The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship brings together remarkable individuals from various disciplines and backgrounds with a shared interest in making Canada and the world a better place into a life-changing community. It’s about more than money.
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program is one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards, designed to support exceptional students who are committed to addressing pressing societal issues through research and leadership. Named after former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the scholarship focuses on fostering interdisciplinary research in the social sciences and humanities, with an emphasis on areas such as human rights, social justice, responsible citizenship, and global governance. The program seeks to develop future leaders who not only excel academically but also actively contribute to the betterment of society.
Students who are interested in pushing the academic questions of their time. Students who are involved in their communities. And students looking to connect with a community, senior academics, and eminent practitioners.
The scholarship provides generous financial support for up to three years, covering tuition fees and living expenses, allowing scholars to fully dedicate themselves to their research. Beyond financial aid, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers a unique leadership development program. This includes mentorship from experienced professionals, scholars, and leaders from various sectors, as well as the opportunity to participate in retreats, public talks, and networking events with experts and thought leaders. These activities are designed to hone the scholars’ leadership abilities and prepare them to take on key roles in academia, public policy, and civil society.
A distinctive feature of the program is its focus on engaging scholars with real-world challenges and encouraging them to conduct research that has practical implications for policy and social change. Scholars are encouraged to work collaboratively across disciplines and sectors, translating their academic work into actionable insights that can inform public debates and improve societal outcomes.
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship does not only supports academic excellence but also cultivates a strong sense of civic responsibility and leadership in its scholars. By equipping them with the tools, networks, and knowledge to make a lasting impact, the foundation aims to create a community of leaders who are dedicated to advancing social justice and contributing to the public good on a national and global scale.
Benefits
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.
Requirements For The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program.
1. You must be registered or accepted into a full-time doctoral program in year one or two.
2. Your field of study is broadly related to the humanities and social sciences or human sciences and is directly relevant to the future of Canada. (Read more details)
3. Your doctoral work must relate to at least one of the Foundation’s four general themes:
i. Human Rights and Dignity,
ii. Responsible Citizenship,
iii. Canada and the World,
iv. People and their Natural Environment.
4. You must be a Canadian citizen studying at a Canadian or foreign institution. Or you are a permanent resident of Canada or a foreign national enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian institution.
Selection Process
Timeline
- September 9, 2024: Application period opens
- November 20, 2024: Deadline for references
- November 25, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. EST: Application deadline
- January 27, 2025: Semi-finalists notified
- February 10–12, 2025: Virtual group interviews
- February 19, 2025: Finalists invited for individual interviews
- March 10–12, 2025: Final interviews
- May 2025: Official announcement of 2025 Scholars
Method of Application
- When the competition opens, register on the Foundation’s application portal.
- 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.”
- After completing your registration, respond to the questions to create your application for the 2025 Scholarship Competition.
Application Deadline: November 25, 2024.
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