University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

Broad Student Body Brings Curiosity and Engagement to Programs

Artists, engineers, scientists, recent college graduates, and others comprise the student body at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto—in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

All that diversity spawns robust class discussions, says Kristen Ligers, director of programs. “The common thread is a curiosity about the subject matter. At the Munk School, we are looking for students who are creative, who push the limits, who think differently, and who are deeply engaged with the world and determined to have an impact on it.”

At the Munk School, students can pursue a Master of Public Policy (MPP), which draws students who are passionate about contributing to the public good, and a Master of Global Affairs (MGA), which focuses on security, development, justice and human rights, markets, and innovation policy.

Entrance is competitive, so applicants should “add a little bit of themselves” to make sure their personalities come through in the application. The school looks at students’ GPA for their entire undergraduate college career and also résumés, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

During the pandemic, the school has been connecting applicants around the world virtually to help them develop relationships even before they arrive in Toronto.

The pandemic is just one issue that spotlights the value of public policy and international affairs degrees, Ligers says. “Whether it’s COVID-19, the growing rivalry between the United States and China, or the struggle for human rights that exists around the world, these are times that demand change and creative thinking. The content of these degrees really lends itself to what’s happening in the world.”

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Students Gain Practical Experience During Global Internships
When Munk School students break for the summer after their first year, the learning goes global. Even during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the school had a 100 percent placement rate in summer internships, which are for-credit and required.
)))A dedicated staff member helps with applications to multilateral organizations, think tanks, private sector companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. Some recent placements have been with Global Affairs Canada, the International Organization for Migration, various United Nations agencies, and the professional services company KPMG. Locations are varied, too. The International Organization for Migration, for instance, took students in Geneva and Cairo, among other cities.

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Graduate Degree Program Options
• Master of Global Affairs (MGA)
• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
The Munk School also offers dual and cooperative degree programs with partner institutions.

Deadlines for Fall 2022
Priority Application: January 20, 2022
Regular Application: For MGA, April 1, 2022; for MPP, rolling applications
Financial Aid/Scholarships: January 20, 2022

Standardized Exam Scores: None are required for MGA applicants. MPP students who received their undergraduate degree outside of Canada must submit GRE scores.

Recommendation Letters: Two are required. They are often most effective coming from past professors who can talk about a student’s strengths and passion for the subject.

Application Checklist:
MGA: https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/mga/admissions/apply-now
MPP: https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/publicpolicy/programs/master-of-public-policy-program/mpp-program-admissions