Studying public policy in Canada will enable you to develop capacities in skills such as critical thinking, policy analysis and communication. With the skills you learn from this program, you will be able to have successful careers in public services and participate in democratic society. Studying public policy in Canada will enhance your understanding of how to make a positive impact in the world as you participate in engaging discussions about democracy, power relations, and relationships between the state, business, and citizens. As a result, you will be able to shape and influence social politics not only in Canada but around the world.
In this piece, I will guide you through the requirements and qualifications that are needed for studying public policy in Canada.
Requirements needed for Studying Public Policy in Canada
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Complete your Secondary School Education
You must have completed your secondary education before you can study public policy in Canada. Additionally, you should have a strong foundation in subjects such as mathematics, economics, and English in your high school results. The overall minimum aggregate score you should have is 60-85%. However, this can differ across universities in Canada.
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Submit your Academic Transcripts
You must submit an academic transcript of your previous education. This transcript must contain all your courses and grades that you have studied. Additionally, this transcript must be an official one and it must be written in English.
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English Proficiency Test
You must write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. It can be tests such as IELTS, or TOEFL. This test can vary based on the university you apply to. Additionally, each school will have the minimum score you should have in the English test. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5 overall with 6.0 band scores. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL is 90 overall with a minimum of 25 in speaking and writing.
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Write a Statement of Purpose
Some schools may require you to write a statement of purpose. This is an essay that explains why you want to study public policy in Canada and your career plans. This essay can be between 600 to 700 words.
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Letters of Recommendation
You need to submit two or three recommendation letters during the application process. Additionally, these recommendation letters should come from your lecturers or employers. Therefore, you should not submit recommendation letters from your friends or family.
Requirements for Masters Degree in Public Policy in Canada
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Have a Bachelor’s Degree
You must have a bachelor’s degree before you can study master’s in public policy in Canada. This bachelor’s degree must be a 4-year program from a recognized university. Additionally, this bachelor’s degree must be in a business administration field or a related field. Furthermore, the minimum GPA score for this course is 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.
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Obtain Academic Transcripts
This is the most basic requirement needed to apply to study public policy in Canada. You need to obtain the official transcripts of your previous education. This transcript should contain all the courses and grades you studied. Additionally, you should submit your transcript in English.
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English Proficiency Test
You must write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. It can be tests such as IELTS, or TOEFL. This test can vary based on the university you apply to. Additionally, each school will have the minimum score you should have in the English test. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5 – 7.0. At the same time, TOEFL is 79 – 100.
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Submit your GMAT or GRE scores
This is not a mandatory requirement in most universities. However, some schools in Canada make it compulsory for applicants to submit these test scores as part of a major requirement. The minimum score for GRE is 280 -380 while GMAT is 625 – 700.
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Write a Statement of Purpose
A statement of purpose is a written essay or letter that describes why you want to study public policy. This can be a letter of motivation as well as a personal essay. This document is a major requirement for your application.
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Prepare a Resume
You need to submit a resume with relevant experience in the field of public policy. Additionally, your resume can also contain all the roles and certificates you have gained in this field.
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Letters of Recommendation
You need to submit two or three recommendation letters during the application process. Additionally, these recommendation letters should come from your lecturers or employers. Therefore, you should not submit recommendation letters from your friends or family.
How to Apply
You can apply to study public policy in Canada through the university’s website. You can apply for the undergraduate program as well as the postgraduate degree. Additionally, some universities might require you to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
Duration
The duration for studying public policy in Canada can vary based on the program of your choice and the University. The undergraduate program that will offer a bachelor’s degree lasts for a minimum of 3-4 years. However, a postgraduate program that will offer a master’s degree lasts for a minimum of 2 years.
Tuition Fee
The Tuition fee for studying public policy in Canada varies based on the program as well as the University. Additionally, this can vary based on the curriculum design, the location, and the rank of the university. The average tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree is 15,000 CAD to 60,000 CAD annually. However, the tuition fee for a master’s degree is 10,000 CAD to 44,000 CAD annually.
Universities in Canada that offer Public Policy
- University of Toronto, Ontario
- University of British Columbia, British Columbia
- McGill University, Quebec State
- University of Ottawa, Ontario
- Simon Fraser University, British Columbia
- York University, Ontario
- University of Alberta, Alberta
- McMaster University, Ontario
- Queen’s University, Ontario
- University of Calgary, Alberta
- University of Montreal, Quebec State
- Carleton University, Ontario
- Western University, Ontario
- Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia
- University of Victoria, British Columbia
- University of Manitoba, Manitoba
- University of Waterloo, Ontario
- Laval University, Quebec State
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan
- University of Guelph, Ontario
- University of Quebec in Montreal, Quebec State
- Ryerson University, Ontario
- Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario
- University of Windsor, Ontario
- Brock University, Ontario
- Concordia University, Quebec State
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
- University of Regina, Saskatchewan
- Trent University, Ontario
- University of Northern British Columbia, British Columbia
- University of New Brunswick, New Brunswick
- University of Winnipeg, Manitoba
- HEC Montreal, Quebec State
- University of Lethbridge, Alberta
- National School of Public Administration, Quebec State
- Royal Military College of Canada, Ontario
- Lakehead University, Ontario
- University of Sherbrooke, Quebec State
- Laurentian University, Ontario
- St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia
In Conclusion, studying public policy in Canada can be highly competitive. Therefore, you need to ensure that you have the right qualifications and documents that are needed to study public policy. Additionally, you need to verify each requirement from the school’s portal before you submit your application. You can reach out to us for further inquiries and assistance.
Good luck!
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