Law Colleges in Canada: Best Guide for International Students in 2024



Law colleges in Canada offer varied specialisations and career opportunities that are globally recognised. Law is one of the most popular professions in the world, if also one of the most competitive ones, and the competition to get into law school can be stiff. If you are looking at Canada, with so many law schools in Canada, it can be difficult to choose which one is the best for you.

This article will provide you with the best guide for international students who are seeking admission into Canadian law colleges. If you are looking for the best universities in Canada, you can find it here.

Contents:

Why Study in a Law College in Canada?


Why study in a law college in Canada? The study of law in Canada is not just about getting a degree. It’s about learning the skills, knowledge, and values that will give you the confidence to be a leader in any field.

Firstly, studying abroad in Canada would be an enriching experience, as you will have access to different cultures, languages, and people from around the world.

Secondly, Canada is home to some of the top universities in the world to study law, including the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University and the University of Montreal. Canadian law schools are globally recognised and follow a research intensive model, starting from LLB or Juris Doctor degrees.

Thirdly, Canadian law schools offer numerous specialisations including mainstream law courses such as civil law, criminal law, corporate law and business law. You can also choose to gain your law degree in niche areas such as cyberspace law, environmental law, intellectual property rights and so on.

Lastly, Canada is a really friendly Commonwealth nation. Those who intend to stay in Canada permanently may find this informative. Canada’s immigration policies allows students to work part-time during the course of their study and also continue staying in the country under the post graduate work permit (PWGP).

In conclusion, studying law in Canada allows you to explore the nitty gritties of both international and Canadian law, depending on your choice of specialisation. The Canadian legal system is a mix of common law and civil law. Common law is based on the principle of precedent, where the decisions made in earlier cases are used as a guide for future cases. Civil law is based on codified laws, which are written and amended by legislatures. Canada has both types of laws, but most provinces use common law.

Here’s more on the top reasons why you should study in Canada.


How can one practise law in Canada?


Essentially, there are five steps to becoming a lawyer in Canada.

  • Complete an undergraduate degree from any recognised university across the globe. Most Canadian law schools do not accept applicants directly after high school.
  • Take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
  • Apply to and graduate from any law school in Canada.
  • Apprentice with a law firm or complete the practical component. The nature of this work and the duration can vary from province to province.
  • Pass the bar exam for the relevant province that you see yourself practising in.

The first professional degree that enables you to practise law is an LLB or Juris Doctor. They are equivalent degrees and simply differ in their titles. Juris Doctor is more commonly used in American law schools and is now being observed by Canadian law schools as well.

How Much Does it Cost to Study in Law Colleges in Canada?


Canadian universities are continually competing with other similar institutions in other countries in order to attract students who would otherwise enroll in schools abroad. One of the major factors that draw students from around the world to Canada is its affordability, which stands out as a major difference when compared with schools in the USA, UK or New Zealand.

An average Canadian law degree (undergraduate) typically costs anywhere between CA $28,000 and CA $40,000, depending on the course and the university. A master’s degree in law (an LLM or any other specialised course) can cost anywhere between CA $20,000 and $50,000, depending on the programme, degree and university.

For Indian students, the monthly (average) cost of living in Canada is between CAD $600 and $800 for food and other everyday costs, excluding housing. For illustration, dining out for breakfast or supper might run between $10 and $15 CAD per person. A movie ticket costs, on average, $12.25 CAD in terms of amusement.

Rents vary widely across the country, depending on the province, city and the kind of accommodation you choose. With the inflation and the housing crisis, living costs are on the rise for international students in the country.

The popularity, way of life, and size of the city all factor into the cost of living; the greater the city, the more expensive it is to live there as an international student. Numerous scholarships are offered by Canadian universities to assist overseas students.

What are the scholarship options for law colleges in Canada


Canada is great in giving out scholarships. Not only are the tuition fees fairly reasonable, but most institutions also have a framework through which you can acquire a scholarship for yourself as an international student. And you can even effectively study for free!

Besides these channels, there are a number of other scholarships available in Canada which could be useful to know and apply for while considering an education in Canada. There are many scholarship options for law colleges in Canada. The scholarships can come from the government, or they can be provided by private organizations or individuals.

Scholarships are offered to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and leadership qualities. They can be given out to any student who is enrolled in a law college in Canada and has a strong desire to pursue a career as a lawyer.

The scholarships are usually awarded based on merit, financial need, or both. Scholarships may cover the cost of tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs such as books, transportation, and more.

There are many scholarship options for law colleges in Canada with different criteria for eligibility; so it’s important to research the requirements before applying. Here are a number of popular scholarships in Canada:

  • Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute: for students enrolled in recognised Indian universities or institutes’ bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programmes to do research in their chosen subjects at a university in Canada.
  • Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan: This initiative finds high-achieving Commonwealth nation applicants for Master’s and Ph.D. programmes in advanced study and research. The grant includes transportation, a living stipend, and the required tuition costs.
  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program: For graduate students in many different academic fields, students must accept an offer from an Ontario university and receive a valid study permit before they may apply. Each session’s scholarship is worth $5,000. Therefore, you may get $10,000 (for two sessions in a row); $15,000 (for three consecutive sessions). Overall, the unit will only pay up to one-third of the total prize that you will get.
  • Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship: For university students in Quebec, financial aid for students pursuing master’s degrees or higher. Every application is judged according to its merit. The price and time are based on the degree of study.
  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS): This fellowship is given by the Canadian government to deserving students who want to study for a doctorate at a Canadian university. The agreement’s duration is three years and its annual cost is $50,000 Canadian.

There’s a lot more to be said about scholarships in Canada and how to get them. For more information, read our article on the same.

What is the average salary after graduating from a law college in Canada?


The salary one obtains after managing to graduate in law in Canada can vary based on various factors like the college you go to, the experience you have, your grades, your position, etc. Let us briefly look into the average salary structure based on position after obtaining a law degree in Canada.

The average annual salary of a law Clerk is CAD $52,800, the salary of a legal assistant is CAD $61,900 and a law associate makes about CAD $114,000. Lawyers and Solicitors respectively make about CAD $200,000 and CAD $116,940 respectively every year.

How to Apply to Law Colleges in Canada


Canada has a lot of law colleges and it can be daunting to figure out which one is the right fit for you. But with our step-by-step guide, you will be able to apply to law colleges in Canada in 2024 and find the perfect match.

Step 01: Know what type of law degree you are looking for

There are three main types of degrees, if you are studying law

1) LLB/ Juris Doctor:

This is the undergraduate degree, or the first degree that qualifies you in the field of law. While a few universities allow you to apply right after high school, a majority of applicants sign up for the LLB/ JD programme after an undergraduate degree. The designation “Juris Doctor”, more prevalent in the United States, is simply the LLB degree, referred to by another name.

2) Master’s in Law (LLM):

A postgraduate degree in law, an LLM degree allows you to delve deeper into a specific field of law, setting the course for you to establish yourself as an expert.

3) Professional Courses/ Postgraduate Diplomas:

These are courses you can choose if you  are looking to develop a new skill to surge ahead in your career or when planning to branch out. For example, after your master’s and having worked for a few years, you might choose to super-specialise in laws relating to cybersecurity or AI.

While it is not necessary to know your specialisation at the undergraduate level, it is important to think about which interests you and will allow you to do the kind of work that interests you most. The major branches in the study of law include criminal law, civil litigation, corporate law, family law, and so on.

Step 02: Find out what schools offer that program

After finding the right program and course for you it is a fairly simple process to reach out or consult with TC Global and find out the appropriate schools to apply to. Furthermore TC Global will equip you with the right tools to apply to any college of your choosing with all the right files and papers.

Step 03: Apply to those schools

To apply to the schools of your choice, you need to write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and cover letters that are tailored to each school. Furthermore, you will have to obtain all the documents to pass the eligibility criteria including LSATS, IELTS, GRE, etc. Of course, TC Global can support you in this as well.

The application process to many different courses and universities in Canada is often very similar. Read this article for a more in-depth guide.

Step 04: Choose a school

After you have gone through the whirlwind of applications, you will get responses from all of the colleges you have applied to. At this point, you can choose the best school that fits the course design of your choice. Furthermore, with the ball in your court, you can choose your school based on any other criteria that is most important to you (including convenience, cost, etc.).

Step 05: Apply for scholarships and financial aid.

Finally, one can apply for scholarships both within and outside the system of the institution. This can greatly alleviate financial pressure for international students and is greatly encouraged for international students, especially in Canada where they are generous with such scholarships.

What are the Best Law Colleges in Canada for International Students?


Disclaimer: This video reflects details and rankings from 2022

If you are asking the question, “what is the best law college in Canada?”, then we will tell you to modify the question – “What is the best law college in Canada for me?” The answer is that it depends on which university offers everything you require. Your choice of courses, specialisations, and budget become the primary deciding factors when choosing Canadian law universities. The university ranking alone cannot be the deciding factor for every applicant.

That said, let us take a look at some of the top ranked law courses and colleges.

1. University of Toronto


The University of Toronto is a public university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest university in Canada and one of the largest universities in North America.

The University of Toronto has a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs that are offered by its three campuses: St George Campus, Mississauga Campus, and Scarborough Campus. The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the oldest university in the province.

The University of Toronto offers undergraduate programs in Arts, Science, and Engineering. The university also has graduate-level programs at its three campuses. There are more than 700 academic staff members at the University of Toronto.

In addition to this, it also offers many online courses that are available to students all over the world. The university has over 100 research centres and institutes across its three campuses with a focus on research excellence.

Why is it good to study here?

The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law is consistently ranked as one of the best law schools in Canada and the world. According to the rankings published by Times Higher Education for 2024, UoT ranks 21st in the world for law.

The UTSC Faculty of Law is a top-ranked law school in Canada and globally. It offers a variety of programs, including the Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Laws in Common Law (LLMCL), Master of Jurisprudence (MJur), and Doctorate in Jurisprudence (JSD).

UTSC has been ranked by both The Economist Intelligence Unit and QS World University Rankings as one of the top 10 law schools in Canada. The JD program at UTSC is designed for students who want to pursue careers as practicing lawyers or academics.

The curriculum provides an extensive grounding in Canadian law, along with courses that cover international legal systems, comparative law, intellectual property, environmental law, and business law. Students are also given opportunities to specialize through electives such as Aboriginal Law

Fees

Course fees range from about CAD $24,400 to about CAD $66,000 across undergraduate and postgraduate courses. But this can vary greatly based on the course of choice and a number of other factors including scholarship and the level and duration of your course. If you are looking at the Juris Doctor programme, the annual fees for international students is around CA $65,466.

Eligibility

The admission requirements for an undergraduate programme include three main components.

  • Your LSAT score
  • Your academic record
  • Your personal essays.

In addition, international students are expected to submit IELTS/ TOEFL score as proof of English language proficiency.

Courses offered & Admission process

There are five law courses offered at the university of Toronto. The Undergraduate courses are BA Honors in Criminology and socio-legal studies and BA Honors in Criminology, law, and society. The Postgraduate courses are master of laws (LLM), master of arts in criminology and sociological studies, and finally global professional master of laws (GPLLM).

The University of Toronto requires transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary studies. A resume may or may not be required The college will require essays and a statement of purpose as well as letters of recommendation. Furthermore, the university will require financial documents and scholarship letters (if any).

After these documents are reviewed by the admission committee, which they will assess candidates based on their academic records and other submitted documents, they will make an offer to the candidates who have been accepted.

2. McGill University


McGill University is a public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was established in 1821 by a royal charter, granted by King George IV of the United Kingdom. McGill offers diplomas and degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for its students. The university has two campuses: one on Mount Royal and another downtown.

McGill’s varsity teams, known as the McGill Redmen, are the oldest athletic team in Canada. They compete in the Quebec Student Sports Federation and have won seven Canadian national championships.

Why is it good to study here?

McGill University has a law program that is internationally recognized and one of the best in Canada. The Faculty of Law at McGill University was founded in 1848 and has since grown to be one of the most prestigious schools for legal education in the world.

McGill’s Faculty of Law offers courses at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. The Faculty’s programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding not only of Canadian law but also of the law as it applies elsewhere around the world.

In order to become a lawyer in Canada, you need to have acquired a law degree from an accredited Canadian university. McGill University is one of the most prestigious universities in Canada and has been awarded the rank of the World’s Best Law School by QS Rankings.McGill has also been ranked 29th in the world by THE for the study of law (2024).

Fees

The annual fee for the undergraduate programme is about CA $65,000 while the LLM programs cost around CA $25,000 per year.

Eligibility

For the BCL/ JD programme, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any field, must submit LSAT scores and C1 proficiency in English and a B2 level of written and spoken comprehension in French.

For the graduate level programs, an bachelor’s degree in law is the minimum criteria.

Courses offered & Admission process

As mentioned above, McGill offers 3 law courses.

  • A dual undergraduate degree in Civil and Common Law (BCL/ JD)
  • LLM with specialisations in General Law, Air and Space Law, Environmental Law and Bioethics.
  • Doctoral programme

McGill University requires a full record of academic transcripts at the university level. Two letters of recommendation. As usual, the university requires a statement of purpose tailor-made and written exclusively for the university.


3. University of British Columbia


The University of British Columbia, also known as UBC, is a public research university in Vancouver, British Columbia. The University was founded in 1908 and is the second oldest university in the province of British Columbia after the University of Victoria.

UBC is one of Canada’s most reputable universities and has been ranked as one of the best universities worldwide. It has been ranked among the top 20 universities in North America by U.S News & World Report, and it has also ranked within the top 40 best universities worldwide by QS World University Rankings.According to THE, UBC ranks 37th in the world for legal studies in 2024.

Why is it good to study here?

The University of British Columbia is one of the top law schools in Canada. With a global reputation for excellence, UBC Law attracts students from around the world to study and learn with us. UBC is committed to teaching and scholarship with a full range of law courses.

The university offers a wide range of programs, including degrees in law and joint degrees with other disciplines. Faculty members are leading experts in their fields, and their alumni are shaping the legal profession around the globe.

Fees

The fee at UCB ranges from CAD $10,000 for a master of laws course to a maximum of about CAD $40,000 for an LLM in taxation. The undergraduate JD program costs about CA $44,000 per year. This is a considerably cheap option to study law compared to many of the alternatives at this level and quality.

Eligibility

For the bachelor’s JD programme

  • An undergraduate degree in a relevant field
  • LSAT scores (The median LSAT score of successful applicants is 166 – 93rd percentile)
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or any other equivalent as proof of English language proficiency.

Courses offered & Admission process

The Peter A Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia offers the following courses in the field of law

  • Juris Doctor
  • LLM Common Law
  • LLM Taxation
  • General LLM
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Law

The University of British Columbia has three intakes making it a very convenient college to apply to. It also has a portal through which one must apply to the college. This portal includes all checklists and documents that the college will need and additionally makes the assessment process more convenient.

4. York University


York University is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. York University’s academic programming is organized into six undergraduate, graduate, and professional faculties and schools. Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Fine Arts, Schulich School of Business, Osgoode Hall Law School, and Glendon College.

As well as their regular programs for undergraduates and graduate students York University also has international partnerships with institutions around the world through which they offer courses online to people who are not enrolled at York University. These partnerships are designed to provide access to quality education for learners around the world who would not otherwise

Why is it good to study here?

York University is one of Canada’s preeminent law universities. It has a diverse student body and offers a range of programs. York is located in downtown Toronto and has excellent facilities.

York University offers law degrees in a variety of areas, including common law, civil law, international law, and environmental law.

The Faculty of Law at York University is one of the top five faculties for legal education in Canada. It offers three graduate degrees: A Master of Law (LLM), a Master of Environmental Studies (MES) with specialization in Law and Policy, and a Doctorate in Environmental Studies (Ph.D.). York also offers an undergraduate degree program leading to the Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB).

Fees

The fee at York University ranges from about CAD $38,000 to about $55,000. This can vary based on whether it is an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree, or doctoral degree.

Eligibility

The admission requirements for the JD programme are as follows

  • An undergraduate degree with a minimum of three years of study
  • LSAT Proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL or other equivalent tests.

Courses offered & Admission process

York University offers four courses in law. Both the Undergraduate courses are 4 years each and they are BA in criminology as well as BA in law and society. York also offers a professional LLM as well as a Juris Doctor.

5. University of Ottawa


The University of Ottawa is a bilingual university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was established on July 2nd 1848. The University of Ottawa has two campuses: the main campus in the Sandy Hill area of Ottawa and the Campus d’Orsay in downtown Montreal.

The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 100 disciplines. It is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, which includes schools like McGill University, Queen’s University at Kingston, and Ryerson University.

Why is it good to study here?

The Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa is a leading law school in Canada and one of the top law schools in North America. The Faculty has an international reputation for excellence in research, teaching, and service to the profession. The Faculty is consistently ranked as one of the top 50 law schools in the world. The Times Higher Education has ranked the University of Ottawa 58th for legal studies.

The Faculty offers a variety of programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including a unique bilingual program that trains francophone lawyers to work in French-speaking communities across Canada.

The Faculty is committed to preparing its students for successful careers as lawyers and legal professionals through rigorous academic training.

They also offer a wide range of co-op opportunities for our undergraduate students, which are fully integrated into our curriculum from the first year onwards. These positions provide students with invaluable work experience before they graduate from university.

Fees

For the JD program, the cost of studying full-time per term is around CA $36,000. Postgraduate degrees are on the cheaper side at the University of Ottawa.

Eligibility

The Eligibility criteria for the University of Ottawa include a 7.0 on IELTS or equivalent. Furthermore, the university requires your full transcripts from any university-level courses you’ve attended. They need an SOP, a resume, and a copy of your passport as well.LSAT scores are also mandatory.

Courses offered & Admission process

The University of Ottawa offers 5 law courses in total. This includes a certificate in law and joint honors in criminology and in feminist and gender studies courses. Among postgraduate courses, a master of laws (LLM), a master of arts in criminology, and an MBA JD.

The admission process is quite similar to most other colleges. One needs to furnish the university with various essays, an SOP, and additionally a letter of intent or cover letter as well. You would need to give them your financial documents as well. The university is highly competitive and requires two to three letters of recommendation.
Here are some more law schools to consider

  • Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec
  • Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
  • University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
  • Western University, London, Ontario

Let’s get you into top courses with no stress


Preparing to study abroad can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to plan and consider. This is why it’s a great idea to get the best guidance and support you can when applying to law colleges in Canada.

We at TC Global, ’simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.

Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to the applications, visas, and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! ??

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member.

Let’s shape your future together.

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Date added
10.04.2024

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