Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship 2027 PhD Admissions in UBC Canada Process Explained
Applications are open for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship 2027, one of Canada’s most substantial PhD funding opportunities for students working in the humanities, social sciences and related interdisciplinary fields.
The three-year award can provide up to CAD 50,000 per year as a stipend plus up to CAD 20,000 per year for research, travel and related academic activities. That creates a potential funding package of up to CAD 210,000 over three years.
UBC Pierre Elliot Scholarship Basic Info at a Glance
| Country | Canada |
| Degree | PhD |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Stipend | Up to CAD 50,000/year |
| Research & Travel | Up to CAD 20,000/year |
| International Students | Yes |
| Study Stage | First or second year of PhD |
| Final Deadline | November 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET |
Who Can Apply?
You must be in the first or second year of a doctoral programme when you apply.
Eligible applicants include:
- Canadian students enrolled at universities in Canada;
- Canadian students pursuing a PhD outside Canada; and
- international students enrolled in a doctoral programme at a Canadian university.
International students studying at universities outside Canada are not eligible.
The PhD research must broadly relate to humanities or social sciences and connect with at least one Foundation theme:
- Human Rights and Dignity;
- Responsible Citizenship;
- Canada and the World; or
- People and their Natural Environment.
Relevant applicants can also come from areas such as public health, law and business where the research fits these themes.
What Makes This Scholarship Different?
This is not awarded on grades alone.
The Foundation is looking for researchers with strong academic records who can also demonstrate leadership, intellectual curiosity, openness to different perspectives and evidence that their research can contribute to real social challenges.
My view is that applicants should avoid writing the application like a conventional “I have good grades and publications” scholarship submission. The stronger case is to show what problem your PhD addresses, who it matters to and how you already engage beyond the university environment.
How to Apply for Trudeau Scholarship 2027?
The 2027 competition uses a new two-step process:
- Step 1: Complete the online eligibility verification form.
- Step 2: If the Foundation confirms your eligibility, access and complete the full scholarship application.
- Prepare three references: one from your PhD supervisor, one additional academic referee and one referee from outside academia.
- Submit transcripts: Applicants are responsible for ensuring their complete transcript package reaches the Foundation.
- Submit directly: Applications go directly to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation; a UBC or departmental nomination is not required.
The Foundation allows applications in either English or French, but the application must be completed consistently in one language.
Important 2027 Deadlines
| Stage | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Form Opens | September 1, 2026 |
| Eligibility Verification Deadline | October 2, 2026 |
| Three References Due | October 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET |
| Complete Application Due | November 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET |
The October 2 deadline is especially important: applicants who do not first complete and pass the eligibility screening cannot proceed to the full application.
Should International PhD Students Apply?
Yes—if you are already in year one or two of a PhD at a Canadian university and your research has clear social, policy or public relevance.
The funding is excellent, but this is also a leadership-focused programme. Applicants with strong academic credentials plus credible community, policy, professional or public engagement will likely present a more convincing profile than those relying on publications alone.
Official application: