Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship — PhD Scholarship

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation runs this three-year scholarship for doctoral researchers in the humanities and social sciences whose work addresses Canada’s future and aligns with at least one Foundation theme. Scholars pursue their PhDs at their own universities while joining Foundation learning, mentoring, and networking activities.

Canadian students may study in Canada or abroad; international applicants must reside in Canada and be enrolled at a Canadian university. The program supports doctoral work while developing researchers’ capacity to share knowledge and contribute beyond academia.

Benefits & funding

An annual stipend of up to CAD 50,000 for three years covers tuition and living expenses.
An annual allowance of up to CAD 20,000 for three years supports research, networking, and travel connected to the doctoral project and Foundation programming.
Other awards may reduce the stipend, but every Scholar receives the annual CAD 20,000 allowance and at least CAD 25,000 from the annual stipend.
Scholars join the Foundation community and receive lifelong membership in an alumni network of more than 500 people.

Eligibility

Applicants must be in the first or second year of a PhD program when applying.
Research must be broadly related to the humanities or social sciences, relevant to Canada’s future, and aligned with Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, or People and their Natural Environment.
Eligible routes are a Canadian student at a university in Canada or abroad, or an international student residing in Canada and enrolled at a Canadian university; international students residing outside Canada or enrolled at a university outside Canada are ineligible.
Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and be able to communicate effectively in either English or French; bilingual fluency is not required.
The Foundation states that there is no age limit.

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Application process

1
Review the eligibility rules and submit the eligibility screening form by October 2, 2026.
2
If the Foundation confirms eligibility, attend a mandatory information session during the weeks of October 5 or October 12.
3
Complete the full application in either English or French, using one language throughout.
4
Arrange exactly three references: one from the PhD supervisor, one from another academic referee, and one from a non-academic referee; all must arrive by October 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET.
5
Submit the complete application by November 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Program timeline

Eligibility verification form opened.
September 1, 2026
Eligibility verification request deadline.
October 2, 2026
Mandatory information sessions.
Weeks of October 5 and October 12, 2026
Three references due.
October 30, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET
Complete application due.
November 6, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET