17 Best Law Schools in Canada For International Students

Choosing to study law is a challenging task. The law profession is one of the oldest academic degrees in the world. Choosing to study law offers lots of opportunities as well as the necessary skills needed to excel in the law field. As a law student, you would be able to have an in-depth understanding of almost any area. Acquiring a law degree allows you to be successful in any law-related field, such as politics, journalism, management, police, international relations and so on. Here are the best law schools in Canada; firstly, why study law?

Why Study Law?

The law profession is amongst the world’s most renowned and respected professions. Looking at notable people like Barrack Obama, Margaret Thatcher, Mahatma Gandhi, and Benazir Bhutto. They were all great world leaders as well as lawyers. Studying law doesn’t just make you a lawyer; you will also develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Being a law student also gives you a chance to sharpen your mind and strengthen your understanding and experience across various humanities and social sciences ranges.  

Why Study Law in Canada 

Canada is home to some of the world’s most famous law schools. The number of Canadian and international students seeking admission into Canadian law schools shows that the 4-year program is very competitive. This shows that choosing to study law in Canada means you will be trained with proper educational formats and top-tier programs. Studying law in Canada doesn’t just give you a law degree but instead places you on a pedestal of well-trained top-tier lawyers.

Benefits of Studying Law in Canada 

The law profession is highly valued worldwide and is one of the backbones of our modern-day civilization. Studying law in one of the world’s most advanced countries often has its benefits. 

1. Law students get to enjoy a well-rounded academic experience that has many perks. 
2. Canadian law school tuition fees are much lower than those in the United States.
3. The Canadian law program is widely regarded worldwide for its unique legal systems. 
4. Canadian law schools prepare and equip their students to dominate the international market with the skills needed to work anywhere in North America and the world. 
5. Canada also offers student visas that can help students find employment abroad. 

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Canadian Law School Admissions Statistics 

The admission board of the top best law schools in Canada is strict in their admission of students. The other law schools in Canada are also strict in their admissions. Seeing as the top 17 best law schools in Canada are also regarded highly all over the world, each law school gets over a thousand applicants each year, and each school accepts hundred or about 200 students. This sums up to about 7-10% of the total applicants. So getting admitted into a Canadian law school is highly competitive. 

What are The Best Law Schools in Canada? 

Let’s look at the top 17 best law schools in Canada, with details on each school’s tuition, yearly applicants and programs.

1. University of Alberta

Admissions Criteria 

• The University of Alberta admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA) score. 
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, two letters of reference, a chronological resume, and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (mature applicants, indigenous blacks, aboriginal applicants, part-time study, visiting and transferring applicants.

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = 3.7
• LSAT average = 164
• Number of applicants= 1,200
• First-year enrolment = 142

Tuition Fees 

•  Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 18,597.26
• Applicant fee = CAD 125
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,600

Special Programs 

• 3-year Ph.D. program 
• The health law and Alberta Law Reform institute 
• 4-year dual MBA/JD
• The international trained lawyer pathway. 

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.lawschool.ualberta.ca or send an email to [email protected] 

2. University of British Columbia 

Admissions Criteria 

• The University of British Columbia admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA) score. 
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, two letters of reference, a chronological resume, and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (mature applicants, indigenous blacks, aboriginal applicants, part-time study, visiting and transferring applicants)

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = 3.7
• LSAT average = 164
• Number of applicants= 1,200
• First-year enrolment = 142

Tuition Fees 

•  Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 18,597.26
• Applicant fee = CAD 125
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,600

Special Programs 

• 3-year Ph.D. program 
• The health law and Alberta Law Reform institute 
• 4-year dual MBA/JD
• The international trained lawyer pathway.

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.lawschool.ualberta.ca or send an email to [email protected] 

3. University of Calgary 

Admissions Criteria 

• The University of Calgary admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA). 
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, two letters of reference, and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (special status, mature applicants, indigenous applicants, black applicants, aboriginal applicants, international exchange, and transfer)
• The university considers two years’ minimum secondary school study before a degree.

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = 3.67
• LSAT average = 161
• Number of applicants= 1,186
• First-year enrolment = 130

Tuition Fees 

• Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 12,571.80+
• Applicant fee = CAD 125
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,900

Special programs 

• Joint programs: JD/Master of public policy (MPP), JD/MBA, International energy lawyers program (JD/JD)
• Clinics and Experiential learning: Student Legal Assistance, public interest law clinic, business venture clinic, provincial court clerkships, family law clinical, human rights clinical, Alberta utility commission clinical. 
• Mooting and debate programs

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.law.ucalgary.ca/admissions  or send an email to [email protected]

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4. Dalhousie University

Admissions Criteria 

• The Dalhousie University admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA). 
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, two letters of reference, a resume, and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (special status, mature applicants, indigenous blacks, aboriginal applicants, and access applicants)
• The university considers two years’ minimum secondary school study before a degree.

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = 3.7
• LSAT average = 161-164
• Number of applicants= 1,300+
• First-year enrolment = 170

Tuition Fees 

• Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 21,525.21
• Applicant fee = CAD 70
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,350

Special programs 

• Constitutional and public law 
• Specializations and certificates: marine and environmental law, health law and policy program, law and technology. 
• Legal aid clinical experience at Canada’s oldest clinical legal education.

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.dal.ca/law or send an email to [email protected] 

5. Lakehead University

Admissions Criteria 

• The Lakehead University admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA). 
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, two letters of reference, an autobiographical sketch, and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (mature applicants, aboriginal applicants, and access applicants)

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = above 80%
• LSAT average = no minimum LSAT score
• Number of applicants= no exact value
• First-year enrolment = 65

Tuition Fees 

• Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 18,054.21
• Applicant fee = CAD 115
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 600-1000

Special programs 

• Aboriginal and indigenous law.
• Environmental and natural resource law.
• Sole practitioner/small town law practice, including the Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC).

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.lakeheadu.ca/academics/departments/law  or send an email to [email protected] 

6. Thompson Rivers University

Admissions Criteria 

• The Thompson Rivers University admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and Grade Point Average(GPA).
• The university considers two years’ minimum secondary school study before a degree.
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, a CV or Resume, two letters of reference, statement of interest)
• The university considers two years’ minimum secondary school study before a degree.
• Other admission categories include (Indigenous Canadian, Special Consideration)

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.0 scale = None
• LSAT average = 160
• Number of applicants= 700+
• First-year enrolment = 124

Tuition Fees 

• Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 20,887.92
• Applicant fee = CAD 121.86
• Special programs 
• Competitive mooting program. 
• Rights of indigenous peoples, intercultural learning and anti-racism in law.
• J.D and J.D/MBA

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.tru.ca/law.html or send an email to [email protected] 

7. University of Manitoba

Admissions Criteria 

• The University of Manitoba admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and Grade Point Average(GPA).
• The university considers two years’ minimum secondary school study before a degree.
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts)
• The university considers two years’ minimum secondary school study before a degree.
• Other admission categories include (Canadian indigenous, individual consideration category)

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.0 scale = 3.92
• LSAT average = 161
• Number of applicants= 600+
• First-year enrolment = 106

Tuition Fees 

• Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 12,300
• Applicant fee = CAD 100
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,500

Special programs 

• Moot courts include: NHL Hockey Moot and Dave Corporate Securities Law Moot. 
• Clinical learning (Robson Crim), Research (Assistants to professors) & editors

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.law.robsonhall.ca or send an email to [email protected] 

8. McGill University

Admissions Criteria 

• The McGill University admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and Grade Point Average(GPA).
• The university also considers LSAT scores if written, but it’s not compulsory.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, two letters of reference, an autobiographical sketch, a CV and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (mature, advanced, transfer and CEGEP/QFB)

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.0 scale = 3.8
• LSAT average = 164
• Number of applicants= 1,300
• First-year enrolment = 183

Tuition Fees 

• Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 58,649.66
• Applicant fee = CAD 122.52
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,000

Special programs 

• BCL/JD program has the option to complete a minor, major, as well as an Honors program.
• Integrated Bachelor of Civil Law and JD combined programs and bilingual studies in French and English. 
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with integrated Bachelor of Civil Law/Juris Doctor (BCL/JD)
• Master of Social Work (MSW) with integrated Bachelor of Civil Law/Bachelor of Law (BCL/JD)

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.mcgill.ca/law/ or send an email to [email protected] 

9. University of New Brunswick 

Admissions Criteria 

• The University of New Brunswick admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA) score. 
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, two letters of reference, a resume, and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (mature applicants, indigenous blacks, aboriginal applicants, part-time study, visiting and transferring applicants)
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = 3.8
• LSAT average = 159
• Number of applicants= 715
• First-year enrolment = 92

Tuition Fees 

•  Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 14,130
• Applicant fee = CAD 125
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,064.50

Special Programs 

• Joint J.D/MBA program.
• Law specializations include corporate and commercial law, tax law, and labor and employment law, property, international law.
• Mooting, clinical and internship programs. 
• UNB legal clinic offers services to housing and tenant matters, social benefits, employment law and small claims.

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.unbca/fredericton/law/ or send an email to [email protected]  

10. University of Ottawa

Admissions Criteria 

• The University of New Brunswick admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA) score. 
• Applicants must submit their applications to the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS).
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, two letters of reference, and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (mature applicants, indigenous blacks, special applicants, and access applicants)
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years and must be above 70%.

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = 3.8 (80%)
• LSAT average = 157
• Number of applicants= 2,600 & 150 English and French programs respectively.
• First year enrolment = 310 & 80 English and French programs, respectively.

Tuition Fees 

•  Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 9,224.07 (Canadians from outside Ontario)
• Applicant fee = CAD 100
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD $2,827.26

Special Programs 

• J.D-MA in international affairs: offered jointly with Carleton University’s Norman Paterson school of international affairs. 
• JD-BSocSc in Political Science: offered jointly with the Faculty of Social Sciences (in French)
• Canadian-American Dual JD Program 
• Programme de Droit Canadien (in French)
• JD-MBA: offered jointly with the Telfer School of Management. 
• JD-BCom: offered jointly with the Telfer School of Management (in French)

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.commonlaw.uottawa.ca/ or send an email to [email protected]   

11. University of Saskatchewan

Admissions Criteria 

• The University of Saskatchewan admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA) score.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (indigenous & special applicants)
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = 3.7
• LSAT average = 159
• Number of applicants= 900 
• First-year enrolment = 126

Tuition Fees 

•  Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 16,278 (Canadian applicants)
• Applicant fee = CAD 125
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 2,500.

Special Programs 

• Intensive Clinical Law and CLASSIC. 
• Exchange and mooting programs
• Nunavut law program 
• Combined Degree Programs: Law and Business, Law and Arts & Sciences
• Certification in common law in French
• Indigenous Law Center
• Chair on human rights

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.law.usask.ca or send an email to [email protected]   

12. Queen’s University

Admissions Criteria

• The Queen’s University admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of LSATs, and Grade Point Average(GPA).
• Applicants must submit their applications to Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS).
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, two letters of reference, an autobiographical sketch, a CV and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (access and aboriginal applicants)

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.0 scale = 3.7
• LSAT average = 160
• Number of applicants= 2,700
• First-year enrolment = 208

Tuition Fees 

• Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 18,287.66
• Applicant fee = CAD 100
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,199.91

Special programs 

• Queen’s clinics: legal aid, prison law, business law, elder law, family law. 
• Moot court programs
• Research initiatives include: the center for law in the contemporary workplace, conflict analytics, feminist legal studies, politics and legal thought, and surveillance studies.
• International law and exchange programs

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.law.queensu.ca or send an email to [email protected] 

13. University of Victoria

Admissions Criteria 

• The University of Victoria admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA) score.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (indigenous & special applicants)
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = 3.81
• LSAT average = 164
• Number of applicants= 1,000 
• First-year enrolment = 95

Tuition Fees 

•  Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 10,579 
• Applicant fee = CAD 101.75
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,418.

Special Programs 

• JD/MBA, JD/MPA, & JD/BCL.
• Business, Environmental, and Criminal Law Clinics. 
• Clinical Term Program.
• Co-op Law Program.
• Joint degrees in Canadian common law and indigenous Legal Orders and Common law and Civil Law.

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.uvic.ca/law/ or send an email to [email protected]    

14. University of Toronto 

Admissions Criteria 

• The University of Toronto admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of LSATs, and Grade Point Average(GPA).
• Applicants must submit their applications to Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS).
• The university considers two years’ minimum secondary school study before a degree.
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts)
• The university considers a degree obtained from a three years minimum study in a recognized university. 
• Other admission categories include (mature and indigenous applicants)

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.0 scale = 3.81
• LSAT average = 165
• Number of applicants= 2000+
• First-year enrolment = 213

Tuition Fees 

• Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 33,040.00
• Applicant fee = CAD 115
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,802.77

Special programs 

• Mooting programs
• Distinguished visiting professor’s programs
• International human rights internships 
• International human rights clinic 
• Clinical education programs 
• Combined degree programs 
• Certificate programs in Aboriginal Legal Studies, Environmental Studies, Jewish Studies, Sexual Diversity and Gender Studies.

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.law.utoronto.ca or send an email to [email protected]

15. University of Western Ontario

Admissions Criteria

• The University of Western Ontario admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of LSATs, and Grade Point Average(GPA).
• Applicants must submit their applications to Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS).
• The university considers a three-year minimum undergraduate study or a four-year honors degree.
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts, personal statements, an autobiographical sketch, and two reference letters)
• The university considers a degree obtained from a three years minimum study in a recognized university. 
• Other admission categories include (Mature, Discretionary, Access, Canadian Forces, and Indigenous Applicants)

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.0 scale = 3.7
• LSAT average = 161
• Number of applicants= 2,174
• First-year enrolment = 213

Tuition Fees 

• Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 20,151.00
• Applicant fee = CAD 100
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,671.53

Special programs 

• International law internship program 
• Clinical learning opportunities in criminal law, litigation, family law, business law, sports law, and intellectual property.
• Combined degree programs 
• Legal clinics: community legal services, dispute resolution center, pro bono students Canada, sports solution clinic, and western business law clinic.

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.law.uwo.ca/ or send an email to [email protected] 

16. University of Windsor

Admissions Criteria 

• The University of Saskatchewan admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA) score.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts and a personal statement)
• Applicants must submit their applications to Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS).
• Other admission categories include (indigenous, general, visiting, & advanced applicants)
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = 3.7.
• LSAT average = 159.
• Number of applicants= 2,500+ for both JD & JD/JD.
• First year enrolment = 260 both JD & JD/JD.

Tuition Fees 

•  Estimated Full-time tuition and fees = CAD 17,556.30
• Applicant fee = CAD 100
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD 1,868.92

Special Programs 

• Half-time program available for JD Program.
• JD, Canadian & American Dual JD Program, MSW/JD Program, MBA/JD Program, LLM/LLB.
• Law technology and entrepreneurship clinic
• Intellectual property law institute (IPLI)
• Environmental law clinic

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at [email protected] or send an email to [email protected]   

17. York University

Admissions Criteria 

• The York University admissions committee assesses applicants based on the combination of Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the Grade Point Average (GPA) score.
• Supporting documents include (official transcripts and a personal statement)
• Other admission categories include (indigenous & special applicants)
• Applicants must submit their applications to Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS).
• The university only considers LSAT scores within the last five years.

Application Profile 

• GPA on a 4.3 scale = 80%
• LSAT average = 161
• Number of applicants= 2,735
• First-year enrolment = 290

Tuition Fees 

•  Estimated Full time tuitions and fees = CAD $24,802.26 (Canadian applicants)
• Applicant fee = CAD 100
• Estimated textbooks and materials = CAD $1,114.24
• Special Programs 
• JD/Master of Business Administration
• JD/Master of Environmental Studies
• JD/Master of Arts in Philosophy
• JD/Bachelor of Civil Law

For more inquiries, visit the official college website at www.osgoode.yorku.ca or send an email to [email protected]   

Tips for Applying for Law Schools in Canada 

The top 17 best law schools in Canada get many applicants yearly, and the school selects a handful. So, how can you improve your chances of getting admitted? Let’s look at a few tips.

• Apply to schools that you have higher chances of getting admitted into. 
• Follow each school’s application process to the letter. Do not overemphasize or underemphasize anything.
• Practice your application procedure before submission to create a perfect application strategy.
• Apply on time as that shows the school that you have a high level of interest in them.
• Spend some time on your law school personal statement. 
• Certain law schools provide the option to submit optional essays. These essays aid the admissions committee in understanding you better.
• Get ready and ace your interview. 

Final thoughts on The Best Law Schools in Canada

Seeking to study law in Canada is an excellent idea. However, applying to a Canadian law school is no walk in the park. Canada is home to some of the world’s most elite law schools. As such, it stands at the very pinnacle of the law profession. The top 17 best law schools listed in this article are part of Canada’s best and brightest. If you are interested in applying to a Canadian law school, go through our list of the top 17 best law schools in Canada, as it will help you know more about each school.

Frequently Asked Questions on The Best Law Schools in Canada

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