The Government Relations graduate certificate program at Seneca Polytechnic prepares students for careers in public affairs, government relations, policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement. Endorsed by the Public Affairs Association of Canada (PAAC) and the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC), the program provides specialized training in public policy, lobbying, government processes and strategic communications.
Students develop practical skills in issue analysis, campaign planning, stakeholder management, research, public affairs strategy and ethical government relations practices. Through a required practicum experience and optional work term opportunities, students gain real-world exposure to government and public affairs environments.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level careers with government agencies, corporations, industry associations, non-profit organizations, consulting firms and public affairs agencies.
- Academic Requirement: • Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent. • Applicants from Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Communications, Business, Journalism, Public Relations and related disciplines are preferred. • International applicants must submit academic transcripts and graduation certificates. • Strong communication and analytical skills are recommended.
- ELP Requirement: • IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (No Band Below 6.0) • PTE Academic: 60 • Duolingo English Test: 120-125 • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 22 in each skill • CAEL: 70 (Writing 60) • Cambridge English: 176 (No skill below 169)
- Special Requirement: • Minimum 120 volunteer practicum hours in a politician's office required for graduation. • Optional Work Term available through GRMC stream. • Program endorsed by the Public Affairs Association of Canada (PAAC). • Program endorsed by the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC). • Focus on lobbying, public policy, stakeholder engagement, advocacy and government affairs. • Flexible delivery format with online learning options.
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Students whose study permit applications are still pending may request a deferral to the next available intake, provided the request is submitted before Day 10 of classes and the program is available. Deferrals are granted only once.
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Students awaiting an IRCC decision must still meet the deferral deadline. Requests submitted after Day 10 of classes will not be approved solely because a study permit decision is pending.
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Students may alternatively withdraw and apply for a refund by submitting the required withdrawal form and supporting documentation. Applicable administrative fees may be deducted.
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If a study permit application is refused, students may defer their admission and request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to support a future study permit application. PAL issuance is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
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Refund requests due to study permit refusal must include a copy of the official IRCC refusal letter and be submitted within 14 days of the refusal date.
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Only the refusal letter associated with the intake being withdrawn from will be considered for refund eligibility.
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Students whose second study permit application is refused before the start of classes may still qualify for a refund, subject to Seneca’s refund policy.
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Deferral requests are subject to program availability, and late requests may require a written appeal.
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Approved late deferrals may be subject to a CAD $200 late fee.
- Application Fee: $90
- LOA Deposit: $0
- Annual Tuition Fee: $17,500
- Total Tuition Fee: $17,500
- Course Duration: 1 Year
- Credentials: Pg Diploma
- Intake: September 2026
• Completed application form
• CAD $90 application fee
• Passport copy
• Degree/Diploma certificate
• Academic transcripts
• English language proficiency test results (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo)
• Resume/CV (recommended)
• Proof of name change (if applicable)
• Additional documents requested by Seneca Polytechnic
• Monitor application status through Seneca Student Home