Explore
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