collageLLM in Canada or a master of law degree is a 1-2 year course attracting a large number of the student population. If you wish to apply for the course at top law colleges in Canada, you must have an LLB and/or a JD from a recognized university. LSAT scores are also an important part of your LLM applications and top law schools ask for a UG score of at least 90-96%.
The fees of pursuing an LLM from Canada at top universities range from 9,000 CAD to 20,000 CAD per year. For Indian students, it will cost from 5 Lac to 11.23 Lac per year. The diverse specializations, emphasis on exposure, and global networking opportunities offered by Canadian universities to its LLM applicants helps them advance in their careers. Post completion of the program you can find a number of jobs for law graduates in Canada offering cushy median salaries ranging from 52,00 CAD to 130,000 CAD.
All LL.M. Programs in Canada
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8 All schools per page1University of Toronto (UofT) – Faculty of Law Full ProfileToronto, Canada 243 Followers 139 DiscussionsThe University of Toronto Faculty of Law offers one of the world’s outstanding legal educations. To be a student at our prestigious law school is to join a lively intellectual community of the finest law teachers and scholars. Our graduate programs inspire students to think broadly and deeply about the law, prepare them to excel in the fields of their choice, and provide them with competitive opportunities that only a top-ranked school can offer.
Full-Time: LL.M. in Business Law, LL.M. in Criminal Law, LL.M. in Legal Theory, LL.M. in Health Law, Ethics and Policy, Global Professional LL.M. in Bu… more…2McGill University – Faculty of Law Full ProfileMontréal, Canada 192 Followers 126 DiscussionsMcGill’s Faculty of Law provides world-class graduate programs, recognizing that law is embedded in culture, values, economies, and people. It is no surprise that each year we welcome dozens of bright legal minds from around the world to become members of our vibrant community. We can offer you: a distinct approach to law as a pluralistic, social, and interactive discipline; cutting-edge research opportunities; a strong sense of community and collegiality; and connections that last a lifetime.
Full-Time: LL.M. in General Law, Air and Space Law LL.M., LL.M. in Bioethics, LL.M. in Environment more…3Osgoode Professional Development – Osgoode Hall Law School of York University Full ProfileToronto, Canada 175 Followers 78 DiscussionsOsgoode Professional Development (OsgoodePD), is a division of Osgoode Hall Law School at York University – one of Canada’s largest, oldest and most prestigious legal institutions. We foster the career advancement of legal professionals worldwide with a wide range of study options that include LLM degrees, non-credit and preparatory programs.
Top LLM Colleges in Canada
Some of the top Canadian Universities offering courses in law rank globally. Some of these are listed below along with the cost of pursuing an LLM.
| Rankings (QS 2020) | University Name | Law School/Duration of the Program | Total Tuition of the Program (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | University of Toronto | Faculty of Law (1 year) | 33,352 |
| 28 | McGill University | Faculty of Law (2 years) | 26,940 |
| 40 | University of British Columbia | Peter A. Allard School of Law (1 year) | 8,900 |
| 101-150 | University of Montreal | Faculté de Droit (2 years) | 39,194 |
| 101-150 | York University | Osgoode Hall Law (1 year) | 19,650 |
| 151-200 | Queen’s University at Kingston | Faculty of Law (1 year) | 12,900 |
| 151-200 | University of Alberta | Faculty of Law (2 years) | 14,200 |
| 151-200 | University of Ottawa | Faculty of Law (2 years) | 37,700 |
| 151-200 | Western University | Faculty of Law (1 year) | 29,065 |
| 251-300 | Dalhousie University | Schulich School of Law (1 year) | 13,035 |
Wondering how to fund your LLM in Canada? Consider Scholarships to study in Canada
Why study LLM in Canada?
- Well Paid Careers: According to jobbank.gc.ca, lawyers in Toronto earn between 47,000 CAD to 427,500 CAD per year. While the lawyers in Montreal go on to earning a median salary of 99,130 CAD annually.
- Market trends by jobbank.gc.ca suggest that Oil and Gas Property Paralegals in Canada earn a median wage an annual salary of 58,240 CAD (up to 32.6 Lac per annum).
- Law students have good prospects for their legal careers in the province of British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. Paralegal and related services are forecasted to increase by 30% in the next 5 years.
- For lawyers, judges, and Quebec notaries new jobs of around 46,000 are expected to rise in the time of 2019-2028.
- Plenty of part-time work opportunities as well as university scholarships are available to international students who wish to fund themselves while studying.
- Immigration can be relatively easier when going for an LLM in Canada for Indian students.
Law Education in Canada
You will need to obtain a minimum Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree from a recognized school of law. A four-year bachelor’s degree is necessary. The entire purpose of the law education process in Canada is to put you to good use of practical training.
Your chances of a good return on investment when studying law abroad increase if you get admitted to one of the top law schools in Canada. However, competition is not easy. You will have to make sure that you secure a higher grade point average than the minimum requirement stated by any university. Needless to say, the LSAT is a standardized test to be eligible to study in Canada.
JD vs LLM
| Categories | JD | LLM |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Basic law degree required to practice law. | An advanced, graduate degree for those seeking expertise in fields of law. |
| Admission Requirements | A bachelor’s degree and LSAT score | A JD degree or other first degree in law for foreign-educated lawyers |
| Purpose | To sit for the state bar exam and earn a state license | To achieve advanced knowledge in a specific area of law for career advancement. |
| Curriculum | Standard curriculum covering broad theories and concepts within the Canadian legal system. | Concentrated curriculum including a specific area of the Canadian Law. |
| Duration of the Program | Three years of full-time study | One year of full-time study |
Choosing between a JD and an LLM depends on your advance planning. If you want to be a private practitioner- you can go for a JD. While if you intend to specialize in a particular field or plan to return back to your home country, an LLM is the best option.
To practice law in Canada, you are required to pass the NCA and before sitting for the bar assessment, if you have completed your law education from a foreign educational institution.
What is NCA?
National Committee on Accreditation is an exam one needs to qualify before sitting for the Bar Examination in Canada. NCA is run by the Federation of Law Societies in Canada – to assess that you have the necessary skills and legal knowledge to become a lawyer in Canada.
- These examinations are held around four times a year and cover the five mandatory subject areas in the exam of Foundations of Canadian Professional Responsibility, Canadian Law, Canadian Constitutional Law, Canadian Criminal Law, and Canadian Administrative Law.
- Once you have passed the NCA exam, you can then move on working on the provincial Bar Admissions Course and choosing the Canadian province you wish to work and live in.
LLM Admission in Canada
- Most law schools in Canada offer an LLM on a full-time basis only, but Osgoode Hall Law School offers a part-time option for professionals.
- Great options for LLM courses are available to you if you opt to study LLM in Canada. For example, the University of Toronto covers subjects like Business Law, Criminal Law, Health Law, Ethics and Policy, and Legal Theory. Dalhousie University offers subjects to study including Intellectual Property Law, Free Trade, and Conflict Prevention.
- Such diversity of specializations provide you with in-depth knowledge of the subject you choose. After pursuing an LLM from Canada you can be the master of the chosen subject area.
Applications to Top Law Colleges in Canada
| Law University | Application Fee (in CAD) | Application Deadline (For Upcoming Intake) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 125 | December 11 |
| McGill University | 88 | December 20 |
| University of British Columbia | 118.5 | December 1 |
| University of Montreal | 99 | February 1 |
| York University | 114 | February 1 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 100 | November 1 |
| University of Alberta | 100 | December 1 |
| University of Ottawa | 110 | February 1 |
| Western University | 120 | January 15 |
| Dalhousie University | 115 | January 1 |
Eligibility for LLM in Canada
Though the actual course requirements might vary as per the program and the university you choose, we have enlisted some of the general eligibility criteria you must know before applying for an LLM in Canada:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) or Juris Doctor degree from a recognized university.
- A cumulative GPA of at least 7.0 out of 10 (or 70%)
- The Statement of Purposeand Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Proof of proficiency in the English language- Submit the test scores of anyone among IELTS/TOEFL/PTE.
- A Canadian student visa valid till the course duration, including internship duration.
- An approved work permit to work part-time or apply for internships (Kindly stick to the work hour limit as prescribed by the University.)
- The LSAT score is also required
| SOP for Law Colleges in Canada | LOR for Canada | SOP for Canada | LOR for Law Schools |
If you have completed your LLB from India, better join LLM in India itself. For practicing law in Canada, an LLM alone won’t help you. It is fine if you want to go for research studies further. To practice law in Canada, however, students must complete their degree in Juris Doctor (J.D) as a part of their formal education.
LLM in Canada: Minimum GPA Requirements
| Law University | Average GPA on a 4.0 scale | Percent Equivalent for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 3.87 on a 4.0 scale | 97.4% |
| McGill University | 3.7 on a 4.0 scale | 94% |
| University of British Columbia | 3.8 on a 4.0 scale | 96% |
| University of Montreal | 3.92 on a 4.0 scale | 98.4% |
| York University | 3.69 on a 4.0 scale | 93.8% |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 3.73 on a 4.0 scale | 94.6% |
| University of Alberta | 3.7 on a 4.0 scale | 94% |
| University of Ottawa | 3.7 on a 4.0 scale | 94% |
| Western University | 3.7 on a 4.0 scale | 94% |
| Dalhousie University | 3.7 on a 4.0 scale | 94% |
LLM in Canada: Minimum LSAT Requirements
| Law University | LSAT Requirement |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 166 |
| McGill University | 161 |
| University of British Columbia | 166 |
| University of Montreal | 161 |
| York University | 83rd Percentile |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 162 |
| University of Alberta | 161 |
| University of Ottawa | 161 |
| Western University | 162 |
| Dalhousie University | 160 |
LLM in Canada: English Language Score Requirements
| Law University | English Language Requirement |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | IELTS- 7.5 TOEFL iBT- 100 |
| McGill University | IELTS- 7.0 TOEFL iBT- 100 |
| University of British Columbia | IELTS- 7.0 TOEFL iBT- 100 |
| University of Montreal | IELTS- 7.0 TOEFL iBT- 100 |
| York University | IELTS- 7.5 TOEFL iBT- 109 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | IELTS- 7.0 TOEFL iBT- 100 |
| University of Alberta | IELTS- 7.0 TOEFL iBT- 100 |
| University of Ottawa | IELTS- 7.0 TOEFL iBT- 100 |
| Western University | IELTS- 8.0 TOEFL iBT- 109 |
| Dalhousie University | IELTS- 7.5 TOEFL iBT- 100 |
Documents Required for LLM in Canada
After you have started filling the Online Application Form from the respective university website/portals, you need to attach the following documents to support your application-
- Official Transcripts
- Test scores for entrance exams to study in Canada
- CV/ Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Plan of Study (for the course-based program) OR Thesis Proposal (for the thesis-based program)
- Financial Assistance ApplicationTwo Letters of Reference
LLM in Canada Costs
For international candidates aspiring to study at a Canadian university, it is mandatory to have an estimate of the cost of living in Canada to survive comfortably in the foreign land. The basic expenses to be considered for applying to any university can be distributed into three categories. These are Pre-Arrival costs, tuition fees of the program, and the cost of living.
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Pre-arrival Costs
Given below is a table indicating the one-time major costs involved for an international student planning to study abroad.
| Type of Expense | Cost (in CAD) | Equivalent Costs in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Program Application Fees | 88 – 125* | 4,931 – 7,005 |
| Visa Application Fees | 235** | 13,168 |
| Health Insurance | 13,132 | 737,000 |
| IELTS Fees | 250 | 14,010 |
| TOEFL Fees | 210-450 | 11,768 – 25,218 |
| LSAT Fees | 268 | 15,018 |
| Airfare | 600 – 1,000 | 33,600 – 672,485 |
*Depends on the university
**150 CAD for a Canadian Study Permit and 85 CAD is Biometric fees.
Fees for LLM in Canada for Indian Students
The college tuition fees can range between 5,50,000 INR-30,00,000 INR a year. However, if you apply for financial aid and qualify, the fees can reduce substantially.
| University Name | Tuition Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | 5 Lac |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 7.25 Lac |
| Dalhousie University | 7.32 Lac |
| University of Alberta | 7.98 Lac |
| York University | 11.04 Lac |
| McGill University | 15.14 Lac |
| Western University | 16.33 Lac |
| University of Toronto | 18.75 Lac |
| University of Ottawa | 21.18 Lac |
| University of Montreal | 22 Lac |
Please note that these fees may vary slightly according to the specialization you choose.
Cost of Living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada consists of all the expenses you will have to pay for, after your arrival in the country. These include the cost of accommodation, food expenses, books & supplies, transportation, as well as other student expenses.
| Type of Expense | Cost (in CAD) | Equivalent Costs in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Books & Supplies | 2000 | 112,080 |
| Food Expenses | 100 (weekly) | 5,600 (weekly) |
| Self-Driven Vehicle | 8,500- 13,000 (annually) | 476,700- 729,000 (annually) |
| Monthly Metropass | 146 | 8,188 |
| Accommodation | 5,000-13,000 (annually) | 280,200 – 728,500 (annually) |
International applicants must note that the cost of accommodation in Canada will highly depend on the type of student accommodation opted for.
LLM Scholarships in Canada
A rational LLM student will always look for funding options when planning to study in Canada. Here are some ways of the ways you can fund your LLM in Canada:
- Government Funding- Many provincial governments in Canada, like Ontario, offer to fund your LLM education to some extent. International students receive funding from the Canadian Federal Government on a grant basis. One of these includes the Canada Graduate Scholarship, which is available to international students studying LLM in Canada.
- Scholarships & Bursaries- Some of the scholarships available to all LLM students are listed below:
| Name of the Scholarship | Eligibility | Selection Based on | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Energy Law Foundation | Canadian and foreign students enrolled in a Canadian University LLM or Ph.D. program | Thesis topic(s) that are of interest to Canadian energy lawyers; or, Recipient(s) intending to make a significant contribution to the Canadian energy legal practice. | Upto 25,000 CAD |
| Lila Fahlman Scholarships for Muslim Women in Canada | Open to all Muslim women in Canada | Positive contribution to society through civic engagement and/or volunteering experience. | Amount varies |
| Ontario Graduate Fellowship | Students enrolled in graduate studies in the Ontario Province | Evaluation on Academic Excellence, Research Potential and Statement of Interest, and Personal Characteristics/ Academic Assessment from Referees | 5000 CAD per term |
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | Indian students beginning higher education in an international university | Three-level assessment- Academic Performance, Online Test, and Interview | INR 1,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 |
| BrokerFish International Student Scholarship | All international students pursuing education at Canadian University | Merit-basis | 1200 CAD on Health Insurance Expenses |
| UBC Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship | All full-time students who wish to pursue thesis-based master’s degrees | The academic scores submitted with the admission applications | 5,000 CAD |
| Debesh Kamal Scholarship | International students of not more than 30 years of age, with enough amount to cover other expenses | Application “Why do we consider you?”, followed by an interview | Upto 1 Lac (INR) |
| Bhajan Lal Scholarship | Indian students pursuing higher education related to the environment | Financial need, academic merit | A full or partial payment towards the tuition fee, living expenses, travel, and research is awarded for 12 to 24 months |
Other Funding Options for LLM in Canada
- Private Student Loans
An educational loan from a private bank is necessary and in most cases the last resort for many international students. Indian students can apply for educational loans from almost all major national banks like SBI, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, PNB, and Bank of India, etc. These banks may offer up to 85% of the program fee for study in Canada.
- Work while you study
Many law schools offer work-study in Canada for students to earn extra money and this is a great option for international students on a student visa to earn extra money. Most Canadian universities permit their full-time students to work for no more than 10 hours a week, including paid employment. An international student with a study permit is usually restricted to no more than 20 hours of paid employment a week.
LLM Jobs in Canada
Canada offers several employment opportunities for law students. These opportunities as a lawyer in Canada are within three broader categories- Private practice, working with the government, or working public interest. Some of the highest paying provinces are Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Among these provinces, the highest paying cities are Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa.
Jobs in Canada are available in a range of industries including Consultancy firms, Corporate firms, International Organisations, Law Firms, and NGOs. After an LLM in Canada, you will be eligible for job profiles such as: Legal Consultant, Magistrate, Trustee, Attorney General, Legal Counsel, Assistant Professor, and Legal Manager
How to Become a Lawyer in Canada
Becoming a lawyer requires 7 years of full-time study- 4 years for an undergraduate, and then 3 years of law degree earned from a law school in Canada.
- Pre-Law Undergraduate degree from a Canadian University or a recognized foreign university.
- Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is the method of entry into Law School across the US and Canada.
- Completing Law Degree- You need to choose your law program wisely. Doing an LLM alone does not guarantee your legal career. You need to undertake the three year JD program if you want to practice law in Canada.
- NCA Examination for those who hold a law degree from another country.
- Completing the provincial Bar Admissions Course and Articling in the province of choice.
Top Careers for Law Graduates in Canada
With an LLM, an international student can work in the field of major. Given below are the job profiles and their average annual salary.
| Jobs for Law Graduates in Canada | Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Legal Assistant | 61,900 |
| Research Assistant | 87,700 |
| Associate | 114,000 |
| Lawyer | 200,000 |
| Investigator | 124,000 |
| Lawyer cum Paralegal Instructor | 91,800 |
| Associate Attorney | 150,000 |
| Intellectual Property Specialist | 120,000 |
| Legal Writer/ Editor | 111,000 |
| Law Professor | 149,000 |
| Fraud Examiner | 134,000 |
| Contracts Manager | 134129,000 |
Among all the legal careers, Energy Environment & Natural Resources industry is booming in Canada. Now is a great time to invest in a law degree with this specialization.
Given below is the detailed graph of the return on investment if you plan for an LLM in some of the top Canadian universities.
The labor market in Canada is focused on the “best fit for the job” ideology. A degree in Canada does not guarantee a job unless a specialized skill or knowledge is required. Good thing, your LLM will make you the master of your niche. LLM in Canada is a great option if you want your legal career to achieving excellence in the niche labor market.
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