Scholarships Future

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship is a fully funded PhD scholarship that supports students studying in Canada or abroad. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships invites applications from international students who want to pursue PhD degree at Canadian Universities. Beneficiaries of the Trudeau Scholarship receive significant financial support, including a substantial annual stipend, research funding, and a unique leadership training program. This scholarship is highly competitive, aiming to foster innovative thinking and contribute to impactful research. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship brings together remarkable individuals from various disciplines and backgrounds with a shared interest in making Canada and the world a better place into a life-changing community. It’s about more than money.

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, established in 2001, is an independent, non-partisan organization that promotes academic research and leadership development. Foundation Scholars will participate in various Foundation events. Events range from conferences to Leadership skills training and Masterclass, from shared publications with Fellows and Mentors to public policy seminars to test the practicability of their research. The scholarship is open to both Canadian and international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and a dedication to public policy and social issues.  Application deadline: November 25, 2024.


The scholarship is available to PhD students at Canadian or international institutions. Eligible programs focus primarily on humanities, social sciences, and human sciences, with research relevant to Canadian society and aligned with one or more of the following themes:

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

The scholarship primarily supports PhD programs in fields such as:

  • Humanities: Philosophy, History, Literature
  • Social Sciences: Political Science, Sociology, Economics
  • Environmental Studies: Climate Policy, Conservation Research
  • Public Policy and Human Rights
Program Duration
  • Typical PhD duration in Canada: 3 to 6 years, depending on the field and research scope.

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship focuses on doctoral research in fields related to social, environmental, and policy issues relevant to Canada’s future. Scholars are expected to contribute meaningfully to the following core study areas:

1. Humanities

  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Literature
  • Ethics

2. Social Sciences

  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Anthropology
  • Economics

3. Public Policy & Law

  • Governance and Public Policy
  • Human Rights and Dignity
  • Citizenship and Democracy
  • International Relations

4. Environmental and Sustainability Studies

  • Environmental Policy
  • Climate Change and Conservation
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Natural Resource Management

These interdisciplinary areas must align with at least one of the Foundation’s four main themes:

  1. Human Rights and Dignity
  2. Responsible Citizenship
  3. Canada and the World
  4. People and their Natural Environment

The scholarship aims to empower scholars to develop knowledge with a focus on social impact and leadership, often encouraging innovative and policy-relevant research to address pressing societal challenges

  • $50,000 per year for tuition and living expenses (three years)
  • $20,000 per year for research, networking and travel
  • Inclusion in a vibrant community of Scholars, Fellows and Mentor
  • Exchanges and inspiration by and from Mentors and Fellows, including unique experiential learning opportunities
  • Encouragement and support for you to learn or improve your language knowledge in both official languages.
    Inclusion in a large community of more than 500 alumni and alumnae of the Foundation
  • Access to networking events and skill development programs
  • Network with successful alumni and alumnae.
  • Health insurance
  • Dependent support
  • Relocation costs (if moving internationally)

Nationality :

  • A Canadian student studying at a Canadian university
  • A Canadian student studying at an international university
  • An international student studying at a Canadian university
  • Academic Requirements :
  • Be in the process of completing a Master’s program (completed no later than summer 2025)
  • Be in the first year of a doctoral program
  • Be in your second year of a doctoral program
  • Field of study is broadly related to the humanities and social sciences or human sciences 
  • Research must be connected to Canada’s future and fit within the Foundation’s themes.
  • Your doctoral work must relate to at least one of the Foundation’s four general themes: 
  • Human Rights and Dignity 
  • Responsible Citizenship
  • Canada and the World
  • People and their Natural Environment.

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  • Academic transcripts
  • Detailed research proposal
  • CV (curriculum vitae)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Responses to specific essay questions
  • Standardized data for statistical reporting on basic demographics.
  • Communicate language skills to be considered for an interview.
  • Respond to inquiries regarding your communication and leadership style.
  • A concise description of PhD project.
  • Describe training, honors, and pertinent work experience.
  • Upload transcripts for every post-secondary course of study, with the possible exception of CEGEP.
  • Attest that you have read and comprehended the main policies of the Foundation.
  1. Register on the Trudeau Foundation portal (available from September 9, 2024).
  2. Complete the application form and upload the required documents.
  3. Ensure referees submit their recommendations by November 20, 2024.
  4. Applications must be finalized by 4:00 p.m. EST, November 25, 2024.
  5. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in early 2025, with final results announced in May 2025.
  1. Register on the Trudeau Foundation portal (available from September 9, 2024).
  2. Complete the application form and upload the required documents.
  1. Session 1 for Scholarship Applicants
  2. October 10, 2024 @ 10:30 a.m. EST (French)
  3. October 10, 2024 @ 2 p.m. EST (English)
  1. Session 2 for Scholarship Applicants
  2. October 22, 2024 @ 10:30 a.m. EST (French)
  3. October 22, 2024 @ 2 p.m. EST (English)
  1. How to Participate in the Information Sessions
  2. The sessions will take place via Zoom. 
  3. You may attend by video or by phone. 
  4. If you require additional assistance to participate, contact us.
  5. Connection details will be shared only with those who register for the sessions. Please fill out the form to register.
  1. Register on the Trudeau Foundation portal (available from September 9, 2024).
  2. Complete the application form and upload the required documents.
  3. Ensure referees submit their recommendations by November 20, 2024.
  4. Applications must be finalized by 4:00 p.m. EST, November 25, 2024.
  5. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in early 2025, with final results announced in May 2025.
  • Align your research proposal closely with the Foundation’s core themes.
  • Highlight leadership qualities and community involvement.
  • Ensure all required documents are prepared well in advance.
  • Proofread all submissions carefully to avoid errors.

The monthly cost of living in Canada can vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and accommodation. Here is an average breakdown:

ExpenseCost (CAD)
Accommodation700–1,500
Food and Groceries300–400
Transportation100–150
Utilities & Internet150–200
Miscellaneous (clothing, leisure)200–300

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: CAD 1,300–2,300

  • Cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to have higher living costs, especially for rent.
  • Smaller cities or student residences may offer more affordable options.
  • Health insurance and other fees are usually additional costs for international students​


The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship provides not just financial support but also mentorship and leadership development, preparing scholars to become future leaders. It emphasizes social impact, networking, and interdisciplinary learning, making it ideal for those passionate about driving change.


Visit the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation website for further details and to access the application portal.

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