Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarships in Canada – Trudeau Foundation 2026

Pursuing a PhD can be both intellectually rewarding and financially demanding, especially for students tackling complex issues in the humanities and social sciences. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships ease this burden by offering generous funding, professional development, and access to a unique leadership community. Designed to nurture scholars who connect academic research with real-world impact, the programme equips candidates to thrive both in Canada and beyond.

For students aspiring to make a lasting difference in society through research and leadership, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships stand as one of the most prestigious awards in Canada. Each year, this programme supports exceptional doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences, providing not just funding but also leadership training, mentorship, and entry into a lifelong community of changemakers.

The 2026 competition is now open, with applications closing on 17 November 2025. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the scholarship, from eligibility to benefits, application tips, and why it is a golden opportunity for international students, including Nigerians, who want to study in Canada.

Why the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship Stands Out

Unlike many scholarships that only provide financial aid, the Trudeau Foundation scholarship is designed to shape leaders for the future. The Foundation emphasises academic excellence alongside real-world impact. Scholars are not only expected to produce high-quality research but also to actively engage in addressing pressing societal challenges.

The scholarship revolves around four key themes that are deeply relevant to global and Canadian issues alike:

1. Human Rights and Dignity – defending freedoms and equity.

2. Responsible Citizenship – fostering active, ethical participation in society.

3. Canada in the World – exploring Canada’s role in global issues.

4. People and their Natural Environment – tackling environmental challenges and sustainability.

By aligning research with these themes, the Foundation ensures that doctoral candidates contribute meaningfully to society while also advancing their careers.

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Host Institutions and Fields of Study

The scholarship is open to participating universities in Canada, making it flexible for applicants with varied research interests. Eligible fields of study include:

• Humanities

• Social sciences

• Human sciences with a focus on Canada’s future

Doctoral research must connect to at least one of the Foundation’s four central themes listed above.

Scholarship Value and Benefits

One of the most attractive features of the Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships is the comprehensive financial and professional support. Successful applicants receive:

• $40,000 per year for three years – covering tuition fees and living expenses.

• Up to $20,000 per year for three years – for research, language training, travel, accommodation, and participation in the leadership programme.

But the benefits go far beyond funding. Scholars also gain:

• Membership in a vibrant network of peers, mentors, and fellows.

• Tailored leadership training and mentorship opportunities.

• Opportunities for language development in English, French, and Indigenous languages.

• A lifelong alumni membership keeps you connected even after the scholarship ends.

This mix of financial, professional, and personal development support sets the Trudeau Foundation apart, positioning recipients for long-term success.

Number of Awards

Each year, the Foundation selects up to 15 doctoral students from across Canada and around the world. With such limited slots, competition is extremely competitive, which makes early preparation and a strong application essential.

Who Can Apply?

The Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is open to a wide range of students, including both Canadian and international applicants. The target groups are:

• Canadian students at Canadian universities.

• Canadian students studying abroad.

• International students enrolled at Canadian universities.

However, students studying at universities outside Canada while residing abroad are not eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be in the first or second year of a doctoral programme at the time of application (Master’s students are not eligible).

• Be conducting research in the humanities, social sciences, or human sciences with clear relevance to Canada’s future.

• Ensure their research aligns with at least one of the Foundation’s four central themes.

This eligibility framework ensures that only students with both academic excellence and a social vision are selected.

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Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the Foundation’s official portal. The process involves several stages:

1. Registration: Applicants first register on the online portal.

2. University Nomination: Each applicant is linked to their home university, which carries out an internal review. Only selected candidates are formally nominated.

3. Submission Deadline: The final deadline for universities to submit nominations is 17 November 2025 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to check their university’s internal deadlines, which may be earlier than the Foundation’s cut-off date.

Tips for a Strong Application

Since the scholarship is highly competitive, here are some ways to stand out:

• Align your research: Clearly show how your doctoral project connects to one or more of the Foundation’s four themes.

• Highlight leadership potential: Demonstrate past initiatives, community engagement, or projects that show your capacity to lead and inspire.

• Show societal relevance: Frame your research not only in academic terms but also in terms of its broader social impact.

• Leverage mentorship: Mention how you intend to benefit from and contribute to the network of mentors, fellows, and peers.

• Prepare early: Reach out to your university contacts for internal deadlines and support documents well ahead of time.

Why This Matters for Nigerian Students

For Nigerian and other African students aspiring to pursue a PhD in Canada, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is a pathway to not only world-class education but also to global networks and leadership training.

Unlike many scholarships that restrict research themes, this programme encourages applicants to explore issues like human rights, governance, environmental sustainability, and global citizenship—all areas that resonate deeply with Nigeria’s own developmental challenges.

Successful Nigerian applicants will not only gain advanced training in their chosen field but also build leadership skills to return and drive change locally, while also contributing internationally.

Key Dates to Remember

• Application opens: Ongoing

• University nomination deadline: Internal (varies by institution)

• Foundation deadline: 17 November 2025, 4:00 p.m. EST

• Course begins: May or September 2026

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships 2026 offer far more than financial assistance; they are a transformative experience for doctoral students committed to addressing real-world challenges through research and leadership. With generous funding, tailored training, and access to an influential global network, recipients are empowered to become the next generation of leaders in academia, policy, and civil society.

For those passionate about human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada’s global role, or environmental sustainability, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

If you are a doctoral student seeking not only to advance your studies but also to make a meaningful impact in society, now is the time to prepare.

APPLY HERE