collageLLM (Master of Law) in USA is offered in various specialized fields like taxation, commercial law, social justice, human rights, environmental law, criminology, and others. It is 9 months to 1-year course available as a residential program in most of the universities. Some institutes also offer it as a distance-learning program.
Are you a legal professional looking to advance your career with a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in the United States? If so, you may be interested in pursuing one of the top LLM scholarships available in the country. In this list, we highlight some of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the government and other organizations, providing financial support to students seeking advanced legal education in the US.
Top 5 LLM Scholarships in USA Here is a list of the top LLM scholarships in the USA offered by the government and other organizations
| Scholarship Name | Meant for | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Those wanting to pursue International legal studies, etc | J-1 visa support, round-trip economy class plane travel from the fellow’s home city to the host institution in the United States, financing for tuition and fees, housing and associated costs, and accident and illness coverage |
| New York University (NYU) Scholarships | Freshman students | Full/partial tuition fees |
| Columbia Law School (CLS) scholarships | For LLM students | Full/ partial tuition fees |
| UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Program | Meritorious students | Covers full tuition fees |
| Hauser Global Scholars Program | 10 best students applying for LLM | Tuition fees/living stipend |
To be eligible for these LLM scholarships, applicants must meet certain admission requirements set by the respective scholarship providers. Typically, applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in law or a related field, along with a strong academic record. Some scholarships may also require applicants to have a certain level of work experience in the legal field, as well as demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.
When applying for these scholarships, candidates will need to follow a specific admission process set by each scholarship provider. This process usually involves completing an online application, submitting required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, and potentially attending an interview. It is important for applicants to carefully review the admission guidelines for each scholarship to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements and deadlines for consideration.
Top 3 LLM Scholarships in USA
| Scholarship Name | Meant for | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Law School (CLS) scholarships | For LLM students | Full/ partial tuition fees |
| UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Program | Meritorious students | Covers full tuition fees |
| Hauser Global Scholars Program | 10 best students applying for LLM | Tuition fees/living stipend |
Top Universities offering LLM in USA
According to QS News Ranking, following are the top 10 universities in the USA offering LLM or Master of Law program:
| QS Ranking 2022 | University | School | Specialization | Total Program Fees | Brochure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Harvard University | Harvard Law School | LLM; 1 year | 65,875 USD | Brochure |
| 14 | Yale University | Yale Law School | LLM; 1 year | 43,300 USD | Brochure |
| 3 | Stanford University | Stanford Law School | Law, Science & Technology; Corporate Governance & Practise; etc; 9 months | 62,175 USD | Brochure |
| 32 | University of California, Berkeley | University of California, Berkeley Law | Tradition & Thesis Track; 9 months | 63,362 USD | Brochure |
| 19 | University of Columbia | Columbia Law School | LLM; 1 year | 72,360 USD | Brochure |
| 42 | New York University (NYU) | NYU Law | Competition, Innovation & Information Law; Corporation Law; Taxation etc. | 66,036 USD | Brochure |
| 10 | University of Chicago | University of Chicago Law School | LLM; 1 year | 66,651 USD | Brochure |
| 248 | Georgetown University | Georgetown University Law Centre | Taxation; Securities & Financial Regulation; National Security Law, etc; 1 year | 62,244 USD | Brochure |
| 40 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | UCLA Law | LLM; 9 months | 66,571 USD | Brochure |
| 23 | University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | Michigan Law | LLM; 9 months | 64,526 USD | Brochure |
Why Study LLM in USA?
Following are some of the reasons that attract the study abroad aspirants towards LLM in USA:
- With career opportunities like Diplomat or Policy advisor, the law graduates learn to negotiate treaties and maintain international relations.
- On 1st January 2019, American Bar Association (ABA) shared the report of steady growth in the number of active lawyers i.e. 12.4% (highest since 2010).
- USA legal studies focus on the Socratic method of teaching to improve the argumentative dialogue among the students which is an important skill for lawyers.
- Through the academic year, the students get opportunities to work on pro bono cases due to high requirements in legal clinics of USA.
- The legal profession in the USA warmly welcomes female lawyers. In 2019, there was a hike of 5% (as compared to the last 10 years) in the number of female lawyers practicing in legal clinics.
- Law firms in the USA celebrate diversity. Only 20% of minorities were working as associate lawyers in 2009 whereas in 2018 the number raised to 24%.
- International graduates can practice law without any kind of discrimination in these law firms.
- Entry-level salaries in legal firms range between 58,000 USD and 70,000 USD.
LLM in USA Course Curriculum
LLM in USA is an abbreviation of Legum Megister (a Latin word) which means Master of Law. Students are required to complete at least 24 units while studying in the USA. Approximately 18 units consist of academic courses and rest can be completed by attending seminars or submitting a project, depending upon the university.
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Following are some of the common courses taught in LLM in the USA:
- Fundamentals of US Law
- Legal Research & Writing
- Constitutional Law, Regulations and Public Policy
- Criminal Justice
- Legal History and Legal Theory
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Social Justice and Human Rights
LLM in USA Admissions
In the law schools of the USA, the students get the opportunity to work as pro bono and get acquainted with the legal issues. A JD, LLB, or bachelor’s degree in law is required for admission in LLM in this country. Most law schools have their own portal for accepting applications. Students should send their transcripts for evaluation to LSAC’s LLM CAS 3 to 5 weeks before applying so that the agency could complete the evaluation on time and forward it to the university. All the other documents must be directly submitted to the university’s address either via post or mail.
LLM in USA Deadlines
The application deadline in USA universities for LLM mostly lies in the month of December. Some colleges have a rolling admission policy. Some of the deadlines are discussed below:
| School | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Harvard Law School | December 1 |
| Yale Law School | December 1 |
| Stanford Law School | December 1 |
| University of California, Berkeley Law | December 18 |
| Columbia Law School | December 18 |
| NYU Law | December 20 |
| University of Chicago Law School | December 15 |
| Georgetown University Law Centre | February 4 |
| UCLA Law | November 29 |
| Michigan Law | January 15 |
Eligibility for LLM in USA Admission
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-approved US Law School or first degree (JD, LLB or equivalent) from a foreign law school
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 83% at bachelors level (varies with the university)
- Minimum 2 to 2 years of work experience (depends upon university)
- Proof of English proficiency
Documents Required for LLM in USA Admission
- Transcripts of 10th, 12th and bachelors degree
- Evaluation of foreign transcripts by LSAC’s LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
- Minimum 2 letters of recommendations
- Essays based on the questions asked by the university
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
English Proficiency Requirement for International Students
Proof of English proficiency is required for admission of international students belonging to non-English speaking countries. The minimum score requirement for most of the top-ranking universities of USA are given below:
- TOEFL (iBT): 100
- IELTS: 7.0
US Visa Requirements for International Students
The USA has different types of visa. F1 is used for those who want to pursue academics in universities in the USA. The US student visa is issued post submission of the following documents:
- University Acceptance Letter
- Migration, provisional, character and birth certificates
- Original I-20 signed and approved by both the university authority and candidate
- GRE scorecard and proof of language proficiency
- 2 letters of recommendation; Resume; Statement of purpose
- Financial Proof: Last 6-month’s bank transaction and balance certificate; Sponsorship letter from sponsor and relationship certificate with sponsor
- Assets valuation
- SEVIS Fee receipt
Once these documents have been submitted, the applicant will be invited for an interview process. Visa will be issued only if the applicant has cleared their visa interview.
Cost of Studying LLM in USA
The total cost of studying abroad for any program depends upon the university’s tuition fees, cost of living of the area where the university is located, and lifestyle of a student. Thus, it can be divided into three categories: Pre-arrival Cost, Tuition Fees, and Cost of Living.
Pre-arrival Cost
This is a one-time expense incurred while applying for a university. It includes visa application fees, registration fees of tests required to study in USA, and LSAC’s CAS fees.
| Type of Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Application Fees | 80 – 100 |
| USA Student Visa Fees | 160 |
| IELTS Fees | 185-190 |
| TOEFL Fees | 160-250 |
| LSAC CAS Fees | 195 |
Tuition Cost of LLM in USA
USA has been an expensive country to sustain a livelihood. International students who wish to pursue LLM in USA can get a superficial idea from the table given below about the tuition fees across universities.
Cost of Living in USA
The major contributor to the cost of living for an international student is housing in the USA. On-campus housing is obviously more convenient than off-campus accommodation but most of the universities have only limited space available. Other costs include meal plans, transportation and health insurance.
| Type of Accommodation | Average Monthly Expenses (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | On-Campus: 1000; Off-Campus: 600 -800 |
| Meals | 120-160 |
| Transportation | 100 – 300 |
| Personal Expenditures | 300 – 600 |
| Health Insurance | 450 – 700 |
| Total | 1,570 – 2,813 |
Scholarships for LLM in USA
Due to high tuition fees, the international students opt for scholarships in the USA to waive off the cost. Though LLM in the USA is a 9-10months course program, the students require scholarships for easy completion of course. The commonly availed scholarship in USA and its amount is given below
| University | Scholarship Offered | Amount (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation | Full tuition fees; living expenses; travel allowance |
| Stanford University | Fulbright scholarship | Tuition fees and travel allowance |
| New York University | Hauser Global Scholars Program | $25,000 |
| University of California, Berkeley | Fulbright Scholarship | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| Columbia University | Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Full or partial tuition fee |
| Georgetown University | General Merit Scholarships | Vary |
| University of California, Los Angeles | UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Program | Partial tuition fees |
Details on more scholarships available for international students in the USA can be found here.
Job Prospects for LLM in USA
The graduates of LLM from the USA can try for Optional Practical Training (OPT). At least 6 months before completion of the degree, the LLM students should apply for this training. The maximum duration for OPT is 12 months. The job can be on a contractual basis, paid or unpaid. After completion of the OPT, graduates can apply for an H1B visa to start working under a US employer. Every year 65000 H1B visas are being issued for the foreign nationals.
You are required to pass the Bar examination of the state in which you are interested to practise as a lawyer. Most of the states, including New York and California, allows students to take this examination even with a foreign degree in law. However, approximately 23 states of the USA have this rule that only those students will be allowed to sit for Bar exam who have a degree from ABA-approved law school. Thus, pursuing LLM in USA becomes necessary for international students with a foreign bachelors degree in law to practise in these states.
Two of the most prominent jobs in USA available for graduates having a degree in LLM are:
- Associate Attorney: Average salary is 94,000 USD per annum.
- Attorney Lawyer: Average salary is 113,000 USD per annum
Other than the USA, there is a high demand for law graduates in Canada. The job markets for law graduates in Canada are not only concentrated on the law firms but can also work as legal advisors in banking as well as administrative sectors.
Full LLM Scholarships For International Students In USA
Sort: Alphabetically | By Date | By Keyword
Choose a scholarship below to view more details.
- LLM Merit Scholarship
- The Carr Ferguson Graduate Tax Research Fellowship
- The Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves and Savitch Tax Scholarship
- The Ronson J. Shamoun RJS LAW Scholarship
Information for International Students
While the School of Law does offer Merit Scholarships to qualified international LLM applicants, we are unable to provide comprehensive funding that covers full tuition costs or living expenses.
International applicants who plan to obtain a student visa should carefully review our visa information web page for details about the financial certification required in order to apply for a visa.
We encourage international applicants to seek additional sources of funding, such as private loans, grants, fellowships, or scholarships from other organizations. Applicants should seek scholarships and additional funding in their home country and in the United States. Some outside sources of funding are listed below:
- American Association of University Women
- America-Mideast Educational and Training Services (Amideast)
- Australian Federation of Graduate Women
- Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program
- Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program
- Fulbright Association
- Fundação Estudar Scholarship for Brazilians
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Institute for Humane Studies Fellowship and Scholarship Program
- Japanese Association of University Women
- Kosciuszko Foundation for Polish Citizens
- Latham & Watkins, LLP German LLM Scholarship
- Postgrad Solutions – LLM Study Bursary
- Rotary International Foundation
- W.L. Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship for Canadians
- World Bank Scholarship and Fellowship Programs
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