How to apply

There are different application procedures for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as particular requirements for each of the programs.

Please read the general information below, as well as the specific application requirements for each of the programs.

Submitting an application

Applicants to any of the graduate programs must submit application documents electronically. See instructions for submitting documents on  Graduate Admissions and Records.

Application steps include:

  • Consult the specific application requirements for the program of interest; this information can be found through the graduate application requirements page.
  • Complete the online application form. 
  • Provide the names and email addresses of your chosen assessors as required when you submit your application. 
  • Upload to the application a professional résumé.
  • Upload to the application a Letter of Intent describing why you are seeking the degree and how it relates to your career plans, personal values, and goals.
  • Upload to the application other application elements required for the program of interest.
  • Upload to the application other evidence of suitability for admission that you feel is relevant (e.g., academic records from non-degree courses).

Application deadlines, documents, and requirements vary by program. Be sure to consult the information for your program of interest.

International applicants

The office of Graduate Admissions and Records provides an application guide for International Students.

International students whose first language is not English are required to provide test results for either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum TOEFL is 610 for the paper-based test or 102 for the internet-based test. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) must have an overall score of at least Band 7.0 with no score of less than 6.5 on each academic component.

Consult the specific application requirements for the program of interest; this information can be found on the program applications page.

New applicants to UVic

  1. Apply to the University of Victoria - Applying to UVic. Complete the online application, upload your professional resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the Diploma or Specialization Certificate program (address your letter to the current Director of the School of Public Administration, University of Victoria). 

  2. Arrange for all official transcripts to be sent to Undergraduate Admissions

More information for new professional and undergraduate students

Returning UVic students application procedures

  1. Returning UVic students must apply to reregister. You can either apply online or submit a PDF application. Along with your application for reregistration, upload your professional resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the Diploma or Specialization Certificate program (address your letter to the current Director of the School of Public Administration, University of Victoria). 

Returning students should review the information on the Office of the Registrar website and the Undergraduate Calendar regarding reregistration.

Application requirements for the 

Application Deadlines

Please note that the School of Public Adminstration may accept applications outside of the regular UVic timelines. 

Fall Term

  • May 31 for application to Undergraduate Admissions
  • July 15 for documents & transcripts

Spring Term  

  • September 30 for application to Undergraduate Admissions
  • November 15 for documents & transcripts

Summer Term

  • February 15 for application to Undergraduate Admissions
  • April 1 for documents & transcripts