The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program will help shape researchers into engaged leaders who are conscious of the impact of their research, connected to the realities of the communities in which they work, and open to non-conventional forms of knowledge. The Foundation is seeking candidates who are audacious, original, and forward-thinking.
The program will last for three years and will also provide generous support for Scholars’ doctoral work in the form of a stipend and a research and travel allowance.
Accepted Subject Areas: Social Sciences and Humanities related studies, preferably one of the following:
- Human Rights and Dignity
- Responsible Citizenship
- Canada and the World
- People and their Natural Environment
Eligibility Criteria
To apply to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- 1) You must be already accepted into or in year one or two of a full-time doctoral program, and expected to complete your doctoral studies in 2026 or later.
- 2) Your field of study is broadly related to the humanities or human sciences of direct relevance to the future of Canada; (please refer to the FAQ for more details and read up on past scholarship recipients)
- 3) Your 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.
- 4) Be a Canadian citizen studying at a Canadian or foreign institution, or a non-Canadian (permanent resident of Canada or foreign national) enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian institution.
Selection:
- Candidates who are committed to a three-year leadership program and who meet the eligibility criteria can apply directly to the Foundation through the application portal.
- Universities play an integral role encouraging candidates to apply, recommending candidates (academic referees) and later, confirming the status of their students and other details.
- The Foundation reviews all applications and shortlisted candidates are invited to group interviews. Finalists proceed to interviews with the Application and Nomination Review Committee (ANRC) who ultimately recommend their choices to the Board of Directors for final approval.
Offered Benefits
If you are chosen as a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar, you will receive:
- Membership in a community of other Scholars, Mentors, and Fellows, all of whom are leaders and change-makers in their respective disciplines and sectors;
- Leadership training from Mentors and Fellows;
- $40,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and reasonable living expenses; and
- Up to $20,000 per year for three years, as a research and travel allowance;
If you are chosen as a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar, you must:
- Attend a community retreat and two Institutes of Engaged Leadership during the first year of your term;
- Collaboratively plan and participate in a conference event during the second year of your term;
- Work with other Scholars, Mentors, and Fellows on a creative knowledge sharing and dissemination project during the third year of your term;
- Work towards fluency in English and French with support from the Foundation;
- Actively engage and collaborate with the Foundation’s community of Scholars, Mentors, and Fellows; and
- Submit one research progress report per year.
