General information
The Graduate Program in Law requires each student to undertake both serious, advanced research and a major writing commitment.
Domestic applicants to the Graduate Program generally have an LLB or JD, as well as a a prior undergraduate degree which has prepared them to do this research and writing.
International applicants must demonstrate in their application that they have the ability to do the necessary research and to complete the writing commitment. Applicants should have high competence in the use of the English language and an aptitude for legal research. They should provide as much evidence of their ability to meet these requirements as possible.
For further information, see York International's information for prospective students.
English Language Test
Applicants who do not live in an English-Speaking jurisdiction OR do not have a degree from an institution that provides instruction in English are required to submit proof of their proficiency in English.
Proficiency must be demonstrated by taking one of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) including the TWE (Test of English as a Written Language) component, YELT (York English Language Test) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The minimum scores for the tests are as follows:
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Test
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Minimum scores
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TOEFL
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Paper-based test: 600 Computer-based test: 250 Internet-based test (iBT): 100 |
Test of written English: 5 |
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YELT
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Band 1 | |
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IELTS
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7.5 out of 9.0 | |
LLM Applicants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh
The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) of York University requires applicants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh to have a second-class Masters degree in order to be considered for a Masters program at York, including the LLM.
In some cases, the Program may apply to have this requirement waived for individual candidates.
Immigration Status
Students from outside Canada who admitted to the Program must obtain all necessary visas and study Permits. Applicants should review the process established by Citizenship and Immigration Canada early in their application process.
Work on Campus
Full time students may work up to an average of 10 hours per week on campus, including Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Assistantships. However, on-campus work opportunities are limited and applicants should not depend on securing a position.
Research Assistantships are exempt from the 10-hour limit.
Seeking External Sources of Financial Assistance
Since the Program has limited funding available, applicants should look for funding available from their home country.
Applicants from Commonwealth countries are encouraged to consider the Commonwealth Scholarships.
Practice of Law in Canada
The degrees offered by the Graduate Program in Law do not generally prepare students to practice law in Canada. Students interested in practicing law in Canada should enroll in a Canadian LLB or JD program.
Students interested in practicing law in Canada should also review the rules of the Law Society of the province they intend to settle in.
Applications and Documents
International applicants must ensure that their references, transcripts, and other documents reach the Program by the application deadline. All material coming by mail should be sent by first-class airmail.
Note: York University requires two (2) official copies of transcripts, and of some official certificates. Contact gradlaw@osgoode.yorku.ca for details on which certificates require two copies.
Because of the delays that can come in sending documents internationally, international applicants are encouraged to submit their complete applications as early as possible so that their applications can be properly considered by the Program.