Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship is a prestigious funding opportunity designed for exceptional doctoral students who are committed to addressing Canada’s most pressing challenges and contributing to global solutions. This scholarship recognizes and supports students with outstanding academic records and exceptional potential to advance knowledge in the humanities and social sciences.

If you’re pursuing a PhD in fields related to human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada’s global role, or environmental sustainability, this is an opportunity to receive substantial financial support while making a meaningful impact on society. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Degree Level: PhD (First or Second Year)
• Host Country: Canada (Canadian universities)
• Study Location: Canada or abroad (Canadian students); Canada only (International students)
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Payment Schedule: Disbursed in three installments per year
• Application Deadline: November 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (ET)
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Substantial annual scholarship funding to support your doctoral studies
• Annual travel allowance to attend conferences and academic events
• Language learning funds to enhance your academic skills
• Flexibility to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while maintaining full scholarship benefits
• Access to university-based opportunities including research assistant, teaching assistant, and lecturer positions
• Leave benefits of up to one year for parental, medical, personal, or professional reasons
• Recognition and prestige from one of Canada’s leading foundation scholarships
• Membership in a distinguished community of scholars committed to social impact
• Support for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing initiatives
• Opportunity to contribute to Canada’s future and address global challenges

Also Check: Gates Scholarship at the University of Cambridge (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be enrolled in the first or second year of a PhD program at the time of application
• Hold Canadian citizenship or be an international student enrolled at a Canadian university
• Pursue doctoral research in the humanities or social sciences
• Ensure your research aligns with at least one of the Foundation’s Four Themes
• Demonstrate academic excellence and exceptional potential
• Show commitment to making a positive impact

Geographic Eligibility

• A Canadian student enrolled at a Canadian university
• A Canadian student enrolled at a university outside Canada
• An international student enrolled at a Canadian university

Student Status

You must be at the time of application:

• In the first year of a PhD program; or
• In the second year of a PhD program

Also Check: President’s PhD Scholarship ın United Kingdom 2026/2027

The Four Foundational Themes:

Human Rights & Dignity

This theme explores how human rights and dignity extend far beyond legal frameworks. Research in this area addresses civil, political, economic, and social rights that are being challenged in our changing society. Scholars examine traditional power imbalances, challenge perceptions and assumptions, and propose solutions to contemporary human rights issues affecting marginalized groups.

Responsible Citizenship

This theme investigates how societies function as integrated wholes in an increasingly globalized world. Research examines changing public and private responsibilities, the impact of misinformation, challenges to democratic processes, and the redefinition of citizenship around the world. Scholars explore how societies can confront new challenges and reallocate responsibilities effectively.

Canada and the World

This theme focuses on Canada’s place, role, and contributions in the global arena. Research addresses Canada’s participation in economic, military, political, environmental, cultural, and religious matters. Scholars examine Canada’s relationships beyond its southern neighbor, the impacts of artificial intelligence, issues of bias and polarization, and Canada’s diverse roles and contributions both domestically and internationally.

People and their Natural Environment

This theme explores the complex relationship between the environment, economic power, and self-determination. Research extends beyond climate change impacts to examine political, social, technological, and economic implications. Scholars investigate topics such as Indigenous peoples’ role in environmental preservation, the link between climate change and economics, environmental rights, ecological stewardship, and the impact of climate change on migration and public health.

Also Check: London South Bank University PhD Scholarships

Application Requirements:

To submit a complete application, you must provide:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating your outstanding academic record
• Research proposal clearly outlining your doctoral project
• Statement of purpose explaining how your research aligns with one of the Foundation’s four themes
• Curriculum vitae highlighting academic achievements and accomplishments
• Three letters of reference:
  • One from your PhD supervisor
  • One from another academic referee
  • One from a referee outside academia

Also Check: Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Doctoral Scholarship in Germany

Working While Receiving the Scholarship:

Yes, you can work while receiving the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship. Scholars may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while continuing to receive the full benefits of the scholarship. Eligible positions include:

• Research assistant roles
• Teaching assistant positions
• Lecturer positions
• Other part-time academic positions at your university or campus

How to Apply:

• Step 1: Check Eligibility
• Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
  • Academic transcripts
  • Research proposal
  • Statement of purpose
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information for three referees
• Step 3: Submit Your Application
• The Foundation will review all applications

Also Check: Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Doctoral Scholarship in Germany