Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation · All India
| Scheme Name | Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship |
| Provided By | Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation |
| Eligibility Summary | PhD · No income limit |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 2 October 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
$70,000 (approx. ₹47.2 Lakh+)
The scholarship provides up to CAD $70,000 per year for a maximum of three years. This includes up to CAD $50,000 annually for tuition and living expenses, and an additional up to CAD $20,000 per year for research and travel costs related to doctoral studies. Converted to INR (using an approximate rate of 1 CAD = 61 INR), this amounts to an estimated annual value of up to ₹4,270,000, with a minimum of ₹3,050,000 specifically for tuition and living expenses. Disbursement details such as payment schedule and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts are not specified, as this is a Canadian scholarship for studies at Canadian institutions.
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Degree Level:Exclusively for students enrolled in a PhD program. The Foundation does not provide funding for undergraduate, master's, or postdoctoral studies.
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Year of Program:At the time of application, candidates must be in the first or second year of a full-time doctoral program. Candidates in their final year of a master's program are no longer eligible for the 2026 Scholarship competition.
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Field of Study:Research must be broadly related to the humanities and social sciences, or human sciences, and be directly relevant to the future of Canada. It must also align with at least one of the Foundation's four major themes: Human Rights and Dignity; Responsible Citizenship; Canada and the World; and People and their Natural Environment.
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Citizenship/Residency:Candidates must be either:
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A Canadian student studying at a Canadian university.
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A Canadian student studying at a foreign university.
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An international student studying at a Canadian university.
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Note:Foreign students living outside Canada and studying at a foreign university are not eligible.
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Commitment:Candidates must be committed to participating in a three-year leadership program.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | PhD |
| Course / Stream | PhD |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Duly completed online application form
- ✓Transcripts from all post-secondary studies (official/final, except CEGEP in Quebec)
- ✓Four essay questions (200-400 words each)
- ✓Doctoral Project and Themes description (200-400 words, including background, objectives, theoretical framework, research methods, and references)
- ✓Personal Statement (describing what being a leader and engaged academic means and how you plan to embody these characteristics)
- ✓Information on language skills
- ✓Information on post-secondary education, achievements (e.g., scholarships, fellowships, awards, publications, conference presentations, extracurricular and volunteer activities)
- ✓Relevant work experience
- ✓Two letters of reference: at least one from an academic referee commenting on academic achievements and potential, and another that may focus on leadership abilities. Referees must complete a predetermined referral form directly on the Foundation's application portal.
Selection Process
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Candidates are selected based on several key criteria: academic excellence, a compelling research project that aligns with the Foundation's mission and its four founding themes (Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, People and their Natural Environment), the rigor of their research proposal, and their demonstrated ability to share knowledge and create a positive impact beyond academia
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The selection process also looks for intellectual curiosity, ambition, leadership potential, and commitment to society
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The application process involves an initial eligibility screening, followed by access to the full application form for eligible candidates.
Renewal Policy
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The scholarship is awarded for a maximum duration of three years
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While specific annual renewal conditions are not explicitly detailed in the search results, it is generally understood for such doctoral scholarships that renewal is contingent upon the scholar maintaining satisfactory academic progress and continuing to meet the program's requirements and objectives.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Verify Eligibility
Applicants must first complete an online eligibility screening form. For the 2027 scholarship, the deadline to request eligibility confirmation is October 2, 2026. Ensure you meet the core eligibility criteria: being in the first or second year of a full-time doctoral program in the humanities or social sciences, with research aligned to one of the Foundation's four themes. For Indian students, it's crucial to be enrolled or accepted into a doctoral program at a Canadian institution.
- 2Complete Full Application
Once your eligibility is confirmed by the Foundation, you will be granted access to the comprehensive online application form. The deadline for submitting the complete application package, including all three required reference letters, is November 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET. Status Tracking: The official website or the application portal, once you have an account, would be the primary method to track the status of your application. The Foundation typically invites eligible candidates to mandatory information sessions in the weeks following the eligibility confirmation deadline. Notifications regarding interviews and final selections are communicated through the Foundation's process.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship available for students studying in India?
No, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is primarily for students pursuing doctoral studies at Canadian universities. While Canadian citizens can study internationally, international students (including those from India) are only eligible if they are enrolled in a full-time doctoral program at a Canadian institution. It is not offered for study in India.
What are the key eligibility requirements for Indian students?
Indian students are eligible if they are enrolled in the first or second year of a full-time doctoral program in the humanities or social sciences (broadly defined) at a *Canadian university*. Their doctoral research must also align with at least one of the Foundation's four central themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, or People and their Natural Environment.
What does the scholarship cover and for how long?
The scholarship provides up to CAD $70,000 per year for a maximum of three years. This amount includes up to CAD $50,000 annually for tuition and living expenses, and an additional up to CAD $20,000 per year to support research, networking activities, and travel related to your doctoral work. Beyond financial support, scholars also benefit from mentorship and an engaged multidisciplinary community.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation website before final submission.