2027 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship in Canada

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship is aimed at instilling in scholars, values crucial to become engaged Leaders, such as engagement with a plurality of perspectives, service to the community, audacity, and innovation.

Through its Scholarship, Fellowship, and Mentorship programs, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation focuses on the leadership development of our Scholars.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholars must:

• Engage in Foundation in-person and digital events, including custom-designed Institutes of Engaged Leadership and Retreats during the first year of their term.

• Collectively organize a conference event (Impact Conference) during the second year of the leadership program and present this conference during the third year 

• Serve their communities as volunteers: Outside Foundation programming, active Scholars are expected to perform 30 hours of volunteer service or community initiatives each year and report on these activities to the Foundation. 

• Take steps, through formal or informal training, if they are not fluently bilingual in both of Canada’s Official Languages (French and English), to improve their proficiency in the Official Language with which they are less familiar.

• Commit to becoming more familiar with Canada’s Indigenous Languages through the leadership program. 

To be eligible, you must be one of the following:

• A Canadian student enrolled at a Canadian university;

• A Canadian student enrolled at a university outside Canada; or

• An international student enrolled at a Canadian university.

International students residing outside Canada or enrolled at a university outside Canada are not eligible.

At the time of application, you must be:

• in the first year of a PhD program; or

• in the second year of a PhD program.

The strongest applications typically demonstrate:

• Academic excellence, supported by an outstanding academic record.

• A compelling research project that addresses issues shaping Canada’s future.

• A strong commitment to making a positive impact, demonstrated through initiatives, collaborations, or achievements.

A willingness to engage in dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

You must provide three letters of reference:

• One from your PhD supervisor.

• One from another academic referee.

• One from a referee outside academia.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholars receive:

• up to $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and living expenses, along with an additional $20,000 per year for research, travel, and networking costs.

• Membership in a vibrant community of Scholars, Mentors, and Fellows, all of whom are leaders in their respective disciplines and sectors 

• Leadership training from our Mentors and Fellows, including unique experiential learning opportunities that enrich and complement their academic experience  

• Opportunities to acquire greater proficiency in Canada’s official languages (French and English) as well as Indigenous languages 

• Lifelong membership in the Foundation’s alumni network. 

To apply for the 2027 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship,

• 1

  Interested and qualified applicants should apply using the link below 

• 2

  Register on the Foundation’s application portal.

• 3

  Do not create a new account if you have previously applied for the Trudeau Foundation Scholarships.  Enter the email that you previously used and select “Forgot password.”

• 4

  Fill out the application

• 5

  After completing your registration, respond to the questions to create your application for the 2026 Scholarship Competition. 

Best wishes