IPAC Canada Doug Stevens Public Policy Graduate Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ 1,000-word essay demonstrating creative and/or innovative thinking in Public Administration
• ✓ One-page statement describing the nature of your financial need
• ✓ Up-to-date transcripts including current semester registration (Unofficial Transcript from UR Self Service or Official Transcript from MyCreds)
• ✓ For entrance students with no grades at the University of Regina: a copy of your last institution's transcript and the corresponding grading key, combined into one document

About this award

You can receive either $8,600 if you are a full-time student, or $4,300 if you are one of two part-time students selected. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a graduate student dedicated to improving public service and public management through creative and innovative thinking. You must apply by September 29. If you are selected, the value will be noted in an award letter in your UR Self-Service account. Selection is based on your ability to prove creativity and innovation in public administration or public policy through your essay and a potential interview. Your CGPA (minimum 80%) and financial need are also considered. There are two awards at most: one full-time student or two part-time students. Ask the University of Regina during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with the University of Regina whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be enrolled in the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and be pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or a PhD related to Public Administration. You must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA — your overall average across all graded courses) of 80%. You also need to demonstrate creativity and innovation in public administration or public policy. Finally, your financial need will be considered when your application is reviewed.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or international student
• ✓ Open to graduate students
• ✓ Studying Public Administration or Public Policy

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Order your transcript1–2 weeks

   Your school's registrar can take a week or two.

3. 3

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

4. 4

   Deadline: September 29

   September 29 has already passed this year. The award's official page gives the date without a year, so check there when the next round closes before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• EssayAvoid writing a generic summary of your coursework. Instead, use your 1,000-word essay to showcase a specific, creative solution to a public policy problem. Describe a real-world scenario where your innovative thinking could improve a government service.
• Financial NeedAvoid simply stating that you lack funds. Instead, tell a personal story that explains the nature of your financial struggle and why this funding is necessary for your success. Be honest and specific about your situation.
• StrategyAvoid uploading fragmented documents. Instead, combine your transcripts and grading keys into a single PDF file as requested. This ensures the reviewers have everything they need in one place and your application isn't marked incomplete.
• RealismAvoid assuming that a high GPA alone will win you the award. Instead, focus heavily on the qualitative parts of the application, like your essay and financial statement. Remember that the committee is looking for a specific blend of academic excellence and a commitment to public service.

Questions students ask

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