Apply
The MPNL and DPNL programs are competitive. Students come from diverse backgrounds and are a mix of experienced and aspiring professionals. Each year, there鈥檚 one intake, and all students begin the program in the summer term. The application portal to submit applications for summer 2027 admissions opens June 1, 2026. Applications are due on January 20, 2027, but applications will be accepted after this date as well, depending on space. Please note that we review applications as they arrive, and will make early offers to strong full-time candidates before January 20, should they apply before the application deadline. We normally admit a total of 20 to 22 full-time students and eight to 10 part-time students, selecting them for their leadership abilities. There are a number of awards and scholarships for which full-time applicants are automatically considered. The first term for both the MPNL and DPNL programs starts in the summer with the two-week, in-person Summer Institute on 杏吧原创 University鈥檚 campus. .
Application deadlines
For summer 2027, for both the MPNL and DPNL programs, the application deadline is January 20, 2027. 杏吧原创鈥檚 will remain open until April 1, 2027, and applications received up to this date will be considered for admission and funding if space and funds remain. Full-time MPNL applicants will be automatically considered for university scholarships and awards. Also, early offers to strong full-time candidates, will be offered before Jan. 20, 2027.
Admission requirements
杏吧原创 admission requirements are available in the . Entry in the programs requires a bachelor鈥檚 degree, with an average of B+ or higher; please see for details. Experienced professionals may quality for Professional Entry admission; please see our for details. .
Students talk about the program:
Julie Despaties has years of experience in the sector 鈥 and, in this video, she talks about what she likes in the program:
Required application documents:
- Transcript(s): all post-secondary transcripts are required.
- Two reference letters should come from people who can comment on your academic preparation and potential for graduate study in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. The design of the Referee Appraisal Form (emailed to your referees after you submit your application on ) anticipates that they鈥檒l be university faculty members who have recently taught or supervised your academic work. If you have been away from university for some time, you may select non-academic referees who are familiar with your professional work.
- A Statement of Intent must include two distinct sections with the following details:
1) A Statement of Academic Research Interest (not to exceed one page, single-spaced). It should outline your past academic interests and accomplishments, and why you鈥檙e interested in pursuing this graduate program; e.g., what drew you to the program and why you feel the program would be a good fit for you.
2) A Statement of Professional Interest (not to exceed one page, single-spaced). It should give an overview of how your professional or volunteer experience is relevant to the MPNL or DPNL program, and should identify your personal and professional goals and indicate how the program might help you in realizing these. - Curriculum vitae: Your CV or resume should provide biographical information, including your education, professional experience, voluntary activities and noteworthy achievements.
- A Writing Sample of original academic or professional written work from the past year for which you are exclusively responsible. The sample shouldn鈥檛 exceed 20 pages, double-spaced. It could be a recent term paper, a chapter from a research essay, or an excerpt from a report.
- Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores) if applicable: TOEFL IBT: 86 (22 in writing and speaking, 20 in reading and listening); TOEFL PBT: 580; CAEL: 70; IETLS: 7.0.
Switching from the DPNL to MPNL program
If you鈥檙e in the DPNL program, or have graduated from the DPNL program, and wish to apply to the MPNL program, please and it will be reviewed and processed the same way all MPNL applications are handled. Some advanced standing may be granted but isn鈥檛 guaranteed.