| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Founded: 2001
Named after: Pierre Elliott Trudeau (1919–2000)
Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Funding: An initial endowment of $125 million CAD from the Government of Canada
Activities:
Scholarships for doctoral students
Fellowships for distinguished scholars
Mentorships pairing scholars with experienced leaders in various fields
Public events and policy discussions to engage Canadians on pressing social issues
The Foundation supports work in areas aligned with Pierre Trudeau’s values, including:
Human rights and dignity
Responsible citizenship
Canada and the world
People and the natural environment
This is a three-year program designed for exceptional doctoral students. It combines academic support with leadership training and public engagement.
Scholarship Funding:
Up to $60,000 CAD per year for tuition, living expenses, travel, and research.
Leadership Development:
Scholars participate in a Leadership Program that includes workshops, seminars, retreats, and public policy discussions.
Training is designed to develop engaged leaders who can bridge academic research and real-world impact.
Language and Communication Training:
Emphasis on bilingualism (English and French).
Support for communication skills and public engagement.
Mentorship:
Scholars are paired with mentors from various fields such as business, public service, and the arts.
Interdisciplinary Learning:
Focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration, often involving scholars, mentors, and fellows from diverse fields.
Public Engagement:
Scholars are encouraged to work with communities and policymakers on issues of public concern.
Must be pursuing a doctoral degree in the humanities or social sciences.
Must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or foreign students enrolled in a Canadian doctoral program.
Must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to public engagement.
This is not a university course, but a supplementary program to a doctoral degree that enhances both academic and leadership capabilities.
1. Program Type:
Not a university – the Foundation supports PhD students through funding and leadership development.
Open to international doctoral students who are enrolled or accepted into a full-time PhD program at a Canadian university.
2. Scholarship Eligibility for International Students:
Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a PhD program in Canada.
The research must relate to one or more of the Foundation’s core themes:
Human Rights and Dignity
Responsible Citizenship
Canada and the World
People and the Natural Environment
3. Support Provided:
Up to $60,000 CAD per year for three years (includes tuition, travel, research, and living expenses).
Participation in a three-year leadership program, with mentorship and retreats across Canada.
Opportunities to engage in public policy discussions and community-based research.
4. Language Requirements:
Bilingualism (English and French) is encouraged.
Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in at least one of the two official languages.
5. Application Requirements:
Must apply through the Foundation’s official website when the call for applications is open.
Requires a research proposal, CV, reference letters, and confirmation of PhD program enrollment or acceptance.
No undergraduate or master’s programs are offered or supported.
The Foundation’s scholarship is only for PhD-level study.
International students must study at a Canadian institution to be eligible.
Step |
Details |
|---|---|
|
1. Eligibility Check |
Must be enrolled (or accepted) in a full-time PhD program at a Canadian university. Research must align with the Foundation’s core themes. |
|
2. Online Application |
Applications are submitted through the Foundation’s online portal during the annual intake (usually opens in Fall, closes in Winter). |
|
3. Application Documents |
You must submit: |
|
4. University Endorsement |
Some universities pre-screen applicants and nominate or endorse candidates before submission to the Foundation. |
|
5. Shortlisting |
Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s selection committees for academic excellence, leadership potential, and public engagement. |
|
6. Interviews |
Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in panel interviews with scholars, mentors, and staff. |
|
7. Final Selection |
Approximately 12–20 scholars are selected annually. Successful applicants begin the program in the following academic year. |
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Program |
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Doctoral Scholarship |
|
Intake Frequency |
Once per year |
|
Application Period |
Typically opens in Fall (September/October) and closes in Winter (December/January) |
|
Program Start |
Successful candidates begin the leadership program in the following academic year (usually September) |
|
Number of Awards |
Approximately 12 to 20 scholars selected annually |
Category |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Level of Study |
Must be enrolled or accepted into a full-time PhD program in the humanities or social sciences |
|
Institution |
Must be at a Canadian university |
|
Research Focus |
Research must align with one or more of the Foundation’s four key themes: |
|
Citizenship |
Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students |
|
Academic Excellence |
Must have a strong record of academic achievement |
|
Leadership Potential |
Must demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to public engagement |
|
Language Skills |
Ability to communicate in English or French is required; bilingualism is an asset |
Scholarship Name |
Level |
Eligibility |
Duration |
Value (USD/year) |
Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship |
PhD (Doctorate) |
- Enrolled or accepted in a PhD program at a Canadian university |
3 years |
Up to ~$44,000 (≈$60,000 CAD) |
- Tuition |
Facility |
Availability |
Details |
Estimated Cost (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Campus |
Not applicable |
No physical campus – operates from an office in Montreal, Quebec |
N/A |
|
Student Housing |
Not provided by Foundation |
Students live at their respective university campuses |
~$6,000 – $12,000 |
|
Accommodation Subsidy |
Included in scholarship |
The Foundation provides a stipend that covers accommodation and living costs |
Included in $44,000 award |
|
Meals & Dining |
Not provided by Foundation |
Students use university dining services or personal arrangements |
~$2,000 – $4,000 |
As a Trudeau Scholar, student life is shaped by intellectual engagement, community involvement, and leadership development. Here's what it typically involves:
Academic Pursuit
Scholars continue their PhD studies at their chosen Canadian university. Their research is expected to align with one or more of the Foundation’s core themes: human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada in the world, and the environment.
Leadership Development Program
Over three years, scholars attend leadership institutes, workshops, and public events hosted across Canada. These experiences expose them to national issues, community perspectives, and diverse leadership styles.
Mentorship
Each scholar is paired with a mentor—an established leader in public service, academia, the arts, or business. This mentorship provides guidance, expands networks, and enhances career readiness.
Community and Networking
The Foundation fosters a vibrant community of scholars, fellows, and mentors. Scholars form strong personal and professional bonds through retreats, conferences, and collaborative events, both in-person and virtual.
Public Engagement
Scholars are encouraged to take their research beyond academia, engaging with communities, media, and policymakers. They are often involved in dialogues on social issues, policy change, or civic activism.
Cultural and Language Exposure
The Foundation values Canada’s bilingual and multicultural identity. Many activities are bilingual (English and French), and scholars often travel across the country, learning about Indigenous cultures and regional diversity.
Overall, student life through the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation is academically intense, socially engaging, and deeply tied to leadership and service.
Academic Careers: Many scholars become professors, researchers, or academic leaders at top universities in Canada and internationally.
Public Sector & Policy: Alumni often move into high-level roles in government, diplomacy, law, or public policy.
Nonprofit and NGO Leadership: Some scholars take leadership roles in organizations focused on human rights, Indigenous issues, climate justice, and more.
Media & Journalism: Scholars with a background in communications or public affairs sometimes enter media or advocacy roles.
Private Sector: A smaller number enter consulting, innovation, or socially conscious business roles, particularly in areas that align with their PhD research.
Mentorship Program: Scholars are paired with experienced leaders in various sectors who guide them professionally and personally.
Leadership Training: Workshops and institutes improve communication, policy influence, ethical leadership, and cross-sector collaboration.
National Exposure: Scholars participate in public dialogues, media interviews, and major national events, giving them professional visibility.
Alumni Network: A robust community of alumni helps with networking, collaboration, and career development across multiple fields.
The Foundation receives hundreds of applications each year from across Canada and internationally.
Only about 12 to 20 scholars are selected annually.
This suggests an estimated acceptance rate of around 3% to 5%.
It targets top-tier PhD students with exceptional academic records.
Applicants must show outstanding leadership potential and a strong commitment to public engagement and social impact.
The selection process includes rigorous review, university endorsement, and panel interviews.
Quality and relevance of the research project
Alignment with the Foundation’s core themes (human rights, citizenship, etc.)
Leadership experience and potential
Academic excellence
Ability to engage with diverse communities and ideas
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
600-1980 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal, Quebec H3H 1E8
Canada