What Are the Best Law Schools in the UK for Canadian Students in 2025

Yes, you can practice law in Canada with a UK degree, as long as you are studying at an accredited UK law school recognized by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). Please note that the NCA does not keep a list of accredited schools, so it is in your best interest to confirm that your school is accredited before you apply. You can always speak to one of IDP Canada’s British Council-certified counsellors for advice.  

The NCA also provides a self-assessment tool for lawyers with a degree outside of Canada. 

Factors You Need to Consider Before Selecting a School

Here are a few things to consider while looking at law entry requirements or choosing a UK law program.

1. Choose the province you would like to practice in. The legal tradition will differ depending on the province and territory you decide to practice in.

• Provinces and territories excluding Quebec:

  Common law

• Quebec:

  Civil law

Ensure you are studying at a program that aligns with the legal traditions above or be aware of your location restrictions if you choose to study common law or civil law.

2. Consider a Canadian exchange program. If your law school provides an exchange program, take advantage of this opportunity to study at a Canadian law school and complete mandatory Canadian NCA subjects. By doing so, you may not require the completion of necessary NCA exams to practice in Canada.

3. Apply for a dual program. Dual programs are a partnership between an accredited dual JD or LLB program and a Canadian law school, and do not require the completion of the NCA recognition process.

4. Complete a three-year law degree. The NCA requires that your qualifying degree be three years long and allows you to practice in the jurisdiction of your study once you have passed the bar. This excludes paralegal or CILEx degrees (England).

5. Ensure you meet NCA academic standards. Refer to the NCA’s information on academic performance for information on how to meet their minimum requirements to qualify for the NCA process.

Specialization Tracks That Benefit Canadian Careers

Specializations like International Business Law and Intellectual Property (IP) can offer advantages for Canadian legal careers by providing expertise in high-demand, cross-border fields, complementing core Canadian law studies. Other beneficial specializations include Financial Law, International Trade Law, and areas with Canadian content such as Canadian Common Law or Canadian Constitutional Law, preparing graduates for NCA accreditation and global legal markets. 

If you are still weighing your options between studying law school in the UK vs Canada, here are the key differences to keep in mind as you make your final choice.

Recognized for its 900-year old common law legal system and its law schools, the UK is a place with many opportunities for those interested in studying there. To help you decide, here are the best UK law schools for domestic and international students from Canada, according to QS World University Rankings: 

As a Canadian student, the admission requirements for UK law school will differ depending on where you want to study, but generally, you will need the following:

• Grade requirements

  - Depends on your school, but on average you can expect:

  • International Baccalaureate: 34 - 40 points

  • GPA: 3.0 - 4.0

  • Grade average: At least 84
    

• English Proficiency:

  Minimum level as indicated by your school of choice.

• References and personal statement.

  Your personal statement should clearly outline your interests in law, objective for study, and background. Ensure your references substantiate your academic performance and relevant experiences.

• Competition of the LNAT.

  Refer to your school of choice to confirm if you will need to take the LNAT and for their minimum score requirements.

• Valid student visa.

  You will require a tier 4 visa to study law as an international student in the UK.

Please note that these requirements are a general guideline. You should always check the admissions page of your schools of interest for the most accurate information. You can also book a free consultation with a trained IDP Canada counsellor.

The cost of studying law in the UK for international students will vary between schools, but Canadian students can expect to pay:

• LLB: Upwards of CAD $22,000 annually

• LLM: Upwards of CAD $25,000

Living expenses will depend on your location and lifestyle, but according to the British Council, Canadian students can expect to pay between CAD $28,800 - $31,200 each year for studying in London, and CAD $19,200 - $31,200 each year for everywhere else in the UK.

University-Based Scholarships for Law Students

Many of the UK’s top universities offer scholarships to Canadian students interested in studying law in the UK. These scholarships are often based on academic achievement and go towards cost of tuition, as well as accommodation and other expenses. There may be other criteria, such as work experience, extra-curricular involvement, financial need, or even the area of study chosen. Most scholarships are either merit-based or need-based.   

For example, the University of Leicester has an International Merit Scholarship worth £5,000 per year, offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree. Find out more. The British Council also recommends these resources for international students seeking financial aid and scholarships to support their law studies. 

Canadian Government Support Options

Many Canadian provinces offer financial support to students. In Ontario, for instance, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers loans to students who are eligible, provided the school they want to attend has been approved for student loan purposes in Ontario. Students from BC have access to loans from StudentAidBC, while students in Alberta can consider financial support from Alberta Student Aid. In Quebec, Quebec Student Financial Assistance offers loans if the student and program meet certain criteria. 

Private and External Funding Sources

International students choosing to study in the UK can also look at external funding from sources like the Commonwealth Scholarships for postgraduate studies or Chevening Scholarships. Private grants or loans are another option, from private organisations like the Aga Khan Foundation or non-governmental organiZations.  

For more information on scholarships to the UK, use IDP Canada’s Find a Scholarship tool. 

Curious about what the application process looks like for domestic and international students from Canada? Here are the key steps for applying to UK law school:

1. Select your top schools. Based on entry requirements, your goals and interests in law, and costs, choose the schools you would like to apply for.

2. Review application and entry requirements. Ensure you are eligible. If you don’t meet the requirements for your law school of choice this year, you may consider waiting to apply the following year and using this information to strengthen your application.

3. Study for LNAT. Make sure you understand the minimum score you need to apply.

4. Complete your statement of purpose and collect letters of recommendation. Focus on your unique experience and attributes, as well as your passion for law, what drives you to become a lawyer, and the impact you want to have in the legal community post-graduation. Use this information to collect letters of recommendation from individuals who can support and substantiate the narrative of your statement of purpose.

5. Hone your application with professional expertise. To create a competitive application that stands out, you may want to seek guidance from professionals like the student counsellors at IDP Education Canada. With their support, you can create a stronger application and get insight into how you can differentiate yourself from other applicants.

6. Submit your application. Complete your application online and submit it through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS, as is mandatory for all UK universities and colleges.

7. Complete law school interview. While this is not a requirement for all UK law schools, several including the University of Oxford include this as a necessary step.

8. Accept your offer and apply for your visa. Congratulations! With your letter of confirmation, you can now apply for the tier 4 visa.

Before you begin your studies, ensure you’ve secured the following:

• Bank account
  You will need to open a UK bank account before your arrival. Make sure you understand what kind of bank account you need, choose your bank, prepare necessary documents and your application, and transfer funds in advance.

• Accommodation and flights
  Secure your rental or on-campus student accommodation and book flights ahead of time, so you can have enough time to move in, get settled, and prepare for the start of your program.

• Healthcare coverage
  As an international student, you are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access eligible coverage through the National Health Service.

• Budget
  Consider the costs of rent, transportation, groceries, clothes, utilities and bills, and entertainment and restaurants. You may want to use the British Council’s cost of living guidelines to help you get started.

International Career Opportunities

Studying law in the UK is a unique experience that gives you a comprehensive education covering the history of law, law within society, arguing your case, mock courtrooms, and modular courses to create a well-rounded foundation for your career as a lawyer. 

Prestige and Global Recognition of UK Law Schools

UK law schools are globally recognized and many degrees from the country qualify for NCA accreditation, allowing Canadian students to return and practice law in Canada. Among other advantages are the fact that studying law in the UK is often shorter and more affordable than in Canada, although students must plan for tuition, living costs, and visa requirements. 

Building a Professional Network Abroad

Choosing the right UK university depends on rankings, available programs, and alignment with Canadian legal standards to maximize career opportunities. However, as a graduate from a UK law degree, you can enjoy several benefits including the opportunity to work abroad and expand your impact as a lawyer, as well as the recognition as a graduate from some of the top law schools in the world. 

Looking for more guidance to study UK law as an international student? There is expertise and support available to you. Explore more of IDP Education’s resources or reach out to our student counsellors. Book a free call now.

An IDP counsellor can help you create a personalized study abroad plan that covers everything including:

• Applying and getting accepted

• Securing your Visa

• Arranging accommodations, banking, and health insurance

• Lining up any other service you may need to succeed.

Best of all, because of our partnerships in the UK, these services are offered by IDP at no cost to you!

Can I study law in the UK and practice in Canada?

Yes, you can study law in the UK and practice in Canada, provided your UK law degree has been assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) and you obtain a Certificate of Qualification before entering a provincial bar admission program. 

Why do Canadians want to go to the UK for law school?

Canadians want to go to the UK for law school because the degrees are of shorter duration, there are no LSAT requirements for admission, and they can save on tuition and living costs. 

How much is law school in the UK for Canadian students?

Law school in the UK for Canadian students can typically cost between CAD $21,000 and $34,000 annually, although this can vary by institution as well as location. For more information, always check the university website, or speak to an IDP counsellor. 

Do lawyers make more in Canada or the UK?

According to some sources, lawyers can earn marginally more in Canada than in the UK, although this depends upon multiple factors including qualifications, area of expertise, and the firm.

Is it worth studying law in the UK?

Yes, it is worth studying law in the UK because this can offer a fast-track path to a law degree, a life-changing international experience, and access to world-class institutions. 

Are UK law schools recognized in Canada?

Yes, UK law degrees are recognized in Canada, but degrees must be assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) and students may have to undergo other exams to prove competency in core Canadian law.