Law – or legal studies – refers to the ‘art of justice.’ It has been practiced since 3000 BC by the Ancient Egyptians. While the study has changed through time, one thing is for sure: you need to get a law degree to practice legally. In the following sections, we will list the best countries to study law abroad and also describe the reasons why we have selected that particular country and added it to our list.

Which Foreign Country is Best for Studying Law?

The United States would probably be the best for studying law due to many reasons. In the case of international applicants, it is very rare for an international student to pay for law school out of his own pocket since attending law school is a highly expensive endeavor. Even though it is highly competitive, several law schools in the United States offer various forms of financial aid & scholarships to international applicants.

In addition, the law schools in the United States are well-renowned for their high-quality educational standards, and many prominent law firms are present in the United States, which makes this country even more desirable as a prospective law school student.

Check Also: Law Programs for International Students

Is It a Good Idea to Study Law Abroad?

Yes, it is a great idea to study law abroad in a foreign country since you will gain a wealth of experience and also a host of connections that will help you as you continue into the next phase of your academic journey. Since most law schools provide various internship opportunities for their incoming students, attending law schools abroad will provide you with real-life training that will help prepare you as you advance into your lifelong careers.

Check Also: Free Law Schools Around the World

Best Countries to Study Law Abroad

1. United States of America (USA)

  • Reasons: World-Renowned Law Schools, Prominent Faculty, Numerous Law Courses & Seminars, Advanced Clinics, Cross Programs, Home of Renowned Law Firms, Scholarships

The United States is undoubtedly the home of some of the world’s best law schools. As such, the United States is the best country to study law. For one, QS six (of the top ten) law schools are in the US. They are Harvard, Yale, Stanford, UC-Berkeley, Columbia, and New York University.

Take the case of Harvard. It provides its students with the most number of courses and seminars in all of the world. They’re even categorized according to programs of study, including criminal law, business law, government law, etc.

Harvard students also get to experience a sort of on-the-job training with the university’s advanced clinics and pro-bono programs. In addition, they often offer cross-opportunities in other schools or departments. Qualified students may also study for free/at a discounted rate at various law schools, such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, to name a few.

2. United Kingdom (UK)

  • Reasons: Birthplace of the Common Law, World-Class Law Schools, Reputable Faculty, Shorter Study Duration, Home to Prestigious Law Firms, Scholarships

The UK is one of the most popular countries for aspiring law students all across the globe. Unsurprisingly, Durham University has noted that there are about 23,000 foreigners taking law in the UK. For one, the common law was born in the UK. It’s recognized globally since at least a third of the world’s law system is based on this.

Like the US, the UK is home to many prominent law firms, such as DLA Piper and Clifford Chance. As a UK university student, you may get the opportunity to intern (and eventually work) for these forms.

More importantly, the study time is shorter in the UK compared to other countries. You only need three years to finish law in the UK. The program is usually followed by a year-long legal practice course and a two-year training contract in a law firm.

Check Also: How to Study in the United Kingdom for Free

3. Australia

  • Reasons: Well-Respected Law Schools, International Faculty, Dynamic Student Experience

Australia is another one of the more popular countries for studying law abroad. They represent a good fraction of about 870,000 foreigners enrolled in Australian universities.

The land down under is indeed a good choice for students because of a variety of reasons. For one, it’s home to some of the best law schools in the world.

Take the case of the University of Sydney, which is ranked 12th in the world. While it’s younger than the law schools in the UK and the US, it has proven its weight in gold.

They recognize the value of globalization, which is reflected by its diverse student body. Its faculty is internationalized as well. Many come from Harvard in the US, Oxford in the UK, and Tsinghua in China.

Australian universities also promise a dynamic student experience, including international moot court competitions and exchange studies, to name a few.

4. Canada

  • Reasons: Top-Notch Law Schools, Shorter Law Studies, Mock/Moot Trial Opportunities, Summer Law Internships, International Exchanges

Like the UK, Canada offers a faster law pathway compared to its neighbor to the south. Here, international students only need three years to finish the course. Of course, completion of an undergraduate program is required prior.

In law schools such as the University of Toronto, students may specialize in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contracts, Law, and Property Law. Learners are also encouraged to attend mock/moot trials to practice their court skills.

Outside of the school year, students may opt to hone their skills even more. They’re free to participate in legal aid clinics or non-governmental organizations. They’re also allowed to take on articling posts.

True to the spirit of globalization, Canadian law schools offer exchanges with other countries on this list, including Australia and Singapore.

Read Also: Study in Canada for Free

5. Singapore

  • Reasons: Prominent Law Schools, Forward-Looking Education, Expert Faculty, Global Exposure

According to the QS rankings, three of the world’s best law schools are in Singapore. These law schools include the National University of Singapore (rank 13,) Nanyang Technological University, and Singapore Management University (SMU.)

At SMU (as with other Singaporean universities), students get to engage in forward-looking education. Apart from imparting foundational knowledge, students are also taught to adapt to the ever-changing practice of law.

These courses, of course, are taught by the best lawyer academics in Singapore – and the world. They come from a range of backgrounds, ranging from researchers to law practitioners.

Likewise, Singaporean universities promise international exposure through their wide range of law school networks across the globe.

6. Japan

  • Reasons: Top-Ranked Law Schools in the World, International Faculty, Extensive Libraries for Law

Japan may not be a popular choice amongst foreign law students, but Japan is an excellent country to study law. For one, the land of the rising sun is home to some of the best law schools in the world. Leading the charge are the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University.

While the focus is indeed Japanese law, these law schools do cover the basics from an array of angles.

The University of Tokyo plays, for one, plays host to one of the most extensive law libraries in the world. Here, aspiring attorneys can choose from any of the 800,000 legal titles available.

International students may also get westernized law education in Japan. Here, students may enroll in Temple University (Japan Campus) – Beasley School of Law. It’s operated by foreign-trained faculty, thus providing a globalized study experience.

7. China

  • Reasons: Prestigious Law Schools, English Programs, Renowned Faculty, Cheap Tuition

Although most Chinese universities teach in Mandarin, select schools offer law programs in English. Courses are often patterned to those of Western countries. Many of them are taught by prominent faculty members who are graduates of foreign schools. The program also runs shorter, as students only need to take a two-year Master in Laws degree, followed by a three-year doctorate in Law. More importantly, it’s not costly to study law in China. You may get your degree by paying an affordable $2000 a year.

 

We hope this article on the best countries to study law was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out the Available Law Programs for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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