Application Process

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MPA Application

Applications for 2025 start dates will be accepted between October 1, 2024 and February 1, 2025. 

Please make sure that you are applying to the correct start term according to your academic load (PT vs FT) and your citizenship. Domestic applicants includes Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

  • Full Time Domestic MPA Applicants: Apply for a Fall 2025 Start Date
  • Part Time Domestic MPA Applicants: Apply for a Summer 2025 Start Date
    *Applicants who have completed a GDPA from Western will apply for a Fall 2025 Start Date (Those who have graduated more than 5 years ago should contact the program before applying)
  • International MPA Applicants: Apply to Full Time starting in 2025 Fall Term.

Application Details

The application to the MPA program is managed by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) at Western.  When you click the APPLY NOW button above you will be taken to the SGPS application page where you will get all the details on the application components.  They have also set up an application help center.  If you have any questions about the application, contact the SGPS Graduate Admissions Office directly at gradapps@uwo.ca

Please make sure that you are applying to the correct start term according to your academic load (PT vs FT) and your citizenship. Domestic applicants includes Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Regular Application Components

The MPA application will ask you for the following components:

  • Personal Information
  • Application Fee $150.00 CAD
  • Proficiency in English Scores (if applicable - see SGPS website for requirements)
  • Supplemental Documents Required by the Program
    • Academic History - Transcripts
    • References (2)
    • Letter of Intent
    • Resume

Supplemental Documents Required by the Program

  • Academic History - Transcripts

    • During the application process, you are allowed to upload unofficial copies of your transcripts (including unofficial records such as a grade report printout).

      * Note: If you are made an offer of admission, Western will require you to submit formal, official transcripts from all of your post-secondary institutions directly to Western University’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (gradapps@uwo.ca). This admission condition requirement will be communicated to you via email and will have a submission deadline. Official transcripts are not required from past degrees awarded by Western University.

  • References
    • You are required to provide two references. Western uses a digital graduate reference process. Western will email your referees within 2 hours of you entering or updating your reference information within the application. Please be sure to communicate with each of your referees prior to entering them. Each reference will be collected by Western and distributed alongside your application once it arrives. No paper reference letters are required. Please be sure to provide an email address associated with the referee's institution or workplace. A unique link will be emailed to each referee, allowing them to log in to a secure site and submit an online reference or upload a reference document as an attachment. You will be notified once each of your referees replies to the request.
  • 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 current resume detailing your relevant education, work, professional development, and/or community involvement is required.