The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Programme is a prestigious initiative in Canada aimed at supporting outstanding doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities. Named after former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, this program is dedicated to cultivating a generation of leaders who are committed to tackling pressing global issues. The scholarship is fully funded and offers a range of resources, including financial support, leadership training, and mentorship, helping scholars become active agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.
In this guide, we’ll explore the details of the 2025 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Programme, including eligibility, benefits, the application process, and tips for a successful application.
Overview of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is an award for Canadian and international students pursuing doctoral research in areas that align with the Foundation’s focus on critical societal issues. The scholarship program is built around three key objectives:
- Encouraging Innovative Research: Scholars are selected based on their research’s potential to impact public policy and address social challenges.
- Developing Leadership Skills: The program includes a unique leadership curriculum that prepares scholars to be empathetic, informed, and resilient leaders.
- Building Community: The Foundation fosters a close-knit community where scholars, mentors, and fellows collaborate on initiatives and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Scholarship Benefits
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship offers substantial financial and professional support, providing scholars with a unique combination of resources that go beyond funding. Benefits include:
- Financial Support: Scholars receive a stipend of up to $40,000 CAD per year for three years, intended to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Research and Travel Allowance: An additional $20,000 CAD per year is provided for research-related expenses, such as fieldwork, conference travel, and other academic-related costs.
- Leadership Training: The Foundation offers an intensive leadership development program that includes workshops, retreats, and hands-on training with experts across various fields.
- Mentorship: Each scholar is paired with a mentor who is a leader in their field. Mentors provide guidance, insight, and valuable networking opportunities.
- Access to a Diverse Network: Scholars gain access to an alumni network of previous scholars, fellows, and mentors, enhancing professional growth and collaborative potential.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements:
Enrollment in a Doctoral Program
- Doctoral Program Requirement: Applicants must be enrolled in the first or second year of a full-time doctoral program in the social sciences or humanities at an accredited Canadian or international university.
Research Focus on Societal Issues
- Relevance to Foundation Themes: Research topics should align with the Foundation’s areas of focus, which include issues of human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada’s place in the world, and the environment.
Leadership and Community Engagement
- Demonstrated Leadership and Commitment to Community: Candidates should have a proven track record of community involvement, volunteer work, or other forms of social engagement.
Nationality
- Canadian and International Applicants: The scholarship is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
Language Proficiency
- Language Skills: Applicants should be proficient in either English or French, Canada’s two official languages, to participate effectively in the program’s activities.
Areas of Focus for the 2025 Scholarship
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation encourages research projects that address one or more of its four priority areas:
- Advertising -
- Human Rights and Dignity: Research that explores and promotes justice, equity, human rights, and dignity in society.
- Responsible Citizenship: Projects that foster civic responsibility, public engagement, and strong community values.
- Canada in the World: Studies that examine Canada’s role on the global stage, with a focus on diplomacy, foreign policy, and international cooperation.
- People and Their Natural Environment: Research that addresses environmental sustainability, climate change, and the interrelationship between people and their natural surroundings.
Scholars are encouraged to pursue research that can contribute to real-world solutions and public policy improvements in these areas.
Application Process for the 2025 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
Applying for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship involves several steps, including preparing and submitting an online application. Here is a breakdown of the process:
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
- Create an Online Application Account: Begin by creating an account on the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation’s scholarship application portal.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Fill in your personal information, academic background, and research proposal details. The form will require information on your past academic achievements, research interests, and leadership experience.
- Submit a Research Proposal: Provide a detailed outline of your doctoral research project, explaining its objectives, methodology, and relevance to one of the Foundation’s priority themes. Emphasize how your research contributes to societal change.
- Write a Statement of Leadership and Community Engagement: Highlight your leadership experiences, community involvement, and any initiatives you have led or participated in that align with the Foundation’s mission. Be specific about your contributions and the impact you hope to achieve.
- Upload Required Documents: This includes academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and a language proficiency test if applicable.
- Submit Letters of Recommendation: Obtain two or more letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can attest to your research capabilities, character, and leadership potential.
- Finalize and Submit the Application: Review your application for completeness and accuracy before submitting it through the online portal by the deadline.
Important Deadlines
The application deadline for the 2025 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is typically in December. It’s advised to check the Foundation’s official website for specific deadlines as they may vary annually.
Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship selection process is highly competitive. Here’s how applicants are evaluated:
Evaluation Criteria
- Academic Excellence: The Foundation seeks candidates with a strong academic record and proven research skills.
- Impact of Research: Priority is given to candidates whose research has the potential to address pressing societal issues and create tangible solutions.
- Leadership and Engagement: The selection committee looks for evidence of leadership ability, as well as active engagement in the community.
- Commitment to Foundation Themes: Applicants who demonstrate a clear commitment to the Foundation’s themes and values are prioritized.
Interview and Notification
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in an interview to further assess their fit for the scholarship. Successful applicants are usually notified by March and officially welcomed as scholars soon after.
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholar Experience
Scholars in the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation program experience a holistic approach to personal, academic, and professional growth.
Leadership Training and Mentorship
The Foundation’s leadership training program combines workshops, retreats, and one-on-one mentorship to build scholars’ confidence, empathy, and leadership skills. Scholars are paired with experienced mentors from various sectors who provide guidance and support throughout the program.
Networking Opportunities and Community Engagement
Scholars gain access to a dynamic network of thought leaders, experts, and fellow scholars from diverse fields. Through events, conferences, and seminars, scholars are encouraged to collaborate on projects and engage with the broader community.
Annual Institutes
The Foundation organizes annual institutes where scholars, mentors, and fellows gather to explore specific issues, learn from each other, and engage in discussions that advance their collective knowledge and insights.
Tips for a Strong Application
Given the competitiveness of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, here are some tips for a successful application:
Write a Compelling Research Proposal
Clearly define the problem your research aims to address, outline your methodology, and discuss the expected impact. Be specific about how your project aligns with the Foundation’s themes.
Emphasize Leadership and Community Involvement
Use specific examples to highlight your leadership experiences and community engagement. Detail how these activities have shaped your vision and commitment to societal change.
Choose References Wisely
Select references who know your academic and leadership capabilities well. Ensure they understand the values and objectives of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation so they can provide relevant insights.
For more information
