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On-campus programs:

• MPA on-campus (thesis-based with co-op)
• PhD in Public Administration

Online programs:

• Diploma in Local Government Management
• Diploma in Public Sector Management
• Diploma in Indigenous Community Development and Governance
• Professional specialization certificate programs:
  • Indigenous Community Development and Governance
  • Local Government Management
  • Public Policy and Governance
  • Public Sector Management
  • Voluntary and Non-Profit Sector Management
• MA in Community Development (MACD)*
• MPA online (course-based)
• Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Evaluation

*The Master of Arts in Community Development (MACD) program is an online program with summer residencies.

The Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Evaluation can be done part-time.

The MPA online and MACD programs are designed to be done while working. Students in these programs are expected to enrol in 2 classes per term. UVic considers full-time studies to be 3 units per term and up.

Only the MPA on-campus program includes co-op as a mandatory component. MACD students may apply to complete an optional co-op.

While pay varies according to the position, our students generally earn an average of $4,410 per month during a co-op work term (based on 2024-25 data).

No, many of our students complete their work terms outside of Victoria.

Placements in a region depend on factors like the economy and the hiring organization's institutional policies. You must be willing to relocate during the co-op term. It's a tremendous opportunity to live and work in a location you may not have been able to otherwise.

Many students complete at least one work term in Ottawa. We also place students in Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto. We have also had international placements.

Our school uses an equity admissions approach and reviews applications to all programs holistically. The admissions committee will determine who will receive offers of a space in a program based on factors including:

• your academic record
• your letter of intent, including your fit for the program values
• academic assessment forms or non-academic letters of reference
• test scores
• relevant work experience, paid or voluntary

You should plan to spend 8 to 15 hours per week on each course. Good time management skills will help you succeed.

Many awards, scholarships, and bursaries are available for students. Learn about funding and employment for graduate students.

Entrance awards & scholarships

MPA on-campus, MACD and PhD student applications are reviewed for eligibility and nomination by the admissions committee for entrance awards and scholarships. Minimum eligibility requirement is 6.0/9.0 GPA (dom), Second Class (Int’l) as evaluated by Graduate Admissions.

Bursaries

Bursaries are based on financial need. They are administered by UVic Student Awards and Financial Aid.

Donor awards & scholarships

Opportunities are shared throughout the program. Some are direct application and others are department-evaluated. All current students are considered. Minimum eligibility requirement is 6.0 GPA at the time of award, which may include school program terms.

Co-operative work terms

Co-op is part of the MPA program. It is optional for MACD and PhD students

Research assistantships

Our faculty members share various RA opportunities as available throughout the program.

If you're in a research thesis or project-based program (MPA on-campus, MACD and PhD), you will require a supervisor to complete the final requirement for your program.

Your initial supervisor will be the school's graduate adviser. As you work through your courses, you may consult with them or your graduate program assistant about program requirements or proposed changes.

PhD students will typically enter their program with a supervisor identified. MPA on-campus and MACD students may identify a supervisor in their application, but this is not required. As MPA on-campus and MACD students progress through coursework, you will seek out a supervisor to guide you in the completion of your master's project or thesis.

Co-operative education is a mandatory component of the MPA on-campus program and international students are required to complete at least 2 co-op terms.

Securing co-op placements may be more challenging for international students as some public sector employers require Canadian citizenship. Your co-op coordinator will support you in finding a suitable co-op placement.

Please contact icsinfo@uvic.ca for all inquiries.

Please contact the Graduate Admissions and Records Office at garo@uvic.ca.

To be considered for graduate funding, your average GPA must be between 6.0 and 7 (B to A-) on a 9-point scale based on the last 2 years or 30 units of your undergraduate degree.

Graduate funding cannot be guaranteed since the application eligibility pool changes from year to year.

Graduate funding and employment

You can complete the MACD program in 2 years and 4 months. All students must complete the program within 5 years.

MACD applicants must demonstrate a commitment to and experience in the community development sector. No specific number of years of experience is required.

For the MACD program, the 3 on-campus sessions held in the summer terms are referred to as residencies. You will be on the UVic campus during a residency. At every other point in the program, you will studying online from any location.

The residencies are mandatory and are the only in-class components of the MACD program. Students are expected to cover the cost of food, accommodation and travel. Although you are not required to stay at UVic during your residencies, accommodation may be available on campus.

As this is a full-time program, most students can complete it in 7 terms (2+ years). You must complete 2 co-operative work terms and may choose to complete an optional third co-op term. Students typically need 2 to 3 semesters to complete their master's thesis.

Students must complete the MPA on-campus program within 5 years. Learn about fees for graduate students and how fees relate to the length of a program.

The MPA online program takes 20 months (under 2 years) to complete. You will take 2 courses per term for 5 terms.

The MPA online program is designed for people like you. The program is accessible, reasonably priced and flexible for students who are working and/or have a family.

We have students in BC, Newfoundland and Nunavut, as well as those who travel locally or internationally and have internet access.

Please see the admission requirements.

While we can't answer this question for you, we encourage you to visit the   or  for information. Learn about graduate housing and dining at UVic.

Housing costs in Victoria are comparable to many areas across the country. Factors like taste, expectations and location will determine the price. You may consider sharing accommodations to reduce costs.

It can be hard to negotiate a new rental on the phone or online, but not impossible. Our students have said that  was the most useful resource in searching for and finding a living space.

Each on-campus UVic student gets a  included in tuition. Victoria's bus system is very accessible and almost always on time. It is easy to get to and from campus from anywhere in Victoria. Learn about transportation options at UVic.