The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its prestigious Scholarship program.
This fully funded opportunity supports doctoral candidates with financial assistance of up to $70,000 per year, including tuition, living expenses, research, travel, and networking costs, while equipping them with the leadership skills needed to make a meaningful global impact.
Program Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Category: PhD Scholarships | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $70,000 per year | Travel and Research Costs
- Deadline: November 17, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is designed to cultivate a new generation of leaders who embody the values of service, inclusivity, audacity, and innovation. Through its Scholarship, Fellowship, and Mentorship initiatives, the Foundation provides scholars with unique opportunities for academic growth, leadership development, and engagement with diverse perspectives.
Selected scholars will participate in in-person and virtual Foundation events, including the Institutes of Engaged Leadership and retreats during their first year. In the second year, they will collaborate to organize the annual Impact Conference, which they will present in the third year of their program. Beyond academic involvement, scholars are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer or community service annually and submit reports of their activities to the Foundation.
The program also emphasizes bilingualism and cultural engagement, encouraging scholars to improve their proficiency in French and English while deepening their understanding of Canada’s Indigenous languages and cultures.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in or already accepted into the first or second year of a full-time doctoral program, with an expected graduation in 2026 or later
- Pursue a field of study broadly related to the humanities or human sciences that directly addresses issues relevant to Canada’s future
- Ensure their doctoral research aligns 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
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or foreign national enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian institution; or a Canadian citizen studying abroad
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will receive:
- Up to $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and living costs
- An additional $20,000 per year for research, travel, and networking expenses
- Leadership development and mentorship opportunities from accomplished leaders across sectors
- Access to language training and Indigenous language learning opportunities
- Lifelong membership in the Foundation’s community of scholars, fellows, and mentors
Key Dates for Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship 2026
- September 9, 2025 (9:00 a.m. EST): Application opens
- September 18, 2025: Awards officers’ meeting (French – 11 a.m. EST; English – 2 p.m. EST)
- October 8, 2025: First candidates’ information session (English – 11:30 a.m. EST; French – 2 p.m. EST)
- October 14, 2025: Second candidates’ information session (French – 11:30 a.m. EST; English – 2 p.m. EST)
- November 12, 2025 (9:00 p.m. EST): Deadline for references
- November 17, 2025 (4:00 p.m. EST): Application deadline
- January 26, 2026: Invitation to semi-finalists for Round One
- February 10–12, 2026: Round One virtual group interviews and sessions
- February 19, 2026: Invitation to finalists for Round Two
- March 10–13, 2026: Final interviews with Selection Committee
- April 10, 2026: Official announcement of selected Scholars
How to Apply
To apply for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026:
- Register on the Foundation’s online application portal
- If you applied in a previous year, use your existing email and select “Forgot Password” instead of creating a new account
- Complete the registration form and provide accurate details
- Fill out the application questions and upload the necessary documents
- Submit your application before the stated deadline
To begin application for this scholarship, click HERE
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