Applications Open in October 2026

About

The Master of Public Policy in Digital Society is a full-time program which runs from May to April each year.

Students will complete three semesters across 12 continuous months. Each semester is a four-month term consisting of three seminar courses and three skills development labs.

The program offers an optional co-op term during the semester immediately following the completion of all other program requirements.

Students must successfully complete all core courses to graduate from the program as well as all courses associated with either the Digital Society or Housing Policy stream.

Admission Criteria

Applicants must hold an Honours Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least a B+ average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.5 GPA out of 12) in the final year of study.

For applicants whose first language is not English and who did not attend an English-speaking university for their undergraduate degree, a test of English language proficiency is required.

Minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL are: written score 600 or computer 250, or Internet-based test IBT = 92; reading = 22, speaking = 24, listening = 24, and writing = 22. Minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language IELTS are: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening); results valid for 2 years.

Application Requirements

Applications are now closed for the May 2026 intake. For May 2027 admissions, the portal will open on October 1, 2026. Stay tuned for more details.

Applicants will be asked to submit the following documents with their application:

  • A curriculum vitae or résumé.
  • A personal statement approximately 500 words in length that speaks to a particular public policy of interest to the applicant, its associated opportunities and challenges, and what policymakers should do to try to limit harms while promoting the benefits of said policy.
  • Two letters of reference from academic referees (i.e. professors or research supervisors). If the applicant has relevant work experience, one of the two letters of reference may be from an employer.
  • Transcripts from every degree-granting institution attended. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted with the application for review purposes. Official transcripts will only be required if applicants accept an offer to the program.

A step-by-step application guide is available here. When searching for our programs, please filter by May intake and the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The admissions committee will review every application to the program to ensure that prospective students have the necessary academic background, proficiency in English, and relevant experience to enroll in the program.

Prospective students may be invited to a virtual interview as part of the application process.

Tuition

The fee for the MPP in Digital Society is $9,700 on a per-term basis. As there are three terms, the total tuition is $29,100.

International tuition is $18,500 on a per-term basis. As there are three terms, the total tuition is $55,500.

Information on Graduate Program fees can be found on the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Regarding Supplementary Fees, there are certain fees that are compulsory and there is no opt-out provision. However, in recognition of the online nature of the program, MPP students will be charged the same rate as part-time graduate students, which is approximately 50% of the full-time rate. When the nature of the program changes in the future (i.e., more in-person components), the supplementary fee structure will be re-evaluated at that time.

Financial Aid

The Master of Public Policy program offers applicants a wide range of generous funding options. Most students admitted to the program receive financial aid to help offset tuition costs. Funding applications are administered via McMaster’s AwardSpring system.

Students to whom we offer admission are automatically considered for a merit-based scholarship. The size and number of these awards vary year-to-year. These awards typically come in the form of a graduate scholarship, disbursed in three equal instalments over the course of the program. Sometimes we also provide entrance scholarships, disbursed at the beginning of the program.

No special forms need be filled out. Funding is awarded on academic excellence and the availability of funds. Funding is open to all domestic and international students.

Please note that these scholarships are applied to the recipient’s student account, not sent directly via e-transfer. This is different from the standard School of Graduate Studies approach, but this structure aligns better with the MPP program.

Domestic MPP students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.

Details about these bursaries can be found on the Graduate Studies website.

MPP students are eligible for a range of awards, prizes, scholarships, and fellowships made available by McMaster University. For details refer to the School of Graduate Studies Awards.

Teaching and Research Assistantships are not guaranteed for MPP students, but positions are possible in a range of departments and will be circulated by email to students as they become available.

The McMaster Work Program gives students who demonstrate financial need opportunities to work on campus part-time (max 10 hours/week) during the fall/winter terms.

Students can apply via AwardSpring, and applicants will be required to demonstrate financial need through an assessment that is similar to the one through OSAP.

Students experiencing a financial emergency can apply to this program through Mosaic. This support is run solely through the Office of the Registrar so you would need to follow the instructions posted on their website/connect with Student Services to unlock this support.

The Master of Public Policy program is eligible for loans under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Co-op placements

MPP students have the opportunity to qualify for co-operative education placements, which take place from May to August, upon successful fulfillment of all other program requirements.

Eligibility for the co-op stream is contingent upon student performance and the availability of placement options. Admission to the co-op stream does not guarantee placement.

Contact Us

A headshot of Dr. Graeme Stewart, executive director of the MPP program

Dr. Graeme Stewart

PhD

Executive Director

Master of Public Policy Program

(905) 525-9140 x27121 graeme.stewart@mcmaster.ca