Canada has over 70 law colleges that provide more than 240 programs in various specializations such as civil law, social and legal studies, justice and society, etc. Canada follows a dual law system, and these law colleges train students to practice at either of the levels. There are several reasons to choose Canadian law Universities, including the fact that they offer degrees in various specializations such as cyberspace law, forest law, and indigenous legal traditions. According to estimates, more than 42,800 new jobs are expected to be created for judges and lawyers in Canada between 2017 and 2026.
Canada is ranked fourth globally for its extensive research opportunities, with universities such as McGill and the University of Montreal being well-known for their research. The post-graduation work permit allows students to look for work in Canada after graduation. Graduates of law colleges in Canada can expect to earn an average salary of approximately 164,421 CAD per year.
This article will provide you with detailed information about law schools and programs in Canada.
Why study law in Canada?
There are several compelling reasons to study law in Canada:
- Quality education: Canadian law colleges are known for their high-quality education and excellent faculty. Many law schools in Canada are ranked among the top universities in the world, and the legal education they offer is highly regarded worldwide.
- Range of specializations: Canadian law colleges offer a wide range of specializations, including international law, environmental law, human rights law, and more. This allows students to tailor their legal education to their interests and career goals.
- Dual law system: Canada follows a dual law system, meaning students can specialise in common law or civil law. This gives students a unique opportunity to learn about legal systems and expand their knowledge and expertise.
- Job opportunities: The legal profession in Canada is growing, with many new jobs expected to be created in the coming years. Graduates of Canadian law schools are highly sought after by employers, both in Canada and abroad.
- Post-graduation work permit: International students who graduate from Canadian law colleges are eligible for a post-graduation work permit, which allows them to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduation. This provides students with valuable work experience and the opportunity to explore career options in Canada.
Entry Requirements
- Academic qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited university is usually required for admission to a law program in Canada. The degree may be in any field, but some universities may require specific courses to be completed before admission.
- GPA: Most universities require a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for admission to a law program.
- LSAT score: The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test required for admission to most law programs in Canada. A good LSAT score is usually required for admission to a law program.
- English language proficiency: International students whose first language is not English may be required to provide proof of English proficiency by taking tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Letters of recommendation: Many universities require letters of recommendation from professors or employers to support the student's application.
- Personal statement or essay: Most universities require a personal statement or essay outlining the student's academic and personal background and their reasons for pursuing a law degree.
- Interview: Some law programs may require an interview as part of the admission process.
Popular Law Courses in Canada
There are many popular law courses offered by Canadian universities, some of which are:
- Juris Doctor (JD): This is Canada's most common law degree offered by most law schools. It is a three-year program that prepares students for the practice of law.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB): This is a three-year undergraduate law degree program that prepares students for the practice of law.
- Master of Laws (LLM): This is a one-year graduate degree program for students who have already completed a law degree. It allows students to specialize in a particular area of law, such as international law, environmental law, or intellectual property law.
- Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD): This research-focused doctoral degree program is designed for students who want to pursue an academic career in law.
- Certificate Programs: Many law schools in Canada offer certificate programs in various areas of law, such as business law, environmental law, and human rights law. These programs are designed for students who want to specialize in a particular area of law but do not want to complete an entire law degree program.
Top Law Schools in Canada
- The University of Toronto, Faculty of Law
- Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
- McGill University, Faculty of Law
- The University of British Columbia, Peter A. Allard School of Law
- The University of Alberta, Faculty of Law
- The University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law
- Queen's University, Faculty of Law
- The University of Calgary, Faculty of Law
- Western University, Faculty of Law
- Dalhousie University, Schulich School of Law
Tuition Costs
University |
Program |
Tuition Fees (CAD) |
University of Toronto |
JD |
$38,670 per year |
York University |
JD |
$32,238 per year |
McGill University |
JD |
$37,500 per year |
University of British Columbia |
JD |
$12,781 - $16,409 per year |
University of Alberta |
JD |
$13,556 - $17,682 per year |
University of Ottawa |
JD |
$27,390 per year |
Queen's University |
JD |
$29,071 per year |
University of Calgary |
JD |
$12,695 - $17,495 per year |
Western University |
JD |
$23,141 - $25,201 per year |
Dalhousie University |
JD |
$21,777 - $27,792 per year |
Scholarships
Scholarship Name |
University/Institution |
Eligibility |
Amount (CAD) |
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Scholarship |
Osgoode Hall Law School |
Outstanding academic achievement and financial need |
$15,000 |
Dean’s Entrance Scholarship |
University of Toronto |
Outstanding academic achievement |
Up to $10,000 |
The Harold G. Fox Education Fund |
Various universities |
Academic excellence, financial need, community involvement |
Up to $10,000 |
McMillan Diversity Scholarship |
Various universities |
Academic achievement and commitment to diversity |
Up to $5,000 |
|
Law Schools in Canada: Career Scope
Law colleges in Canada offer various opportunities for students pursuing law degrees with various career paths and specializations. Here are some of the career options available to law graduates in Canada:
- Lawyer: Law graduates can work as lawyers in various fields, such as corporate law, criminal law, family law, intellectual property law, and more. They can work in private practice or in-house for corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
- Judge/Magistrate: Law graduates can also pursue a career as a judge or magistrate, presiding over legal proceedings and making case decisions.
- Legal Counsel: Graduates can work as legal counsel for companies or government agencies, providing legal advice and guidance on various legal matters.
- Legal Researcher: Law graduates can also work as legal researchers, researching legal issues and providing analysis to support legal cases.
- Law Professor: Graduates can also choose to pursue an academic career and become law professors, teaching and conducting research in various areas of law.
- Legal Journalist: Law graduates can also work as legal journalists, covering legal issues for newspapers, magazines, or online publications.