FAQs
We appreciate that the process of applying to our graduate programs can be nuanced and time consuming. In an effort to facilitate this process, we have answered the most common questions we receive from applicants below. Of course, if your questions aren't answered below, you can always reach out to us by email at gradadmissions.law@utoronto.ca.
Graduate programs of study
We offer a Master of Laws (LLM), a Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) and a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). We also offer a Masters in Studies in Law (MSL) for established academics (e.g. PhD) wishing to acquire a knowledge of law as it relates to their current field.
The LLM, MSL, and SJD are full-time programs. You are expected to be fully dedicated to the program.
Graduate students, if employed, should be limited to no more than 10 hours per week.
The only exception to this rule are rare cases in which special circumstances prevent the student from dedicating themselves to the program on a full-time basis. Working on a full-time basis is not one of the circumstances that justify granting this accommodation.
If you wish to work full-time while studying part-time, we recommend you consider the GPLLM program.
We do not publish print materials. Please explore our Graduate Admission section, which contains the most relevant and current information about our graduate programs.
Applying to our graduate program
You should hold a law degree from a recognized institution to apply for admission to the LLM program.
You should hold both a law degree (LLB or JD) and an LLM to apply for the SJD program.
In exceptional circumstances, students may be admitted to the SJD program without an LLM, if you hold a law degree and another degree in a different discipline and have an excellent academic record.
You do not need a law degree for the MSL and GPLLM program, although other admissions criteria apply in those cases.
Yes, just submit your transcripts that are in progress. If you are admitted, your admission will be conditional upon completion of your degree and meeting the minimum GPA requirements.
Yes, we do. Have a look at this video about how to write an awesome LLM application.
No.
We want to ensure all applicants have the opportunity to submit a fresh application if they are re-applying, as we expect that applicants will have new or updated information that would increase their chances this time around.
Additionally, we do not have the resources or abilities to be able to carry forward documents from a previous application to your new application; all documents must be submitted fresh for the year that you are applying.
Yes, approximately half of our graduate students hold foreign (non-Canadian) law degrees.
No, we do not encourage candidates to contact potential faculty supervisors before applying.
All applications are reviewed by the Graduate Committee and then passed on to potential supervisors who would be aligned with your proposed research.
Visit our Admission Deadlines page.
The deadline for applying for scholarships such as OGS and SSHRC is generally in October or November of the year preceding enrolment.
Note the GPLLM program usually has a later deadline than the MSL, SJD, or regular LLM programs.
Yes, there is an application fee of $120.
No, the application fee cannot be waived.
You can check U of T's School of Graduate Studies (SGS) application management system to see the status of your application.
This is the most up-to-date information about your application, and phoning or emailing staff will not result in more detailed information.
You can contact current graduate students who are willing to discuss their experience at U of T.
Application competitiveness
We receive over 100 doctoral (SJD) applications and over 250 master’s (LLM) applications per year.
Each year, approximately 8 new SJD students and 40 new LLM students join us.
At a minimum, eligible candidates must have achieved the equivalent of a B+ standing in their law degree and meet the English language requirements (if applicable).
Other factors include the quality of the academic references, the research proposal and the interest and availability of faculty supervisors.
Please note that these minimums are a requirement and we cannot waive them.
Unfortunately we are not in a position to provide individual feedback to applicants.
We have very few places in the program for the number of applications we receive, and as a result, it is not uncommon for even outstanding applicants to be refused admission.
Admission to the program is extremely competitive and meeting or exceeding the admission requirements does not guarantee admission.
Admission to our graduate program
Visit Fees & Funding for further information for LLM, MSL and SJD.
Visit GPLLM Fees for further information for this program.
All current and incoming SJD students will be guaranteed an annual base funding package of $40,000 including tuition – one of the highest base funding packages in Canada.
Financial support is also available to a small number of LLM candidates with financial need and excellent academic records. However, many LLM students will be required to fund their own graduate studies.
Visit Fees & Funding for further details.
Applicants seeking financial support must complete the Financial Assistance Application Form, along with their law school application.
Canadian Students should consider applying for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, various Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) programs and the Viscount Bennett Scholarship.
Deadlines are as early as October of the year preceding registration.
International students should seek financial support from their home countries.
A variety of other awards available to both Canadian and International students are listed by U of T’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS).
No, unfortunately we do not have dedicated housing for graduate law students.
However, there are U of T residences on campus dedicated to graduate students, generally.
You should apply for admission to a graduate residence as early as possible. You can and should apply before you have heard whether you have been admitted.
No. “In residence” means that you will be present to take part in-person for all on-campus classes, events and workshops.
You are welcome to live wherever you would like,so long as you are able to come to campus to attend to your academic commitments.
Practising law in Ontario
Applicants should be aware that a graduate degree in law does not qualify one for admission to the Bar in Ontario.
If you are interested in becoming qualified to practise law in Ontario, please see National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) Options at U of T Law.
Neither the master’s (LLM) nor the doctoral (SJD) program is an effective vehicle for satisfying the requirements of NCA to become accredited to practise law in Ontario. The NCA mandates that applicants complete several basic first-year courses, prohibiting graduate students from doing so.
Our Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) concentration in Canadian Law in a Global Context, is designed to assist foreign-trained lawyers fulfill the NCA requirements and become accredited to practise law in Ontario.
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If you have any further questions, please contact us.