Education · 1 of 4

The path

One competitive national recruitment process, then a career of moving every few years.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Take French seriously. Bilingualism is close to unavoidable in this career.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Political science, international relations, economics, law, business or languages. There is no required subject.

3. 3

   Build international experience

   During your degree

   Exchange terms, work abroad, a third language, volunteering with international organizations.

4. 4

   Apply to a recruitment campaign

   Campaigns run irregularly

   Global Affairs Canada recruits through advertised processes for streams such as trade commissioner, political and economic officer, management and consular officer, and international assistance officer.

5. 5

   Testing, clearance and training

   6 to 18 months

   Written exams, interviews, language testing and a security clearance, then training before your first assignment.