Application Process

The Application window for the Online GDPA Program is currently closed.

Apply Now

Applications for Fall (September) 2026 start will be accepted between October 1, 2025 and February 1, 2026. 

  • Online GDPA Students:
    Once you are in the application select the following:
    - Academic Program: Public Administration
    - Academic Degree: Graduate Diploma in Public Administration - online
    - Admit Term: 2026 Fall Graduate
    - Academic Load: Part-Time

Application Details

The application to the GDPA program is managed by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) at Western.  When you click the APPLY NOW button above you will be taken to the SGPS application page where you will get all the details on the application components.  The have also set up an application help center.  You can contact them with any questions about the application at gradapps@uwo.ca

Regular Application Components

The GDPA application will ask you for the following components:

  • Personal Information
  • Academic History
  • Reference (1)
  • Application Fee $150.00 CAD
  • Supplemental Documents Required by the Program
  • Letter of Intent
  • Resume
  • Proficiency in English Scores (if applicable - see SGPS website for requirements)

Supplemental Documents Required by the Program

  • Academic History - Transcripts

    • During the application process, you are allowed to upload unofficial copies of your transcripts (including unofficial records such as a grade report printout).

      * Note: If you are made an offer of admission, Western requires you to submit formal, official transcripts from your institution directly to Western University’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (gradapps@uwo.ca).

  • Reference
    • Western uses a digital graduate reference process. Western will email your referee within 2 hours of entering or updating your reference information within the application. Please be sure to communicate with your referee prior to entering them. Your reference will be collected by Western and distributed alongside your application once it arrives. No paper reference letters are required. Please be sure to provide an email address associated with the referee's institution or workplace. A unique link will be emailed to the referee, allowing them to log in to a secure site and submit an online reference or upload a reference document as an attachment. You will be notified once your referee replies to the request.
  • Letter of Intent
    • We ask for you to write a personal 2-3 page letter outlining your interest in studying Local Government Public Administration and why you make a good candidate to the program. Strong letters outline what experience/perspective the student brings to the program and how the program will assist the student in career development. This usually requires knowledge about the program offerings which you can find in the Courses section of the Local Government Program website.
  • Resume
    • A resume detailing your relevant education, work, professional development, and/or community involvement is required.