Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027 (Up to $50,000 Per Year)

Applications are now open for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027, one of Canada's most prestigious doctoral scholarship programmes for outstanding PhD students in the humanities and social sciences. The scholarship supports emerging researchers whose work addresses critical issues affecting Canada's future while equipping them with leadership, mentorship, and public engagement opportunities beyond academia.

The scholarship is designed for doctoral students who aspire to become influential leaders capable of connecting academic research with public policy and societal impact. In addition to generous financial support, scholars join an interdisciplinary community of researchers, mentors, fellows, and alumni committed to advancing knowledge and contributing to meaningful social change.

Beyond funding, the programme offers participants opportunities for leadership development, interdisciplinary collaboration, networking, and public engagement. Scholars benefit from mentorship by accomplished leaders from diverse sectors and participate in Foundation events that encourage dialogue across disciplines and professions.

About the Scholarship

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship seeks to support exceptional doctoral researchers who combine academic excellence with leadership potential and a commitment to improving society. The Foundation believes that addressing today's complex challenges requires scholars who can bridge the gap between research and public action.

Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, the programme encourages scholars to engage with policymakers, community leaders, civil society organizations, and professionals from multiple disciplines. Throughout the scholarship period, participants are encouraged to share knowledge, collaborate across sectors, and contribute to public conversations on issues affecting Canada and the wider world.

Applicants' doctoral research must be broadly related to the humanities or social sciences and align with at least one of the Foundation's four thematic priorities:

• Human Rights and Dignity.
• Responsible Citizenship.
• Canada and the World.
• People and Their Natural Environment.

These themes reflect the Foundation's commitment to supporting research that addresses important social, political, environmental, and global issues relevant to Canada's future.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars will receive an extensive package of financial and professional support, including:

• Annual scholarship of up to $50,000 for tuition and living expenses.
• Annual research, networking, and travel allowance of up to $20,000.
• Funding for up to three years.
• Access to leadership development opportunities.
• Mentorship from distinguished leaders outside academia.
• Participation in interdisciplinary Foundation programming.
• Networking opportunities with scholars, fellows, mentors, and alumni.
• Membership in the Foundation's lifelong alumni community.
• Opportunities to strengthen public engagement and knowledge-sharing skills.

Eligible Research Areas

Applicants' doctoral research must be broadly connected to the humanities or social sciences and relate to issues affecting Canada's future.

Research should align with one or more of the following themes:

• Human Rights and Dignity.
• Responsible Citizenship.
• Canada and the World.
• People and Their Natural Environment.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in the first or second year of a PhD programme at the time of application.
• Be pursuing doctoral research in the humanities or social sciences.
• Conduct research aligned with at least one of the Foundation's four thematic priorities.
• Belong to one of the following categories:
  • A Canadian student enrolled at a Canadian university.
  • A Canadian student enrolled at a university outside Canada.
  • An international student enrolled at a Canadian university.

International students studying outside Canada are not eligible for this scholarship.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Completed online scholarship application.
• Research proposal.
• Academic information.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Three letters of reference, including:
  • One from the PhD supervisor.
  • One from another academic referee.
  • One from a referee outside academia.

The Foundation places significant importance on receiving references from both academic and non-academic perspectives, reflecting its emphasis on leadership beyond traditional research environments.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence.
• Quality and originality of the doctoral research project.
• Relevance of the research to Canada's future.
• Leadership potential.
• Commitment to public engagement.
• Evidence of positive societal impact.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Strength of the reference letters.

How to Apply

The 2027 scholarship follows a two-step application process.

1. Complete the online eligibility verification form before October 2, 2026.
2. Wait for confirmation of eligibility from the Foundation.
3. If approved, gain access to the full scholarship application.
4. Participate in the mandatory information sessions scheduled during the weeks of October 5 and October 12, 2026.