- Level
- 4-Year Bachelor Degree
- CIP code
- 44.0501
- Duration
- 4 year bachelor degree
- Open intakes
-
Off-shoreJan 2027, Sep 2027
- Field
- Public Administration and Policy
- Institution
- Public University
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
- Next deadline
- 2026-09-01
Program overview
A four year degree on how public decisions are made, covering policy analysis, governance and institutions, public finance, program evaluation and applied research in a Canadian context.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance is heavily oriented toward the Canadian federal and provincial system, which is a strength if you intend to stay and a limitation if you do not.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance is taught at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, a designated learning institution, so completing Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance supports a Post-Graduation Work Permit application of up to 3 years. Canada requires a Provincial Attestation Letter with the study permit application for Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance, and the university issues that alongside the letter of acceptance. Every permit decision rests with Canadian immigration authorities, and Apply Study Visa confirms the position for Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance in writing before you pay any deposit.
Admission to Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance requires Grade 12 or Class 12 at 70 percent or above. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and tuition for Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance is recorded at CAD 19,300 a year. An entrance scholarship of up to CAD 5,000 is recorded for Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance applicants who achieve a final average of 85 percent or higher, which is well above the entry bar, so treat it as a possibility rather than a discount you can budget for. September and January entry in each listed year. Apply Study Visa manages the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance application, the deposit, the letter of acceptance and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: Grade 12 or Class 12 with a minimum of 70 percent overall and no individual mark below 65 percent, as recorded in the cross check source.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, PTE Academic 60 overall with no component below 50, or TOEFL iBT 90 with at least 20 in every section. The Duolingo English Test is not accepted.
- Application and deposit: An application fee of CAD 100 applies. An initial tuition deposit of CAD 1,000 is required to confirm the seat and trigger the letter of acceptance.
- Scholarship: An entrance scholarship of up to CAD 5,000 is recorded for applicants achieving a final average of 85 percent or higher. It is not automatic at the 70 percent entry bar, so treat it as a possibility rather than a discount you can budget for.
- Work permit: Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance is delivered by a designated learning institution and supports a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to 3 years. A Provincial Attestation Letter is required with the study permit application. A spouse cannot apply for an open work permit on the strength of this programme under the rules in force.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa handles the provincial attestation letter, the study permit application and the biometrics appointment with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Policy Analyst: provincial and federal departments
- Programme Officer: non profit and advocacy organisations
- Research Officer: think tanks and institutes
- Municipal Administrator: local government
- Government Relations Coordinator: industry associations
- Graduate Study: public administration master degrees
Reality check: many Canadian public service positions are restricted to citizens or permanent residents, so international graduates should plan around the non profit and consultancy route first.
About St. Francis Xavier University
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.8
- World rank
- #4729
- Established
- 1853
- Reference No.
- O19391556899
