Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027 is a competitive doctoral scholarship designed for PhD students with strong academic records, ambitious research projects and the potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

The programme supports doctoral research broadly connected to the humanities and social sciences and addressing issues relevant to Canada's future. An applicant's research must align with at least one of the Foundation's four founding themes:

• Human Rights and Dignity
• Responsible Citizenship
• Canada and the World
• People and their Natural Environment

The scholarship provides more than financial assistance. Scholars become part of a multidisciplinary community that includes other Scholars, Mentors and Fellows from different academic, professional and public-service backgrounds.

Participants can take part in meetings, masterclasses, seminars, field experiences, mentoring and networking activities intended to broaden their perspectives and strengthen their ability to communicate research beyond academia.

The Foundation places particular emphasis on academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, community engagement and an applicant's ability to mobilise knowledge for public benefit.

For the 2027 competition, the application process has been divided into two stages. Prospective applicants first had to complete an eligibility-verification form. Only applicants whose eligibility was confirmed by the Foundation gained access to the complete scholarship application.

• Applicants must be in the first or second year of a PhD programme at the time of application.
• The applicant's doctoral research must be broadly connected to the humanities or social sciences.
• The research must address issues relevant to Canada's future.
• The 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.
• Canadian students studying at a Canadian university may apply.
• Canadian students pursuing a PhD at a university outside Canada may apply.
• International students may apply if they are enrolled in a PhD programme at a Canadian university.
• International students enrolled at universities outside Canada are not eligible.
• Applicants should demonstrate an outstanding academic record and high intellectual ability.
• Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in either English or French.
• Applicants do not need to be fluent in both English and French.
• There is no age limit.
• Applicants whose eligibility was confirmed must provide exactly three references as part of the application process.

• • Up to CAD 50,000 per year for three years towards tuition and living expenses.
  • Up to CAD 20,000 per year for three years for research, networking and travel connected with the doctoral project and Foundation programming.
  • Potential total financial support of up to CAD 210,000 across three years.
  • Mentorship from members of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation community.
  • Participation in meetings, seminars and masterclasses.
  • Experiential and field-based learning opportunities.
  • Networking with Scholars, Mentors and Fellows from different disciplines and sectors.
  • Access to a multidisciplinary community working on major societal issues.
  • Lifelong membership in the Foundation's alumni network of more than 500 individuals.
  • Opportunities to strengthen research communication and knowledge mobilisation beyond academia.

The publicly available 2027 guidance confirms that applicants whose eligibility is approved must complete the Foundation's full application and arrange exactly three reference letters.

Required references are:

• One reference from the applicant's PhD supervisor.
• One reference from another academic referee.
• One reference from a non-academic referee.

The application assessment also considers the applicant's academic record and transcripts.

Applicants must complete all information and supporting material requested through the official Foundation application portal.

The Foundation states that applications are assessed on factors including:

• Academic excellence and an outstanding academic record.
• Intellectual ability and curiosity.
• Quality and rigour of the proposed research.
• Clear alignment between the research and the Foundation's mission.
• Alignment with at least one of the Foundation's four founding themes.
• Relevance of the research to issues shaping Canada's future.
• Potential to advance knowledge.
• Commitment to making a positive impact.
• Leadership potential.
• Community engagement.
• Willingness to participate in dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to share and mobilise knowledge for the benefit of society.

• Substantial doctoral funding: Scholars can receive significant financial support for three years of PhD study.
• Research support: Dedicated annual funding is available for research, travel and networking.
• Leadership development: The programme focuses on developing Scholars whose work can create impact beyond academia.
• Mentorship: Scholars engage with experienced Mentors and Fellows from different sectors.
• Interdisciplinary learning: The programme brings together researchers and leaders from diverse disciplines.
• Public engagement: Scholars are encouraged to communicate their research and contribute to important societal discussions.
• Professional network: Participants join an established community of Scholars, Mentors, Fellows and more than 500 alumni.
• International perspective: Eligible Canadian Scholars may study abroad, while eligible international students studying in Canada may participate.