The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for outstanding doctoral students in Canada.
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident pursuing a PhD at a Canadian university, or an international student enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian institution, this scholarship could be your ticket to academic success and leadership development.
About the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship
Offered by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, this scholarship aims to build a community of creative and critical thinkers who will address complex societal issues.
The scholarship provides generous funding, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities to help shape the next generation of engaged leaders and change-makers.
Key features of the scholarship include:
- Substantial financial support of up to $60,000 per year for three years
- Unique experiential learning through the Foundation’s leadership program
- Mentorship from distinguished leaders across sectors
- Opportunity to interact with an exceptional community of Scholars, Fellows and Mentors
- Membership in a vibrant alumni network of academic and public leaders
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2025 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship, you must:
- Be registered in or accepted to a full-time doctoral program in year one or two
- Be studying in a field related to humanities or social sciences that is relevant to the future of Canada
- Have research interests that align with one of the Foundation’s four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, or People and their Natural Environment
- Be a Canadian citizen studying at a Canadian or foreign institution, a permanent resident of Canada, or a foreign national enrolled at a Canadian university
Candidates are evaluated based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and desire to engage in public dialogue and contribute to their communities.
Courses and Research Areas
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship supports doctoral research across a wide range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities.
Some examples of eligible fields include:
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Economics
- Law
- History
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Education
- Communications
Your research must relate to at least one of the Foundation’s four central themes and be of relevance to building a better future for Canada.
Scholars explore complex issues such as social inequality, climate change, Indigenous rights, global governance, and responsible innovation.
Benefits and Support
Generous funding package
The scholarship provides up to $40,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and living expenses, plus up to $20,000 annually for research and travel allowances.
This substantial support allows Scholars to focus on their doctoral work and actively engage with communities.
Leadership training
Trudeau Scholars benefit from the Foundation’s targeted leadership training program.
Through seminars, workshops and a community of peers and mentors, Scholars gain skills to translate their research into action and navigate complex policy issues.
Mentorship opportunities
Each Scholar is paired with a Trudeau Mentor, an accomplished leader in the public, private, or nonprofit sector.
Mentors provide guidance and share insights from their professional and lived experiences, helping Scholars expand their networks and knowledge.
Engaged community
As a Trudeau Scholar, you join a diverse and supportive community united by a shared commitment to critical thinking and public engagement.
Scholars have opportunities to collaborate, learn from each other, and build lasting connections.
Language learning support
The scholarship encourages Scholars to enhance their proficiency in both of Canada’s official languages and Indigenous languages.
Financial support is available for language learning and cultural immersion.
How to Apply
The application process involves several key steps:
- Check eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above.
- Contact your university: Inform the awards office at your institution that you intend to apply. Each university has its own internal selection process and deadlines.
- Register for an account: Click here to apply on the Foundation’s portal when the competition opens on September 9, 2024. If you have previously applied, log in using your existing credentials.
- Complete the application: Fill out the online form, upload transcripts, and provide contact information for your referees. Your referees will receive an email with instructions to submit their letters.
- Submit by the deadline: The final deadline to apply directly to the Foundation is November 25, 2024 at 4:00 pm EST.
Universities must forward their nominations to the Foundation by December 2, 2024.
The Foundation then evaluates all nominated candidates through a rigorous selection process involving semi-finalist and finalist interviews.
Application Timeline
- September 9, 2024: Application period opens
- November 20, 2024: Deadline for references
- November 25, 2024 (4:00 pm EST): Deadline to apply to the Foundation
- January 27, 2025: Semi-finalists invited to virtual interviews
- February 10-12, 2025: Round One interviews
- March 10-12, 2025: Final interviews with Selection Committee
- May 2025: 2025 Scholars announced
The Foundation also offers virtual information sessions in October 2024 for interested applicants.
Conclusion
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for doctoral students to advance their research and develop as engaged leaders.
If you are passionate about using your work to build a better future for Canada and the world, apply now for this transformative experience.
Join a vibrant community of Scholars, Fellows and Mentors united by a shared commitment to innovation, critical thinking, and public engagement.
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