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Admission Requirements & Application Process
Admissions
Full-Time MPA
Full-Time MPA students, most of whom are recent university graduates, complete the program within a twelve-month period beginning in September. They take their courses with students in the Online GDPA and Part-Time MPA stream, thereby allowing them to benefit from the knowledge and experience of working municipal professionals.
Full-Time MPA applicants should possess a four-year university undergraduate degree (with at least a B+ average). They will outline their interest in local government, public administration and/or urban studies through course work and/or in their letter of intent (see Application Components below).
Students are admitted to the MPA by Western's School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) on the recommendation of the Local Government Program's Admissions Committee.
Part-Time MPA
Part-Time MPA students, most of whom are working local government professionals, complete the program in seven or ten terms beginning in May.
Part-Time MPA applicants should have at least five years of Canadian local government employment experience and are also expected to have an undergraduate degree. Recommendations for special admission can be made for applicants lacking an undergraduate degree but possessing other postsecondary credentials and extensive professional experience on a case-by-case basis.
The Local Government Program's Admissions Committee may recommend that an applicant without sufficient evidence of academic preparation for the MPA should first apply to the GDPA. In these instances, applicants are advised to complete the GDPA and then re-apply for admission to the MPA program. If accepted into the MPA, GDPA graduates receive credit for their four courses towards the MPA.
Students are admitted to the MPA by Western's School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) on the recommendation of the Local Government Program's Admissions Committee.
Application Components
In order to apply to graduate studies at Western, it is important that you understand the essential elements of the Western graduate school application. The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that all documents (e.g., transcripts, references, test results such as TOEFL scores) are submitted.
Western accepts two methods of payment in order to process your application.
- Credit Card (Visa/MasterCard)
- Money Order (this must be a money order or bank draft issued from a Canadian Banking Institution. Personal cheques will not be accepted.)
You will provide a listing of all post-secondary schools that you have attended. During the application process, you are allowed to upload unofficial copies of your transcripts (including unofficial records such as a grade report printout).
It is suggested that if you have completed an academic course/program that did not award transcripts, not to include this in your Academic History. This non transcript courses/program can be noted on your Resume and possibly your Letter of Intent if applicable.
* 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. They are to be sent directly to Western University’s Graduate Admissions Team (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.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory* achievement within the last two years in one of the following:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). iBT (internet-Based Test):
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026, Western requires a minimum overall score of 86, with no individual section score below 20. Some programs may require a higher minimum and/or specific band scores. Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984.
- For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, Western requires a minimum overall score of 4.5, with no individual section score below 4. Some programs may require a higher minimum and/or specific band scores. Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984.
- The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9.
- The Duolingo English Test. The minimum acceptable score is 115.
- The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 60.
- Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level.
- Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components.
* Applicants who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to complete one of the above tests or programs and to have the official results sent directly to SGPS by the testing agency.
Make the right choice...
Please make sure that you are applying to the correct start term according to your academic load (PT vs FT) and your citizenship.
Domestic Full-Time MPA Applicants
Canadian citizens and permanent residents (Domestic) applying to the Full-Time MPA will choose to start in Fall Term (September).
Domestic Part-Time MPA Applicants
Canadian citizens and permanent residents (Domestic) applying to the Part-Time MPA will choose to start in Summer Term (May).
* Applicants who have completed a GDPA from Western will apply for a Fall start date (Note: Those that have graduated with a GDPA more than 5 years ago should contact the program before applying localgov@uwo.ca)
International MPA Applicants
International applicants apply ONLY to the Full-Time MPA starting in Fall Term (September).
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Graduate School Application Information