Application Instructions
The application deadline for the Fall 2012 cohort is February 1, 2012. Applications will accepted starting November 1, 2011 through the following link http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/prosp_students/application_process/. (Note: the link will not be operational until November 1, 2011 and will be de-activated as of February 1, 2012).
All admission documents (including all supporting documents) must be received in our office by the deadline. The admissions committee recommends that you submit your application early, if possible (late fall/early new year).
Please send ALL supporting documents directly to the School of Public Policy Program Office at the following address:
School of Public Policy
SFU Vancouver
515 West Hastings St. #3271
Vancouver, BC
V6B 5K3
Students must submit the following documentation when applying:
1) Application Form:
The SFU graduate application form is accessible online through the following link http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/prosp_students/application_process/. The application period for Public Policy runs from November 1, 2011 to the application deadline of February 1, 2012.
2) Application Fee: $90 graduate application fee (domestic students) or $125 (international students) payable by mastercard or visa. If you are unable to pay the application fee by credit card, see How to Pay Your Fees for alternative payment methods.
3) Official transcripts: Official transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions attended.
4) Letters of Reference: Three confidential letters of reference mailed directly by the referees or received in sealed, signed envelopes. At least two references should come from faculty members at universities. This requirement may be waived for mid-career applicants with professional experience. In this case, letters from employers may be substituted for references from university faculty.
Reference Form in PDF format: SPP reference letter form PDF.
Referees can choose to use either the Reference Form provided or to provide a written letter. Please give each referee a copy of the Reference Form even if they choose to write a letter as the form will provide them with an idea of information that the admission committee would find useful in its evaluation.
5) Letter of Intent: A Letter of Intent that explains why the applicant wishes to pursue the MPP degree and what types of policy issues in which they are interested (approximately 500 words). Please see extended Letter of Intent instructions below.
6) Resume/CV: A complete resume or CV showing employment, volunteer, education and any other appropriate information.
7) GRE: A GRE score is normally required for applicants without a Canadian undergraduate or graduate degree.
8) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for those students whose first language is not English and whose undergraduate degrees have not been obtained at an institution where English is the language of instruction. Minimum TOEFL score is 570 or 230 on computer based score and a score of 5 or above on the Test of Written English.
General Admission Requirements
The School of Public Policy uses a broad base admission criteria for determining admission. Criteria for admission includes post secondary education grades, letters of reference, letter of intent and the TOEFL and GRE scores if applicable.
A prospective MPP student must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university, normally in an Arts or Social Sciences discipline. Students admitted with other credentials or those with Arts degrees who in the judgement of the Program Director are without adequate foundation in the social sciences, may be required to make up any deficiency without graduate credit.
The normal minimum undergraduate grade point average required for admission is 3.0 (or equivalent), although the Admissions Committee and Program Director may take relevant work experience into account in determining eligibility for admission to the program.
The normal admission date is the Fall Semester that begins the day after Labour Day each year. It is expected that approximately 25-30 students will be directly admitted in any one year to the program.
Letter of Intent Extended Instructions
Your letter of intent offers you the opportunity to describe to the admissions committee your interest in the MPP program. It also provides you the opportunity to clearly detail your public policy interests and goals, your background, your hopes for the future and the ideas and problems that drive you to focus on public policy.
You do NOT need to have a well developed policy proposal however, the committee does like to see that you can clearly articulate your interests and ideas and IF you do have a specific project that you are committed to, please include that information in your letter.
This letter is an opportunity to show your personality, to say something original and distinctive, something that sets you apart from other applicants.