The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada, designed to support exceptional doctoral candidates committed to making a real-world impact through research in the humanities and social sciences. Every year, this foundation selects up to fifteen scholars from Canada and around the world who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence, creativity, and leadership potential.
This PhD scholarship in Canada empowers scholars to become global leaders by supporting their studies financially and intellectually. Scholars benefit from a vibrant community of mentors, fellows, and alumni who work together to address global challenges and foster meaningful social change. The foundation emphasises four core themes—Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada in the World, and People and their Natural Environment—making it a unique opportunity for those eager to lead transformative research and action.
Brief Description
| Scholarship Name | Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026 |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Canada |
| Degree Level | PhD Degree |
| Host Institutions | Participating Canadian Universities |
| Scholarship Duration | 3 Years |
| Scholarship Value | Up to CAD $60,000 per year |
| Number of Awards | Up to 15 Scholarships |
| Application Deadline | 17 November 2025 |
| Course Start Date | May or September 2026 |
| Official Website | Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation |
This Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026 not only covers tuition and living expenses but also includes leadership training, language development opportunities, and lifelong membership in a global community of changemakers.
Subjects Offered
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026 supports doctoral research in fields related to the humanities and social sciences, including but not limited to:
Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada in the World, People and their Natural Environment, Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, International Relations, Law, Environmental Studies, Anthropology, Philosophy, Education, History, and related disciplines.
These subjects focus on addressing critical global challenges that align with Canada’s national and international priorities, ensuring that scholars contribute to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.
Degree Offered
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026 funds PhD (Doctoral) degree programs at recognised Canadian universities. The selected candidates may pursue their research in any institution that aligns with the foundation’s academic and thematic focus areas.
The program supports students enrolled in their first or second year of doctoral studies, ensuring they have sufficient time to fully engage with the Foundation’s leadership development and academic enrichment programs.
Benefit
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026 offers comprehensive financial and professional benefits to help scholars excel academically and personally:
- CAD $40,000 per year for three years to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
- Up to CAD $20,000 per year for three years for research, travel, and accommodation costs related to leadership programs, fieldwork, and academic networking.
- Exclusive leadership training delivered by mentors and fellows who are leaders in academia, government, and the private sector.
- Language learning support for improving proficiency in English, French, and Indigenous languages.
- Membership in a lifelong community of scholars, mentors, and fellows provides unmatched networking and collaboration opportunities.
This scholarship goes beyond financial aid—it cultivates leadership, intellectual growth, and global awareness, enabling scholars to transform their ideas into impactful social innovation.
Eligible Nationality
Applicants eligible for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026 include:
- Canadian citizens studying at a Canadian or international university.
- International students are enrolled in a Canadian university.
Note: Candidates studying at foreign institutions and residing outside Canada are not eligible for this scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Enrollment Status:
You must be in the first or second year of a PhD program at the time of application. Students completing their master’s degree are not eligible.Field of Study:
Your doctoral research should be broadly related to the humanities or social sciences, addressing issues that are relevant to Canada’s future.Research Themes:
Your research must relate to at least one of the following four foundation themes:
- Human Rights and Dignity
- Responsible Citizenship
- Canada in the World
- People and Their Natural Environment
University Nomination:
Candidates must be nominated by their university. Independent applications without institutional endorsement will not be accepted.
These criteria ensure that the scholarship supports individuals who not only excel academically but also demonstrate a strong commitment to community leadership and social progress.
How to Apply
Applying for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026 involves a multi-step process that requires both candidate initiative and university participation. Follow these steps carefully:
Online Registration:
Visit the official Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation website and create an online profile through their application portal.Application Submission:
Complete the required application form and upload all necessary documents, including your research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, and reference letters.University Nomination:
After submitting your application, your university reviews your file and conducts an internal selection process. Only nominated candidates are forwarded to the Foundation.Foundation Evaluation:
The Foundation reviews nominated candidates and conducts interviews for the final selection.Deadline:
Universities must submit their nominations by 17 November 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EST. However, internal university deadlines are often earlier—applicants should confirm dates with their institution.
For detailed instructions and to begin your application, visit the official scholarship portal linked below.
Apply Now
Interested in shaping a better world through research and leadership? The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026 invites passionate PhD students to become part of an inspiring global community. Apply now through the official link below to embark on your journey toward academic excellence and impactful social change.
