Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship in Canada 2026 (No IELTS Required)

Apply for the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship, a fully funded PhD opportunity in Canada with up to CAD 210,000, mentorship, and research support.

Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Overview

The Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for exceptional PhD students conducting research addressing societal challenges. The scholarship provides financial support, mentorship from leading scholars, and membership in a vibrant research community committed to advancing Canada and the world. It is open to Canadian and international students enrolled in approved doctoral programs aligned with the Foundation’s four core themes.

Trudeau Scholarship Details

The Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship offers more than financial support. Scholars engage with Fellows and Mentors, participate in national and international dialogues, and contribute to high-impact research that benefits society.

This scholarship:

• Supports doctoral candidates in humanities, social sciences, and related fields
• Encourages community engagement, public discourse, and knowledge dissemination
• Promotes research that addresses fundamental societal issues

Also Check: HEC IRSIP PhD Fellowship

Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Canadian student at a Canadian or foreign university or an international student at a Canadian university
• Be in the first or second year of a full-time doctoral program
• Conduct research aligned with at least one of the Foundation’s four themes:
  • Human Rights and Dignity
  • Responsible Citizenship
  • Canada and the World
  • People and their Natural Environment

Professional doctorates without a research thesis are typically not eligible.

Also Check: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships Program

Financial Benefits of Trudeau Doctoral Scholarship

The Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is fully funded and provides financial support to allow scholars to focus on research and academic excellence.

The financial package includes:

• Annual stipend of up to CAD 50,000 for tuition and living expenses for three years
• Annual allowance of up to CAD 20,000 for research travel, networking, and Foundation events
• Total funding of up to CAD 210,000 over three years

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Universities Under Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

• University of British Columbia (UBC) – graduate PhD programs eligible for Trudeau Scholars.

• York University – Trudeau doctorate highlights and recipients from York (program participation).

• Dalhousie University – hosts Trudeau Foundation Scholars and participates in nomination/publicity; scholars enrolled at Dalhousie before selection.

• Carleton University – example of scholarship recipients enrolled in doctoral studies at Carleton.

Important Notes About Eligible Universities

• The Trudeau Foundation Scholarship does not limit eligibility to a fixed list of universities; instead, any Canadian or foreign university with a qualifying doctoral program can be the host institution if the candidate is enrolled there during the scholarship.

• Students may be national or international enrolled at a Canadian university to be eligible for the scholarship.

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Typical Fields and Faculties (Study Fields Across Universities)

While not a fixed university list, scholars typically pursue doctoral research in:

• Humanities and Social Sciences (core focus)

• Law, Public Policy, International Relations

• Business and Public Health related to social impact

• Environmental and Human Sciences
  These fields must align with one of Trudeau Foundation’s four themes.

Duration of Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

The scholarship program runs for three years with annual financial support. Extensions to a fourth year may be considered under specific conditions.

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Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Research Tracks and Study Fields

Research supported by the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship must relate to one or more of the Foundation’s strategic themes:

• Human Rights and Dignity
• Responsible Citizenship
• Canada and the World
• People and their Natural Environment

Eligible fields are interdisciplinary, including humanities, social sciences, law, public health, business, and related areas.

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Required Documents for Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation including thesis supervisor reference
• Research proposal linked to Foundation themes
• Personal statement detailing goals and societal impact
• Proof of doctoral enrollment or acceptance

Supervisor support is required in the form of a reference, but direct supervisor nomination is not necessary.

Also Check: Transilvania Academica Scholarship

IELTS Requirements for Trudeau Scholarship

The Trudeau Foundation does not mandate a fixed IELTS score. Admission depends on Canadian university requirements. Applicants whose education was not in English may need to submit IELTS Academic or TOEFL scores.

For scholarships without IELTS, some countries such as Germany, Turkey, and certain universities in Italy accept alternative proofs of English proficiency like letters confirming English-medium education. Many European institutions under national scholarship schemes also allow alternative evidence of English language skills.

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How to Apply for Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

Step 1 Prepare Required Documents

• Collect transcripts, references, and a research proposal aligned with Foundation themes.

Step 2 Submit Online Application

• Apply through the official Trudeau Foundation portal

Step 3 Application Review and Shortlisting

• Complete applications are reviewed, and shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews and assessments.

Step 4 Final Selection and Notification

• Selected scholars are announced based on research excellence, leadership potential, and societal engagement.

Also Check: KAIST International Graduate Scholarship

Apply Now and Secure Your Future

The Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity offering financial freedom, mentorship, and a dynamic scholarly community. Don’t miss this opportunity to start your journey today toward impactful doctoral research and global leadership. Apply now through the official portal to begin your path as a Trudeau Scholar.