Submissions open for the National Student Paper Competition

The National Student Paper Competition (NSPC) is now accepting submissions by talented graduate students who are working on important Canadian policy issues.

The NSPC is an annual competition hosted by the Canada School of Public Service. The competition aims to identify and amplify important policy work coming out of Canadian graduate programs. The initiative gives graduate students the opportunity to connect with senior executives, expand their networks, nurture their leadership skills, and foster employment opportunities with the federal public service.

The competition is open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada who are enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program for at least one academic term during the 2022–2023 academic year, on a full-time or part-time basis. Team applications, with a maximum of two members, are permitted. All members must meet competition requirements. A team application that includes collaborators from other universities is permitted.

How to submit a paper

Graduate supervisors and professors play important roles in the NSPC Their expertise gives them unique insight into the ideas and thinkers that can make a difference in Canadian policy. Only university professors or supervisors can submit papers on behalf of their students.

Online applications are open until January 31, 2023.

The Grand Prize winner(s) of the competition are offered a 4-month internship with the Government of Canada and many opportunities to expand their networks. In addition, the authors of the top five papers are invited to present their papers to senior executives and can attend many events with public servants from diverse departments. By participating, students have the unique opportunity to influence important policy conversations, and many participants go on to be employed with the federal government.

To learn more about the application process, topics of interest, eligibility, and the grand prizes, please visit the NSPC webpage or email the NSPC team at nspc-cneu@csps-efpc.gc.ca if you have any questions or concerns.

Review a video about the National Student Paper Competition.