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Advanced Policy Analyst Program

One of Canada’s Top Recruitment and Leadership Development Programs

The Advanced Policy Analyst Program (APAP) is one of the Government of Canada’s top recruitment and leadership development programs. Each year, 12 high-potential individuals are selected to rotate through two years of challenging six-month placements at each of the following:

  • the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
  • the Department of Finance Canada
  • the Privy Council Office
  • a sponsoring Government of Canada department

Through rotations at different federal departments, participants get exposure to the full policy development process and develop their leadership potential. Ending with a permanent position at their sponsoring department, the program equips new analysts with the skills, experience and networks to go far in their public service careers.

As of 2024, the starting salary is $77,690, rising to $100,000 within two years, with pension and benefits. Apply between September 26 and November 4.

Key Application Details

Application Period

The APAP application period opens annually, each Fall, for interested graduate students.

In 2024 the APAP’s application period is open from September 26 to November 4, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements

Successful applicants must:

  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
  • have or be completing a graduate or post-graduate degree in any discipline: must be within three years of completion of latest degree (Master’s, PhD or JD);
  • have achieved an average of at least 80% or A- for the most recently completed degree.

Course Requirements

Successful applicants will have met the following undergraduate or graduate course requirements:

  • at least a half year each of microeconomics and macroeconomics;
  • two additional half-year courses in economics;
  • one half-year course in research methods, statistics or quantitative analysis.

Learn More on Canada.ca

Planning Resources for Undergraduate Students

If you are a current or recent undergraduate student, you may wish to take the availability of the APAP program into account when considering further education options. The following resource pages may be helpful: