Osgoode accepts applications from applicants whose law studies and experience have been assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) and who wish to attend the Law School as non-degree students. Successful applicants are admitted to courses, where spaces are available, in order to meet the Canadian JD equivalency requirement as set out in the letter provided by the NCA.
Please note:
- First-year courses are not available to NCA students
- If you’re admitted as an NCA student, you do not receive an Osgoode JD degree
- Spaces for NCA students are limited
Application Deadline
Your Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS) online application must be submitted no later than May 1. All remaining documentation must be received by OLSAS no later than June 30.
Application Components
Your application package must include:
- Ontario online application form
- Personal Statement plus Supplemental Information
- National Committee on Accreditation Recommendation Letter
- Result letter(s) from any NCA examinations taken
- Corroborative documentation to support compelling reasons (where applicable)
- Transcript copies of law grades
- Language Proficiency documents (where applicable)
You must provide proof of English language proficiency unless your first language is English OR you completed at least one year of full-time study at an accredited postsecondary institution in a country (or institution) where English is the official language of instruction. Our English language proficiency minimums: 95 IBT or 7.0 IELTS. For more information, please see the OLSAS Application Booklet.
Application Decisions
Our main consideration in assessing NCA applications is your likelihood of successfully completing the required program of study as set out in your NCA recommendation letter. The Admissions Committee will consider your complete application, including the results of your NCA Challenge Examinations and the Law School’s ability to accommodate placement in your required upper-year courses. Preference is given to applicants who are required to complete upper-year courses in which Osgoode has available spaces, and who were unsuccessful in meeting such course requirements through NCA Challenge Examinations.
Information Relating to Articling Placements
NCA applicants should note that interviews for articling placement in Ontario generally take place during the summer one full year prior to the start of the placement. We recommend contacting the Law Society of Upper Canada immediately at 416-947-3300 to confirm procedures and deadlines.