Trudeau Foundation Scholarship in Canada, 2024

adminFebruary 6, 2024

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Are you passionate about social justice, human rights, democracy, or diversity? Do you want to make a positive difference in your community, country, or the world? Do you aspire to become a leader who can inspire, influence, and innovate for the common good? Want to study in Canada with a scholarship?

Suppose you answered yes to any of these questions. In that case, you might be interested in applying for the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, one of Canada’s most prestigious and generous scholarships for doctoral students who want to pursue their research in the social sciences and humanities.

The Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a program that aims to support and empower doctoral students who have the potential to become leaders for positive change in their fields and society. The program was established in 2001 by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, a non-partisan and independent organization that honors the legacy and values of the former Prime Minister of Canada.

The Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is more than just a financial award. It is also a unique opportunity to join a vibrant and diverse community of scholars, mentors, fellows, and alumni who share your vision and passion for addressing the most pressing issues of our time. As a Trudeau Scholar, you will have access to a wide range of resources, activities, and networks that will enrich your academic and professional development and enhance your leadership skills.

How to Apply for the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship?

The application process for the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is divided into two stages: the internal stage and the external stage.

Internal Stage

The first stage is the internal stage, where you must be nominated by the Canadian institution where you are enrolled or intend to enroll in a doctoral program in the social sciences and humanities. Each institution has its own internal deadline and process for nominating candidates, so you have to contact your prospective supervisor and the graduate studies office of your chosen institution as early as possible to find out the specific requirements and procedures.

Generally, you will have to submit the following documents to your nominating institution:

A completed application form includes personal information, academic background, research interests, leadership experience, and future goals.
A research proposal that outlines the main question, objectives, significance, methodology, and expected outcomes of your doctoral project. The research proposal should be clear, concise, and well-structured, demonstrating your originality, creativity, and relevance to your field of study and to the themes and priorities of the Trudeau Foundation.

A leadership statement which describes your leadership experience and potential, both within and outside academia. The leadership statement should provide concrete examples of your leadership skills, such as initiative, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and social responsibility. The leadership statement should also reflect your personal values, vision, and goals as a leader and how they align with the values and goals of the Trudeau Foundation.
Two letters of reference which attest to your academic performance, research potential, and leadership skills. The reference letters should be written by academic or professional referees who know you well and can provide specific and detailed information about your strengths and achievements. The letters of reference should also highlight how you stand out from other candidates and why you deserve the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship.
A curriculum vitae (CV), which is a comprehensive summary of your academic and research history. The CV should include information such as education, employment, awards, grants, publications, presentations, and collaborations. The CV should be tailored to the specific requirements and expectations of the Trudeau Foundation.

Once you have submitted all the required documents to your nominating institution, they will review your application and select a limited number of candidates to nominate for the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship. The number of nominations each institution can make depends on the quota allocated by the Trudeau Foundation, which varies each year depending on the number of applications received and the quality of the candidates. The nomination deadline is usually in early December, but you should check with your institution for the exact date and time.

External Stage

The second stage is the external stage, where your nomination is evaluated by an independent selection committee composed of experts in the social sciences and humanities. The selection committee will assess your application based on the following criteria:

Academic Excellence: This criterion measures your academic achievements, such as grades, awards, scholarships, and publications. The selection committee will look for evidence of your outstanding academic performance and your potential to excel in your doctoral studies and beyond. The selection committee will also consider the difficulty and competitiveness of your previous academic programs and the reputation and ranking of your previous institutions.

Research Potential: This criterion measures your research skills, experience, and output, such as research projects, publications, presentations, and collaborations. The selection committee will look for evidence of your ability to conduct original, innovative, and impactful research to advance knowledge and benefit society. The selection committee will also consider the quality and feasibility of your research proposal and the alignment of your research interests and objectives with the themes and priorities of the Trudeau Foundation.
Leadership: This criterion measures your leadership skills, experience, and potential, both within and outside academia. The selection committee will look for evidence of your capacity to initiate, organize, and manage projects and activities that positively influence your peers, your community, and your field. The selection committee will also consider your personal values, vision, and goals as a leader and how they align with the values and goals of the Trudeau Foundation.

The selection committee will assign a score to each criterion and a total score to your application. The scores will be used to rank the applications and to determine the final recipients of the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship. The selection results are usually announced in late April, but you should check with your institution for the exact date and time.

What to Expect from the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship?

If you are one of the lucky winners of the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, you can expect to receive the following benefits:

A generous financial support of up to $60,000 per year for up to four years, which can cover your tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other research-related expenses.
A prestigious recognition of your academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills, which can enhance your reputation and visibility in your field and the academic community.

A valuable opportunity to pursue your doctoral studies in Canada, which is a country that offers a high quality of education, a rich and diverse culture, and a supportive and collaborative research environment.
A chance to join a vibrant and diverse community of scholars, mentors, fellows, and alumni who share your vision and passion for addressing the most pressing issues of our time. As a Trudeau Scholar, you will have access to a wide range of resources, activities, and networks that will enrich your academic and professional development and enhance your leadership skills. Some of these include:
The Annual Trudeau Foundation Conference, which is a flagship event that brings together the Trudeau community and other experts and stakeholders to discuss and debate on a topical theme related to the social sciences and humanities.

The Trudeau Foundation Summer Institute, which is an intensive and interactive workshop that provides the Trudeau Scholars with training and mentoring on various aspects of leadership, such as communication, negotiation, collaboration, and innovation.
The Trudeau Foundation Mentorship Program, which is a unique program that pairs the Trudeau Scholars with distinguished and experienced leaders from various sectors and backgrounds who can offer them guidance, advice, and support throughout their doctoral journey and beyond.
The Trudeau Foundation Public Interaction Program, which is a program that encourages and supports the Trudeau Scholars to engage with the public and share their research and insights through various platforms and formats, such as media interviews, podcasts, blogs, articles, and books.

The Trudeau Foundation Alumni Network, which is a network that connects the Trudeau Scholars with the former recipients of the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship who have graduated and who have become successful and influential leaders in their fields and in society.

The Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a highly competitive and selective scholarship that requires a lot of preparation, dedication, and hard work. However, it is also a rewarding and enriching scholarship that can open many doors and possibilities for your academic and professional career. If you think you have what it takes to be a Trudeau Scholar, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship and to pursue your dreams of becoming a leader for positive change.

Eligibility

The Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a program that supports and empowers doctoral students who have the potential to become leaders for positive change in their fields and society. To apply for this scholarship, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

You must be registered or accepted into or in year one or two (beginning year three in September 2024 or later) of a full-time doctoral program and expected to complete your doctoral studies in 2027 or later.
Your field of study must be broadly related to the social sciences and humanities of direct relevance to the future of Canada.
Your doctoral work must relate to at least one of the Foundation’s four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People and their Natural Environment.

You must be a Canadian citizen studying at a Canadian or foreign institution or a non-Canadian (permanent resident of Canada or foreign national) enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian institution.

You must also demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills and be willing to engage with a diverse and dynamic community of scholars, mentors, fellows, and alumni. For more information, please visit the Trudeau Foundation website. 😊