9 1��Ѱ���

Applicants should hold a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline from an institution recognized by 9 1��Ѱ��� with a minimum 3.0 a 4.3 scale (B average) in the last two years (60 credits) of study.

As per Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations, we cannot accept applicants that do not have an undergraduate degree. ��

• Unofficial/partial transcripts:��

  • These are acceptable at the time of application. HOWEVER, official/final versions must be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies within 90 days of starting the program, if accepted. A hold will be placed on your account if you do not meet this deadline. Please make a plan ahead of time to obtain and submit your official transcripts.

  • Please upload unofficial transcripts to the .��

• Official/final transcripts:

  • Must include all final marks, the degree name/type, and the date the degree was conferred (graduation date). If this is not stated on the transcript, documentation must be provided from the university confirming this information.

  • Submission options are: Electronic file-transfers from the issuing institution and from services such as Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, eScrip-Safe, or TranscriptNetwork. All electronic transcripts must be sent to dalmpa@dal.ca.

Important transcript details:

• Please submit one copy of all official transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions attended (including transfer credits, study abroad, incomplete programs).

• Transcripts submitted with applications become the property of 9 1��Ѱ���, are subject to verification, are not available for copying, and will not be returned to the applicant.  

• Notarized transcripts will not be accepted. 

• Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by an English translation provided by the institution issuing the transcript.  

• Transcript grading keys must be included with the transcript.
• Official transcripts are not required for any courses or degree you have completed at 9 1��Ѱ��� or University of King’s College. Our office will obtain these transcripts on your behalf. 

Please contact your referees prior to completing your application to ensure they agree to provide a reference.

All applicants are required to submit a minimum of��two academic references.

In addition to the required two academic reference letters, applicants may submit one or two professional��references that they feel would strengthen their application:��

• Applicants who graduated 3-5 years ago may submit one professional reference in lieu of academic.

• Applicants who graduated 5+ years ago may submit two professional references in lieu of academic.

• At least one academic reference is strongly encouraged for ALL applicants.

Reference Submission Options

• Preferred Option: E-reference System:��In the references section of the online application portal, choose “No” to indicate your referee will be using the e-reference system. Enter a valid email address for each referee. Once your application is submitted and your application fee paid, the referees will receive an email request to fill out the online form. Admissions staff will be notified when the reference form is submitted.��Please review the information carefully.��It cannot be changed or removed once the application is submitted.

• Preferred Option 2: E-mail:��In the references section of the online application portal, choose “Yes” to indicate that your referee will be submitting directly to our office. Ask your referees to fill out and sign the Confidential Reference Form [PDF-160 KB]. They may include a separate letter, but it's not required. The reference form must be emailed by the referee to dalmpa@dal.ca. Referees must use their work email. The referee should not include you on the email (references must be kept confidential from the applicant).

In the online application portal (under Supplemental Documents), please upload a CV/resume that summarizes academic and professional achievements, work experiences, and any other relevant information to support the review of your application. No specific format required (PDF preferred).

The statement of intent offers applicants an opportunity to express their value proposition to the admissions committee. It is an important component of an application and used by the selection committee in their final assessment. 

In a 2–3-page double-spaced essay please discuss:

• Your career goals and how the MPA will help you achieve them.

• What strengths you would bring to the MPA Program and to the profession.��

• What it means to be an ethical public servant.

• Any gaps or deficiencies in your academic record, or any other factors you wish to have considered.����

Proof of English language competency

English is the language of study at 9 1��Ѱ���; therefore, all applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate their capacity to pursue a graduate-level program in English before admission.  

View a complete list of English Language tests accepted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Test Taker copies of English Language reports are not accepted; they must be official copies sent from the test centre. 

Minimum IELTS overall score of 7��

Minimum TOEFL score of 92

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Note: The language competency test may be waived if the applicant has completed a degree that meets both of the following requirements: 

1. The degree is from a recognized university where the language of instruction is English.
2. The university (or campus location) where the degree was obtained is in a country where English is an official language. Please contact dalmpa@dal.ca if you are unsure whether you are required to provide this documentation.