Program

Established in 2008 as a collaboration between the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) has quickly emerged as one of Canada’s leading policy schools for educating graduate students and public servants interested in advancing public value. Our students can select from a number of course-based and research programs offered on either campus or online. 

At JSGS, you’ll benefit from:

  • Flexible study options
  • Curriculum that balances theory with practical application
  • Career-focused training for leadership roles in government, non-profits, and industry
  • Supportive community of engaged students, faculty, and public service professionals
  • Commitment to public value

Quick facts

Join the league of global gamechangers. Turn policy into impact.

You’ll gain the skills and knowledge to tackle today’s most pressing challenges—from healthcare and climate change to economic resilience and governance. Whether your goal is to serve at the local, provincial, Indigenous, or federal level, JSGS will equip you with the policy capacity and leadership skills to make a meaningful difference.

Master of Public Administration

Our programs equips public sector professionals with the skills the future demands.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, accredited by the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration (CAPPA), is designed to prepare you for careers in public administration and policy work in diverse areas such as non-government organizations, industry associations, and, of course, the public service. MPA students are exposed to core concepts in policy formation and analysis, and have the opportunity to explore substantive policy areas such as:

  • Social and health
  • Innovation and trade
  • Immigration
  • Environmental and resource
  • Public sector management

 In-person option

The standard time in program for the MPA is two years. However, the MPA can be completed in a period as short as 16 months (via an accelerated program) and as long as five years (the maximum time allowed in program for master's students).

 Online option

Designed for individuals working in the public and quasi-public (e.g., NGOs, non-profits) sectors, the online Master of Public Administration program provides students with the knowledge and administrative and management skills needed to address the contemporary policy challenges of an increasingly complex world. The online option provides an applied focus, using case-studies and projects to illustrate the applications of public policy theories and models. Key features of the program include:

  • Two three-to-four day in-person residencies at the beginning and end of the program.
  • Courses delivered fully online.
  • Flexible study options. The online MPA program can be completed in two years of full-time or four years of part-time study.

As an MPA student, you have an opportunity to enhance your graduate experience by applying for an Executive Internship in the federal or provincial public service, in municipal or local government, and in non-governmental organizations. Our Student Experience Officer works with employer representatives to pair you with senior-level executives within the organization and works with mentors to establish a mutually beneficial and high-quality experience for all.

Through an internship, you will learn about government processes through direct involvement in policy change, budget preparation, program development and delivery, and strategic planning and reporting. You will also benefit from: 

  • valuable career preparation and experience
  • remuneration
  • development of an extensive professional network
  • accelerated professional growth and advancement

The JSGS MPA program at the University of Saskatchewan schedules an academic break during the Summer term, which runs July 1 through August 31 inclusive. There are no core course offerings available during this time.

During a scheduled academic break, JSGS MPA students may choose to continue their studies. However, due to the limited availability of course offerings in the Summer term, there may not be courses available which are relevant to a students' program of study.

Graduate Certificate in Public Administration

This certificate can be taken as a stand-alone program and its courses can be applied to the completion of the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.). 

In-person or online formats

The Graduate Certificate in Public Administration is designed for individuals aspiring to work or currently working in the public sector who do not have a background in administration and who want to improve their analytical and management skills. Students will develop the ability to analyze governing institutions and the processes of modern government along with some of the basic skills and techniques required to effectively manage in the public sector. 

Certificate program is not recommended for international students.

Tuition and funding

Funding

The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School offers at least ten scholarships, minimum five awarded at each campus, to MPA applicants. Scholarships will be awarded to students based on academic standing. To be eligible for a scholarship, students must be enrolled in the school on a full-time basis. All complete applications will be considered for funding.

Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.

Tuition and fees

If you are offered admission into this program, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $1,000 CAD is required to save your seat. The non-refundable deposit must be paid within 30 days of the offer of admission being made. If you enroll in the program consistent with the terms of the offer, the $1,000 deposit will be applied to your student account. If you do not enroll, the deposit is retained by JSGS.

Program Canadian students International students
Master of Public Administration $21,952.00 CAD $41,928.00 CAD
Master of Public Administration (online) $37,159.00 CAD $70,973.00 CAD

Student fees

In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.

Student fees Fall 2025 Winter 2026 Spring 2026 Summer 2026
In-person $578.45 CAD $804.73 CAD $36.75 CAD $36.75 CAD
Online $59.99 CAD $59.99 CAD $18.37 CAD $18.37 CAD

Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.

This certificate is made up of 3 courses or 9 credit units.

Program Canadian students International students
JSGS Graduate Certificates per credit unit $609.80 CAD $1,164.70 CAD
JSGS Graduate Certificates (online) per credit unit $1,032.10 CAD $1,971.30 CAD

*Tuition is assessed per 3 credit unit course.

Student fees

In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.

Student fees Fall 2025 Winter 2026 Spring 2026 Summer 2026
In-person $578.45 CAD $804.73 CAD $36.75 CAD $36.75 CAD
Online $59.99 CAD $59.99 CAD $18.37 CAD $18.37 CAD

Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.

Admission requirements

  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies.
  • A cumulative weighted average of at least a 75% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
  • A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study

Standard admission

  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies.
  • A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
  • A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)

Non-standard admission

Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements can apply using the non‐standard application process. In this case, applicants must

  • Have completed at least one year (18 credit units) of higher education
  • Taken a minimum five-year break from formal higher education
  • Possess a minimum of ten years of work experience with at least five years of management experience

Application process and deadlines

Deadlines and important dates

  • A complete application must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on the deadline. Incomplete applications will be considered at the next deadline (if applicable), provided they are complete by then. Applications will not be deferred to future terms.
  • Early application is encouraged due to limited spots and competitive admissions. Later submissions may be at a disadvantage.
  • In-person programs: entry is available in Fall only. 
  • Online programs: applications are reviewed as they are completed; entry available in Fall, Winter, or Spring.
  • International applicants:
    • Apply by November 1 or February 1 for in-person program to allow time for visa processing.
    • Graduate certificates are not recommended to international students due to:
      • Complications with maintaining registration across terms and course offerings per term that may affect full-time student status.
      • JSGS does not provide PAL (Provincial Attestation Letters) for graduate certificate programs.
Program Start Term Application Deadline
M.P.A. In-person Fall September
(only one intake)		 All applicants: November 1
All applicants: February 1
Canadian applicants only: May 1 
M.P.A. Online Fall September All Applicants: May 1
Winter January All Applicants: October 1
Spring May All Applicants: February 1
G.Cert: In-person Fall September
(only one intake)		 Canadian: May 1
G.Cert: Online Fall September Canadian: May 1
Winter January Canadian: October 1
Spring May Canadian: February 1

Submit an online application

International Students - Review federal international study permit policies before you apply. We do not anticipate that the implementation of the PAL process will limit graduate enrollment at USask.

Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.

During the application, you'll be asked for:

  • Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
  • Contact information of your three referees
    • For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
  • Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions

The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.

At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.

Effective Sept 17, 2025 graduate application fees will be increasing and split by domestic and international. Domestic will be $125 and international will be $145.

Submit required documents

Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application.

Preliminary Statement of Marks

  • Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
  • The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college and must include a grading key/legend.
  • All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
  • Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
  • Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:

  • Completing a relevant test with the appropriate score is required before the application deadline.
  • Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
  • Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.

You may be required to submit the following documents:

  • A curriculum vitae or resume that includes background and relevant employment history.
  • MPA Statement/Letter of Intent: The MPA is a professional program designed to prepare you for a career in public administration and policy work in diverse areas such as non-government organizations, industry associations, and, of course, the public service. To help the committee understand whether the MPA program is right for you, and whether you will be a good fit for our school, please address the following in your statement/letter of intent:
    1. What has motivated you to pursue an MPA degree? Why are you interested in public administration and public policy?
    2. How will your background and preparation, including education and professional experience, contribute to your success in the MPA program?
    3. What particular policy interests do you hope to explore, specifically as they relate to our three areas of research priority (Governance, Social Policy and Inequality, and Innovation, Science and Technology). Why are you interested in these areas?
    4. What do you hope to achieve in this program?
    • The committee wants to see that you can clearly articulate your interests and ideas. Please restrict your comments to 500 words.

Contact

To contact the JSGS Admissions team, fill out the JSGS Admissions Staff Contact Form.

Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Diefenbaker Building
101 Diefenbaker Place
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B8

Graduate Chair
Michelle Bussière-Prytula