To gain admission to the MA in Public and International Affairs, applicants must have completed an honours undergraduate degree (or its equivalent) in the social sciences, in arts, in management, or in law, with at least a 75% (B+) average (calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines). Applicants with degrees in other disciplines may also be considered, depending on the relevance of their previous degree and experience to the MA in Public and International Affairs.

A minimum of 2 years of full-time professional work experience is required in order to follow the part-time program. Part-time work over the summer months or during previous studies (co-op, internship) will not be considered to be equivalent. An interview may be required to assess the relevance of the work experience.

A basic knowledge of economics is required. There are two ways to meet this requirement. The first is for students to have successfully completed introductory courses in macroeconomics and microeconomics at the undergraduate level. At the University of Ottawa, this requirement can be met by taking the courses ECO 1102 and ECO 1104, or their equivalent. The Faculty of Social Sciences will offer these courses in the summer to facilitate the completion of this requirement. Equivalent courses from other universities are also accepted.

The second way to meet the economics requirement is to take a remedial course offered by the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Students who lack these courses, could still be admitted to the program, on the condition that they take a remedial course in economics offered by the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs during their first term. The course, entitled Economics for Public Management and Policy (API 5100), offers an intensive survey of the economics and mathematical skills necessary to be adequately prepared for the program's core courses in economics. Completion of this course will also be recommended for students who may need to ensure that they have the necessary basic skills in mathematical analysis. This remedial course will be in addition to the 39 units required by the program.

TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based)
TOEFL 92-93/IELTS 6.5 overall Individual 6.0 (Internet-based)
IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based)
IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Internet-based)