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Best Universities for LLM Abroad

You might think that only the best and brightest law students can get into an LLM, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Anyone with good grades, extracurricular experience, and the financial backing to pursue an LLM abroad is eligible to apply, regardless of school or country of origin. This post explores the details of Best Universities For LLM Abroad, which country is best for llm, cheapest llm abroad, llm from abroad fees and scholarship for llm abroad.

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But that doesn’t mean everyone should apply. If you’re just looking for something to do after law school, want a change of scenery, or are doing it just to say you did it—then you shouldn’t apply. Why? Because an LLM isn’t just another degree. It’s a chance to specialize in a specific field of law and gain the knowledge necessary to become a world-class lawyer in that area. That kind of opportunity shouldn’t be taken lightly. Read on for more details on Best Universities For LLM Abroad, which country is best for llm, cheapest llm abroad, llm from abroad fees and scholarship for llm abroad.

If you’re still unsure about whether an LLM is right for you, then I recommend that you check out [website name]. Not only will it help you determine if getting an LLM is the right choice for your career, but it’ll also help get your application started if you decide to go forward with it.

Best Universities For LLM Abroad

We begin with Best Universities For LLM Abroad, then which country is best for llm, cheapest llm abroad, llm from abroad fees and scholarship for llm abroad.

Some of the famous countries that are highly considered for LLM education are the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The average LLM fees in these countries can go upto INR 40-60 Lakhs, including health insurance and other cost of attendance charges.

The table below shows the top 10 law schools in the world offering LLM course according to the QS 2020 Rankings:

QS RankingCollege NameCountryAverage Fees (tuition)Average Annual Salary
1Harvard UniversityUnited StatesINR 52,00,000INR 1,07,97,000
2University of OxfordUnited KingdomINR 22,00,000INR 1,29,11,098
3University of CambridgeUnited KingdomINR 29,00,000INR 55,00,000
4Yale UniversityUnited StatesINR 50,00,000INR 1,35,89,640
5Stanford UniversityUnited StatesINR 46,00,000INR 1,10,98,206
6London School of Economics (LSE)United KingdomINR 23,00,000INR 90,50,000
7University of California, Berkeley (UCB)United StatesINR 48,00,000INR 1,50,00,000
8Columbia UniversityUnited StatesINR 53,00,000INR 1,15,00,000
9New York University (NYU)United StatesINR 50,00,000INR 1,22,00,000
10University of MelbourneAustraliaINR 23,00,000INR 1,24,00,000

According to the table above, we can see that the course is highly popular in the US and UK. Hence, a number of Indian students prefer to pursue this advanced degree of 1-2 years duration in these countries.  

Most of the colleges provide Fall Admissions, Winter Admissions and Summer Admissions for LLM course, but students usually go for the Fall semester because of higher acceptance rate and various scholarships opportunities for international students.  

which country is best for llm

Now we consider which country is best for llm, cheapest llm abroad, llm from abroad fees and scholarship for llm abroad.

5 Best Countries to Study Law

Law has always been part of civilization since the beginning of time. Its complexity primarily differentiates people from species of lower intellect. From early punitive forms to present multifaceted structures, Law ensures that the world continues to progress without humans getting consumed by self-destructive tendencies. It brings peace and justice into practice while sustaining order in all societies.

While it is common knowledge that laws differ between countries, studying Law abroad can have as much advantage as it is back home. However, completing a Law degree may take years, and with that, international students should know the things to consider while studying abroad.

Most universities worldwide offer Law degree programs, while career opportunities seem endless. The qualifications may be more difficult compared to other programs, and studying requires tedious work and dedication. Graduating with a Law degree is an accomplishment in itself, but completing all the hard work in a top university from a different country opens more excellent opportunities for international students. For this reason, it is worth knowing the best countries to study law.

https://youtu.be/IVp1oWpZd2g

Top Countries to Study Law in

1. United States

The United States is one of the best countries to study law in. Some of the world’s most prestigious law schools are located in the United States. Among the leading universities are Yale University, Stanford University, and Harvard University. Through these schools, international students are guaranteed a robust academic background they can take anywhere in the world. Besides its top-tier universities, international students will have more significant job opportunities and are likely to get employed in the United States.

Another thing to consider is that Hollywood is not lying in its portrayal of a lawyer’s life. It is indeed a lucrative career with a remarkable life awaiting for anybody up to the challenge. The dynamic and fast-paced everyday life of a lawyer can also bring tremendous opportunities to bring out their best. The country is also known for its cultural diversity, an apparent invitation for international students to enjoy everything it offers. More importantly, the country’s diversity and multicultural orientation provide students a rare chance to improve their legal knowledge and its implications to different societal groups. Years of study in the United States, preferably in a top school, is an absolute asset in any legal field internationally, with added benefits from the country’s high quality of life and primary use of the English language.

2. United Kingdom

Another excellent country to study law is the United Kingdom. A beautiful country with its old-world charms and modern sophistication, the United Kingdom also has some of the world’s leading universities. When looking for a school in the U.K., it is best to consider the admission process of the University of Cambridge, the University of London and the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Studying Law in the United Kingdom can bring many advantages to international students. Compared to other countries that specialize in Law, international students take less time to finish their law degrees in the U.K. due to its school system. This way, students will spend less time abroad if they wish to practice Law in their home country. Meanwhile, staying in the United Kingdom means having a career that is well-respected and highly compensated. It ensures a comfortable financial future while it encourages stepping out of comfort zones and living a challenging life. Depending on the specialization, international students will also have the chance to help solve societal issues through the United Kingdom’s global influence.

3. Australia

Australia makes an excellent destination for a Law degree. There are several locations to choose from, such as Brisbane in the east coast region and its economic and cultural centers, Melbourne and Sydney. Job opportunities across the continent never seem to run out. The country also boasts of lively outdoor adventures and beautiful landscapes, which provide a convenient channel for stress relief and reprieve from the hectic life of law students.

Australian universities are also among the most competitive, globally. For Law students, striving to get accepted at a top school may come naturally. Some of the most considered schools in the country are the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, and the University of Melbourne. These are among the world’s top 20 schools for legal studies, indicating its international quality and competence. All these reasons make Australia a close competitor of other western countries in Law studies.

4. Singapore

Singapore, a small city-state in Asia and home to some five million people, is another leading country to study law in. There are various specializations to choose from, with some fields drawing more local students. The National University of Singapore and the Singapore Management University are two favorite schools in the country. As expected of a top-caliber university, these two schools are highly selective, and international students have to undergo the same selection process as the local students.

Besides its schools, Singapore attracts international students for other reasons. The country promises a wide range of career options, with positions in the government as the most preferred due to its financial rewards. The country’s economy is also one of the strongest in Asia due to its international performance. Students looking to explore legal careers related to the business industry are in an ideal place.

5. Canada

Canada, a majestic country in North America, makes the top five list of the best countries for a Law degree. Similarly, it has some of the world’s leading schools, namely the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia. These schools compete with some of the world’s best, proof of its world-class education, faculty, resources, and facilities.

While the country is known for its exceptionally high quality of life, Canada also has an endless list of Law graduates’ career opportunities. Aside from financial freedom, a Law career in Canada can also mean fulfilling one’s purpose in life.

cheapest llm abroad

More details coming up on cheapest llm abroad, llm from abroad fees and scholarship for llm abroad.

1. Italy – attend some of the oldest universities in Europe

Italy is an affordable country to live and visit, which is why it draws thousands of international students and tourists each year.

Home to the oldest university in Europe, students in Italy can enrol in numerous interesting Master’s degrees and benefit from accessible tuition fees and low living costs.

  • Average tuition fees in Italy: 0 – 2,000 EUR/academic year (at public universities)
  • Average living costs in big cities: 900 – 1,500 EUR/month
  • Average living costs in student cities (Pisa, Padua, Turin): 600 – 1,100 EUR/month

Costs include accommodation, food, public transportation, local travel, and/or entertainment.

2. Spain – make friends and enjoy the sun at a low cost

Spain is an appealing country for international students, due to its Mediterranean climate, friendly locals, affordable prices, and, not to mention, the opportunity of learning or brushing up on Spanish language skills. 

With over seventy universities to choose from, you are likely to find a suitable Master’s degree in Spain.

  • Average tuition fees in Spain: 300 – 3,500 EUR/academic year (at public universities, for international students)
  • Average living costs: 600 – 1,000 EUR/month

This includes all your monthly expenses, like food, bills, social activities, and transportation. In some Spanish cities, with this sum you can also cover the accommodation costs.

Check out the following affordable universities from Spain:

cheap study abroad italy.jpg

3. Germany – quality education for everyone

Germany is one of the top study destinations in Europe, as German universities are well-known for the world-class education and cutting-edge research opportunities, offered as part of a Master’s programme. 

In Germany, you can find around 300 universities (out of which 10 are ranked in the top leading universities worldwide), with over 900 international Master’s degrees to choose from.

In some German cities, the cost of living may be higher compared to other cities in Europe. However, in terms of tuition fees, Germany is a very affordable country.

  • Average tuition fees in Germany: 0 EUR/academic year (at public universities)
  • Administration fee: 100 – 350 EUR/semester
  • Average living costs: 800 – 1,100 EUR/month

Costs include accommodation, food, bills, health insurance, social activities, and public transportation.

4. France – learn in an iconic international destination

France is a study abroad destination preferred especially by students that are in love with the French culture. With numerous higher education institutions, present in over forty cities, France is an affordable country to pursue a Master’s degree abroad.

  • Average tuition fees in France: 170 – 650 EUR/academic year
  • Average living costs: 700 – 950 EUR/month

Expenditures include housing, food, travelling, entertainment, and transportation. PhDs in Engineering or Medicine charge a little higher, between 450 and 600 EUR/year.

5. Lithuania – a rich education offer, with friendly living costs

Home to over fifteen higher educational institutions that also provide a significant number of English-taught Master’s programmes, Lithuania is a less known European country, that welcomes over 3,000 international students yearly. 

Universities in Lithuania focus on both the theoretical and the practical side of teaching and offer students the possibility to engage in educational, professional, or scientific/practical work.

  • Average tuition fees in Lithuania: 1,150 – 5,000 EUR/academic year (at public universities)
  • Average living costs: 200 – 380 EUR/month

Costs of living in Lithuania are some of the lowest in Europe. Vilnius, the capital, is an exception where living costs can reach 850 EUR/month. The mentioned expenditures include accommodation, groceries, social activities, and public transportation.

llm from abroad fees

So how much does it cost to study LLM in foreign countries?

United States of America (USA)

The US is amongst the most popular countries to do LLM abroad. After all, it has well-known universities like Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and many others. 

However, it is also one of the countries with the most expensive tuition fees and not to forget the living expenses in cities like New York which are the highest amongst other cities in the world. 

The tuition fees in the US range from US$ 78,415 (Rs. 58,20,761) at Columbia Law School to US$ 20,000 (Rs. 14,84,604) for LSU Law Center or Regent Law College which is the lowest tuition fees in the US as per my research

I calculated the average annual tuition fees of LLM of close to 103 Universities/College in the US which comes up to US$ 47,481 (Rs. 35,24,835) 

In addition to that living expenses differ based upon which state of the US you reside in. The USA is a federal structure of government with 50 states and living expenses vary from one state to another. 

These additional expenses generally include accommodation, food, medical insurance, transportation, books, and clothing, etc. 

The States of California and New York are said to be the most expensive states to reside in with monthly estimated living expenses to be close to US$ 2.5-3k per month. 

In states like Texas, it comes down close to US$ 1100-1300 per month 
On average living expenses in the USA for a year may range from US$12,000- 36000 which is Rs. 10-25 lacs per year. 

United Kingdom (UK)

Recently, the United Kingdom has once again become a preferred destination to study abroad after the UK government changed its graduate work visa from 3 months to 2 years. 

In addition to that, the UK is a highly desired study destination for Indian law students because of its common law system that corresponds to India’s legal system.   

The UK also has some of the prestigious and oldest universities in law such as University College London (UCL) where stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi and Alexander Graham Bell studied. 

Then you have London School of Economics Dr. B.R.Ambedkar studied, the University of London where Nelson Mandela, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, John Snow studied and not to forget other popular education institutions like Oxford, Cambridge,  King’s College London amongst others. 

The tuition fees for LLM at these universities range from £38,000 (Rs. 38,69,673) at Oxford to £24,000 (Rs. 24,44,004) at the University of Edinburgh and £9,150 (Rs. 9,31,776) at St. Mary’s London.

The average annual tuition fee of LLM in the UK of close to 61 institutions is £ 18,421 (Rs. 18,75,874).

The living expenses differ if you are staying in London or outside of London. 

As per the Government of the UK, international students would need: 

  • £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London*
  • £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

*London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.

So your living expenses in addition to your tuition fees can range anywhere between Rs. 12 lacs to Rs. 16 lacs per year. 

If you bring your spouse or any other dependent with you, then you need to show additional money than the one shown above. 

Canada

Recently, Canada has become the most desired country for those wanting to settle abroad. This is because as compared to other developed countries like the US and UK, Canada is actively inviting skilled people to come and help them grow their economy. 

In addition to that, the quality of life and other benefits offered by the government to their citizens and residents is attractive and there are high chances of converting your student visa to a resident visa in a short period of time. 

However, there are just 20 LLM programs provided by 14 institutes in Canada. 

The average tuition fee in Canada is CA$ 19,591 (Rs. 11,51,973) ranging from CA$ 42,350 at the University of Toronto (UoT) to CA$ 7,740 at the University of Victoria (UVic). 

Top universities for pursuing LLM from Canada - iPleaders

The Government of Canada expects an international student will need at least CA$ 11,000 per year if you decide to study in the province of Quebec and CA$ 10,000 if you are outside the province of Quebec. 

So your living expenses may range from ₹5-7 lacs per year in Canada.

Europe

Studying LLM in Europe can be beneficial for multiple reasons especially if you want to make a career in corporate and commercial transactions. 

Europe is significant geographically and demographically for MNCs to undertake business in and therefore there is always a demand for lawyers who have experience in this jurisdiction. 

In addition to that, the introduction of GDPR has made data professionals who have studied in Europe to be the most preferred candidates for corporations all over the world irrespective of where they are incorporated. The top companies like Facebook, PayPal, Mastercard have their Chief Privacy Officers who overlook the data protection compliance of the entire company working from Europe. 

The European Union has 27 countries with countries like Ireland, France, Italy to be preferred study destinations for Indian students. 

As against other countries we have seen so far, you may be required to learn the local language in order to become easily employable. 

It can take around two years to become fluent in speaking a European language and it looks good on your resume. After around three years of studying the language, one may even be able to use it comfortably in the business process.

Kühne Logistics University (KLU), Germany’s tuition fees for LLM in Maritime Law is the costliest with €37,000 (Rs. 32,23,810) and the University of Luxembourg’s LLM will cost the international students merely €800 for 2 years course. 

The living expenses in western Europe vary significantly. For instance, the average cost of living expense in Denmark is more than € 16,000 (Rs. 13,94,432) per year whereas it is significantly lower in eastern European countries like Poland, the Czech and others up to € 5400 (Rs. 4,70,620) per year. 

Australia and New Zealand

The two developed countries of Oceania, Australia and New Zealand, are stepping up to attract the best talent from all over the world. When the US and UK were making it difficult for Asian students to permanently settle in those countries, the students from India moved their attention to the east instead of the west looking for better education and good quality of life. 

In return, countries like New Zealand and Australia have become a favourable place to settle with a huge community of Asians staying there. In fact, Hindi is the fourth most spoken language in the country with over 200 ethnicities and 160 languages spoken all over the country. 

Australia and New Zealand, just like Canada, are introducing immigrant-friendly laws in order to invite the best talent from all over the world. For instance, they have something called a Long and Short Term Skills Shortage List in which there are lists of skills that will be given preference during visa applications. 

So if you study the corresponding course and plan to make a career in one of those skills, then it is easier to settle in these countries. 

A total of 10 universities in Australia and New Zealand were considered and the annual tuition fees range at these institutions from AU$ 52,500 (Rs. 28,25,947) at the University of Sydney to AU$ 36,160 (Rs. 19,46,405) at the University of Queensland. 

Living expenses differ in Australia and New Zealand for international students wanting to study in these countries.

Also, you can work while studying in these countries which gives you the additional benefit of meeting your living expenses cost during your course duration.  
Annual living expenses in Australia: AU$ 21,041 (Rs. 11 lacs)

Annual living expenses in New Zealand: NZ$ 15,000 (Rs. 7.8 lacs)

If you find these figures out of your reach, do not be disheartened. Watch out for my mail tomorrow where I will tell you what are the different ways in which you can afford it!

Here are possible sources of funds:

  1. Full scholarships/ partial fee waivers
  2. Education loans
  3. Personal savings

Also, you can earn during your LLM year from side gigs and remote freelance work which can be used to offset your living costs if you plan and prepare well.

Check out this course being offered by LawSikho on Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Business Laws and Commercial Transactions in association with Warsaw Management University. 

scholarship for llm abroad

International scholarships available for pursuing LLM

When someone tells you that pursuing LLM abroad is three times costlier than pursuing LLM in India we wonder if that is really true. Well, sadly it is. But you have nothing to worry about because we have got you covered. Here are some international scholarships available to you:

United Kingdom 

The Rhodes Scholarship

Want to go to the prestigious Oxford University to study LLM? The Rhodes Scholarship is your ticket. Each year, there are 5 scholarships available for Indians, out of which usually 1 or 2 are awarded to law students.

A comprehensive list of 50 scholarships for LLM abroad (USA, UK, China,  Singapore, New Zealand, Australia) - iPleaders

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

  • Meritorious Indian students studying at institutions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other European countries can apply for the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships. Students pursuing full-time Master’s, M.Phil., or Doctoral degree programmes can apply for grants, prizes, and scholarships through the programme.
  • University Courses and Specific Programs are the two categories of scholarships offered by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation. The foundation pays for each recipient’s tuition, as well as additional living and travel expenses. 
  • The scholarship sum is only provided once, and the Foundation does not spend more than $100,000 on it. Candidates must be under the age of 30 to be considered for the various scholarship programmes. Candidates who have been shortlisted must attend two interview sessions.

Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarships

  • The universities of Oxford and Cambridge have been favoured destinations for Indian students for many years. Hence, the Indian society of these universities has come together to offer scholarships to aspirants who wish to study at either University of Cambridge or the University of Oxford. 
  • A citizen of India who is not more than 30 years of age and is a graduate of an Indian university can apply to a post-graduate course (LLM) under this scholarship. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of the candidate’s academic excellence, a good fit between the Scholar and the University, evidence of leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly in India. 
  • The amount granted under this scholarship may differ year after year depending upon the funds raised by the society in association with other NGOs in India and abroad.

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme

This scholarship is available in Hungary for Indian students who wish to study there. Students are drawn to Eastern Europe for the inexpensive living prices, a safe and pleasant living environment, and easy access to public transit, which are recognized across Europe and beyond. The program also seeks to foster and develop international graduates’ personal and professional ties to Hungary, as well as contribute to the promotion of Hungarian culture and language abroad.

Commonwealth Scholarship

  • To apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. You will still be eligible if you are a refugee or a British protected person. You also need to have an undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class.
  • The Commonwealth Shared Award is a highly competitive master’s scholarship and one of the most coveted in the United Kingdom. It is co-funded by the UK government. UK higher education institutions through the Department for International Development (DfID) are partners to the same.

Chevening

  • Available for those students willing to study in the United Kingdom. Chevening is the government of the United Kingdom’s foreign scholarship programme. They provide grants to study in the UK for a year on a fully financed master’s degree course, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations.
  • Chevening applicants come from a wide range of nations and experiences, but they all have the passion, ambition, and talent required to make the world a better place. Being chosen has several advantages, including completely supported tuition costs, access to some of the world’s greatest institutions, unique networking opportunities, and the opportunity to learn about the UK’s rich culture.
  • If selected, you’ll join their varied network of over 50,000 worldwide graduates at the completion of your scholarship. You’ll go home with the knowledge and connections you need, to bring your ideas to life and succeed in your career. 
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