Course at a Glance
- DiplomaDegree level
- 1 yearDuration
- Halifax, CanadaLocation
- Agriculture, Plants, and Animals, Business and Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Computing, and Technology, Environment, Oceans, and Sustainability, Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts, Law and Public Policy, Architect…Field of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- HalifaxCampus
- Tuition on request — ask our teamFees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
A 1-year graduate credential designed to advance public administration expertise. | A 1-year alternative to the MPA, the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration (GDPA) is designed for those with experience in the public sector who wish to better understand key principles and concepts of the profession. | Develop a valuable skill set and deepen your knowledge through a program that combines the essential components of financial, economic, and policy analysis with organization and management theory. | Accreditation | The MPA program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration (CAPPA) . Accreditation from CAPPA is based on five key student competencies relating to critical thinking, leadership, engagement, ethics, and communication.
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
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 7.0
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
This program requires you to meet the following criteria: | Academic requirements | Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.3 (B average) in the last 60 credit hours (2 years) of study. | English language requirements | If required, TOEFL iBT scores of at least 92, or IELTS (Academic) scores of at least 7. | Contact the MPA admissions team | Email dalmpa@dal.ca | Fill out our information request form · English: IELTS 7.0; TOEFL iBT 92; PTE Academic 65 · English test waiver: The Faculty of Graduate Studies will waive the language test if you completed your degree at a recognised university where the language of instruction is English and in a country where English is one of the official languages; the waiver is requested during the application process. Completion of Dalhousie English Language Studies 'English for Academic Purposes - Level 2' with an overall grade of A- is also accepted. Source: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/gradstudies/apply-graduate-studies/admission-requirements/english-requirements.html · Application fee: CAD 115.00
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
- TuitionTuition on request — ask our team
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsFee format: per-course fee | Estimated tuition: $9,611 | Plan for your investment | At Dalhousie, we want our students to focus on their studies rather than worry about their personal finances. | Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships for future Dal graduate students | Funding opportunities | GDPA students are encouraged to explore employer and government funding options to support their studies.
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: Faculty of Graduate Studies general application deadlines: September admission - June 1 (Canadian applicants), April 1 (non-Canadian applicants); January admission - October 31 (Canadian), August 31 (non-Canadian); May admission - February 28 (Canadian),…
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
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
1 year, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
This program requires you to meet the following criteria: | Academic requirements | Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.3 (B average) in the last 60 credit hours (2 years) of study. | English language requirements | If required, TOEFL iBT scores of at least 92, or IELTS (Academic) scores of at least 7. | Contact the MPA admissions team | Email dalmpa@dal.ca | Fill out our information request form · English: IELTS 7.0; TOEFL iBT 92; PTE Academic 65 · English test waiver: The Faculty of Graduate Studies will waive the language test if you completed your degree at a recognised university where the language of instruction is English and in a country where English is one of the official languages; the waiver is requested during the application process. Completion of Dalhousie English Language Studies 'English for Academic Purposes - Level 2' with an overall grade of A- is also accepted. Source: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/gradstudies/apply-graduate-studies/admission-requirements/english-requirements.html · Application fee: CAD 115.00
Is there a scholarship?
Fee format: per-course fee | Estimated tuition: $9,611 | Plan for your investment | At Dalhousie, we want our students to focus on their studies rather than worry about their personal finances. | Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships for future Dal graduate students | Funding opportunities | GDPA students are encouraged to explore employer and government funding options to support their studies.
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