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Your guide to the best law schools in the world 2024

Updated on: Jun 12, 2024
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Your guide to the best law schools in the world 2024
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Law studies are a high-demand course, with hundreds of thousands of students pursuing the program in different parts of the world. From education to career opportunities, law schools abroad offer the finest opportunities for international students.

Law courses come with various perks, resources, facilities, and opportunities for international students. This article offers you a guide to the best law schools in the world in 2024.

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Why study law abroad?

Before we move on to the best law schools across the world, let’s learn why studying law abroad is a great academic decision.

  • The legal sector offers some of the most prestigious courses and career opportunities in the global market. Law courses abroad come with various perks for international students.
  • Law courses abroad provide ample resources and practical experience for students to obtain the required skills and knowledge before stepping into the legal sector.
  • Universities in famous study destinations are known for their academics and state-of-the-art facilities.
  • They offer various training and practice opportunities, including moot court sessions. These simulated court sessions provide law students with artificial cases. This practice helps students gain experience with the help of court-related scenarios.
  • The legal sector paves the way for a platform of opportunities abroad for international students. The sector offers some of the most demanded and highest-paid professions across different sectors in the global market.

Also read: 4 things students wish they knew before starting a law degree

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Best law schools in the world in 2024

UniversityCountryQS Rankings 2024
Harvard UniversityUSA01
University of OxfordUK02
University of CambridgeUK03
Yale UniversityUSA04
Stanford UniversityUSA05
New York University (NYU)USA06
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)UK07
Columbia UniversityUSA08
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)USA09
The University of MelbourneAustralia10
University of ChicagoUSA11
National University of Singapore (NUS)Singapore12
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)Australia12
University College London (UCL)UK14
King's College LondonUK15
The University of SydneyAustralia16
University of TorontoCanada17
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-SorbonneFrance17
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)USA19
The University of EdinburghUK20

Data updated as of May 2024 | Source: QS

Top law courses abroad

Explore Law courses abroad.

Best law universities in the world: Every detail you need to know

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Harvard University - USA

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 01

Acceptance rate - 3%

Average annual fees - USD $77,100

Intakes available - Fall

Law courses available

  • Master of Laws (LLM)
  • Juris Doctor (JD)

Harvard University is a top choice for legal aspirants as the university is a hub for education and career opportunities. The institution offers an array of courses with the knowledge and resources for students to excel in their legal careers.

University of Oxford - UK

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 02

Acceptance rate - 22%

Average annual fees - USD $41,890 - $61,630

Law courses available

  • BA in Jurisprudence
  • BA in Law
  • Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL)
  • Magister Juris (MJur)

Oxford University is a distinguished member of the Russell Group and a leading institution for legal studies. Its courses enhance students' resourcefulness, knowledge, and skills in the legal field. Graduates from Oxford often secure high-paying, top positions in the sector's best law firms.

University of Cambridge - UK

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 03

Acceptance rate - 21%

Average annual fees - USD $40,313-$53,144

Law courses available

  • BA Hons Law
  • Master of Law

The University of Cambridge is praised for its prestigious law programs for international students. The university offers a comprehensive curriculum, preparing students for a successful career.

The programs offer a diverse range of specialisations, allowing students to pursue their specific interests.

Yale University - USA

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 04

Acceptance rate - 5%

Average annual fees - USD $73,865

Intakes available - Fall

Law courses available

  • LLM
  • Law Joint Degree (JD)
  • Masters of Studies in Law (MSL)

Yale University is a prominent Ivy League school, providing exceptional law programs for international students. Yale's law courses are known for their intellectual approach, world-class resources, and excellent career opportunities, offering a well-rounded legal education.

Stanford University - USA

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 05

Acceptance rate - 4%

Average fees - USD $22,308 per quarter

Intakes available - Autumn, Winter, Spring

Law courses available

  • Administrative Law
  • Climate Law and Policy
  • Arbitration: Law, Practice & Politics
  • Advanced Legal Writing: Business Transactions
  • Advanced International Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Clinic

Stanford University’s law programs combine academics with practical skills in the most effective way. International students gain an understanding of the legal principles and practices, preparing them for successful careers.

Stanford’s reputation as a leading Ivy League institution makes it an excellent choice, offering top-notch education, resources, facilities, and extracurricular activities.

New York University - USA

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 06

Acceptance rate - 12%

Average fees - USD $76,878

Law courses available

  • Master of Laws (LLM)
  • LLM in Corporation Law
  • LLM in International Business Regulation, Litigation and Arbitration
  • LLM in International Legal Studies
  • LLM in Legal Theory

New York University (NYU) offers a diverse range of law programs, with excellent faculty and facilities. NYU supports students through their academic journey, research projects, and career placements, making it a preferred choice for aspiring legal professionals.

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The London School of Economics and Political Science - UK

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 07

Acceptance rate - 8%

Average fees - USD $33,785

Intakes available - Fall

Law course available

  • LLB in Laws

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a top institution for international students studying law in the UK.

LSE’s law courses provide fresh perspectives on social, political, economic, and business issues. Students also get access to extensive resources and opportunities, from academic programs to career prospects.

Columbia University - USA

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 08

Acceptance rate - 4%

Average fees - USD $85,833

Intakes available - Summer, Winter, Spring, Fall

Law courses available

  • LLM
  • Executive LLM
  • JSD

From orientation to graduation, Columbia University’s law courses guide international students through numerous lectures, seminars, and classes designed to provide a deep understanding of the legal system.

The university also offers various facilities and programs to help students develop the critical skills needed for a successful legal career.

University of California, Berkeley - USA

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 09

Acceptance rate - 11%

Average fees - Around USD $75,600 per year

Intakes available - Fall, Spring

Law courses available

  • LLM Traditional Track
  • LLM Thesis Track

The University of California, Berkeley provides excellent law courses for international students. The university programs cover everything from basic principles to specialised areas, equipping students with essential legal knowledge and skills.

UCB's high employment rate for graduates (around 95%) makes it an attractive option for international students.

The University of Melbourne - Australia

QS World University Rankings 2024 - 10

Acceptance rate - 77%

Average fees - USD $30,000 onwards

Law courses available

  • PhD Law
  • Graduate Diploma in Construction Law
  • Master of Intellectual Property Law
  • Master of Law and Development

The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s top law schools for legal studies. Its diverse law courses set a high standard for legal education for international students.

From undergraduate degrees to doctoral programs, the University of Melbourne offers a variety of specialisations, allowing international students to choose courses that best suit their interests.

Best law schools in the UK with QS World University Rankings 2024

  • University of Oxford - 02
  • University of Cambridge - 03
  • The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) - 07
  • University College London (UCL) -14
  • King’s College London - 15
  • The University of Edinburgh - 20
  • Queen Mary University of London - 38
  • Durham University - 48
  • The University of Manchester - 57
  • University of Bristol - 61

Best law schools in the USA with QS World University Rankings 2024

  • Harvard University - 01
  • Yale University - 04
  • Stanford University - 05
  • New York University (NYU) - 06
  • Columbia University - 08
  • University of California, Berkeley (UCB) - 09
  • University of Chicago - 11
  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - 19
  • Georgetown University - 23
  • University of Pennsylvania - 29

Also read: Law courses in the US for international students

Best law schools in Canada with QS World University Rankings 2024

  • University of Toronto - 17
  • McGill University - 28
  • University of British Columbia - 42
  • University of Ottawa - 99
  • Université de Montréal - 101-150
  • Dalhousie University - 151-200
  • Queen's University at Kingston - 151-200
  • York University - 151-200
  • University of Alberta - 201-250
  • Western University - 201-250

Also read: Study law (LLB) in Canada

Best law schools in New Zealand with QS World University Rankings 2024

Entry requirement for law courses for international students

Law courses comprise remarkable academics and expert hands-on training for international students. Educational institutions abroad have pre-determined eligibility requirements for the admission committee to analyse student profiles.

While the criteria change with every location and university, here are the common entry requirements for law courses for international students.

Educational qualification

Study levelDescription
UndergraduateA student from any subject stream in high school
PostgraduateAn international student with an undergraduate degree in law or other related courses
DoctoralAn international student with a postgraduate degree in law or other related courses

English language requirements

ExamScore range
IELTS6.0-7.5
TOEFLAbove 100
PTEAbove 65
DuolingoAbove 100

Work experience

For graduate degree: At least two years of work experience in any relevant field.

Students requirements in the best law schools abroad

  • Academic transcripts
  • Application form
  • Updated CV
  • Entrance exam transcripts
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Statement of purpose

Related What can you do with a law degree?

Job opportunities for law graduates abroad

Legal studies offer various prestigious, and high-paying employment opportunities for international students. From courts to corporations, various industries across the global market require legal experts, increasing the demand for graduates.

Here are the top career opportunities for law graduates after pursuing the course abroad.

  • Attorney
  • Paralegal
  • Solicitor
  • Legal Advisor
  • Political Lawyer
  • Judge Advocate
  • Antitrust Lawyer
  • Advertising Lawyer
  • Associate Attorney
  • Human Rights Lawyer
  • Defense Attorney
  • Litigation Attorney
  • Corporate Attorney
  • Paralegal Instructor
  • Government Counsel
  • Legal Writer/Editor
  • Intellectual Property Specialist
  • Court Administrative Assistant

Explore options and discover your dream law course today!

Frequently asked questions

Which college is best for law in Canada?

The top law schools in Canada include.

  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Ottawa
  • Université de Montréal

Which is the no. 1 law college in the world?

According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, Harvard University tops the list as the best law school in the world.

Which is better 3 year LLB or 5 year LLB?

Both 3-year and 5-year LLB courses are equally considered acceptable in the legal sector. The 3-year LLB course is the typical undergraduate degree students pursue.

Whereas, the 5-year LLB is a combined degree that consists of undergraduate subjects, and basic graduate-level disciplines for international students.

Which country is best for studying law?

Here are the top study destinations to pursue law abroad.

  • The United States
  • The United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • France

Can I study law abroad after the 12th?

Various study destinations like the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and others offer international students the opportunity to pursue law after the 12th. The student profiles should meet the law school’s competitive entry requirements to study law in their desired country and university.

Which is the best law university in the UK?

Here are the best law schools in the UK for international students.

  • University of Oxford
  • University of Cambridge
  • University College London (UCL)
  • King’s College London
  • The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Which is the best law college in the US?

Some of the top educational institutions to pursue law in the US include.

  • Harvard University
  • Yale University
  • Stanford University
  • New York University (NYU)
  • Columbia University
Related tags:
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