Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation (“PETF”) is pleased to announce that the2027 Scholarship competition opens on September 1, 2026 to October 23, 2026. The PETF Scholarship offers a three-year leadership program designed to train Engaged Leaders, equipping doctoral candidates with the skills to translate their ideas into action, for the betterment of their communities, Canada, and the world. Scholars will be selected for the leadership program, in addition to receiving generous funding for their studies.

All candidates must to apply directly to the Foundation, via a the application platform. University officials (notably, awards officers) are not required to nominate a limited number of their preferred candidates: the number of candidates from each university is not limited as it has been in the past. All candidates who submit completed applications by the November 6, 2026 at 4:00pm ET, deadline will be reviewed and assessed by the Foundation. During the process, and in the lead-up to interviews, university officials may be asked to confirm the candidate’s academic standing and other credentials related to their studies.

This Scholarship competition recognizes excellence in the humanities and social sciences. The PETF Scholarship offers a three-year leadership program designed to train Engaged Leaders, in addition to offering a stipend of up to $50,000 per year and additional support up to $20,000 annually for research-related travel, and to attend Foundation leadership training institutes and events.

While the Foundation continues to seek scholars with the greatest intellectual capacity and a track record of academic achievement, we are also looking for those demonstrating a willingness to engage with a plurality of perspectives, people, cultures, and ideologies, and who are committed to deep listening, profound curiosity, and exploring grey areas. Accordingly, the Foundation is pleased that its programs are now bearing the emblem of Brave Spaces, accountable and democratic spaces where a multiplicity of ideas may be expressed and debated in an open and welcoming fashion.

The Foundation welcomes applications from candidates in a wide range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, in business schools, public health and law. Candidates’ research must be related to one or more of the Foundation’s four central themes: Human Rights and Dignity; Responsible Citizenship; Canada and the World; and, People and their Natural Environment.

Doctoral students should apply through the Foundation’s platform.

The Foundation remains committed to ensuring that universities in all regions of the country are represented and is committed to recognizing First Nation, Métis, and Inuit scholars in our selection. We are also committed to ensuring diversity in other respects, including gender, race, language, disability, socioeconomic background, and Indigenous knowledge, as well as a plurality of perspectives and disciplines.

Detailed information on the program is available here on the Foundation’s website.