Applications are open for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027 - a prestigious Canadian doctoral scholarship for outstanding PhD students in the humanities and social sciences whose research advances Canada and society.
Scholars can receive an annual stipend of up to CAD $50,000 for three years (tuition and living expenses) plus up to CAD $20,000 per year for research, networking, and travel. The 2027 competition uses a two-step process: confirm eligibility by 2 October 2026, then submit the full application by 6 November 2026 (4:00 p.m. ET).
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship - 2027 competition |
| Organiser | Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation (Canada) |
| Level | Doctoral (PhD) - 1st or 2nd year at time of application |
| Fields | Humanities and social sciences aligned to Foundation themes |
| Annual stipend | Up to CAD $50,000 for up to 3 years |
| Research / travel allowance | Up to CAD $20,000 per year for up to 3 years |
| Eligibility screening deadline | 2 October 2026 |
| References deadline | 30 October 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET |
| Full application deadline | 6 November 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET |
| Info sessions | Mandatory online sessions - weeks of 5 and 12 October 2026 |
| Official apply page | trudeaufoundation.ca/2027-applications |
| Overview | Become a Scholar |
What the Scholarship Offers
- Annual stipend of up to CAD $50,000 for three years for tuition and living expenses
- Annual allowance of up to CAD $20,000 for three years for research, networking, and travel linked to the doctoral project and Foundation programming
- Membership in a community of Scholars, Mentors, and Fellows
- Lifelong access to the Foundation’s alumni network (500+ members)
- Mentorship and leadership development beyond academia
Research Themes
Your PhD research must relate broadly to the humanities or social sciences, be relevant to Canada’s future, and align with at least one Foundation theme:
- Human Rights and Dignity
- Responsible Citizenship
- Canada and the World
- People and their Natural Environment
Who Can Apply
You must be one of the following:
- A Canadian student enrolled at a Canadian university; or
- A Canadian student enrolled at a university outside Canada; or
- An international student enrolled at a Canadian university
Not eligible: international students residing outside Canada or enrolled at a university outside Canada.
At the time of application you must be in the first or second year of a PhD programme.
What Strong Applications Show
- Academic excellence and an outstanding academic record
- A compelling research project addressing issues that shape Canada’s future
- Commitment to positive social impact through initiatives, collaborations, or achievements
- Willingness to engage in dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge sharing
- Leadership potential, intellectual curiosity, and ambition beyond academia
Letters of Reference
You must provide three references:
- One from your PhD supervisor
- One from another academic referee
- One from a referee outside academia
All three must be received by 30 October 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET.
How to Apply (Two Steps)
- Review eligibility on Become a Scholar.
- Complete the eligibility screening form via 2027 Applications by 2 October 2026.
- If confirmed eligible, access the full application form.
- Attend a mandatory online information session (weeks of 5 and 12 October 2026).
- Ensure all three references arrive by 30 October 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET.
- Submit the complete application by 6 November 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET.
Applications that fail eligibility screening are not reviewed. Questions: scholarship2027@trudeaufoundation.ca.
Key Dates - 2027 Competition
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Process opens | 1 September 2026 |
| Eligibility confirmation deadline | 2 October 2026 |
| Mandatory info sessions | Weeks of 5 and 12 October 2026 |
| References due | 30 October 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET |
| Full application due | 6 November 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET |
Official Links
Apply - 2027 Applications (eligibility screening)
Become a Scholar - eligibility & overview
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation - homepage
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Fellowships 2026-2027
- KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) 2027
- YSP Global Policy Brief Competition 2026
- WTO Youth Talent Incubator Programme 2026
- Browse all scholarships
FAQs - Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027
How much funding is available?
Up to CAD $50,000 per year for three years (stipend) plus up to CAD $20,000 per year for research/networking/travel.
What is the first deadline?
2 October 2026 - deadline to request eligibility confirmation. Without confirmation you cannot submit the full application.
Can international students apply?
Yes - if enrolled at a Canadian university. International students outside Canada (or at non-Canadian universities) are not eligible.
Which PhD years are eligible?
First or second year of the PhD at the time of application.
Are STEM / pure science PhDs eligible?
Research must be broadly in the humanities or social sciences and align with at least one Foundation theme.
Are information sessions required?
Yes. Eligible applicants must attend a mandatory online information session in the weeks of 5 and 12 October 2026.
