The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is designed to empower scholars to make meaningful contributions to society while equipping them with the skills and knowledge to become influential leaders within their institutions and communities. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 annually for three years to cover tuition and living expenses, along with an additional $20,000 per year to support research, travel, and networking activities. Through this program, scholars gain the opportunity to engage deeply with diverse perspectives, develop innovative solutions, and actively contribute to the betterment of society.
The Foundation’s programs focus not only on academic excellence but also on leadership development. Scholars are encouraged to participate in both in-person and digital Foundation events, including Institutes of Engaged Leadership and Retreats, organise an Impact Conference, and commit to volunteer work within their communities. In addition, the program promotes bilingualism in Canada’s official languages and familiarity with Indigenous languages, fostering a well-rounded approach to leadership, cultural understanding, and social responsibility.
Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Abroad: Study in Canada
- Category: PhD Scholarships | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $70,000 per year | Travel Costs
- Deadline: November 17, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship is aimed at instilling in scholars values crucial to becoming engaged leaders, such as engagement with a plurality of perspectives, service to the community, audacity, and innovation. Through its Scholarship, Fellowship, and Mentorship programs, the Foundation focuses on leadership development.
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Scholars’ Commitments
- Engage in Foundation in-person and digital events, including custom-designed Institutes of Engaged Leadership and Retreats during the first year.
- Collectively organise a conference event (Impact Conference) during the second year and present it during the third year.
- Serve their communities as volunteers with at least 30 hours of service annually.
- Improve proficiency in both of Canada’s official languages (French and English).
- Commit to becoming more familiar with Canada’s Indigenous languages.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be accepted into or in year one or two of a full-time doctoral program, expected to complete studies in 2026 or later.
- Field of study broadly related to the humanities or human sciences of direct relevance to the future of Canada.
- Doctoral work must relate to at least one of the Foundation’s Four Themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, People and their Natural Environment.
- Applicants can be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or foreign nationals studying at a Canadian or foreign institution.
Duration and Benefits
- Up to $50,000 per year for three years for tuition and living expenses.
- An additional $20,000 per year for research, travel, and networking costs.
- Membership in a vibrant community of Scholars, Mentors, and Fellows.
- Leadership training and experiential learning opportunities.
- Opportunities to acquire proficiency in Canada’s official and Indigenous languages.
- Lifelong membership in the Foundation’s alumni network.
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Key Dates
- September 9, 2025 – Application period opens
- September 18, 2025 – Awards officers’ meeting (Q&A + presentation)
- October 8, 2025 – First candidates’ information sessions
- October 14, 2025 – Second candidates’ information sessions
- November 12, 2025 – Deadline to submit references
- November 17, 2025 – Application deadline
- January 26, 2026 – Semi-finalist invitations
- February 10–12, 2026 – Round 1: Virtual group interviews
- February 19, 2026 – Finalist invitations
- March 10–13, 2026 – Round 2: Final interviews
- April 10, 2026 – Official announcement of Scholars
How to Apply
- Register on the Foundation’s application portal.
- If you previously applied, use the same email and select ‘Forgot password’ instead of creating a new account.
- Fill out the application form and respond to all questions.
- Submit the completed application by the deadline of November 17, 2025.