Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Law in Canada
Studying law allows you to strengthen and obtain a wide array of skills that you can easily apply across several disciplines and life areas. In addition, studying law in Canada will allow you to experience world-class education, international prestige, and create global connections. There is so much of what makes Canada unique—and it isn’t simply the excellence of its law schools. From the cultural diversity to the wonder of its outdoors, Canada just keeps on giving.
Here’s everything you need to know about studying law in Canada:
Reasons to Study Law in Canada
Over Half a Million International Students
Canada is home to over half a million international students across all disciplines. Studying law in an international environment like Canada will help you broaden your cultural knowledge and create connections with people from around the world. Not only will you gain a broader perspective on the world and different cultures, but you will also make a lot of new friends along the way. There is so much Canada can be proud of, and attracting thousands of international students every year is one of them!
Law Education of High Standards
Law schools in Canada provide top-notch education, and that’s a given! In fact, Canada is one of the top countries in the world to study law, quite close to the US and the UK. In general, the quality of Canadian law education is one thing—it ensures that your degree will be valued and recognized around the world. But, the curriculum, teaching methods, and commitment Canadian law schools have towards equipping students with the right skills make studying in Canada all the more worthwhile.
Scholarship Opportunities
Finances are a crucial part of studying abroad or simply studying in a renowned country like Canada. For an international student coming from a less economically developed country, law education in Canada can be expensive. Considering Canada welcomes people from all corners of the world, many law schools provide merit and need-based scholarships. It is essential to contact the university you plan to attend; maybe there is a scholarship that fits your needs!
Outstanding Outdoor Wonders
What’s a study abroad experience without being accompanied by incredible outdoor wonders! Canada offers excellent law education, highly complemented by numerous fun outdoor activities! You want to unwind and find motivation? Stroll around the cultural scene that Toronto has to offer! A must-see attraction? The Niagara Falls! The lakes, mountain towns, rich cultural heritage, and delicious dishes are just a few of the wonders you will embrace! A perfect match to a splendid law education!
Top Universities to Study Law in Canada
Some of the top universities to study law in Canada are:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Montreal
- University of Ottawa
- York University
- Queen's University at Kingston
- Western University
- University of Alberta
- Dalhousie University
Requirements
The main requirements to study law in Canada generally depend on the university—each law school sets its own eligibility criteria. But, here’s what you can expect, regardless of where you decide to pursue your degree:
Some of the main law school requirements in Canada are:
- Academic transcripts. The higher your GPA, the better.
- Undergraduate degree. You will usually need a three to a four-year undergraduate degree to enter law school (at the undergraduate level). The study field does not matter; it could be engineering or all the way to the arts!
- LSAT scores. Law schools in Canada require students to submit their LSAT (Law School Admission Test) scores. The higher the score, the better your chances of admission!
- Proof of language proficiency. Depending on the language of the program, you will either have to submit IELTS/TOEFL (for English-taught programs) or proof of French proficiency (for French-taught programs).
- Bachelor of Laws or its equivalent (e.g., a JD). For admission to master’s programs.
- Personal statement.
Application Process
Law schools in Canada usually require students to submit their applications online. You will have to fill out an application form, submit your personal and academic information, personal statements, LSAT scores, and other supporting documents by the application deadline (which is different for each university). Moreover, you will have to pay an application fee.
Generally, the supporting documents needed to apply to law school in Canada are:
- Academic transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- LSAT scores.
- TOEFL/IELTS scores.
- Reference letters.
- Extracurricular activities.
Remember to check the application deadline and submit your documents within that deadline. Universities will not allow or even consider late applications!
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Law in Canada?
Studying law in Canada at the undergraduate level can take up to seven years. This is because you will generally need a pre-law education (undergraduate degree of approximately four years). You can obtain this degree anywhere else in the world, it doesn’t have to be Canada. In addition, law education (Juris Doctor/JD) takes three years to complete. Although the JD is not a graduate program, it requires undergraduate education for entry eligibility.
Finally, an LLM (Master of Laws) in Canada takes one to two years to complete, depending on the specialization.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Law in Canada?
The cost of law school in Canada differs for international students compared to domestic students—by being higher for the former group. The cost can range anywhere from CAD 12,500 (~USD 10,000) to CAD 40,000 (~USD 32,000) per year. The cost of tuition is higher in renowned law schools. Generally, law schools offer scholarships and/or other forms of financial aid.
The approximate annual cost of law school at some of the top universities in Canada is:
| University | Domestic Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | CAD 13,200 | CAD 38,900 |
| McGill University | CAD 10,900 | CAD 52,400 |
| University of Toronto | CAD 34,800 | CAD 59,500 |
Law Career Prospects in Canada
Career prospects for law graduates in Canada are satisfactory in terms of professional and financial rewards. A lawyer in Canada can work in numerous fields of law, including the law in the public interest, private practice, or government law. If neither of these is suitable, a law degree also allows the opportunity to pursue a career in business, politics, journalism, or any other field that requires oral or written communication skills (among others).
In Canada, the average salary for lawyers ranges from CAD 70,000 to CAD 130,000 per year, depending on professional experience, company, region, and education. To practice law in Canada, you will need to complete a period of articling, a bar admission course and exam, and receive a license from the province/territory in which you plan to practice.
