Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships fund social sciences and humanities PhD students at Canadian universities with CAD 40,000 per year for three years plus up to CAD 20,000 annually for research travel, alongside a leadership curriculum of retreats and mentorship. International students enrolled in Canadian doctorates are eligible within the program’s quota.

Cycles open each autumn and close in winter, with universities involved in the process and roughly 15 to 20 scholars named annually. Selection prizes engagement with the Foundation’s themes, from human rights to environment, as much as academic records.

• Doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences (broadly defined) at Canadian universities, or Canadians studying abroad.
• International students enrolled or enrolling full-time in a Canadian PhD are eligible within the program's quota for non-Canadians.
• First or second year of the doctoral program at the time of taking up the award.
• Research engaging the Foundation's themes: human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada and the world, and people and their natural environment.
• Evidence of leadership, community engagement and public communication ability, since scholars join a leadership curriculum.
• Nomination or application per the current cycle's rules through your university and the Foundation portal.

• CAD 40,000 per year for three years toward tuition and living costs.
• An additional allowance of up to CAD 20,000 per year for research travel and knowledge dissemination.
• Membership in the Foundation's leadership program with retreats, mentors and a public-engagement curriculum.
• A network of scholars, fellows and mentors across Canadian public life.
• Freedom to pursue engaged scholarship with unusual travel resources.
• One of Canada's most prestigious doctoral brands for policy-facing careers.

• Application through the Foundation's portal in the annual cycle, with university endorsement steps as specified.
• Research statement tying your doctorate to the Foundation's four themes.
• CV emphasizing leadership and engagement beyond publications.
• Transcripts and proof of doctoral enrolment or admission.
• Reference letters per the cycle's instructions.
• Essays or video elements where the cycle requires them.

• Review the Foundation's scholarship page for the current cycle's rules, since the process involves your university's graduate office.
• Cycles open in autumn and close in winter each year, so treat timing as an annual rhythm and prepare from September.
• Build the application around theme fit and leadership evidence, not grades alone.
• Shortlisted candidates advance through interviews in spring.
• Around 15 to 20 scholars are named each year.
• Unsuccessful strong candidates commonly reapply in their second doctoral year.