Getting a Law Degree in Canada

In Canada, if an international student wants to practice or teach law, the student needs to obtain a law degree first. An international student can be admitted to any of the law schools or universities in Canada to get a degree in law. The process of getting admission to any one of the colleges is lengthy but not very difficult and definitely worth it for a future in the field of law.

To help international students with their tasks, here is a brief guide explaining the steps and exams needed to obtain a law degree in Canada.

Step 1: Complete High School

It is essential to finish primary education in order to be eligible to pursue further studies. While in school, students are encouraged to participate in debate clubs or mock trial teams, especially if these opportunities are offered by the school.

Step 2: Completing Graduation by undertaking a Four-year Bachelor's course

Students have the liberty to pursue a major in any field of their preference, as law schools do not impose any specific prerequisites regarding undergraduate courses for admission. Consequently, students are afforded complete autonomy in selecting their desired degree program, be it in the form of a Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or any other academic discipline. Below are a few recommendations to assist students in making their decision-

• Students are encouraged to select a field of study that aligns with their interests in order to achieve academic success. By pursuing a degree in a subject, they are passionate about, students are more likely to excel in their coursework, resulting in higher grades and a positive reputation among faculty members. This, in turn, can lead to strong letters of recommendation that may enhance their chances of gaining admission to prestigious law schools.
• Students ought to select a subject or course that challenges them to think creatively. It should be a topic of interest that also demands strong analytical and critical thinking abilities. Engaging in such practices will prove beneficial for their academic journey in law school.
• In order to thrive in their law school and future career, students are required to possess a solid understanding of English, history, economics, government, philosophy, and sociology, irrespective of their chosen field of study. This comprehensive knowledge base enables them to achieve excellent academic performance and secure higher grades throughout their undergraduate program. It is worth noting that students who maintain undergraduate GPAs ranging from 3.5 to 4.0 have a higher probability of gaining admission to esteemed law colleges, with the average GPA at some more selective institutions being 3.9.

Step 3: Take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

LSAT can be taken anytime among the four times it is held every year. LSAT consists of five sections of MCQ questions each of 35-minutes plus a writing section. LSAT is a test where a student's analytical, reading, and logical skills are put to the test.

The score of LSAT is evaluated on a scale of 120 to 180. Students are required an average of 160 or more scores to get admission into a Canadian law school.

Students can take the test several times to improve their scores and get admission to a better college. Different schools have different policies regarding the evaluation of LSAT scores for admission - some look at the average marks while others look at the highest marks. Most of the students prefer to take their first LSAT test during the summers immediately after the third year of their university program. Some of them also take the test for the first time during the first term of their fourth year.

Step 4: Apply for one or more of the Law Schools in Canada

After passing the LSAT test, students can start applying to any of the 25 law schools in Canada to get a degree in law. But, before the applications start, the most important thing that students need to check is whether their LSAT score comes in the demand range of the school or not. They must also consider other factors while choosing a law school degree, which could be the location, size, facilities, and prestige of the school.

Top Law Schools in Canada

University of Toronto (Faculty of Law)

• The University of Toronto, situated in the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, is widely acknowledged as one of the leading institutions in the country. With a long and illustrious history dating back to 1827, the university has consistently upheld its reputation for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a diverse and inclusive community.
• The university's Faculty of Law offers Juridical Program, Master of Laws (LLM), Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM), Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), Master of Studies in Law (MSL) and Collaborative Programs such as Collaborative Specialization in Bioethics, Collaborative Specialization in Global Health, Collaborative Program in Jewish Studies, Collaborative Graduate Specialization in Sexual Diversity Studies, and Collaborative Program in Women and Gender Studies programs.
• In order to qualify for master's programs, students are required to have achieved a minimum grade of mid-B, or its equivalent, in their final year of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. International students must provide evidence of their English proficiency, which can be demonstrated through a TOEFL score of at least 100 or an IELTS band score of 7.5 overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in each component.
• The fees for the Law programs are as follows:

  Program	Domestic students	International Students
  JD	CAD 34,000 to CAD 38,000 annually	CAD 66,000 annually
  Graduate Programs	CAD 8,000 to CAD 36,000 annually	CAD 8,000 to CAD 78,000 annually

University of British Columbia (Peter A. Allard School of Law)

• The University of British Columbia is renowned for its exceptional quality of education, cutting-edge research, and diverse community. With a strong reputation for academic excellence, UBC attracts top students and faculty from around the world.
• University's Peter A. Allard School of Law offers JD Program, Master of Laws (Common Law), Master of Laws in Taxation, Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Philosophy in Law programs.
• General applicants seeking eligibility for the JD program are required to possess a median LSAT score of 166 (93rd percentile) and a median GPA of 83%. Additionally, students must have completed an undergraduate degree in an approved course of studies or finished the first three years (at least 90 credits) of an approved course of studies leading to an undergraduate degree or completed the first two years of studies leading to an undergraduate degree and currently be enrolled in the third year of the degree program.
• In order to qualify for graduate law programs, candidates must possess, or be in the midst of obtaining, a Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree with a satisfactory average in third- and fourth-year courses falling within the B+ range. International students are also required to meet English Proficiency standards, which entail achieving a minimum TOEFL score of 100 or an IELTS overall band score of 7.0, with a minimum reading and writing band score of 7.0.
• The fees for the Law programs are as follows:

  Program	Domestic students	International Students
  JD	CAD 14,000 annually	CAD 44,000 annually
  Graduate programs	CAD 1000 per credit hour	CAD 1,400 per credit hour

McGill University (Faculty of Law)

• McGill University's exceptional quality of education, research, and student experience make it a top choice for students seeking a world-class university education. With a history dating back to 1821, McGill University has consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.
• University's Faculty of Law offers BCL/JD program, Master of Laws - General Law, Master of Laws - Air and Space Law, Master of Laws - Environment, Master of Laws - Bioethics and Doctor of Civil Law - Law, Doctor of Civil Law - Comparative Law and Doctor of Civil Law - Air and Space Law programs.
• In order to qualify for the BCL/JD program, students are required to have completed a minimum of 60 credits of university studies or hold a diploma of collegial studies (DCS) from a Quebec College of General and Professional Education (CEGEP). Additionally, students who possess a French Baccalaureate from Quebec are also eligible to apply. There are no specific minimum thresholds for CGPA, LSAT score, and R-score. It is worth noting that the program is offered in both French and English languages, therefore, applicants must have advanced proficiency in at least one language (English or French) and be able to understand the second language (English or French) proficiently.
• Applicants seeking admission to the postgraduate law programs are required to hold a Bachelor of Laws degree or a comparable law degree from a recognized university, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0 or its equivalent. As the graduate law programs are exclusively conducted in English, international students are expected to fulfill the English Proficiency criteria, which necessitate a minimum TOEFL score of 100 or an IELTS band score of 7.0.
• The fees for the Law programs are as follows:

  Program	Domestic students	International Students
  BCL/JD	CAD 3,000 annually	CAD 63,000 annually
  Graduate programs	CAD 1,500 annually	CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 annually

University of Ottawa (Faculty of Law)

• The University of Ottawa is renowned for its diverse and inclusive community. With students from over 150 countries, the university fosters a multicultural environment that promotes understanding, tolerance, and global perspectives. This diversity enriches the learning experience and prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
• University's Faculty of Law offers JD program, JD National Program, Master of Laws, Doctoral in Philosophy Law program, JD-MA (International Affairs), JD-MBA, Canadian American Dual JD Program, JD-BSocSc (Specialization in Political Science) and JD-BCom programs.
• In order to qualify for the JD program, applicants are required to possess a high school diploma as well as submit their LSAT scores.
• In order to qualify for graduate programs, students must possess a minimum grade of B in their bachelor's degree in law. International students are also required to fulfill English Proficiency criteria, which entails obtaining a TOEFL score of 100 or an IELTS band score of 7.0 overall.
• The fees for the Law programs are as follows:

  Program	Domestic students	International Students
  JD	CAD 9,500 per term	CAD 39,000 per term
  Graduate Programs	CAD 3,200 per term	CAD 10,000 per term

Dalhousie University (Schulich School of Law)

• Dalhousie University, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is renowned for its strong academic programs, world-class faculty, and vibrant campus community. With a rich history dating back to 1818, the university has established itself as a leader in research and teaching, earning a well-deserved reputation for excellence.
• University's Schulich School of Law offers a JD program, Master of Laws (LLM) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Combined JD/Master of Health Administration, JD/Master of Information, JD/Master of Business Administration, and JD/Master of Public Administration programs.
• In order to qualify for the JD program, students are required to take the LSAT examination. As the LSAT includes an inherent English comprehension section, international students are exempt from demonstrating their English proficiency. There are no set minimum requirements, such as CGPA or LSAT score.
• Prospective candidates seeking entry into the LLM program must possess a primary law degree comparable to the Dalhousie JD, with a minimum GPA of 3.3. Overseas applicants must satisfy the English Proficiency Requirements, such as achieving a TOEFL score of 100 or an IELTS band score of 7.0 or above.
• The fees for the Law programs are as follows:

  Program	Domestic students	International Students
  JD	CAD 18,000 annually	CAD 18,000 annually
  Graduate Programs	CAD 9,400 annually	CAD 9,400 annually

York University (Osgoode Hall Law School)

• York University is excellent in terms of its academic programs. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, health, and more. The faculty members are highly qualified and experienced, providing students with quality education and guidance.
• University's Osgoode Hall Law School offers a JD program, Master of Laws (LLM), and Ph.D. in Law programs.
• To qualify for the JD program, students must finish a minimum of three years of study (90 credits) at an accredited university in a degree program by June of the admission year or be at least 26 years old and have at least five years of non-academic experience. All applicants must submit their LSAT scores. International students must fulfill English proficiency criteria, such as obtaining a TOEFL score of at least 100 overall or an IELTS band of 7.5 overall.
• In order to qualify for LLM programs, students are required to possess either an LLB or JD degree with an average grade of B or above. Those individuals who do not possess an LLB or JD degree must successfully complete the non-credit course Introduction to Graduate Legal Studies. International students must also meet the English Proficiency requirements, which entail obtaining a minimum TOEFL score of 100 or a minimum IELTS band score of 7.5.
• The fees for the Law programs are as follows:

  Program	Domestic students	International Students
  JD	CAD 13,000 per term	CAD 22,000 per term
  Graduate Programs	CAD 8,200 per term	CAD 18,000 per term

After getting into law school

After getting into the desired law school, it is recommended that students keep in mind the Bar exam or Bar Admission Course and Articling. The reason is that even after completing law school with good grades, it does not qualify any student to start practicing law professionally. Hence, in order to grow in the field of law, it is important to take the Bar exam as soon as possible.

Every university has different rules and information regarding the bar exam. It is advised to all students to gain enough information from the law school while they consider taking the bar exam.