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2025-26 Application Dates and Deadlines 

• September 15, 2024: Applications open
• Please note we have two deadlines for applications and submission of supporting documents:
  • January 15, 2025: International applicants
  • February 1, 2025: Canadian applicants
• Please note: Entrance to the MPP program is highly competitive. It is in the applicant's interest to apply as early as possible. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so the earlier a file is complete, the sooner the applicant may expect to receive an answer.

Admission Requirements 

The MPP program is directed at early career professionals, ideally with two to five years professional experience, who are interested in developing expertise in the field of public policy. Recent graduates with an exceptional academic record will also be considered however, in the absence of professional experience, more weight will be placed on the applicants’ academic record.

Specific requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognised by ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ) is a minimum requirement.
• The 'ideal' applicant will have completed undergraduate courses in Political Science, Economics, Quantitative Methods, and/or Statistics.
• An overall Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.6/4.0 or higher is recommended. A minimum (CGPA) of 3.0 (out of a possible 4.0), OR a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies is required.
• A minimum score of 100 for the Internet-based TOEFL exam test (iBT; 600 for the paper-based test (PBT)) with each component score not less than 20 is required. Please use the codes ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ 0935 when writing the exam.
• Applicants may write the IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) instead of the TOEFL exam. A minimum overall band of 7.0 is required, with each component score not less than 7.0. IELTS test scores must be sent electronically by IELTS directly to ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ using the ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ code 0935.
• English language proficiency exemptions: /gradapplicants/international/apply/proficiency

Application Procedures 

³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ’s online application portal for graduate program candidates is available at: www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply-now

For detailed application procedures: 

Additional Requirements: 

• Personal Statement (1,000 words). Your essay should explain why your background makes you an ideal candidate for the Max Bell MPP program, and how success in this program will enable you to achieve your professional goals
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Reference Letters (2 required). Ideally one from an academic and one from a professional
• TOEFL or IELTS score written within the past two years (where applicable)
• The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test score is NOT a requirement

Interview

After a preliminary review of their file, some candidates will be invited for an interview, to be conducted remotely. We would like to highlight the importance of the interview as it is not only for the admissions committee to better understand your background and experiences, but also an important opportunity for you to ask key questions and ensure that the Max Bell School MPP program is right for you. During the interview you will be asked to talk about your interests in public policy, and what you hope to accomplish following your MPP experience.