Law Colleges in Canada: Best Guide for International Students in 2022



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.

It is important to note that Canada has a reputation for being one of the most welcoming countries in the world. This means that studying abroad here would be an enriching experience, as you will have access to different cultures, languages, and people from around the world. This means that studying abroad here would be an enriching experience, as you will have access to different cultures, languages, and people from around the world.

Students wishing to study abroad have a wide range of options in Canada. Moreover, getting a residency in Canada can be relatively easy, given that you fulfill the requirements and follow the given process.

Lastly, Canada is a really friendly Commonwealth nation. Those who intend to stay in Canada permanently may find this informative. The entrance hurdle is minimal for acquiring a simple work visa. Canadian universities offer degrees from bachelor’s to doctorate level and have been ranked among the best in the world for their research and teaching standards.

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.

Studying law in US vs UK vs Canada: What are the pros and cons?


While there are similarities to studying law in the US, the UK, and Canada, the experience of studying law can be very different in each of these places. Let us explore the pros and cons of studying in each of these countries.

Studying law in the US:

Law school in the US is a three-year program. Students are required to take classes on contracts, torts, property, criminal law, constitutional law, and civil procedure. They can also choose to specialize in any one of these subjects.

Pros:

  • Studying in the US provides an excellent education and opportunities for internships, clerkships, and jobs in international law.
  • Access to some of the best legal libraries in the world
  • A good chance at becoming a Supreme Court Justice if you do well enough on your exams.
  • In the US, Law is a popular field of study for students. It ranks as the third most popular major for undergraduates after business and social sciences.
  • The US is the only country that has a law school system that is independent of the university system. This means that applicants can apply to law schools without having to first gain admission to a university.

Cons:

  • Studying law in the US is very expensive. The cost of studying law in the US can be as much as $100,000 per year.
  • There are not many jobs available for new lawyers
  • There are high rates of depression among lawyers who work long hours without getting paid overtime.

Studying law in the UK:

Law colleges in the UK have a three-year undergraduate degree course that includes compulsory courses on contract and tort law. Students can also choose from a range of other subjects such as European Union Law or International Commercial Law.

Pros:

  • You will be able to understand both the legal system and how it works.
  • A wide range of courses are available and the tuition fees are relatively low.
  • It is an excellent way to meet new people, make friends, and network.

Cons:

  • UK applicants must first gain admission to an undergraduate degree program before applying for a law school.
  • The UK has a far less developed legal education system than the US and Canada

Studying law in Canada:

The first year of Canadian Law School is common for all students and it covers topics such as constitutional and administrative law, criminal law, and civil procedure. The second year allows students to specialize in a specific area of study, such as family or property laws.

Pros:

  • You will be able to work with highly qualified instructors and professors.
  • Canada offers three types of law degrees: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), and Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL).
  • There are no pre-law programs and applicants need to be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program before applying for a law school.
  • Tuition fees are relatively low

Cons:

  • It takes a long time to complete your degree, which can be discouraging for some people.
  • Students find it hard to balance their studies with their personal life.

Studying law in Canada offers many benefits and drawbacks, which can be beneficial or discouraging depending on your outlook on life.

And, here’s something you may not know – law counts as one of the most difficult degrees to study in the world!

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 other nations.

An LLB in Canada can cost anywhere between CAD $14,000 and $28,000 depending on the university and degree. The cost of an LLB varies by institution, with some of the most expensive universities to attend. A Master of Laws degree from a Canadian institution will typically cost between $10,000 and $20,000. Although the amount will depend on the institution chosen and the province in which they are located, it is generally around this range.

For international 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.

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 especially 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 2022 and find the perfect match.

Step 01: Know what type of law school you want to go to

There are three main types of law schools:

1) Traditional law school: This is the most common type of law school. They emphasize on the theoretical aspects of the law and are more focused on preparing you for a career in academia.

2) Professional degree program: These programs are designed to prepare you for a career as an attorney, judge, or legal professional.

3) Master’s in Law (LLM): These programs provide specialized training for those who want to teach at a university level or work in fields outside of academia.

2) Know what type of practice you want to go into

There are many different types of practices that lawyers can specialize in. You should think about which one interests you and will allow you to do the kind of work that interests you most. Some examples include criminal defense, 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 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?


Though there is some nuance in categorizing the best law colleges in Canada which may have to do with your course choice or other considerations, In this section we will discuss the best law colleges overall. That is to say, that the selections are made on general criteria, for a more particular selection, please consult with TC Global.

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.

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.

Eligibility

The University of Toronto requires an IELTS score of 6.5 (7.0 for PG) and above (or the equivalent) with no band below 6.0 (6.5 for PG). This applies broadly to all the law courses it offers. The University of Toronto is a highly sought-after institution and will have stiff competition to get in. As such it is advised to produce high scores in your previous institution of study.

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.

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.

The Faculty offers three types of programs, namely, Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctorate of Juridical Science (SJD). 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.

Lawyers are an integral part of society. They are the ones who help us understand the legality and enforceability of any contract, agreement, or any other legal document.

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.

Fees

The course fees at McGill university for all three courses is an average of about CAD $26,500.

Eligibility

The University of McGill has an English proficiency requirement of 6.5 or higher on your IELTS with no component lower than 6.0. McGill also requires both a research proposal as well as a recording (audio or video) of two contrasting performance pieces or a video statement.

Courses offered & Admission process

As mentioned above, McGill offers 3 law courses. That is a bachelor’s in law (LLB), a master of laws (LLM), and finally a doctorate in juridical science (SJD). This is a very typical set of law courses offered in universities around the world.

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.


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.

The university’s motto is “Let knowledge flow”. UBC was founded in 1908 as a coeducational institution by Hugh C. Kinsella, a Canadian industrialist, and philanthropist, who had previously founded the University of Manitoba. UBC began as an agricultural college. There were eight other public universities in British Columbia when it was founded.

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.

We offer a wide range of programs, including degrees in law and joint degrees with other disciplines. Our faculty members are leading experts in their fields, and our alumni are shaping the legal profession around the globe.

Fees

The fee at UCB ranges from CAD $9,000 for a master of laws course to a maximum of about CAD $40,000 for an LLM in taxation. This is a considerably cheap option to study law compared to many of the alternatives at this level and quality.

Eligibility

UCB has high English proficiency requirements with an IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent) with a reading and writing a minimum of 7.0. Again, UCB is a highly sought-after university with much competition to get in. It would be prudent to score as high as possible.

Courses offered & Admission process

UCB has a full range of law courses in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Additionally, it is a highly reputed industry both in teaching and later in practice. In a lot of ways, UCB focuses on law and has an excellent faculty to support this vision.

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.

York University


York University is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the only university in Canada that has been ranked within the top 100 universities in the world. 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 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 $33,000 to about $55,000. This can vary based on whether it is an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree, or doctoral degree.

Eligibility

The English proficiency requirement to be eligible for York University is a 6.5 on your IELTS. There are no other requirements except for a recommended good grade in your studies before York.

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.

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, 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 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.

We 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

The fee can range from about CAD $27,000 to CAD $ 41,000. This depends on the course of choice. 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.

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.

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.

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
14.12.2022

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