
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 12 termsDuration
- Ottawa (Main Campus), CanadaLocation
- Public AdministrationField of study
- bilingualLanguage of instruction
- Ottawa (Main Campus)Campus
- $17,478Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The School of Political Studies located in the Faculty of Social Science offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts (MA) and the Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Public Administration. The main objective of the master programs is to provide students with leading-edge theoretical and conceptual knowledge to enable them to understand and analyze public administration, as well as equipping them with the know-how and skills necessary for success in a constantly changing organizational environment.
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Emphasis is placed on the development of research skills. The MA program aims to familiarize students with critical methods of knowledge production and to develop their capacity for conducting basic and applied research. Furthermore, they will develop the ability to extract from research the learning necessary for undertaking their responsibilities as public managers and policy analysts. The PhD program aims to prepare students for academic and research careers. The various components of the doctoral program (courses, comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, thesis and defence) are all designed to develop the student’s capacity for high level independent research in social sciences. The programs offer two fields or concentrations in public administration: public management and public policy. These fields are not mutually exclusive, but constitute the two main components of public administration studies. The MA program is offered both full- and part-time, whereas the PhD program is offered full-time only. The programs are offered in French and English and the use of both languages is encouraged. Students can choose the master’s with thesis or the master’s with research paper. Public Administration is a participating unit in the collaborative programs in Women’s Studies. The programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeFull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Minimum requirements: B+ in a master's degree in Public Administration or related field Application Fee: CA$125.00 (non-refundable) Recommendation letter(s): 2 Transcript(s): 1 Required document(s): Additional Information Form: Research For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. Admission to the graduate program in Public Administration is governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies. To be considered for admission, applicants must hold a master’s degree in Public Administration or in a related discipline with a minimum average of 75% (B+). Language Requirements An active knowledge of French and English is essential. All students must successfully complete the course PAP 8510 given in French only and must be able to read texts in French and in English. Students whose first language is other than French or English must provide proof in their application of their level of competence in these languages. The Public Administration Program reserves the right to conduct an interview and to require a test in either language. If a student’s research interests require comprehension of a language other than French or English, the Public Administra Published language requirement: English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 92 · English test waiver: French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Paper-based) English Program: TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · Application fee: CAD 125.00
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$17,478 CAD / year≈ $12,851 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsInternational Doctoral Scholarship valued at CAD 45,000 over five years for international PhD students (conditions changed for students who began a PhD in May 2023 or later). Source: uOttawa Tuition fees - International students page.
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: Fall: December 1 (international applicants).
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Doctorate in Philosophy Public Administration cost?
CAD 17,478 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
12 terms, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum requirements: B+ in a master's degree in Public Administration or related field Application Fee: CA$125.00 (non-refundable) Recommendation letter(s): 2 Transcript(s): 1 Required document(s): Additional Information Form: Research For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. Admission to the graduate program in Public Administration is governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies. To be considered for admission, applicants must hold a master’s degree in Public Administration or in a related discipline with a minimum average of 75% (B+). Language Requirements An active knowledge of French and English is essential. All students must successfully complete the course PAP 8510 given in French only and must be able to read texts in French and in English. Students whose first language is other than French or English must provide proof in their application of their level of competence in these languages. The Public Administration Program reserves the right to conduct an interview and to require a test in either language. If a student’s research interests require comprehension of a language other than French or English, the Public Administra Published language requirement: English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 92 · English test waiver: French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Paper-based) English Program: TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · Application fee: CAD 125.00
Is there a scholarship?
International Doctoral Scholarship valued at CAD 45,000 over five years for international PhD students (conditions changed for students who began a PhD in May 2023 or later). Source: uOttawa Tuition fees - International students page.
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