Applications are currently open for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships 2027 competition. The prestigious scholarship supports outstanding doctoral researchers whose work in the humanities and social sciences addresses important issues affecting Canada and the wider world.
Selected scholars receive up to CAD $70,000 per year for three years, comprising funding for tuition and living expenses as well as research and travel. Beyond financial support, the programme provides mentorship, leadership development and opportunities to engage with a multidisciplinary community of scholars, fellows and mentors.
SUMMARY
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
- Host Institution(s): Canadian or Foreign Universities, Depending on Applicant Status
- Scholarship Worth: Up to CAD $70,000 Per Year
- Funding Duration: 3 Years
- Study Level: Doctoral
- Nationality: Canadian & Eligible International Students
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Scholarship Overview
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship combines substantial doctoral funding with a three-year leadership programme designed to develop researchers who can contribute meaningfully within and beyond academia.
Applicants’ doctoral research must relate to the humanities or social sciences and connect with at least one of the Foundation’s four central themes:
- Human Rights and Dignity
- Responsible Citizenship
- Canada and the World
- People and their Natural Environment
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be in the first or second year of a doctoral programme at the time of application.
- Be undertaking doctoral research broadly related to the humanities or social sciences.
- Have research connected to at least one of the Foundation’s four themes.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and a strong academic record.
- Present a promising research project relevant to issues that will shape Canada’s future.
- Demonstrate engagement, leadership potential and openness to interdisciplinary collaboration.
Applicants must also be either:
- A Canadian student enrolled at a Canadian university;
- A Canadian student enrolled at a university outside Canada; or
- An international student enrolled at a Canadian university.
International students studying at universities outside Canada are not eligible.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful scholars can receive funding for three years consisting of:
- Up to CAD $50,000 per year toward tuition and reasonable living expenses.
- Up to CAD $20,000 per year for research, travel and related activities.
- Total potential funding of up to CAD $210,000 over three years.
- Mentorship from distinguished professionals and academics.
- Leadership development and experiential learning opportunities.
- Access to the Foundation’s interdisciplinary community and network.
How to Apply
The 2027 application begins with an eligibility verification process. Candidates who are confirmed as eligible will then be invited to complete the full scholarship application.
Applicants should:
- Complete and submit the Foundation’s eligibility verification form by the first deadline.
- Wait for confirmation from the Foundation that you meet the eligibility requirements and can proceed with the full application.
- Attend one of the mandatory information sessions organised for eligible applicants.
- Complete the full scholarship application, providing the required academic, research and personal information.
- Provide details for three referees: your doctoral supervisor, an academic referee and a referee from outside academia.
- Ensure that the three recommendation letters are received by the Foundation’s reference deadline.
- Review and submit the completed scholarship application through the Foundation’s application system before the final deadline.
Candidates are encouraged to begin the process early, particularly because the eligibility verification must be completed before access to the full application is granted.
Application Documents
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Academic and doctoral programme information.
- Details of their doctoral research project.
- Academic records and other information requested in the application.
- Information demonstrating academic excellence, engagement and leadership potential.
- Three recommendation letters:
- One from the doctoral supervisor.
- One from an academic referee.
- One from a referee outside academia.
- Any additional supporting documents requested through the application portal.
Application Deadline:
- Eligibility Verification: October 2, 2026
- Recommendation Letters: October 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET
- Final Application: November 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET
Applicants must complete the eligibility verification stage before they can proceed with the full scholarship application.
