| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
The National School of Public Administration (in French, École nationale d'administration publique or ENAP) is a prestigious public graduate-level institution in Quebec, Canada, that specializes in public administration education, research, and professional development.
Founded: 1969
Type: Public graduate school
Location: Main campuses in Quebec City and Montreal, with additional offices in Gatineau, Saguenay, and Trois-Rivières.
Language of Instruction: Primarily French, though some programs and courses may be available in English.
ENAP’s mission is to train public administrators, conduct applied research in public administration, and provide consulting services to governments and public organizations. It plays a key role in strengthening governance, management capacity, and public sector innovation in Quebec and beyond.
ENAP offers graduate-level programs including:
Master of Public Administration (MPA) – With specializations such as:
Public Management
International Administration
Program Evaluation
Human Resource Management
Ph.D. in Public Administration
Graduate Diplomas (DESS) and short-term certificate programs
Executive and continuing education for professionals
Focuses on practice-oriented public administration education.
Strong connection to government and public sector organizations.
Offers international collaboration and consulting projects, particularly in Francophone countries.
Graduates typically pursue careers in:
Federal, provincial, or municipal government
Public policy analysis and development
International organizations
NGOs and non-profits
Consulting in public sector reform and governance
ENAP’s flagship program, offered with different concentrations to suit various public sector career paths:
Public Management (Gestion publique)
International Administration
Organizational Analysis and Development
Program Evaluation
Human Resources Management
Municipal Management
Public Security Management
Health and Social Services Administration
Digital Transformation in Public Administration (newer)
Duration: Typically 2 years (full-time), flexible options for part-time
For those pursuing academic, research, or high-level analytical positions in public policy or administration.
Focus: Original research in public administration, governance, or public policy
Duration: 4-5 years (typical)
Shorter, targeted programs ideal for working professionals or those seeking specialization without doing a full master's.
Public Administration
Municipal Management
Public Program Evaluation
International Administration
Health and Social Services Administration
Public Security Management
Duration: Usually 1 year (full-time) or part-time
These are short, flexible programs (often 15–18 credits) designed to quickly upskill professionals in specific areas.
Digital Governance
Leadership in the Public Sector
Change Management
Ethics and Public Responsibility
Strategic Human Resources in Government
ENAP offers non-credit executive training, workshops, and seminars for public servants, managers, and leaders in the public and parapublic sectors.
Public organizations
International development partners
Government departments
ENAP is a French-language institution, but some courses and programs may be offered in English, especially for international students or in international cooperation programs.
The International Administration stream includes global perspectives and sometimes partnerships abroad.
Master’s Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Public Administration – Public Management |
2 years |
~$13,500 |
|
Master of Public Administration – International Administration |
2 years |
~$13,500 |
|
Master of Public Administration – Organizational Analysis and Development |
2 years |
~$13,500 |
|
Master of Public Administration – Program Evaluation |
2 years |
~$13,500 |
|
Master of Public Administration – Human Resource Management |
2 years |
~$13,500 |
|
Master of Public Administration – Municipal Management |
2 years |
~$13,500 |
|
Master of Public Administration – Public Security Management |
2 years |
~$13,500 |
|
Master of Public Administration – Health and Social Services Administration |
2 years |
~$13,500 |
|
Master of Public Administration – Digital Transformation in Public Administration (NEW) |
2 years |
~$13,500 |
Doctoral Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Ph.D. in Public Administration (Doctorat en administration publique) |
4 to 5 years |
~$11,000 |
ENAP offers a wide range of graduate-level programs, including:
Master of Public Administration (MPA) with specializations like:
International Administration
Public Management
Program Evaluation
Human Resources
Digital Transformation in Public Sector
Ph.D. in Public Administration
Graduate Diplomas (DESS) and short certificate programs
These programs are designed for those aiming to work in government, international organizations, NGOs, or research and academic institutions.
ENAP is a French-language institution, so most programs are offered in French. To be admitted, international students generally need to provide proof of French proficiency (e.g., TEF, TCF, DELF, or equivalent).
However, some international cooperation programs or courses may be offered partially in English, especially in the International Administration stream, or for short-term visiting students and professionals.
International students can expect to pay around:
$13,000 to $13,500 USD per year for a Master’s program
$11,000 USD per year for a Ph.D. program
$6,000 to $12,000 USD for shorter graduate diplomas or microprograms
These are approximate amounts and may vary slightly depending on the program and course load.
ENAP offers services to help international students transition and thrive:
Help with study permits and immigration paperwork
Academic advising
Assistance with housing, especially in Quebec City or Montreal
Some scholarships and financial aid may be available, often in partnership with international organizations
To apply, you generally need:
A recognized bachelor’s or master’s degree
A strong academic background
Proof of French proficiency
A letter of intent, CV, and letters of recommendation
Possibly a research proposal (for Ph.D.)
Deadlines typically fall between February and May for fall admissions.
ENAP is well-respected across the Francophone world and often collaborates on projects with governments and institutions in Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. This international perspective is particularly strong in the International Administration stream.
Start by selecting the program that fits your academic background and career goals. ENAP offers:
Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) – multiple specializations
Ph.D. in Public Administration
Graduate Diplomas (DESS)
Short/Microprograms
Check language requirements – most programs are taught in French.
Requirements vary slightly by program, but typically include:
A recognized bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Minimum GPA (often around 3.0 / 4.3 scale or B average)
Proof of French proficiency (mandatory unless otherwise noted)
Updated CV/resume
Letter of intent/motivation
Two academic/professional references
Possibly an interview (online or in person)
A master’s degree in public administration or related field
A research proposal
Proof of research experience
Strong academic performance and French proficiency
Make sure to prepare:
Transcripts (official, and translated into French or English if necessary)
Diplomas/certificates
French language test results (e.g., TEF, TCF, DELF)
Passport copy
Any relevant work experience or publications
Submit your application through ENAP’s online application portal: N/A
You’ll need to:
Create an account
Choose your program and campus
Upload all required documents
Pay the application fee (approx. $100 CAD)
ENAP will assess your application and notify you by email.
This process can take several weeks, especially during peak admission periods.
Once admitted:
Accept your offer of admission
Pay any required deposit (if applicable)
Begin the process to obtain a Canadian study permit/visa
You’ll receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) required for immigration
Fall Term (September start): Application deadline is usually May 1 (international)
Winter Term (January start): Deadline around September 1 (not all programs available)
Apply early to allow enough time for study permit processing.
Most programs require intermediate to advanced French. Accepted tests include:
TEF, TCF, DELF/DALF
Minimum level: Often B2 or higher
ENAP generally offers two main intakes per year:
Main intake for all programs (MPA, Ph.D., DESS, microprograms)
Recommended for international students
Application deadline: Around May 1 (for international applicants)
Available for selected programs (mostly MPA and some DESS programs)
Application deadline: Around September 1
Some programs (especially the Ph.D.) may only accept students for the fall term due to the research supervision calendar.
Eligibility differs slightly by program level. Here's a breakdown:
Academic Requirements:
A recognized bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., public administration, political science, economics, law, management, sociology, etc.)
A strong academic record (minimum GPA equivalent to B / 3.0 on a 4.3 scale)
Language Requirements:
Most programs are taught in French
Must demonstrate French proficiency (typically B2 or higher)
Acceptable tests: TEF, TCF, DELF/DALF
Some exceptions may apply for international cooperation programs
Additional Requirements:
Updated CV/resume
Letter of intent/motivation
1–2 letters of recommendation
Possibly an interview (in person or virtual)
Academic Requirements:
A Master’s degree in public administration or a related field (political science, law, economics, etc.)
Demonstrated capacity for research
A well-developed research proposal
Strong academic performance in previous studies
Language Requirements:
Proficiency in French is mandatory
May also need reading ability in English (to access academic sources)
Other Documents:
CV, letter of intent, academic references, research proposal, writing samples, etc.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (Approx.) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ENAP Excellence Scholarship |
High-performing students (Master’s & Ph.D.) |
CAD $2,000 – $5,000 |
Based on academic excellence; awarded automatically or via application |
|
ENAP Entrance Scholarship |
New students with strong academic records |
CAD $1,000 – $3,000 |
Offered to select new students at admission |
|
International Student Support Scholarship |
International students with financial need |
(partial tuition aid) |
May require proof of need and strong academic background |
|
Graduate Studies Research Scholarship (FRQSC – Quebec) |
Ph.D. students (Quebec or international) |
CAD $21,000/year |
Competitive, external; for research-based doctoral studies |
|
MITACS Globalink / Research Internships |
Research-based Master’s or Ph.D. students |
N/A |
For students involved in international or Canadian research partnerships |
|
Mobility Scholarship (Study Abroad or Exchange) |
Students participating in exchanges/internships |
CAD $1,000 – $2,500 |
For students going abroad for internships or academic exchanges |
|
Other External Scholarships (AUCC, CÉGEP, etc.) |
N/A |
N/A |
ENAP helps connect students to external funding bodies |
Campus Location |
Facilities Available |
Student Accommodation Options |
Estimated Cost per Month (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Quebec City (Main Campus) |
Classrooms, library, student services, research centers |
Off-campus housing, shared apartments, private rentals |
$450 – $800 |
|
Montreal Campus |
Modern classrooms, public transit access, academic services |
Student residences (via nearby universities like UQAM), apartments |
$600 – $1,000 |
|
Gatineau Campus |
Administrative offices, occasional courses |
Off-campus housing, limited student residences nearby |
$500 – $850 |
|
Trois-Rivières Campus |
Regional programs, smaller campus setting |
Local apartment rentals, shared housing |
$400 – $700 |
|
Saguenay Campus |
Regional learning center |
Affordable local housing options |
$350 – $600 |
Student life at ENAP is highly academic and career-focused. Courses are designed to be practical, with real-world case studies, applied research, and group work that reflect the realities of the public sector. Students often work on public policy challenges, collaborate with government agencies, or engage in international development topics.
Most classes are held in French, so French-speaking students enjoy an immersive environment that prepares them for roles in Francophone public institutions globally.
Though ENAP is based in Quebec, it welcomes students from across Canada and around the world, particularly from Francophone Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and brings a global perspective to public administration issues.
One of ENAP’s key strengths is its strong ties to government and public institutions. Students regularly interact with:
Public sector leaders
Policy advisors
International NGOs
Visiting professors and guest speakers
Workshops, conferences, and career fairs are frequently organized to help students build professional networks and explore career paths.
ENAP has campuses in Quebec City, Montreal, Gatineau, Trois-Rivières, and Saguenay. The two main campuses (Quebec City and Montreal) are vibrant urban environments offering access to:
Libraries and academic resources
Public transportation
Cafés, student spaces, and cultural events
While ENAP doesn't have a traditional "undergrad-style" campus with residence halls and sports teams, it makes up for it with a tight-knit academic community and personalized learning.
Many ENAP students are professionals upgrading their qualifications, and international students can also work part-time during their studies (up to 20 hours per week). There are often opportunities to:
Intern with public institutions
Join research assistantships
Get involved in consulting projects
ENAP has active student associations (like AÉÉNAP – the student union) that:
Organize networking events, debates, and conferences
Represent student interests
Facilitate social gatherings, especially for new students
Events such as simulation exercises, policy debates, and international seminars are popular ways to gain hands-on experience.
ENAP students are driven by a desire to make a difference. Whether it’s working on public healthcare policy, environmental governance, or international development, student life is grounded in purpose, leadership, and ethical service.
ENAP has close ties with provincial, federal, and municipal governments, particularly in Quebec and Ottawa.
Many professors and guest lecturers are current or former public servants, which creates natural networking and mentorship opportunities.
Programs include practicums, internships, and real-world projects with public institutions.
ENAP graduates are highly valued in roles such as:
Policy analysts
Public service managers
Program evaluators
Government relations advisors
Consultants (for NGOs, UN agencies, or development programs)
Municipal directors or regional coordinators
International development officers
Government of Quebec
Government of Canada
Municipal governments
Crown corporations
International organizations (e.g., UNDP, OIF, World Bank)
NGOs, consulting firms, and non-profit sectors
Academia and research
Career services office: Offers job listings, one-on-one advising, and workshops on CVs, interviews, and job search strategies.
Professional internships (stages): Integrated into many Master’s programs (e.g., MPA), giving students hands-on experience.
Job fairs and networking events: Held in partnership with government departments and agencies.
Alumni network: Strong and active in Quebec’s public administration landscape — alumni often recruit from ENAP.
While ENAP does not publish an official placement percentage every year, data and alumni reports suggest:
Over 85% of graduates secure employment in their field within 6 months of graduation.
For Ph.D. graduates, placements are common in academia, research institutes, or high-level policy advisory roles.
ENAP graduates who are international students may find opportunities:
In Canadian public sector roles (if eligible under work permits/post-grad work visa)
With international organizations (e.g., UN, Francophonie, African Union)
In public administration reform or development roles in their home countries
The estimated acceptance rate at ENAP is approximately 60% to 70% for most Master’s programs, and 30% to 40% for the Ph.D. program.
Academic Background
A relevant undergraduate or graduate degree is essential (e.g., in political science, law, economics, sociology, management, etc.).
A strong GPA improves your chances (typically B average or higher).
French Language Proficiency
ENAP is a French-language institution.
Applicants must demonstrate at least B2 level proficiency in French (via tests like TEF, TCF, DELF, etc.).
Quality of Application Documents
A well-written letter of intent, updated CV, and reference letters are important.
For Ph.D. applicants, a solid research proposal and academic track record are critical.
Program Popularity & Competition
Programs like Public Management and International Administration attract a larger applicant pool.
Ph.D. admissions are highly selective due to limited research supervision spots.
ENAP is welcoming to international students, particularly from Francophone countries. However, meeting the French proficiency requirement is often the key challenge for non-Francophone applicants.
If you meet the language and academic requirements and submit a strong application, your chances of admission to a Master’s program at ENAP are generally favorable.
Quebec City (Main Campus)
Address: 555, boulevard Charest Est, Québec, QC G1K 9E5
Description: This is ENAP’s headquarters and largest campus, offering most master’s, doctoral, and research programs. It also houses administrative offices and major academic facilities.
Montreal Campus
Address: 4750, avenue Henri-Julien, Montréal, QC H2T 3E5
Description: A modern, urban campus located in the heart of Montreal, ideal for working professionals. Many evening and part-time courses are offered here.
Gatineau Campus
Address: 170, rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, Gatineau, QC J8X 4C2
Description: Serves students in western Quebec and the National Capital Region, close to Ottawa. Occasionally used for public service collaborations and seminars.
Trois-Rivières Campus
Address: 495, rue Laviolette, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 1V1
Description: Offers selected graduate-level programs and regional training in public administration.
Saguenay Campus
Address: 637, rue Racine Est, bureau 208, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 1V4
Description: Provides access to continuing education and graduate courses in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
All campuses are located in French-speaking regions, and most services are delivered in French.
Students can choose a campus based on location, course availability, and schedule (e.g., full-time or part-time).
ENAP emphasizes regional accessibility, so even smaller campuses are well-equipped for graduate-level study.
