Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship 2027 – Canada

Applications will soon be open for Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship for researchers who want to study in Canada. Interested candidates should start preparing for this opportunity. This article gives a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the scholarship. Apply Below:

Application Deadline

2 October 2026 is the deadline to submit the eligibility screening form, which is the mandatory first step of the application process.

Other key dates

StageDeadline

Eligibility Confirmation Request2 October 2026

Mandatory Information SessionsWeeks of 5 October and 12 October 2026

Reference Letters Due30 October 2026 (9:00 a.m. ET)

Complete Application Due6 November 2026 (4:00 p.m. ET)

Tell Me About The Award

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship 2027 is one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards. The scholarship supports exceptional doctoral researchers whose work contributes to important social, political, environmental, and public policy issues affecting Canada and the world.

Beyond funding, scholars participate in a three-year leadership development programme involving mentorship, field experiences, conferences, masterclasses, networking opportunities, and engagement with public leaders.

Which Fields are Eligible?

Research must fall broadly within the

Humanities

Social Sciences

Projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s themes

Human Rights and Dignity

Responsible Citizenship

Canada and the World

People and their Natural Environment

Type

Fully Funded PhD Scholarship.

Who can Apply?

Applicants must be

In the first or second year of a PhD programme when applying.

Canadian citizens studying in Canada or abroad, OR

International students enrolled in a PhD programme at a Canadian university.

Not eligible

Students who have not yet started a PhD.

International students enrolled in PhD programmes outside Canada.

How are Applicants Selected?

Selection is based on

Academic excellence

Leadership potential

Research quality and originality

Social engagement and community involvement

Alignment with Foundation themes

Ability to communicate research beyond academia

Potential to create public impact

Which Countries Are Eligible?

Applicant TypeEligible

Canadian citizens studying in Canada✅

Canadian citizens studying abroad✅

International students studying at Canadian universities✅

International students studying outside Canada❌

Where will the Award be Taken?

At eligible Canadian universities offering doctoral programmes.

Canadian citizens studying for a PhD outside Canada may also be eligible.

How Many Awards?

The Foundation does not specify the exact number of scholarships awarded annually.

What is the Benefit of the Award?

BenefitAmount

Annual Tuition & Living SupportUp to C$50,000

Annual Research, Travel & Networking AllowanceUp to C$20,000

Maximum Annual FundingUp to C$70,000

Maximum Total Value (3 Years)Up to C$210,000

Additional benefits include

Leadership training

Mentorship programme

Networking with policymakers and scholars

Conferences and masterclasses

Community engagement opportunities

How Long Will the Award Last?

The scholarship is awarded for three years.

How to Apply

Step 1: Eligibility Screening

Review the scholarship eligibility requirements.

Submit the online eligibility screening form by 2 October 2026.

Step 2: Full Application

Receive eligibility confirmation from the Foundation.

Attend a mandatory information session.

Complete the full scholarship application.

Arrange three reference letters

One from your PhD supervisor

One from an additional academic referee

One from a non-academic referee

Upload all required documents.

Ensure references are submitted before 30 October 2026.

Submit the complete application by 6 November 2026.

Await competition results.

Which References are Required?

Reference TypeRequirement

Academic Reference 1PhD Supervisor

Academic Reference 2Additional Academic Referee

Non-Academic ReferenceCommunity, leadership, professional, or social engagement referee

Visit the Application Webpage for Details

Confirmation Request2 October 2026

Mandatory Information SessionsWeeks of 5 October and 12 October 2026

Reference Letters Due30 October 2026 (9:00 a.m. ET)

Complete Application Due6 November 2026 (4:00 p.m. ET)

Tell Me About The Award

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship 2027 is one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards. The scholarship supports exceptional doctoral researchers whose work contributes to important social, political, environmental, and public policy issues affecting Canada and the world. Beyond funding, scholars participate in a three-year leadership development programme involving mentorship, field experiences, conferences, masterclasses, networking opportunities, and engagement with public leaders.

Which Fields are Eligible?

Research must fall broadly within the

Humanities

Social Sciences

Projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s themes

Human Rights and Dignity

Responsible Citizenship

Canada and the World

People and their Natural Environment

Type

Fully Funded PhD Scholarship.

Applicants must be

In the first or second year of a PhD programme when applying.

Canadian citizens studying in Canada or abroad, OR

International students enrolled in a PhD programme at a Canadian university.

Not eligible

Students who have not yet started a PhD. International students enrolled in PhD programmes outside Canada.

How are Applicants Selected?

Selection is based on

Academic excellence

Leadership potential

Research quality and originality

Social engagement and community involvement

Alignment with Foundation themes

Ability to communicate research beyond academia

Potential to create public impact

Which Countries Are Eligible?

Applicant TypeEligible

Canadian citizens studying in Canada✅

Canadian citizens studying abroad✅

International students studying at Canadian universities✅

International students studying outside Canada❌

Amount

Annual Tuition & Living SupportUp to C$50,000

Annual Research, Travel & Networking AllowanceUp to C$20,000

Maximum Annual FundingUp to C$70,000

Maximum Total Value (3 Years)Up to C$210,000

Additional benefits include

Leadership training

Mentorship programme

Networking with policymakers and scholars

Conferences and masterclasses

Community engagement opportunities

How Long Will the Award Last?

The scholarship is awarded for three years.

Step 1: Eligibility Screening

Review the scholarship eligibility requirements. Submit the online eligibility screening form by 2 October 2026.

Step 2: Full Application

Receive eligibility confirmation from the Foundation. Attend a mandatory information session. Complete the full scholarship application.

Arrange three reference letters

One from your PhD supervisor

One from an additional academic referee

One from a non-academic referee

Upload all required documents. Ensure references are submitted before 30 October 2026. Submit the complete application by 6 November 2026. Await competition results.

Which References are Required?

Reference TypeRequirement

Academic Reference 1PhD Supervisor

Academic Reference 2Additional Academic Referee

Non-Academic ReferenceCommunity, leadership, professional, or social engagement referee

Visit the Application Webpage for Details