As a course-based program, students are assessed tuition based on course enrollment each term. Tuition rates are published in the University of Calgary Graduate Calendar under the School of Public Policy and are subject to change each year. For the purpose of tuition, the full program consists of 33 units. Complete details on our courses and timetables can be found here on our website.
All graduate students are assessed general fees each year, in addition to tuition. These fees include Graduate Students’ Association fees, group insurance, extended health and dental coverage, UPass (transit pass), campus recreation, and more. General fees are subject to change each year. For a detailed breakdown, please refer to the University of Calgary Graduate Calendar.
If you are a Canadian or American student, you may be eligible for government financial aid to help offset the cost of your graduate studies. Learn more about available assistance programs and how to apply.
UCalgary offers self-service payment plans for all students. Your tuition and general fees can now be paid in installments over the term, rather than being due all at once on the term fee deadline.
Scholarships
Financial support can make a meaningful difference in your academic journey. Our scholarships recognize outstanding students who demonstrate excellence in the field of public policy. Awards are based on your program application—no separate application is required. Explore available funding options and learn more about eligibility requirements.
On April 11, 2023, the Government of Alberta announced a $9 million investment over three years to support and expand the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education, stated, “The Master of Public Policy is a unique program in Alberta and Canada. Established in 2010, the program is widely recognized for its influential policy work and has been recognized as one of the world’s top policy schools.” The School aims to train the best, most in-demand policy analysts in Canada and globally—an objective aligned with the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy to strengthen internationalization and develop job-ready skills.
-
Donor
Alberta Government – Advanced Education
-
Award amount
Award values range from $5,000 to $10,000, with 20 to 40 awarded each year, up to a total annual value of $200,000.
-
Selection criteria
Open to full-time students registered in the Master of Public Policy program in the School of Public Policy.
-
How to apply
All applicants to the program will be considered for this award. No separate application is required, as recommendations are made based on the admission file.
The School of Public Policy Distinguished Policy Fellows are recognized leaders in public policy research, education, development, implementation, or advocacy, and this scholarship honours their leadership.
-
Donor
Distinguished Fellows Awards Dinner
-
Award amount
The number and value of awards may vary each year, depending on available funding.
-
Selection criteria
Open to full-time students registered in the Master of Public Policy program in the School of Public Policy.
-
How to apply
All applicants to the program will be considered for this award. No separate application is required, as recommendations are made based on the admission file.
This scholarship reflects the donor’s commitment to graduate education and provides annual support to students with an interest in Canadian public policy.
-
Donor
The Right Side of Elbow Trust
-
Award amount
The award is valued at $13,966 for one recipient or may be split between two recipients at $6,983 each.
-
Selection criteria
Open to full-time students registered in the Master of Public Policy program in the School of Public Policy.
-
How to apply
All applicants to the program will be considered for this award. No separate application is required, as recommendations are made based on the admission file.
In celebration of the University of Calgary’s 50th Anniversary, the first-ever Giving Day was launched on April 27, 2017, with the goal of creating 50 new scholarships in 50 hours. Since then, Giving Day has become an annual tradition, bringing together alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to support student awards and campus initiatives. It now takes place over a two-week period in April, encouraging a growing culture of philanthropy across the university community.
-
Donor
Supporters of the School of Public Policy with matching funds provided by the University of Calgary.
-
Award amount
The number and value of awards may vary each year, depending on available funding.
-
Selection criteria
Open to full-time students registered in the Master of Public Policy program in the School of Public Policy.
-
How to apply
All applicants to the program will be considered for this award. No separate application is required, as recommendations are made based on the admission file.
Established in honor of James S. and Barbara A. Palmer, this scholarship recognizes their generous support of the School of Public Policy and supports students in the Master of Public Policy program.
-
Donor
Endowed through the School of Public Policy gala event proceeds
-
Award amount
The number and value of awards may vary each year, depending on available funding.
-
Selection criteria
Open to full-time students registered in the Master of Public Policy program in the School of Public Policy.
-
How to apply
All applicants to the program will be considered for this award. No separate application is required, as recommendations are made based on the admission file.
This internally funded scholarship from the School of Public Policy supports graduate education in public policy.
-
Award amount
The number and value of awards may vary each year, depending on available funding.
-
Selection criteria
Open to full-time students registered in the Master of Public Policy program in the School of Public Policy.
-
How to apply
All applicants to the program will be considered for this award. No separate application is required, as recommendations are made based on the admission file.
This scholarship was established in honour of Jack Mintz’s lifetime of public service and his appointment as a President’s Fellow at the School of Public Policy.
-
Donor
Eleanor & Jack Mintz and family, friends, and colleagues
-
Award amount
One scholarship valued at $19,500 is awarded annually.
-
Selection criteria
Open to full-time students registered in the Master of Public Policy program in the School of Public Policy.
-
How to apply
All applicants to the program will be considered for this award. No separate application is required, as recommendations are made based on the admission file.
This scholarship honours the donor’s commitment to graduate education in public policy.
-
Donor
The Bank of Nova Scotia
-
Award amount
One scholarship valued at $30,000 is awarded annually.
-
Selection criteria
Open to full-time students registered in the Master of Public Policy program in the School of Public Policy. Candidates must also have experience with international exposure.
-
How to apply
All applicants to the program will be considered for this award. No separate application is required, as recommendations are made based on the admission file.
Other Scholarships
You may browse the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Graduate Awards Database to explore potential funding opportunities. While doing so, please keep in mind Master of Public Policy students are in a course-based program and are not eligible for awards restricted to research-based programs or other fields of study. If you have any questions about your eligibility for a specific award, please contact our program office after carefully reviewing the award’s terms of reference.
Research Assistantships
Research Assistant positions offer valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on current policy projects. These roles are not guaranteed and depend on available research funding, but they can provide meaningful professional development and insight into real-world policy work.