PPierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
Fully funded
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, Canada
Scholarship overview
The Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship supports doctoral students with an excellent academic record whose humanities and social sciences research contributes to Canada and society.
Scholars also receive mentorship, experiential learning and access to a network of more than 500 alumni.
Award Information
- Enrolled in the first or second year of a PhD programme when applying
- Canadian student enrolled at a Canadian university, Canadian student enrolled at a university outside Canada, or international student enrolled at a Canadian university; international students living outside Canada or enrolled outside Canada are not eligible
- Field broadly in the humanities or social sciences, addressing issues relevant to Canada's future
- Research aligned with at least one of four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, People and their Natural Environment
- Strong academic record, demonstrated commitment to positive impact, and willingness to engage in dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing
- Scholarship of up to $50,000 per year for three years (up to $150,000 in total) toward tuition and living expenses
- Research and travel allowance of up to $20,000 per year
- Mentorship, experiential learning and alumni network
- Application period: September 1 to November 6, 2026 (2027 competition)
- October 2, 2026: request eligibility confirmation through the portal
- Weeks of October 5 and October 12, 2026: mandatory information sessions
- October 30, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET: three references received
- November 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET: complete application submitted
- Complete the eligibility screening form in the SmartSimple portal by October 2, 2026.
- Once eligibility is confirmed, complete the full application form.
- Attend a mandatory information session.
- Ensure all three references are received by October 30, 2026.
- Submit the complete application by November 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET.
Official links
Documents you will need
- Three letters of reference: PhD supervisor, another academic referee, and a referee outside academia
- Complete application form via the portal
How selection works
Applications that meet eligibility criteria are assessed on:
- Academic excellence
- Alignment of the research project with the Foundation's mission and four themes
- Rigour of the research proposal
- Ability to share knowledge for the benefit of society
