Students who earn a Master’s degree in public policy in Canada are better prepared to implement new legislation, rules, and governmental initiatives. The program encourages students to recognize issues, learn how to use the various governmental departments to enact change, and understand political variables thoroughly.

People who complete this course can pursue jobs in public affairs, governance, policy, and international development. If you want to know which Canadian universities are the finest for obtaining a Master’s degree in public policy, we’ll go over that and more in this blog. The top Canadian universities offering a Master’s degree in public policy are listed below, along with information on entrance standards.

Why study for a Master’s in public policy in Canada?

Canada offers two options for Master’s degrees in public policy: the MSS, or Master of Public Policy, and the MPA, or Master of Policy Administration. Understanding the role of political and economic considerations in effectively making decisions for the public interest is a requirement for both programs. Students who pursue a Master’s degree in public policy in Canada can use the skills they acquire there in various local and regional industries. The course pushes students to recognize issues and comprehend the political variables in-depth. Most Canadian universities offer this degree as a one- or two-year program. 

• The best universities for postgraduate public policy studies are featured in this blog. 
• Students can review each curriculum and select the one that best meets their needs. 

To be safe, international applicants who want to lead policy must carefully review the extra requirements listed on the website of the relevant institute. 

Course Highlight

Types of Masters in public policy in specialization in Canada

Masters in Community Planning

Consider the Master of Community Planning degree at Vancouver Island University. Community planners play a huge role in developing neighborhoods, towns, cities, and regions.  

Masters in Public Administration 

The first of its type in Canada, Humber College’s graduate certificate program in public administration equips graduates with the information, abilities, and experience necessary to work in the public sector.

Masters in Human Security and peacebuilding

This human security and peacebuilding program is for working professionals and recent graduates who want to work in these fields. You’ll get more insight into the intricate connections between human security and economic, political, and social progress.

Best Universities for Masters in public policy in Canada 

Here’s a general overview of each university with world ranking, fees, programs offered, admission deadlines, etc., in table format

Course Curriculum of Masters in public policy in Canada

Political Science

Political science aims to comprehend how politics affects our world and how politics can be used to make it more socially and environmentally just. Political science is the pinnacle of multidisciplinary study since politics impacts every facet of society.

Sociology 

For policy to be driven (hopefully) by facts and knowledge rather than anecdotes or meaningless rhetoric, social science research can be utilized to present information to lawmakers. This is why sociology is relevant to public administration.

Globalization 

The term “globalization” refers to the increasing interdependence of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations due to technology, cross-border trade in goods and services, and flows of capital, labor, and information.

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in public policy in Canada

• GPA of 3.0-4.0
• Graduate entry test score
• A bachelor’s degree with first-class/division (65%) from a NAAC-accredited institute.
• English language requirements: IELTS (7.0) or TOEFL (100)

Admission Requirements for Masters in public policy in Canada 

Write about all the requirements such as documents required, exam requirements, visa requirements, work experience, etc. (250 -300 words)

Language Proficiency Requirements: International applicants and applicants whose first language is not English may be asked to provide proof of their English language proficiency. It is necessary to have a minimum overall TOEFL score of 86, with a minimum score of 20 in each section. In addition, a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each section or another test that has been approved following the Academic Policies of the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies should be taken.

A cumulative weighted average of at least 75% (similar to a USask grade system) throughout the previous two academic years (i.e., 60 credit units)

A four-year honors degree, or its equivalent, in a subject related to the planned field of study from an accredited college or university

Documents

• A statement of purpose detailing the applicant’s career objectives and how the program under consideration might aid in achieving those objectives.
• Two authentic copies of each transcript from each post-secondary institution attended and a current résumé or C.V.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 105.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5 (minimum of 7.0 in each section)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)  score of 59 or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (minimum 70 in each section)  
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 200.
• Duolingo English Test and obtaining a minimum score of 145* (with no sub-score below 125*). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake

Admission Process for Masters in public policy in Canada

Submit a job application online

Be sure to carefully research all program information and admission requirements on this page before starting your online application.

Submit the necessary paperwork

After submitting your online application, you can upload the necessary files and list your references’ names and contact details. To accomplish this, open your application’s “Supplemental Items & Documents” page and upload the files listed below.

Preliminary marking statement

After submitting your application for admission and paying the application fee, you must upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcripts from each post-secondary institution you attended. The Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Preliminary will reflect this need. When you check the progress of your application, a statement is listed under the admission requirements on your Application Summary.

The uploaded transcript must have a grade key or legend and must be an authorized copy of the transcript provided by the institution or university.

Transcripts must be supplied as a single PDF file that includes every page.

Transcripts that are uploaded will be regarded as unfinished or preliminary. Only admitted applicants will be asked to submit official copies of their transcripts.

Cost of Studying for Master in public policy in Canada

After arriving in Canada, students’ expenses consist primarily of tuition fees, living expenses, and other personal charges. The following pages go into great detail about Canadian living expenses and tuition expenditures.

Scholarship for Masters in public policy in Canada

Some of the best scholarships for Masters in public policy in Canada, their eligibility, deadline, and the scholarship amount offered are as follows:

Job Scope for Masters in public policy in Canada

Here are some of the jobs students can pursue after completing the course.