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 G Paul · last checked September 26, 2026
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.
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.
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.
Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.
Applications close on November 6, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.
Yes. It is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.
FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 26, 2026
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