Please see below for frequently asked questions relating to ANZSOG’s Executive Master of Public Administration.
1. What are the entry requirements?
All EMPA applicants must demonstrate:
Applicants must also meet the Masters degree entry requirements of conferring universities, as facilitated through ANZSOG.
2. What is the application process?
Students must be nominated by their agency. EMPA applications are coordinated differently through each jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions Public Sector Commissions coordinate applications, in others individual agencies do. However in all cases the sponsoring government or agency pays the program costs – including tuition fees, subject materials, accommodation and most meals.
There are a small number of scholarships available for people working in the not-for-profit sector. Each application is reviewed by an ANZSOG Selection Committee.
Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori, and from people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
If you work for the WA government, your application or expression of interest can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you work for governments in NSW, NT and QLD, your Public Sector Commission (or equivalent) will have a limited number of scholarships available for this program.
If you would like to be considered for a scholarship via your jurisdiction’s Public Sector Commission, we encourage you to contact them for further information.
3. When do applications open?
Applications for the forthcoming year close in early September. It is important to note that some jurisdictions (WA, QLD, NSW) offer a small number of full and/or part scholarships via the jurisdiction’s PSC. The PSC's will often have earlier closing dates for EMPA applications. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship please consult your jurisdictional PSC for further information.
4. How much does the program cost?
EMPA 2021 program fees have not yet been finalised, they are subject to an annual increase.
The cost of 2020 program as an indication for planning purposes was $45,000 AUD or $48,500 NZD.
5. When will I/my agency be invoiced?
Invoices will be emailed to you/your agency invoice contact once you have been accepted into the course.
6. What is covered in the Program fee?
Program fees cover:
7. Do you offer sponsorship?
ANZSOG offers scholarships for not-for-profit applicants, working for organisations that are closely aligned with the public sector, to help reduce the barriers to participation and ensure the not-for-profit sector can develop its leaders to their full potential. For more information, please see the not-for-profit applications and scholarships page.
8. Do you offer RPL/credit for previous study?
As a general principle, ANZSOG does not recognise prior learning and credit towards the EMPA degree. This is because the EMPA degree is a unique learning experience. Our subjects have been carefully designed to be distinctive offerings, different in content and in how they are delivered. Learning with peers with extensive government work experience is an integral part of the process of knowledge development. Given this, all students in the degree should plan to take all the required core subjects.
9. What is the time commitment of the program?
The EMPA is a two-year part-time postgraduate degree featuring eight core subjects and three electives.
The core subjects are delivered by ANZSOG and elective subjects are delivered by our conferring universities. Each subject consists of around 40 hours of instruction and at least 80 hours of study time, reading and assignment work.
10. What is the program structure?
The EMPA is a two-year postgraduate qualification undertaken by high performing public sector managers looking to increase their knowledge base, leadership and governing skills.
Participants are required to complete:
The EMPA is delivered through a dynamic blended learning approach, combining online classes with face-to-face learning and cross-jurisdictional networking opportunities.
University elective contact time is dictated by the student’s chosen university. Between formal, scheduled learning sessions, students also have coursework to complete. Students undertake an applied research work-based project subject throughout the second year of the program, which includes three progress review sessions throughout the year.
11. Can I self-fund my participation if my agency won't fund?
A student may enter into a salary sacrifice arrangement with their employer to attend the program. The student's employer will be billed the program fee. Discussed on a case-by-case basis with the applicant's sponsoring agency.
12. What electives can I take from my university?
Students complete three elective subjects offered by a conferring university. These are selected by the student to bridge their past study and experience with the core curriculum, or to enhance their knowledge of a specific policy area.
Electives are generally drawn from postgraduate offerings of the faculties or schools of business, commerce, economics, government, law and political science.
13. What is the university enrolment process?
As part of your application into the EMPA, ANZSOG will facilitate enrolment on your behalf into one of our conferring universities. When completing your EMPA application, you will also need to provide the following supporting documentation:
A certified copy is a photocopy of the original document with the signature and official stamp of an appropriate authority, confirming it is a true and accurate record.
14. When does the program start?
Program commencement is early February of each year.
15. Is there a mid-year intake?
We do not offer a mid-year intake. Intake is annually with a commencement at the beginning of each calendar year.
16. Can I defer my studies?
Yes, you will need to apply in writing to ANZSOG to defer your studies.
17. What are the attendance requirements?
You are expected to attend all components of the EMPA, including all scheduled sessions as this is important to achieve your learning outcomes and assist you with your assessment tasks.
18. What is the cancellation policy?
ANZSOG aims to provide high-quality service at all levels of its operation and is committed to providing a timely and fair withdrawal procedure. ANZSOG prices its programs based on full capacity and incurs costs progressively throughout the lead-up to and delivery of programs. Should you be required to withdraw from the EMPA, the following policy and timelines apply. All fees are exclusive of GST.
Notice period: 7+ weeks prior to program commencement
Notice period: 4 weeks or less prior to program commencement
Notice period: Once program has commenced
Failure in EMPA:
If a student fails one subject in the EMPA program, that subject can be repeated. However, the student will be invoiced for the cost of the repeated subject. A student who fails a second time or a second subject will be asked to show cause to ANZSOG as to why they should not be excluded from the program.
19. Do I need managerial approval to attend the program?
Yes. In signing the application form, your manager agrees to support you to participate in the program and that your organisation assumes the full program fee if your application is successful.
20. How long is the program?
A two-year postgraduate qualification developed and delivered by ANZSOG exclusively for high-performing public sector managers.
21. How big is the cohort?
Average of 90-110 participants
22. What are the outcomes?
On completing this degree you will:
