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Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

Get up to $50,000 a year for three years, plus up to $20,000 a year for research and travel, for your PhD in the humanities or social sciences.

Published by · last checked September 26, 2026

Per year
$50,000
Deadline
Nov 6, 2026
Level
Graduate
Open to
Across Canada

What you will need

  • Application submitted between September 1 and November 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (ET)
  • A research project that aligns with at least one of the Foundation's four themes
  • Letter of reference from your PhD supervisor
  • Letter of reference from another academic referee
  • Letter of reference from a referee outside academia

About this award

You can receive up to $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and living expenses related to your doctoral studies, plus up to $20,000 per year for research and travel. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a doctoral researcher in the humanities or social sciences who wants to address major challenges facing Canada and the world. You must apply between September 1 and November 6, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — email, portal, or phone. The Foundation looks for academic excellence, a compelling research project that addresses issues shaping Canada's future, a strong commitment to making a positive impact, and a willingness to engage in dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing. Ask the Foundation roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. The funding runs for up to three years — confirm with the Foundation what you need to maintain to keep it each year.

Who qualifies

To qualify, your field of study must be broadly related to the humanities or social sciences and address issues relevant to Canada's future. Your PhD research must align with at least one of the Foundation's four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, or People and their Natural Environment. At the time of application, you must be in the first year or the second year of a PhD program. You must be one of the following: a Canadian student enrolled at a Canadian university, a Canadian student enrolled at a university outside Canada, or an international student enrolled at a Canadian university. Please note that international students residing outside Canada or enrolled at a university outside Canada are not eligible.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

  • Canadian citizen, permanent resident or international student
  • Open to graduate students
  • Studying humanities or social sciences

How to apply

  1. Read the award's official page

    Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

  2. Ask for reference letters2 weeks

    Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

  3. Submit your application

    Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

  • Research StatementAvoid writing a purely academic summary. Instead, show how your project addresses issues shaping Canada's future and creates impact beyond the university. Clearly link your work to one of the four Foundation themes.
  • ReferencesAvoid using only professors as referees. Instead, line up all three letters the Foundation asks for: your PhD supervisor, a second academic referee, and one referee from outside academia who can speak to your community engagement. Reach out to your PhD supervisor early to secure their letter.
  • StrategyAvoid focusing only on your grades. Instead, highlight your leadership potential and your commitment to society through specific initiatives or collaborations. Provide evidence of how you share knowledge with others.
  • RealismAvoid assuming your academic record alone will win the award. Instead, recognize that the foundation looks for a combination of excellence, ambition, and a desire to create meaningful social change. Ensure your application balances your research skills with your civic commitment.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

Applications close on November 6, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Yes. It is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 26, 2026

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

$50,000 Apply by Nov 6

Up to $50,000 a year for 3 years, plus up to $20,000 a year for research and travel

fundmycourse.ca/scholarships/pierre-elliott-trudeau-foundation-doctoral-scholarships

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