Masters in Public Administration & Services in Canada: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

A Masters in Public administration in Canada enables  students to execute  laws, regulations, and government policies. The curriculum generated by the universities help the students to identify problems and solve them with rigidity and poise. Students  learn the usage of various  government departments and public policies and in turn try to bring about changes, students are also taught to understand and navigate through the political structures of governments.

 After graduating the course, students easily  make careers in policy making, governance, public affairs, and international development. Masters in public administration in Canada gives the students the opportunities to choose their careers according to their preferences. The highly acclaimed certificate from Canadian universities gives an immense boost to the students.

Why study the course in Canada

• Canada is among the most coveted destinations for masters degrees in various disciplines 
• The masters in public administration in Canada is provided by the top universities of Canada with world class facilities and curriculum that is at par with the global teaching standards.
• Quality Education : According to QS World University Rankings(2023), there are eight Canadian universities that are among the top 200 universities in the world and offer course plans according to the needs and requirements of the students. There are a multitude of universities to choose from .These universities are highly recognized around the world.
• Career Opportunities: masters in public administration in Canada, the  market for public administration professionals is huge and every government organization looks for graduates with high professional quality and expertise.
• International exposure: the universities offer certificates with international value and recognition. Many universities are associated with government organizations which is a great opportunity for students for international exposure .
• Support for international students: with the strategic knowledge provided by the universities the international students get excellent career opportunities and placements. The universities provide all round support to its international students.
• Cost effectiveness : with the availability scholarships and other privileges studying Masters in public administration in Canada  fees are cost effective.  Tuition fee in Canada ranges from 30,000 CAD-55,000 CAD

Masters in public administration in Canada: Course Highlights

Types of masters in public administration in Canada

The universities in Canada provide two main types of masters degree in  public administration. and they are taught and researched.  They provide MSc and MA degrees in public administration.

Best universities for masters in public administration in Canada

1. University of British Columbia:  This course by UBC enables future policy makers with a sound understanding of policy making techniques and processes by giving them the knowledge of policy analysis, experiential learning, rigorous knowledge acquisition, and career development . The institute provides the option of a  full time course of 20 months or accelerated full time of16 months.Ranked  47th in the world.
2. University of Toronto : graduate program in the University of Toronto is offered to students by the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. With world class faculty members and diverse student body this programme teaches the intricacies of Canadian Po;licy making . Ranked 26 th in the world .
3. Toronto Metropolitan University: TMU offers a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration to Canadian and international students. This course provides practical experience and engagement with business and government agencies. Ranked 801-1000th in the world.
4. Concordia University: two year course. The fall intake starts in September, while the Winter intake is in January. Ranked 521-530th in the world . This university provides all the facilities for the progression of careers of its students.
5. McGill University: It is a one year program and approaches the primary problems of public policies in Canada and globally. Ranked 27th in the world.

University requirements:

The universities providing Masters in Public administration in Canada have specific and certain mandatory requirements for native and international students , these requirements are as follows,

• Educational qualifications: A bachelor’s degree with honors from a recognized institute with a minimum of 75% in the last two years of study or any similar qualification is required for the study of masters in public administration.
• Standardized tests: proficiency in the English language is must for admission in any university in Canada. The students who do not have English as their first language need to pass certain tests. The IELTS score of 6.0 is an absolute requisite and a score of 6.0in all the other components is mandatory. Equivalent test scores like the TOEFL and PTE are also accepted.
• English language proficiency test: a score of 6.0 is mandatory for the IELTS and other equivalent tests.
• Technical requirements: the technical requirements vary from university to university but generally a UG degree in any relevant or cognate discipline is required for admission.

Courses and curriculum vary according to the guidelines provided by the universities and also the structure and steps taken for the completion of the course varies from university to university. The opportunities provide to students also vary accordingly,

Course curriculum in masters in public administration in Canada

The students are taught in a number of methods and there are a bunch of different curriculums that give students the intricate knowledge of Public administration. Though the course work varies from the programme offered in the universities, some general study methods are as follows,understanding the legal and political aspect of the workings of the government. The laws and regulations including these policies are also taught and researched in these universities.

Eligibility criteria for masters in public administration in Canada

There are a lot of eligibility criterias for the masters in public administration in Canada;

•  A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized university with a minimum of 70%.
• English proficiency test
• Universities have different criterias.

Admission Requirements for masters in public administration in Canada

• Documents required: the admission process requires some important documents, those are listed below,
• Official transcripts and their scanned copies
• Proof of identification- Copy of passport
• Resume/ CV- detailing previous work experience and internships
• Proof of funds
• Optional GRE/ GMAT score
• Personal statement- Outlining why you wish to study the course
• LOR
• Interview- May be conducted by some popular universities.
• Scores of English proficiency test scores like PTE, TOEFL, IELTS.
• Completed application forms: all universities require completed online application forms with all details that are asked for.
• Transcripts: official transcripts and their copies are a mandatory submission for all UK universities.
• Standardized test scores: all standardized test scores like IELTS or equivalent are required.
• English language proficiency: For international students whose first language is not English , English proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS are required.
• Additional application materials: Some universities also ask applicants to submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a CV or resume.
• Proof of identity:a copy of a passport or other government-issued identification as proof of identity is required.
• Financial support documents: International students sometimes  need to submit financial support documents such as bank statements or a letter from a sponsor or guardian.

Exam requirements for masters in public administration in Canada

The study of public administration in Canada has certain exam requirements for the students who are applying to these universities,English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL are required for the admission.GRE and GMAT scores are required.

Visa Requirements and work experience:

Along with the completion of the entry requirements there are other requirements too like the Visa requirements and documentation.:

• Passport details
• A recent passport size photograph
• Acceptance letter from a recognized UK institution
• Certificate of English language proficiency
• Proof of funds can be demonstrated with the help of bank statements, loan statements or scholarship letters.

Admission process for masters in public administration in Canada:

1. Research Universities and Check the requirements: researching universities and comparing the courses offered along with the compatibility with the applicant is absolutely necessary.
2. Complete the application form: the online application forms have to be completed with diligence.
3. Submit the required documents: all necessary documents should be submitted properly and with proof.
4. Submit additional application materials: if the university asks for additional documents like CV, recommendations and other such documents should be submitted.
5. Decision: after the application process is completed the university takes a certain amount of time to revert and let the students know about the admission. The decision is solely taken by the university upon certain criterias.

Cost of studying masters in public administration in Canada:

There are many costs involved with studying masters in public administration oin Canada has several stages,

The costs vary according to the universities the programmes they offer, the pre arrival costs include the programme application fees . Visa application fee airfare and health insurance should be taken into consideration.

Different universities charge different fees and have varying fee structures.  The living costs and food costs should all be considered and researched. Thus the costs will depend on the varied situational programmes and different fee structures offered by the universities. 

Scholarship for masters in public administration in Canada

There are different programmes and scholarships given to students both in country and international,Ontario Graduate Scholarships Ogs Western University,Doris Dixon Scholarship,Loughborough University Alumni Bursary School Of Business

Check with the university you plan to attend: the university websites must be read with care and understood, any queries can be put forth and the universities will answer accordingly. 

• Look for external scholarships:many organizations and also many philanthropic organizations offer scholarships to students , these can be researched and then applied to.
• Apply for graduate research programs: many universities offer graduate programs and student exchange programs which offer good opportunities for students .
• Consider working part-time or doing an internship: students can acquire extra money by doing extra jobs or part time jobs to fulfill their monetary requirements.

Job Scope for masters in public administration in Canada

The scope and opportunity for graduates of this discipline are immense and varied, the graduates are future policy makers and organizers of government policies and they are the bearers of their countries political institutions. These policy makers are equipped with detailed and in-depth knowledge of the workings of the political systems of the governments and organizations. These are well paid jobs and well respected positions.

After completion of the degree a graduate the graduates become the future policy makers and policy administrators.