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Subject guide

Law courses for international students

Law degrees abroad split into two purposes: qualifying to practise, and specialising. An LLB from the UK, Ireland or Australia is a route to practice in those countries and recognised in many Commonwealth jurisdictions; an LLM is a one-year specialisation that adds depth to an existing law degree.

What a law degree involves

The LLB is a three-year qualifying law degree (four in Scotland). The LLM is a one-year master's in a specialism such as international commercial law, human rights, maritime law, intellectual property or technology law. Graduate-entry LLBs and conversion courses exist for non-law graduates.

Why study law abroad

  • Common law systems recognised across the Commonwealth
  • LLM specialisms match global legal markets
  • One-year LLMs in the UK and Ireland
  • Strong mooting, pro bono and clinical programmes
  • Routes into corporate, international and public law

Best countries for law

CountryWhyTypical annual tuition
United KingdomGlasgow, Exeter, Southampton, Swansea; strong LLMs£18,000 to £32,000
IrelandTrinity, UCD, UCC; common law in the EU€15,000 to €25,000
AustraliaMelbourne, Sydney, UNSW; Juris Doctor for graduatesA$40,000 to A$55,000
CanadaToronto, McGill, Osgoode; JD for practiceCA$30,000 to CA$60,000
United StatesLLM for foreign lawyers; bar eligibility in New York and CaliforniaUS$50,000 to US$80,000
NetherlandsLeiden, Amsterdam; international and European law€17,000 to €22,000

Universities to consider

Entry requirements

LevelTypical requirement
LLBStrong secondary school results (typically 75 to 85 percent), IELTS 6.5 to 7.0; LNAT for some UK universities.
LLMA law degree at 2:2 or above; some specialisms accept related degrees; IELTS 6.5 to 7.0.
DoctorateAn LLM or strong LLB plus a research proposal.

Careers

SolicitorBarrister or advocateIn-house counselLegal consultantCompliance officerPolicy adviserLegal technologistArbitration specialist

UK trainee solicitor salaries of roughly £28,000 to £50,000, with London commercial firms at the top.

Scholarships and funding

Oasis does not award scholarships, but partner universities discount fees for strong applicants and several government schemes cover this subject. See the scholarship guide and our loan partners.

Fees and salaries are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.

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Questions

Law: what students ask

Can I practise in India with a UK LLB?

Yes, after enrolment with the Bar Council of India, which recognises listed UK universities and requires a bridge course and exam for foreign degrees.

Is the LNAT required?

Only by a small group of UK universities including Glasgow, Oxford, LSE, UCL, Bristol and Durham.

What is a good LLM specialism?

International commercial law, technology law, maritime law and arbitration have strong demand; human rights and environmental law suit public-sector careers.

Can non-law graduates study law abroad?

Yes. The UK offers graduate-entry LLBs and the PGDL conversion; Australia and Canada offer the Juris Doctor.

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