Application Process

Listed below is the application process for the GTA GDPA program.  Please be sure to read the instructions carefully as only complete applications will be considered. 

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact localgov@uwo.ca 

Deadlines

Applications for this program are completed through Western's Graduate Studies Online application portal, however, the first step to applying is to contact the representative at your respective municipality to express your interest.  Approved lists will be communicated to the Local Government Program and those on the list will be invited to complete our online application.  Instruction for the application process will be contained in that invitation message.  

Fees

  • Online application fee $150.00 CAD

This fee is paid within the online application system.  Credit Cards are accepted for this.

Step 1 - Application Contacts

If you are interested in applying, please contact the relevant municipality below:

  • The Regional Municipality of Durham Applicants
    • To apply please contact:
    • Administrator, Talent & Organization Development
      Corporate Services – Human Resources
      The Regional Municipality of Durham

  • Town of Richmond Hill Applicants
    • This is a closed enrollment process. To apply please contact:
    • HR Advisor - Learning and Employee Development
      Town of Richmond Hill

  • Town of Newmarket Applicants
    • To apply please contact:
    • Training, Learning and Development Specialist
      Town of Newmarket

    * This application also covers: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, and Whitchurch Stouffville employees.
  • City of Vaughan Applicants
    • To apply please contact:
    • Manager, Human Resources
      City of Vaughan

  • The Regional Municipality of York Applicants
    • This is a competitive enrollment process.
    • To apply, please e-mail: corporate.learning@york.ca with the subject "GDPA Application - York Region" and including the following information:
      Name; Telephone Number; E-mail; Job Title, Division
    • When the application opens you will be invited to submit.  Only those who send an e-mail to the above address will be able to access the application.

Step 2 - Application Details

Only applicants who have their names passed on to the program in Step 1 will be invited to complete the online application.  To assist you in preparing for that step, a summary of the application details is listed here. The actually application link will be provided in the invitation message.

The application to the GDPA program is managed by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) at Western. 

Regular Application Components

The GDPA application will ask you for the following components:

  • Personal Information
  • Academic History
    • Original, sealed, transcripts will be required by our School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies as part of the application process.
  • Reference (1)
  • Application Fee
  • Supplemental Documents Required by the Program
    • Letter of Intent
    • Resume
  • Proficiency in English Scores (if applicable)

Supplemental Documents Required by the Program

  • Letter of Intent
    • We ask for you to write a personal 2-3 page letter outlining your interest in studying Local Government Public Administration and why you make a good candidate to the program.  Strong letters outline what experience/perspective the student brings to the program and how the program will assist the student in career development. This usually requires knowledge about the program offerings which you can find in Courses section of the Local Government Program website.
  • Resume
    • A resume detailing your relevant education, work, professional development, and/or community involvement is required.