2026 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

Location: Canada

Program: Postgraduate (PhD Programs)

Eligibility: Canadian Citizens and International Students

Duration: 3 years

Deadline: November 17, 2025

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The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship constitutes one of Canada’s most distinguished and comprehensive PhD financing initiatives, extending beyond traditional academic funding to cultivate engaged leadership among exceptional doctoral candidates. This three-year leadership development program equips scholars with capabilities necessary to transform research insights into meaningful action, benefiting their communities, Canada, and the global society.

Established in 2001 as an enduring tribute to former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the Foundation champions research and leadership cultivation in domains addressing human rights, responsible citizenship, international engagement, and environmental stewardship. The Foundation’s doctoral scholars become members of a distinguished community comprising leaders, mentors, and fellows dedicated to advancing knowledge and catalyzing positive societal transformation.

Benefits of the Scholarship

This scholarship will provide the following comprehensive support to recipients:

Annual stipend of up to CAD $50,000 per year for three years covering tuition and reasonable living expenses
Additional annual allowance of CAD $20,000 per year for three years supporting research, networking, and travel expenses related to doctoral research
Integration into vibrant community of Scholars, Fellows, and Mentors who are leaders in their respective disciplines and fields of action
Pairing with distinguished Trudeau Mentor selected from eminent Canadian practitioners across all sectors of public life
Participation in Foundation events including leadership training institutes, workshops, and seminars
Exchanges and inspiration from Mentors and Fellows through unique experiential learning opportunities
Encouragement and support for learning or improving knowledge in both official languages (English and French)
Expanded understanding of roles as settlers or members of First Nations, Inuit, or Métis communities concerning decolonization and reconciliation efforts
Access to alumni network comprising over 500 Foundation alumni and alumnae whose professional success stories attest to program value
Opportunity to hold personal workshops and participate in scholarly exchanges within interdisciplinary community
Part-time work permission (up to 20 hours weekly) while maintaining full scholarship benefits
Other benefits

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:

Be enrolled full-time in the first or second year of a doctoral program
Doctoral studies must be expected to conclude in 2026 or later (candidates in final year ineligible)
Pursue research broadly related to humanities or human sciences with direct relevance to Canada’s future
Have doctoral work relating to at least one of the Foundation’s Four Themes
Be one of the following:

Canadian citizen registered or accepted in doctoral program full-time in Canada OR internationally
International student (permanent resident of Canada or foreign national) enrolled in doctoral program full-time at Canadian institution
Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and high level of intellectual ability
Show commitment to public engagement, leadership, and collaboration across diverse perspectives
Exhibit willingness to engage with plurality of perspectives, people, cultures, and ideologies
Commit to actively participating in all Foundation leadership and public interaction programs
Not use artificial intelligence tools when preparing applications to ensure integrity and authenticity

Note: Kindly check the official webpage for full and detailed requirements.

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Selection Criteria

The multi-stage selection process takes a holistic approach, assessing candidates not only on their academic excellence and the quality and relevance of their doctoral research, but also on their character, integrity, and moral courage; their demonstrated leadership, community engagement, and capacity to drive positive change; their intellectual curiosity, openness to diverse perspectives, and ability to communicate across disciplines; and their alignment with the Foundation’s core values of courage, reconciliation, bilingualism, and the creation of inclusive, democratic spaces—ultimately rewarding individuals whose vision, depth of thought, and social commitment reflect both scholarly distinction and transformative leadership potential.