10 Most Preferred Law Schools in Canada
A career in law starts with finding the school that fits you best among many law schools in Canada. Interestingly, Canadian law schools are one of the best in the world.Â
A degree from a Canadian law school means you can work anywhere in the world if you pass those countries’ Bar Exam and meet the eligibility.
Moreover, as a law aspirant or student, attending one of the best law schools in Canada should be your utmost priority. This is because these top-ranking law schools in Canada will prepare you for a successful law career after graduation.
What does law school mean?
A law school is an institution specializing in legal education, usually involved as part of a process for becoming a lawyer within a given jurisdiction.Â
On the other hand, it is a school that trains people to become lawyers. In contrast, several law schools in Canada operate as faculty or affiliated schools to a Canadian public university.
10 Most Preferred Law Schools in Canada
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Montreal
- University of Ottawa
- York University
- Queen’s University
- University of Alberta
- Western University
- University of Calgary
#1 University of Toronto
The University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, is one of the most preferred universities for law students in Canada. Moreover, Toronto University in Canada is among the best universities for international students.
Furthermore, the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto gives remarkable opportunities to study law. The faculty is devoted to creating a genuine intellectual community in which each member’s students and professors work closely to develop a deep, critical understanding of the strengths and limitations of law and legal institutions.
Nevertheless, the University of Toronto continues to be one of the prestigious law schools in Canada, as it comes first in the 2021 QS Ranking of Canadian law schools. Through its faculty of law, the University of Toronto offers programs in a wide range of, including Legal Theory, Criminal Law, Business Law, Health Law, and more. In addition, the university’s LL.M program in health law is ranked as one of the top 10 globally. Therefore, people prefer it mostly international students.
In addition, to study law at the University of Toronto, you will have a cumulative grade point average CGPA of 3.87 in your first degree, and you are going to pay an average tuition fee of $36.720
#2 McGill University
McGill University was established in 1848. It is located in the Quebec province of Canada. The university’s Faculty of Law is the oldest in Canada. The Faculty of Law is located on the slopes of beautiful Mount Royal, adjacent to McGill’s main campus in the heart of downtown Montreal, Quebec. For over a century and a half. McGill’s Faculty of Law has remained at the vanguard of legal education and scholarship and counts among its graduates Canadian Prime Ministers and Supreme Court justices.
Moreover, legal education at McGill is marked by the mutually sustaining relationship between the common law and the civil law as the Western world’s two major legal traditions, in dialogue with Indigenous legal traditions.
Interestingly, the university recognizes that the law comes from a broad range of sources and is predicated on the study of law as an inherent intellectual inquiry. However, to gain admission into this university to study law, you must have an academic grade point average GPA of 3.7, and you are going to pay an average tuition fee of $9,464.16
#3 University of British Columbia
This is one of the most preferred law schools in Canada. This school is known for its excellent methods of teaching, which attract many law students to the school’s law faculty. For example, the First-year classes are taught in groups of approximately 45–50, allowing students to have more direct contact with instructors and more opportunities for detailed feedback.
Moreover, studying at the Allard School of Law means being part of a community that encourages diverse perspectives in a learning environment that is collaborative and inspiring.
However, the Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia is committed to recruiting outstanding teachers and scholars who are leaders in their research fields. With 54 full-time professors, the University of British Columbia is home to a remarkably dynamic, accomplished, and diverse group of faculty who produce innovative and influential legal research.
However, for over 70 years, the Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia has educated leaders in the community and the profession. As a result, graduates from this university join a distinguished family of graduates that have excelled in all areas of law and government. Hence, lawyers who graduated from this university significantly impacted today’s most pressing issues around the world.
Nevertheless, to enter this school to study law, you will have an average GPA of 83% and pay $13,149.44 as your tuition fee.
#4 University of Montreal
Another preferred school of law in Canada is the Université de Montréal faculty of law. This university has consistently been in the first position in Canada for francophone law and is the best francophone school in the world. Therefore, Université de Montréal has a long-standing reputation for educational excellence.
Moreover, this university is committed to providing an innovative, well-rounded education that combines traditional inquiry with dynamic research opportunities and an interdisciplinary approach that helps students become responsible and proactive citizens of the world.
#5 University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is another preferred university for law students in Canada. The University of Ottawa Faculty of Law is one of Canada’s oldest and largest bilingual universities. The Faculty of Law offers both Common Law and Civil Law degrees, preparing graduates for careers in the country’s two legal systems. The Common Law Section offers a three-year program in both English and French. The Civil Law Section offers a three-year program in French.
Moreover, the Common Law Section at the University of Ottawa provides a broad academic and professional education for persons interested in law, government, international service, legal scholarship, conflict resolution, or any other career where the knowledge of legal principles is an advantage.
However, you need to have a cumulative grade point average of 80% to gain admission to study law at the University of Ottawa. In contrast, the average tuition fee for law students is $10,691.67.
#6 York University
York University is one of the universities law students prefer to study in. This university is located in the province of Ontario, Canada. Moreover, the Osgoode Hall Law School at York University offers a rigorous, diverse, and forward-looking curriculum that prepares students for the widest range of careers in law.
However, Osgoode Hall Law School is an internationally recognized credential that opens doors not only in the legal profession but in government, public service, business, nongovernmental organizations, and academia. Yet, Osgoode is the oldest law school in Ontario and among Canada’s largest common-law law schools.
Moreover, you need to have a GPA of 3.69 to study law at this university, while the school tuition fee for law students is $28,649.22
#7 Queen’s University
Queen’s University is located in the Ontario province of Canada. It is one of the most preferred law schools in Canada. Queen’s University Faculty of Law, Canada, is also regarded as one of Canada’s most prestigious legal education institutions. However, Queen’s Law has targeted interdisciplinary studies as a strategic priority to prepare law students for the complexity of modern-day transactions, policies, and legal processes.
Moreover, Queen’s Law is a leader in preparing law students for today’s international environment. Studying and interning abroad provides students with the opportunity to develop cross-cultural competencies that are increasingly relevant in the legal system.
Therefore, to study law at this university, you need to have a grade point average of 3.72 in your first degree. You will also be required to pay $21,480.34 as a tuition fee.
#8 University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s largest research-intensive universities. Moreover, it is one of the most preferred law schools in Canada.
Furthermore, the University of Alberta Faculty of Law is a graduate school that continues a 100-year tradition of excellence. The school includes a collegial environment and student-focused support systems that facilitate student success.
Moreover, suppose you graduate from the University of Alberta. In that case, you will join a community of law graduates represented in every Canadian province and territory worldwide, from London to New York, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. However, to study law at this university, you need to have a CGPA of 3.8 and will pay an average tuition fee of $13,423.80
#9 Western University
Western University is one of the law schools in Canada preferred by law students in Canada. Moreover, the Western Law School at Western University focuses on business law in the global environment. The school is unique among Canadian law schools.Â
Furthermore, as Canada’s premier business law school, the Western vision of business law is multidimensional, including a wide range of economic, public law, and social justice perspectives.
Therefore, Western university’s strength in business law complements the national and internationally recognized strengths in many other areas, including international law, torts, insurance law, intellectual property, constitutional law, and legal ethics.
Although you need to have a GPA of 3.7 for you to enter this law school, the average tuition fee is $22,390.
#10 University of Calgary
Calgary University is another law school in Canada preferred by students of law. This is because the Calgary Curriculum places the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law at the forefront of innovation in North American legal education. The school curriculum is rigorous. It is relevant and more realistic. It connects the teaching process with the learning outcome of students. It will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for future professional success.
Moreover, the Calgary Juris Doctor (JD) program will prepare you for a variety of roles within the legal system. It lays the groundwork for developing competent, talented, creative, and sensitive professionals and will ensure that you are ready for the rapidly changing legal marketplace.
General requirements for admission into law schools in Canada
To be admitted to the practice of law, the requirements in most provinces are:
- A candidate must possess a law degree from a recognized law school.
- Candidate must serve a period of apprenticeship as an Articling Clerk under the supervision of a qualified member of the Bar in the province.
Moreover, Bar admission in Quebec usually requires graduation from a civil law school, followed by a term attending Bar School, and a period completing the Stage, which is the civil law equivalent to articling.
However, Canada monitors bar admission procedures and exams and reevaluates. Therefore, one should always contact the law society in the particular province concerning the structure and format of its course and examination before graduation from law school.
mode of study (online or classroom)
Many law schools in Canada have a classroom study mode. However, many of them have both online and classroom study modes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the average tuition fees for law schools in Canada?
To study law in Canada, tuition fees are charged based on the province in which the school is located. However, the average tuition fee is $13,423
Can international students study law in Canada?Â
Yes, many international students are currently in Canadian law schools.
How long does law school take in Canada?
It usually takes three years to complete law school. Therefore, after graduating from high school, you will complete at least three years of undergraduate studies before applying to law school.
Conclusion
Making up your mind to study law in any of the law schools in Canada is very nice. Therefore, with the detailed information in this article, I hope you will make the right decision regarding the school of preference.
