Study Law Abroad – Top Courses, Careers, and Countries

In today’s globalized world, Study Law Abroad has become a popular choice for students who want to build an international career in law. Companies, organizations, and governments all need legal experts. There is a need for professionals in the field who are conversant with not only the in-house regulations of their own country but also international laws and practices governing taking up services across the border. 

Studying for a law degree at an overseas university presents students with the amazing opportunity to get international exposure.

Why Study Law Abroad?

Studying law abroad provides a wealth of not just academic learning but also other benefits, including

  1. Exposure to International Legal Systems – Gain insight into different judicial systems, different global legal frameworks, and how different nations work together on international treaty ordinances, trade, and human rights.
  2. Access to Prestigious Universities – Many outstanding and top-ranked universities for law are located in USA, UK, Canada, and Europe, offering super-class faculty, amenities, and research opportunities.
  3. Major Opportunities for Global Law Firms – International legal businesses worldwide are actively recruiting graduates with cross-border knowledge in areas like corporate law, intellectual property law, and dispute resolution.
  4. Career Diversification – An internationally accredited law degree can open a realm of career possibilities, including advocacy, consulting, academia, policy making, working for NGOs or international organizations. 
  5. Future High Earning Potential – All sorts of lawyers, especially those in corporate and international law, make good income.
  6. Specialization Options – International Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, Cyber Law, and Arbitration offer students the opportunity to tie their legal knowledge to real-life instances.

Popular Law Programs and Specializations

The guidelines and norms for studying law abroad range from undergraduate to postgraduate levels:

Choose the Program and Entrance Tests

1- LLB, BA in Law, JD in the USA

  • Duration: 3–4 years
  • Focus: Full awareness of the foundation of legal systems, constitutional law, criminal law, contract law and property law.

2- LLM, MSc in Law, JSD/SJD

  • Duration: 1–2 years
  • Focus: Advanced specializations, research opportunities, and deep practical training.

Major Specialized Fields

  • International Law
  • Corporate & Commercial Law
  • Human Rights Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Environmental & Energy Law
  • Cybersecurity & Technology Law
  • Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

Best Destinations for Legal Studies

  1. United States – USA is regarded a goldmine for juris doctor (JD) programs and those wishing to attract massive avenues of corporate, litigation, and academia, with such elite law institutions as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Columbia. 
  2. United Kingdom – The UK has LLB and LLM programs that are respected over the world. They train students from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE in both UK-based and international practice.
  3. Canada – Specializing in common-law traditions and human rights, education in Canada often provides a unique environment with diverse cultural perspectives. Canada is further deemed more cost-effective than the United States.
  4. Australia – Offering high-quality legal education from universities that are recognized across the globe. Institutions like the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney are noted for their focus on corporate law and environmental law.
  5. Germany – Germany offers some very good legal programs conducted in English with low fees, and is internationally recognized for its strong research in international and EU law.
  6.  Netherlands – English LLM programs have become extremely popular, in aspects like International Law, Human Rights, and Business Law

Top Universities To Study Law Abroad

Below is a list of the world’s highest-ranking universities to study law:

  1. Harvard University (USA)
  2. Oxford University (UK)
  3. Cambridge University (UK)
  4. Yale University (USA)
  5. University of Toronto (Canada)
  6. University of Melbourne (Australia)
  7. National University of Singapore (NUS)
  8. Leiden University (Netherlands)
  9. Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany)

Eligibility & Admission Requirements to Study Law Abroad

Admission requirements vary by country, and they require:

1- For Undergraduate Programs (LLB/JD):

  • Completion of 10+2 or equivalent qualification
  • Good academic record
  • English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores)
  • Statement of purpose and letters of reference
  • If applying to a JD program in the USA: the LSAT examination is mandatory

2- For Postgraduate Programs (LLM/SJD):

  • Prior degree in law (LLB/JD)
  • Transcripts of past academic performance
  • English proficiency test scores
  • Professional history in the form of a resume or CV, Statement of Purpose, and Letters of Recommendation
  • Some programs require legal work experience or internships

Cost of Studying Law Abroad

The cost of studying law varies in different countries as well as in various universities, with an average amount of:

Country Tuition Fee (USD/year)
USA
$45,000 – $105,000 (Tuition + living)
UK
£27,000 – £55,000
Canada
CAD 20,000 – 35,000
Australia
AUD 20,000 – 40,000
Germany
€0 – €3,000 per sem (low admin fees only)
France
€2,770 (Bachelor’s) / €3,770 (Master’s) -per sem

Living expenses could be in the range of $10,000 – $20,000 yearly, depending on the location.

Career Opportunities After Law

There is a wide choice of career options abroad:

  • Corporate Lawyer
  • International Arbitrator
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Legal Advisor for MNCs
  • Judge or Magistrate (with local qualifications)
  • Compliance Officer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Academic/Researcher
  • Intellectual Property Consultant

Average Salary Range (Annual, Approx.)

Legal Specialization Average Annual Salary (USD)
$78,159 – $162,331
$28,000 – $73,000
$47,000 – $138,000
Legal Consultants
$60,000 – $110,000
Judges & Magistrates
$80,000 – $140,000
$42,000 – $130,000

This salary Range data is taken from Indeed and ZipRecruiter.

How Education Street Can Help You

It is not easy to navigate applications, scholarships, and visa processes. Education Street provides end-to-end guidance to students who want to study law abroad, such as:

  • Individual counselling to choose the right country, university and specialization
  • Help with the application, SOP, and documents
  • Preparation for English proficiency and entrance exams
  • Advice on scholarships/financial aid
  • Career mentoring and pre-departure support 

With expert advice from seasoned mentors, Education Street makes sure that students step into their global law journey with assuredness.

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FAQs About Study Law Abroad

What language tests are required to study law abroad?

Most universities require IELTS or TOEFL. Some also accept PTE or Duo lingo.

For how long does one study law abroad?

LLB: 3-4 years; JD (USA): 3 years; LLM: 1 year; SJD/JSD: 3-5 years.

What are the best countries to study law abroad?

United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Yes, scholarships are awarded by many universities and in some cases, by governments based on merit or need.

Can I practice law in my country if I studied abroad?

Definitely; you still need to apply for licensing exams or fulfill bar council requirements in your home country.

What are some of the best law specializations abroad?

International law, human rights, corporate law, intellectual property, and environmental laws.

What are some of the career prospects after studying law abroad?

Corporate law, international arbitration, human rights advocacy, academia, and consulting are some of the best career prospects.

Do I need work experience before applying for an LLM abroad/law program?

LLM work experience is preferred, though not always a necessity. JD/LLB rarely requires any work experience.

Is there a possibility for students to do internships or gain practical experience during their law studies abroad?

Yes, interns are encouraged by most law schools to do moot courts and clinical programs so that they achieve practical training.