Best Universities In Canada For Law: Find the Right Law School for You

Choosing the right law universities in Canada for international students can be confusing, especially for international students. That’s why we’ve made it simple. This guide lists the best universities in Canada for Law 2025, ranked by global reputation, career outcomes, and student feedback, so you can find the best fit for your legal goals.

Top 10 Law Universities in Canada (2025)

Rank	University (Law Faculty)
1	University of Toronto Faculty of Law
2	University of British Columbia, Allard School of Law
3	McGill University Faculty of Law
4	Dalhousie University (Schulich School of Law)
5	University of Ottawa Faculty of Law
6	University of Alberta Faculty of Law
7	Queen’s University Faculty of Law
8	Université de Montréal, Faculté de droit
9	University of Victoria Faculty of Law
10	Toronto Metropolitan University - Lincoln Alexander School of Law

 

1. University of Toronto - Faculty of Law

The University of Toronto's Faculty of Law is the best university to study law in Canada and ranks among the world’s best. It’s known for its tough academics, expert professors, and great job placements in big corporate law firms (especially on Bay Street). The school offers JD, LLM, and SJD programs, and its location in downtown Toronto makes it easy to connect with top law firms and build a strong legal network.

2. University of British Columbia - Peter A. Allard School of Law

UBC’s Allard School of Law is well-known around the world for its top-quality legal education, especially in Indigenous, environmental, and international law. It’s based in the lively city of Vancouver and offers strong JD and graduate law programs. With a diverse student community and a stunning campus by the coast, it’s a great place to study law.

3. McGill University - Faculty of Law

McGill’s law school stands out because it offers a special BCL/JD program that teaches both civil and common law. This bilingual program (English and French) is perfect for students who want to work in international or comparative law. McGill is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected universities, with a strong reputation around the world.

4. Dalhousie University - Schulich School of Law

Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law is one of the best law colleges in Canada. It’s known for its strong programs in public law, marine law, and environmental law. With smaller class sizes and a focus on community involvement, it’s a great option for students who want a more personal and supportive learning experience in Eastern Canada.

5. University of Ottawa - Faculty of Law

The University of Ottawa is based in Canada’s capital and offers law programs in both English and French, covering both common and civil law. It’s especially strong in areas like international law, human rights, and public policy. Being close to government offices, it’s a great choice for students who want to work in law, politics, or public service.

6. University of Alberta - Faculty of Law

The University of Alberta’s law school offers solid JD and graduate programs with a focus on real-world learning, innovation, and ethics. It’s well-known for its legal research and strong ties to the legal community in Western Canada. The school is also building support in areas like Indigenous law and energy law.

7. Queen’s University - Faculty of Law

Queen’s Law is known for its close community, strong teaching, and global outlook. It offers JD, LLM, and exchange programs with other countries. Students enjoy small class sizes and get real-world experience early through one of the busiest student-run legal clinics in Canada.

8. Université de Montréal - Faculté de droit

Université de Montréal is one of the best law colleges in Canada for LLB and a top French-language law school. It focuses on civil law and is a good choice for students who are fluent in French or want to work in Quebec or other civil law areas. The school also does a lot of research in international law.

9. University of Victoria - Faculty of Law

UVic Law is well-known for its focus on Indigenous law, the environment, and social justice. It offers unique programs like the JD/JID (a joint degree in Canadian and Indigenous law) and gives students hands-on experience through legal clinics and co-op work. It’s a great pick for those who want a more inclusive and forward-thinking legal education.

10. Toronto Metropolitan University - Lincoln Alexander School of Law

The Lincoln Alexander School of Law at TMU (formerly Ryerson) is one of Canada best law university options for students looking for a new-age legal education. Its JD program is modern and practical, with a strong focus on real-world skills, diversity, and using technology in law. It’s a great choice for students who want a fresh, hands-on way to learn law.

Types of Law Degrees in Canada

Canada offers different types of law degrees depending on your background and career goals. Here’s a quick guide for international students:

1. JD (Juris Doctor)

·       What it is: A professional law degree you need to become a lawyer in Canada.

·       Length: 3 years (full-time).

·       Who can apply: You need a bachelor’s degree; LSAT is usually required.

·       Why choose it: Prepares you to take the bar exam and work as a lawyer in Canada or abroad.

The JD has replaced the old LLB degree in most Canadian universities. Both are legally equal.

2. LLB (Bachelor of Laws)

·       What it is: An undergraduate law degree, mostly found in Quebec.

·       Length: 3-4 years.

·       Who can apply: Students who’ve finished high school (Class 12).

·       Why choose it: Great for civil law careers, especially in Quebec.

Best for students fluent in French and planning to practice in Quebec.

3. BCL/JD (Dual Degree at McGill)

·       What it is: A unique program that teaches both civil and common law.

·       Length: Around 3.5 to 4 years.

·       Who can apply: You need a bachelor’s degree; no LSAT needed for McGill.

·       Why choose it: Lets you work in any part of Canada or even internationally!

4. LLM (Master of Laws)

·       What it is: A master’s degree for those who already have a law degree.

·       Length: 1 year (full-time).

·       Who can apply: Law graduates (LLB, JD, or equivalent).

·       Why choose it: Ideal for lawyers who want to specialise or qualify in Canada.

5. SJD or PhD in Law (Doctorate)

·       What it is: The highest academic degree in law, focused on deep research.

·       Length: 3-5 years.

·       Who can apply: You need an LLM and a strong research idea.

·       Why choose it: Perfect for those who want to become law professors or policy experts.

6. JD/JID (Joint Indigenous Law Degree - UVic)

·       What it is: A special program that combines Canadian and Indigenous law.

·       Offered by: University of Victoria.

·       Why choose it: Great for students passionate about Indigenous rights, social justice, and reconciliation.

Eligibility & Admission Requirements for Law Degrees in Canada

Getting into a law school in Canada depends on the type of degree you're applying for: JD, LLB, or LLM. Here's a breakdown to help you understand what you need.

1. Juris Doctor (JD) - For Common Law Programs

Who can apply:

·       You need a Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) in any subject.

·       Most schools require a good LSAT score (except some, like McGill).

·       Good grades (your CGPA matters).

Other things you’ll need:

·       LSAT score: Usually between 155-165+ for top universities.

·       Academic transcripts from your previous studies.

·       A personal statement or Statement of Purpose (SOP).

·       2-3 recommendation letters (from teachers or employers).

·       Resume/CV showing your work, volunteer, or academic experience.

·       English test scores (if English isn’t your first language):

IELTS: At least 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5)

TOEFL: Around 100+ (iBT)

2. LLB - For Civil Law Programs (Mostly in Quebec)

Who can apply:

·       If it’s an undergraduate LLB, you need to have finished Class 12 or equivalent.

·       You must be fluent in French (as classes are in French).

·       Some LLB programs (for graduates) may also need a bachelor’s degree.

Other things you’ll need:

·       French language test scores (like TEF or TCF).

·       Academic transcripts.

·       A short essay or SOP + reference letters.

·       Some schools may also ask for interviews or entrance exams.

LLB programs are mostly offered in Quebec and follow the civil law system.

3. LLM (Master of Laws) - For Law Graduates

Who can apply:

·       You must already have a law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent).

·       Some universities expect a minimum GPA (like 3.0 out of 4.0).

·       Work or research experience is helpful, but not always needed.

Other things you’ll need:

·       Transcripts from your law degree.

·       A statement of intent or research proposal (why you want to study this).

·       2 recommendation letters.

·       Resume/CV (especially if applying for a professional LLM).

·       English test scores:

IELTS: 7.0 to 7.5

TOEFL: 93-100 (iBT)

Tuition Fees & Scholarships for Law Degrees in Canada (2025)

Studying law in Canada gives you a world-class education, but it can also be expensive. Fees depend on the program (JD, LLM, LLB), the university, and the city. Here’s a guide to help you understand the costs and how you can get scholarships to manage them.

1. Law Tuition Fees in Canada

JD (Juris Doctor) - 3-Year Program

University	Approx. Fees per Year (CAD)
University of Toronto	$66,020
UBC (Allard School of Law)	$43,320
McGill University	$67,583
Queen’s University	$73,572
University of Ottawa	$37,000 - $39,000
University of Alberta	$54,481
Dalhousie University	$45,000 - $50,000
University of Victoria	$48,000 - $49,000
Toronto Metropolitan University	$19,000 - $21,000

LLM (Master of Laws) - 1-Year Program

·       Cost Range: $15,000 - $47,000/year

·       Top schools like UofT, McGill, and UBC are usually more expensive.

·       Some LLMs offer part-time options to help cut costs.

LLB (Bachelor of Laws) - In Quebec (3-4 years)

·       Cost Range: $14,000 - $28,000/year

·       Offered by French-language universities like Université de Montréal and Université Laval.

Note: Lower fees due to government funding and instruction in French.

2. Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Students

Most law schools in Canada offer scholarships and bursaries. Yes, even for international students! Here's what’s available:

Merit-Based Scholarships

Given for good grades, strong LSAT scores, or leadership skills.

Examples:

·       UofT Faculty of Law Awards

·       UBC IMES Scholarship

·       McGill Entrance Bursaries - Based on both need and merit

Need-Based Financial Aid

·       For students who need help paying fees.

·       Includes bursaries, flexible payment plans, and emergency support.

·       Available at many law schools (especially for JD students).

Scholarships for International Students

Some popular ones include:

·       Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (UofT)

·       Donald N. Byers Entrance Scholarship (Queen’s Law)

·       IDRC Research Awards (for legal research)

·       Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (for PhD/SJD students)

Other Funding Options

·       Research or teaching assistant jobs (mostly for LLM/SJD students)

·       Private scholarships (like Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute)

·       Government schemes (e.g., Inlaks, CommonWealth, NSP, AICTE)

Tip for Indian Students

·       Apply early! Many scholarships close before university deadlines.

·       A strong LSAT score, good GPA, and a great personal statement can increase your chances.

·       Always check each university’s financial aid page for law-specific awards.

Why Choose Canada to Study Law?

Canada is one of the top law universities in Canada destinations in the world to study law and here’s why students from all over the globe, including India, are choosing it in 2025:

1. Top-Ranked Law Schools

Canada has some of the world’s best law universities, like the University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill. These schools are ranked globally, and their law degrees are respected all over the world, which is great if you want an international career.

2. Learn Both Common & Civil Law

Unlike most countries, Canada teaches both legal systems:

·       Common law - taught in most provinces (JD programs)

·       Civil law - taught in Quebec (LLB programs in French)

·       McGill even offers a dual degree (BCL/JD) in both systems!

This gives you more career options in Canada and internationally.

3. Welcoming & Diverse Environment

Canada is known for being safe, diverse, and inclusive. Law schools here bring together students from all backgrounds, and Indian students often find strong communities on campus. It’s a friendly place to live and study.

4. Great Job Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates from top law schools in Canada enjoy:

·       High success in bar exams

·       Jobs at top law firms in cities like Toronto and Vancouver

·       Career options in corporate law, immigration, criminal law, and more

·       Some schools even offer co-op programs for real legal work experience during study

5. Work & Settle in Canada

·       Most law degrees are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

·       You can gain Canadian work experience, and later apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through programs like Express Entry.

·       Legal professionals are in demand in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and BC.

6. English-Taught Programs

Almost all law programs in Canada are taught in English, so you won’t face a language barrier. Plus, many courses are designed with a global legal focus, making your degree useful in other countries too.

7. More Affordable Than the US or UK

Studying in Canada is often cheaper than in the US or the UK. There are also plenty of scholarships, co-op jobs, and assistantships to help manage your costs. And because Canadian law grads get good jobs, the return on investment (ROI) is high.

8. Modern & Socially Aware Legal Education

Canadian law schools are leading the way in:

·       Indigenous law (like UVic’s JD/JID program)

·       Environmental and human rights law

·       Technology and privacy law

Career Opportunities After Studying Law in Canada

Getting a law degree from a Canadian university opens up lots of career options not just in Canada, but around the world. Whether you study JD, LLB, or LLM, you’ll gain skills that fit into many legal roles across different industries.

1. Become a Lawyer in Canada

To work as a lawyer in Canada, you need to:

·       Finish a JD or LLB from a recognized law school

·       Pass the bar exam in your chosen province

·       Complete articling (a paid legal internship) or an IPC program (at some schools)

Bar Exams Are Handled By:

·       Ontario: Law Society of Ontario

·       British Columbia: Law Society of BC

·       Alberta: Law Society of Alberta

Once licensed, you can work in law firms, government, companies, or NGOs.

2. Work in International Law

Canadian law grads can find jobs at:

·       Global law firms

·       The UN, WTO, or human rights groups

·       Companies dealing with international trade

·       Cross-border or comparative law roles

3. In-House Counsel (Corporate Lawyer)

Many grads work as legal advisors inside companies especially in:

·       Banks

·       Tech firms

·       Real estate & media companies

They deal with contracts, data protection, compliance, and company laws.

4. Immigration & Refugee Law

Canada welcomes many immigrants, so lawyers who specialize in:

·       Immigration

·       Refugee law

·       Human rights

…are in high demand. Many international students pick this field to help others settle in Canada.

5. Work in Government or Policy

Law grads can also work in:

·       Government legal teams

·       Public policy think tanks

·       Regulatory offices (like CRA or Competition Bureau)

·       Crown prosecution (criminal law for the government)

·       Legal research & drafting laws

6. Teaching & Legal Research

If you do an LLM or SJD (PhD in Law), you can become:

·       A law professor

·       A legal researcher

·       A policy advisor

These jobs are usually at universities or research groups.

7. Use Your Degree in Your Home Country

Many international students go back home after graduation to:

·       Work at top law firms

·       Try civil services or judiciary exams

·       Teach law or work as legal consultants

·       Take bar exams in other countries (like the US or UK)

8. Other Career Options for Law Graduates

·       Legal journalism or content writing

·       Legal tech startups (AI for contracts, compliance tools)

·       Mediation or arbitration (resolving disputes outside court)

·       Non-profit & advocacy work (human rights, environment, Indigenous rights)

Post-Study Work & PR in Canada

·       Most law degrees allow you to get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years.

·       This Canadian work experience helps you apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

How to Choose the Right Law School in Canada

With so many good law universities in Canada, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. This step-by-step guide will help you choose a law school that matches your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

1. Check Global & Canadian Rankings

Start by looking at law schools that consistently rank high in QS or THE world rankings.
Top options like the University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill are well-known worldwide and trusted by employers.

2. Compare Job Outcomes

Before applying, find out:

·       How many students pass the bar exam

·       Where grads get jobs (law firms, government, NGOs)

·       If the school has strong alumni networks or internship/co-op programs

3. Check Fees vs Value (ROI)

Law school can be expensive, especially for international students. Compare:

·       Tuition fees (for JD, LLB, or LLM)

·       Living costs in the city

·       Scholarships or assistantship options

4. Explore Courses & Specialisations

Look into what kind of law the school focuses on. Choose one that matches your interest:

·       Corporate or Business Law

·       Environmental or Indigenous Law

·       Human Rights or International Law

·       Tech Law, Privacy, or IP Law

5. Think About Location & Lifestyle

Where you live matters! Big cities vs small cities offer different experiences:

·       Toronto & Vancouver: More job options, but higher living costs

·       Halifax, Kingston, Victoria: Lower cost of living, smaller classes, friendly vibe

Also check:

·       Weather & safety

·       Housing & transport

·       Indian student communities or cultural clubs

6. Review Admission Requirements

Make sure you qualify before applying. Look at:

·       LSAT score (needed for most JD programs)

·       Your GPA/grades

·       Language tests: IELTS/TOEFL for English, TEF for French schools

7. Check PGWP & PR Options

Most law degrees in Canada qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Some schools also offer:

·       Career counselling

·       Help with PR pathways

·       Co-op programs to help you find jobs during or after studies

8. Talk to Students or Alumni

Don’t just rely on websites, reach out to real people!

·       Use LinkedIn, Reddit, or Facebook groups

·       Ask about campus life, workload, support for international students, etc.

Conclusion

Your journey to becoming a lawyer starts with one important step - choosing the right law school. Canada is a great place for that, with the top 10 universities in Canada for law, friendly campuses, and strong career opportunities. No matter where you are in your planning, this guide is here to help you make the right choice.