Want to Study Law in the UK? Here Are the Top Options for Canadian Students

Yes, you can, as long as you are studying at an accredited UK law school recognized in Canada 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.

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.

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.

Depending on your school of choice, there will be international student scholarships available to you as a Canadian student. For example, the University of Oxford offers several scholarships for overseas students. Refer to your university’s student funding and scholarships page for up-to-date information.

For other modes of funding, the British Council recommends these resources for international students seeking financial aid and scholarships to support their law studies:

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

  • NOTE: These scholarships are exclusively available to international students from Commonwealth nations and are a unique opportunity for Canadians.

• UK and Wales Scholarships

• Displaced Student Opportunities UK

• British Council UK Scholarships

• Scottish Government Scholarships

• Student Action for Refugees Scholarships

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.

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.

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!