Applications are now open for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027 in Canada, a prestigious doctoral scholarship for outstanding PhD students working in the humanities and social sciences.
The scholarship provides up to CAD $50,000 per year for three years for tuition and living expenses, plus up to CAD $20,000 per year for research, travel, networking and related activities. The total potential value is up to CAD $210,000 over three years.
The program is designed for doctoral researchers who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, community engagement and a strong research project connected to issues affecting Canada and society.
For the 2027 competition, applicants must first complete an eligibility verification form. Only candidates whose eligibility is confirmed can proceed to the full scholarship application
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship 2027 Overview:
- Scholarship: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027
- Host Country: Canada
- Degree Level: PhD / Doctoral
- Eligibility: Canadian and eligible international students
- Duration: 3 years
- Deadline: October 2, 2026
Who Can Apply?
The Foundation currently accepts:
- Canadian students enrolled at a Canadian university
- Canadian students enrolled at a university outside Canada
- International students enrolled at a Canadian university
Financial Benefits
- Up to CAD $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Up to CAD $20,000 per year for three years for research, travel, networking and Foundation-related activities.
- Potential total support of up to CAD $210,000 over three years.
- The scholarship is designed to support doctoral research both financially and academically.
Additional Opportunities
- Mentorship from experienced professionals and academics.
- Participation in seminars, masterclasses, meetings & experiential learning activities.
- Networking with Scholars, Fellows and Mentors.
- Membership in the Foundation’s alumni community.
- Opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills.
- Opportunities to connect doctoral research with wider social and public issues.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship Research Themes
Your doctoral research must align with at least one of the Foundation’s four foundational themes:
1. Human Rights and Dignity
Research addressing human rights, equality, dignity, inclusion and related social challenges.
2. Responsible Citizenship
Research examining citizenship, participation, democracy, public life and social responsibility.
3. Canada and the World
Research focused on Canada’s role internationally and its relationships with other countries, communities and global institutions.
4. People and Their Natural Environment
Research examining relationships between people, society, environmental issues and the natural world.
The Foundation states that doctoral research should be broadly related to the humanities or social sciences and address issues relevant to Canada’s future
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the Foundation’s eligibility requirements.
- You must be a doctoral/PhD student.
- For the 2027 competition, you must be in the first or second year of your PhD program at the time of application.
- Your research must be broadly related to the humanities or social sciences.
- Your research must address issues relevant to Canada’s future.
- Your research must align with at least one of the Foundation’s four themes.
- You must demonstrate strong academic achievement.
- Your application should demonstrate intellectual ability, leadership potential, social engagement and a commitment to creating meaningful impact.
English and French Language Requirements
Applicants do not need to be fluent in both of Canada’s official languages.
The Foundation states that applicants must be able to communicate effectively in either English or French. The application form can also be completed in either English or French.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the materials required for the online application process. These include:
- Academic information and transcripts.
- Details of the doctoral research project.
- Research proposal or project description.
- Curriculum vitae or academic CV.
- Information demonstrating academic achievements and engagement.
- Three reference letters.
- Information related to your doctoral program and university.
The Foundation specifically requires three referees:
- One PhD supervisor.
- One academic referee.
- One referee from outside academia.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship 2027 Deadlines
The 2027 application process has two stages, so applicants should not treat October 2 as the final full-application deadline.
- September 1, 2026: Eligibility verification form opens.
- October 2, 2026: Deadline to request eligibility confirmation.
- Weeks of October 5 and October 12, 2026: Mandatory information sessions.
- October 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET: Deadline for all three references.
- November 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET: Deadline to submit the complete application.
How to Apply for Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship?
The 2027 scholarship application process follows two main stages.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Review the official eligibility requirements, particularly the PhD year, citizenship or enrollment requirements, field of study and research-theme requirements.
Step 2: Submit the Eligibility Verification Form
Complete the Foundation’s online eligibility verification form before October 2, 2026.
Step 3: Wait for Eligibility Confirmation
The Foundation reviews the eligibility information. Only applicants whose eligibility is confirmed can access the full application.
Step 4: Prepare Your Full Application
Prepare your research information, academic details, CV & other required materials. Arrange your three references well before the reference deadline.
Step 5: Attend the Required Information Session
Eligible applicants are required to participate in an information session during the weeks of October 5 and October 12, 2026.
Step 6: Submit References
All three reference forms must be received by October 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Step 7: Submit the Complete Application
Complete and submit the scholarship application by November 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
