What if your PhD came with not just funding, but a network of researchers, mentors, fellows, and global leaders?
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship 2027 supports exceptional doctoral researchers working in the humanities and social sciences, combining substantial financial support with leadership development, mentorship, and research opportunities.
The scholarship can provide up to CAD $210,000 over three years, making it a significant funding opportunity for eligible PhD students in Canada.
Quick Facts: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
- Opportunity Type: Doctoral Scholarship
- Host Organization: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
- Study Level: PhD / Doctoral
- Study Location: Canada
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- Total Funding: Up to CAD $210,000
- Annual Tuition & Living Support: Up to CAD $50,000
- Annual Research, Travel & Networking Allowance: Up to CAD $20,000
- Application Fee: None
- Nationality: Canadian students studying in Canada or abroad; international students of any nationality studying at a Canadian university
- Degree Required: Doctoral program
- Academic Stage: Must be in Year 1 or Year 2 of a full-time doctoral program at the time of application
- Age Limit: None
- Work Experience: None
- Eligible Fields: Humanities and Social Sciences
- Research Themes: Human Rights and Dignity; Responsible Citizenship; Canada and the World; People and their Natural Environment
- Final Application Deadline: November 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET
- First Important Deadline: October 2, 2026; eligibility screening request
Who Can Apply?
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is specifically designed for doctoral students whose research falls broadly within the humanities or social sciences and addresses complex issues affecting society.
Canadian Students
Canadian students can apply if they are enrolled at:
- A Canadian university, or
- A university outside Canada.
International Students
International applicants from any nationality can apply provided they are enrolled at a Canadian university.
International students enrolled at universities outside Canada are not eligible according to the provided criteria.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The financial package can reach CAD $210,000 over three years.
Tuition & Living Support
Up to CAD $50,000 per year for tuition and living expenses.
Research & Professional Development
An additional CAD $20,000 per year can support:
- Research activities
- Travel
- Networking
- Project milestones
- Foundation programming
There are no application fees for the Foundation scholarship.
Research Themes
Your doctoral research must align with at least one of the Foundation’s four themes:
- Human Rights and Dignity
- Responsible Citizenship
- Canada and the World
- People and their Natural Environment
Important Application Process
This isn’t a single-step application.
Step 1 — Eligibility Screening
Deadline: October 2, 2026
Applicants must first complete the online eligibility screening. Only candidates confirmed as eligible can proceed to the full application.
Step 2 — Information Sessions
Information sessions are scheduled during the weeks of October 5 and October 12, 2026 for applicants who pass the eligibility stage.
Step 3 — Reference Letters
Deadline: October 30, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET
Three reference letters are required:
- PhD supervisor
- Academic referee
- Non-academic referee
Step 4 — Final Application
Deadline: November 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET
Eligible candidates must submit the completed application by this deadline.
Why This Scholarship Is Different
Beyond financial support, the program connects scholars with a broader community of mentors, fellows, and leaders, creating opportunities for professional development, research collaboration, and leadership development alongside doctoral study.
If you’re already in the first or second year of a PhD in Canada, the first date to watch is October 2, 2026—the eligibility screening deadline.
What could you do with CAD $210,000 behind your PhD research? Subscribe to Potenue to discover more fully funded opportunities before their deadlines arrive.