Professional and Undergraduate program applications

Diploma in Public Sector Management or Local Government Management Programs: Applicants should have the equivalent of two years post-secondary education, plus three years experience in the public sector; or considerable relevant public or non-profit sector work experience. Candidates without formal post-secondary qualifications but with demonstrated appropriate experience may be admitted as conditional students.

Diploma in Indigenous Community Development and Governance (ICDG) Program: Applicants should have the equivalent of one year post-secondary education, plus two years experience working with Indigenous organizations or governments; or considerable relevant public or non-profit sector work experience. Candidates without formal post-secondary qualifications but with demonstrated appropriate experience may be admitted as conditional students.

Professional Specialization Certificate Programs (all): Applicants should already hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least two years’ relevant experience. In exceptional circumstances, students may be admitted to a Professional Specialization Certificate if the School finds they have sufficient academic background equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

ICDG Program Applications: We assume ICDG applicants have knowledge of Canada’s historical and ongoing relationship with Indigenous peoples. If you are unsure of your foundational knowledge but would like to apply to an ICDG program, please contact the program office at paservice1@uvic.ca.  Indigenous applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their application because their application will be prioritized until an application deadline.

Application Deadlines

Please note that The School of Public Administration may accept applications outside of regular UVic timelines.

Fall Term

• May 31 for application to Office of the Registrar
• July 15 for documents & transcripts

Spring Term  

• September 30 for application to Office of the Registrar
• November 15 for documents & transcripts

Summer Term

• February 15 for application to Office of the Registrar
• April 1 for documents & transcripts

How to Apply

New applicants to UVic application procedures

1. Apply to University of Victoria Applying to UVic via undergraduate admissions.
2. Complete online application, upload your professional resume and cover letter (see cover letter guidance below) outlining your interest in the Diploma or Specialization Certificate program.
3. Arrange for all official transcripts to be sent to Undergraduate Admissions

More information for new undergraduate students

Returning UVic students application procedures

1. Returning UVic students must apply to reregister. You can apply online here. Along with your application for reregistration, upload your updated professional resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the Diploma or Specialization Certificate program.

Returning students should review the information on the Office of the Registrar website.

Cover Letter Guidance:

Your 500-word cover letter (letter of intent) should outline your specific interest in the Diploma or Specialization Certificate program you are applying for, and how this program aligns with your personal and/or career goals.

If you are applying to an Indigenous Community Development and Governance (ICDG) program, please include your positionality (i.e. who you are in relation to Canada, in your community, in relation to Indigenous people) and summarize your experience working with or for Indigenous Communities or organizations. Please note how your personal and professional background informs your motivation to complete an ICDG program. What do you hope to learn? What do you bring to our learning community?

Please address all cover letters to the current Director of the School of Public Administration, University of Victoria.

• Minor Programs

To declare a Minor in Public Administration or a Minor in Indigenous Community Development and Governance, please contact the academic adviser for your major program. For a listing of the academic advisers, please consult the undergraduate advising website.