Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships 2026 in Canada

If you are a doctoral student seeking a life‑changing fellowship that combines academic excellence, leadership, and societal engagement, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships competition is now open. Applications for the 2026 Doctoral Scholarship cycle opened September 9, 2025 and will close November 17, 2025. This annual program supports outstanding PhD candidates working in humanities, social sciences, and allied fields whose work aligns with one or more of the Foundation’s four themes. Below is all you need to know to apply.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Canada

• Host Institution: Any Canadian university

• Study Level: Doctoral (PhD or equivalent research doctoral program)

• Target Group: Students in 1st or 2nd year of their doctoral program at the time of application

• Fields of Focus: Humanities, social sciences, human sciences, law, public health, etc., aligned with one or more of the Foundation’s four themes:

  • Human Rights & Dignity

  • Responsible Citizenship

  • Canada & the World

  • People & Their Natural Environment

• Value & Coverage:

  • Up to CAD 50,000/year for tuition and living expenses

  • Up to CAD 20,000/year for research travel, networking, Foundation events, and language learning

  • Total potential value ~ CAD 210,000 over 3 years

• Duration: 3 years

• Application Deadline: November 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. EST

• Start Date: 2026 (upon acceptance to the program)

📚 Scholarship Overview

The Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is more than just financial support—it is a three‑year leadership and scholarly community program designed to cultivate engaged, critical, interdisciplinary thinkers. Selected Scholars gain access to a network of Fellows, Mentors, and other Scholars, leadership training (masterclasses, institutes), public policy events, and opportunities for engagement beyond traditional academia.

🧩 Programme Highlights

• Stipend & Allowances: Funding for tuition, living expenses, travel, research, and language learning

• Community & Mentorship: Mentors, Fellows, and networking with other Scholars

• Leadership & Professional Development: Workshops, masterclasses, policy seminars, and public engagement opportunities

🎁 Benefits

• Generous financial support (CAD 50,000/year stipend + CAD 20,000/year for research/travel/events)

• Access to an influential network of mentors, senior academics, and alumni

• Leadership training and opportunities for public engagement beyond academia

• Support for improving proficiency in Canada’s official languages (English & French)

• Emphasis on engaging diverse perspectives, including Indigenous knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Be in first or second year of a full-time doctoral program at the time of application

• Conduct research broadly in humanities, social sciences, human sciences, law, public health, etc., aligned with at least one of the Foundation’s four themes

• Be one of the following:

  • Canadian student at a Canadian university

  • Canadian student at an international university

  • International student at a Canadian university

    (International students at universities outside Canada are not eligible)

• Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, openness to diverse perspectives, and engagement beyond academia

✍🏻 Application Procedure

• Submit directly via the Foundation’s official application portal

• Timeline / Key Dates:

  • Applications open: Sept 9, 2025, 9:00 a.m. ET

  • Application deadline: Nov 17, 2025, 4:00 p.m. ET

  • References must also be submitted by Nov 12, 2025

  • Finalists undergo interviews; official announcement of Scholars in April 2026

📂 Required Documents

• Academic transcripts

• Research proposal aligned with Foundation themes

• Letters of recommendation (usually three)

• CV / Resume showing academic and non-academic leadership

• Statement of leadership goals, engagement with diverse perspectives, and public impact

• Proof of status (citizenship/residency/university acceptance)

🔍 Selection Process:

• Multi-stage assessment including eligibility review, evaluation of written materials, and interviews of finalists

ℹ️ Extra Useful Information

• No university nomination required; all applications are submitted directly

• Applications can be submitted in English or French

• Foundation values diversity in perspectives, disciplines, cultures, and ideologies

• Even if you have other scholarships, the research/travel allowance from the Trudeau Foundation is always fully provided

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Link

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