The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2026 is one of Canada’s most prestigious and competitive funding programs. More than just financial assistance, it is a leadership incubator that brings together outstanding scholars, mentors, and practitioners to create meaningful impact in Canada and beyond.
If you are an ambitious doctoral student who wants to connect your research to real-world change, this scholarship is tailor-made for you.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: September 9, 2025
- Deadline for References: November 12, 2025
- Deadline for Applications: November 17, 2025 (4:00 p.m. EST)
- Second Round Notification: Week of January 26, 2026
- Interview Notifications: February 20, 2026
- Final Interviews: March 10–13, 2026
- Announcement of Scholars: April 10, 2026
Why Apply?
The Trudeau Foundation program focuses on cultivating leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. Scholars are not only awarded funding but also become part of a vibrant interdisciplinary community.
Key Benefits:
- Generous financial support to help you focus on doctoral research.
- Global community of scholars and mentors working on pressing social issues.
- Leadership training and mentorship to expand your impact beyond academia.
- Opportunities to collaborate across sectors and cultural perspectives.
- Unique gateway to Canada’s intellectual and social innovation landscape.
Who Are the Scholars?
Trudeau Scholars are curious, engaged, and driven individuals who:
- Demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
- Show commitment to collaboration and openness to diverse perspectives.
- Exhibit leadership qualities and community involvement.
- Commit to active participation in the Foundation’s programs.
Selection Criteria
The Foundation looks for scholars who embody four pillars:
- Academic Excellence – Strong achievements and original thinking.
- Openness to Plurality – Engaging with diverse ideologies and cultures.
- Leadership & Engagement – Active participation beyond academia.
- Commitment to the Community – Involvement in events, mentorship, and programs.
Eligibility Criteria (2026)
To qualify, applicants must meet the following:
- Student Status:
- Canadian students at Canadian universities.
- Canadian students studying internationally.
- International students studying at Canadian universities.
(Note: International students at universities outside Canada are not eligible.)
- Program Level:
- Must be in the first or second year of a doctoral program at the time of application.
- Final-year master’s students are not eligible.
- Field of Study:
- Research connected to the humanities, social sciences, or human sciences.
- Must be relevant to the future of Canada.
- Research Themes:
Your doctoral research must align with at least one of these:- Human Rights and Dignity
- Responsible Citizenship
- Canada and the World
- People and their Natural Environment
How to Apply
- Register on the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Application Portal.
- Prepare Documents including transcripts, references, and a strong research proposal.
- Submit Before Deadlines (References by November 12, 2025, and Applications by November 17, 2025).
- Attend Candidate Info Sessions on October 8 & 14, 2025 (English and French).
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship goes beyond financial support. It integrates mentorship, leadership training, and community engagement into its core, helping scholars influence public debate and drive positive change in society.
Final Thoughts
For international students studying in Canada, this fully funded scholarship is a rare opportunity to join an extraordinary network of innovators and leaders.
The 2026 competition closes on November 17, 2025 — so start preparing now. Craft a compelling application that reflects your commitment to research, leadership, and public engagement.
