You might remember the moment you first sketched a research idea on a coffee shop napkin. I did too—talking with a mentor in Toronto, watching ideas grow into plans that could matter. That spark is where this program begins: with your research and your leadership potential.
The following pages give clear, step-by-step information so you can open the portal, manage referees, and submit a confident package. Expect concise timelines (November deadlines, February group interviews, March individual interviews, and May decisions) and a full outline of funding: up to $50,000 per year plus $20,000 for travel and networking.
You’ll also learn who fits this opportunity doctoral candidates in humanities and social sciences whose work ties to the Foundation’s four themes and what documents to gather so your story lands with reviewers.
Start here: What the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is and why it matters
Discover how a three‑year leadership programme helps you turn doctoral research into measurable public impact. The pierre elliott trudeau award trains engaged leaders who connect ideas to community, national, and global change.
The elliott trudeau foundation supports work across humanities and social sciences, including business, public health, and law. Your research must relate to one or more of the foundation four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People and their Natural Environment.
- You’ll see how the programme blends funding with cohort leadership activities, mentorship, and national visibility.
- Emphasise curiosity, deep listening, and openness to diverse perspectives in your narrative.
- Show how your project bridges academic rigour and public engagement to speak to rights, dignity, and environment.
For a concise overview of deadlines, funding levels, and next steps, read the full guide.
What you could receive: funding, research travel allowance, and programme length
This section lays out what financial and programmatic support you could receive while you complete your doctorate. The package blends a living stipend with targeted travel funds and three years of cohort leadership activities.
Up to $50,000 per year for living and tuition
Up to $50,000 per year supports tuition and basic living costs so you can focus on your research and leadership work. This amount is offered each year for three years.
Up to $20,000 per year for research travel, networking, and language learning
You may access a research travel allowance of up to $20,000 per year for travel, fieldwork, conferences, and language development. Use it to build partnerships and share results widely.
Three years of support with leadership development
The program runs for three years, combining mentorship, workshops, and cohort activities. Over the full term you could receive up to $210,000 in total stipend plus research travel allowance—supporting your research and public engagement.
| Item | Per year | Total (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Stipend (living & tuition) | $50,000 | $150,000 |
| Research travel allowance | $20,000 | $60,000 |
| Program support (leadership, events) | Included | Included |
Eligibility and fit: are you the right candidate?
Begin with a quick eligibility scan: are you enrolled in (or accepted to) a doctoral program and ready for three years of leadership development alongside your research?
Doctoral status and disciplines in the humanities and social sciences
The programme welcomes candidates from humanities and social sciences, including business schools, public health, and law. You should be positioned to progress through three years of funding and cohort activities.
Aligning your research with the Foundation’s four themes
Fit matters. Make a clear link between your project and at least one theme: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, or People and their Natural Environment.
- Highlight the knowledge your dissertation will add and how you will share findings beyond academia.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, public impact and strong communication.
- Explain how your methods and lived experience show openness to diverse perspectives and deep listening.
Tip: Map each research aim directly to a named theme in plain language. This clarifies fit for reviewers and strengthens your application.
Key dates and timelines for the 2026 competition
Plan your timeline now so you arrive at submission with calm and confidence. The application window is expected to open in Fall 2025, with a hard deadline likely in mid‑late November at 4:00 PM ET/EST. Submit early to avoid technical issues.
Application window, deadlines, and when interviews happen
Use recent precedents 25 November 2024 and 17 November 2025 to plan milestones. Shortlisted candidates are usually contacted in January.
- Group interviews (virtual) typically run in February.
- Final individual interviews occur in March; successful applicants receive notification in May.
- Build a backward timeline: first draft four weeks out; referee follow‑up three weeks out; final proof one week out; technical upload checks 48 hours prior.
Align your budget and research calendar with the likely three years support and per year funding. Always verify exact dates and official information on the foundation website before you finalise your application for the 2026 competition.
Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship apply: step-by-step application process
Create an account on the online portal to open and manage your 2026 application. Verify your email, then start a new form for the competition so the system saves progress as you work.
Create your account and register on the Foundation’s application portal
Applicants apply directly through the portal. Register early to avoid last‑minute access problems and to give referees time to submit their forms.
Complete the application: statements, research relevance, and leadership
Draft your core statements well before the deadline. Focus on a clear research overview, thematic alignment, and examples of leadership and public engagement.
Order and upload transcripts: what to secure and from where
Order official transcripts from every postsecondary institution you attended. Some programs hold copies; confirm what you must request yourself.
Submit before the deadline and confirm receipt
- Upload legible PDFs and name files clearly (LastName_FirstName_Transcript_University.pdf).
- Submit at least 48 hours early and confirm receipt in the portal.
- Keep referees informed until their online referral forms are completed.
Documents and referees: what to prepare to stand out
Gathering the right documents and managing referees early gives your submission a clear edge. Start with a short plan so you meet every portal deadline and present a tight evidence package.
Referees’ online referral forms and timelines
Referees complete a predetermined referral form directly on the portal, so choose two who can speak to both your academic excellence and leadership. Share your CV, a one‑page research summary, and theme notes so they can tailor their responses to the evaluation criteria.
Create a mini‑deadline 10–14 days before the final cutoff and send polite reminders. Confirm submission in the portal; your timely follow‑up often makes the difference between a complete and an incomplete package.
Document checklist: transcripts, CV, research overview, and alignment
Assemble clean PDFs: official transcripts, a concise CV, a focused research overview, and a one‑page alignment brief tying your work to a named theme. If your department holds copies, verify legibility ultimately, the responsibility rests with you.
Also include a short note explaining how travel and networking funds will strengthen partnerships and language skills. For extra guidance, see this concise resource on related fellowships: related funding guidance.
- Tip: Highlight public engagement, communication, and commitment to diversity.
- Tip: Keep each file name clear: LastName_Type_University.pdf.
Selection journey: from group interviews to final decisions
Your selection journey follows a clear, staged path so you know what to expect and when to prepare. Shortlisted candidates are contacted in February for virtual group interviews that assess teamwork, listening, and public communication.
Round one: group interviews in February
Expect a rigorous, two-stage process. The group session tests how you collaborate under time pressure and how you present ideas to others. Panelists look for clarity, respect for different viewpoints, and quick, focused thinking.
Round two: individual interviews in March and notifications by May
If you advance as one of the finalists, you will be invited to an individual interview in March with members of the selection committee. These interviews dig deeper into your research, leadership story, and plans for impact across the programme’s themes.
«Focus on clear, concise answers that bridge academic detail and public relevance.»
- Practise short examples that show leadership under uncertainty and collaboration across differences.
- Refresh talking points on methods, feasibility, ethics, and community engagement.
- Keep your calendar free in February and March; virtual tech checks reduce stress.
If selected in May, prepare to map first‑year milestones and to engage fully in the three years of cohort activities. The selection emphasises academic excellence, leadership, thematic relevance, public engagement, communication, and commitment to diversity.
Ready to apply? Take the next step on the Foundation website
Begin by opening your portal account so you can confirm the official deadline and organise referees early. Create a checklist for transcripts, CV, and your research overview.
Head to the Foundation website to review the current competition guide, then ensure referees submit referral forms on the portal. Note the typical selection timeline: group interviews in February, individual interviews in March, and notifications in May.
Align your proposal to the themes human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada and the world, or people and their natural environment and explain how stipend and travel funds will boost community impact.
Applicants apply directly on the portal once documents and referrals are ready. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline and contact leadership@trudeaufoundation.ca or scholarships@trudeaufoundation.ca with questions.