Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

Applications are now open for the 2026 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity for doctoral students passionate about making a positive impact in Canada and beyond. This scholarship supports research in the humanities, social sciences, or human sciences, focusing on themes like Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People and their Natural Environment.

The application deadline is November 17, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EST, with no application fee required. Open to Canadian students (at Canadian or international universities) and international students at Canadian universities, this partially funded scholarship provides financial support and access to a vibrant community of scholars, mentors, and fellows. Candidates must be in their first or second year of a doctoral program and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and openness to diverse perspectives. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Fields of Study: Humanities, social sciences, or human sciences related to Canada’s future.
• Research Themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, People and their Natural Environment.
• Application Open: 9 september, 2025
• Application Deadline: November 17, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EST.
• Application Fee: None.
• Application Process: Apply directly via the Foundation’s online platform; no university nomination required.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 2026 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Citizenship and Study Location:
   • Canadian students studying at a Canadian university.
   • Canadian students studying at an international university.
   • International students studying at a Canadian university.
   • Note: Students at international universities living outside Canada are not eligible.
2. Academic Stage:
   • Be in the first or second year of a doctoral program at the time of application.
   • Note: Students in the final year of their master’s degree are not eligible.
3. Field of Study:
   • Your doctoral work must be in the humanities, social sciences, or human sciences and directly relevant to Canada’s future.
4. Research Themes:
   • Your research must align with at least one of the Foundation’s four themes:
     • Human Rights and Dignity
     • Responsible Citizenship
     • Canada and the World
     • People and their Natural Environment

Golden Opportunity: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026/27 (Fully Funded PhD in UK)

What Makes a Strong Candidate?

The Foundation seeks scholars who embody the following qualities:

1. Academic Excellence and Intellectual Curiosity

• Strong academic record (transcripts, publications, or conference presentations).
• Commitment to research excellence and knowledge dissemination.
• Critical and original thinking about societal issues.

2. Commitment to Diverse Perspectives

• Willingness to engage respectfully with diverse people, cultures, and ideologies.
• Ability to collaborate across differences to achieve goals.

Also Check: National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (Fully Funded)

3. Leadership and Engagement

• Active involvement in academic and community activities.
• Aspiration to take on significant leadership roles.
• Potential to translate research into public benefit.

4. Participation in Foundation Activities

• Commitment to fully participate in Foundation events (conferences, masterclasses, seminars).
• Active and respectful engagement with all participants.

5. Core Values

• Interest in improving proficiency in both English and French.
• Authenticity, integrity, and openness to learning from peers, fellows, and mentors.
• Contribution to diversity in perspectives and disciplines.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete application through the Foundation’s online platform by November 17, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EST. References are due by November 12, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. EST. Universities do not nominate candidates but may promote the scholarship.

Check this amazing scholarship: Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2025-2026

Selection Process

The selection process is multi-staged:

1. Application Review: All completed applications are evaluated.
2. Round One (February 10–12, 2026): Virtual group interviews with semi-finalists.
3. Round Two (March 10–13, 2026): Individual interviews with the Selection Committee.
4. Final Announcement (April 10, 2026): Successful scholars are announced.