Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded PhD in Canada

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded PhD in Canada: Overview

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious graduate awards. It supports exceptional doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences whose research addresses issues of importance to Canada and the world. More than just financial aid, this scholarship connects scholars with a dynamic community of leaders, academics, and practitioners dedicated to creating positive change.

Application Period: September 9 – November 17, 2025

Study Location: Canadian universities (or international universities if the applicant is Canadian)

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following:

• Be one of the following:

  • A Canadian student at a Canadian university

  • A Canadian student at an international university

  • An international student at a Canadian university
    (Note: International students studying outside Canada are not eligible.)

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

• Research must be in the humanities, social sciences, or human sciences and directly relevant to the future of Canada.

• Research must relate to at least one Foundation theme:

  • Human Rights and Dignity

  • Responsible Citizenship

  • Canada and the World

  • People and their Natural Environment

Benefits

✅ Generous Funding for tuition and living expenses
✅ Membership in a life-changing community of scholars, mentors, and fellows
✅ Leadership training and mentorship opportunities
✅ Access to exclusive Foundation events, masterclasses, and seminars
✅ Support for developing research beyond academia to benefit wider society

Fellowship / Program Components

• Academic Excellence: Scholars are chosen for outstanding research potential.

• Plurality of Perspectives: Emphasis on openness, collaboration, and diversity.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to step into leadership roles within and beyond academia.

• Community Engagement: Full participation in Foundation events across Canada.

Application Requirements

• Complete the online application form via the Foundation portal.

• Provide:

  • Academic transcripts

  • CV/resume

  • Evidence of research excellence (e.g., publications, conference presentations)

  • Research proposal aligned with Foundation themes

• No university nomination is required — students apply directly.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on:

• Academic excellence and intellectual curiosity

• Commitment to community engagement and leadership

• Openness to diverse perspectives

• Alignment with Foundation’s values and themes

Application Process

1. Register on the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation application portal.

2. Submit all required documents by November 17, 2025.

3. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.

4. Successful applicants become Trudeau Foundation Scholars starting in 2026.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded PhD in Canada