20,March 2023
Introduction
Pursuing a Master’s in law program abroad is a dream for many aspiring law students in the country. It allows students to study in a diverse and global environment, learn from the best faculty, and gain valuable international exposure. However, the application process for a law master’s program overseas can be unnerving, especially for students who are not familiar with the education system of the country they wish to study. This article will guide you through applying for a Master’s in law program overseas in 2023 and enlighten you regarding the best colleges and ways to strengthen your chances of acceptance to your dream intuitions abroad.
When can you apply for a Master’s Degree in Law Overseas?
After completing their undergraduate degree (5-year or 3-year LLB) in Law, Indian students can apply for a Master’s degree abroad. It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for a Master’s degree program overseas may vary depending on the country and the law school. Therefore, students should carefully research the admission requirements of each law school before applying.
Additionally, Indian students who wish to pursue a Master’s program from a foreign university may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, usually English. Some law schools may require Indian students to submit scores from English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Students should also consider the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. However, several scholarships and funding opportunities are available for Indian students who wish to study abroad, and it is essential to research and apply for these opportunities in advance.
To facilitate excellent legal education for its students, Lloyd Law College, in association with the Penn State Law School-USA, announces an exclusive scholarship for Lloyd students' admission to LL.M. programs at Penn State Law School-USA every year. Students from Lloyd have made a mark in the global academic sphere and secured LLM programs in the most prestigious universities like the Vermont Law School, Vermont, USA, and the like. Lloyd Law College has exhibited a prominent interest in collaborating with international and Indian academic institutions. The college provides fresh law graduates an advantage in pursuing specialised expertise in the international legal sphere. It offers Indian students one year of LL.M. in International & Commercial Law from the University of Buckingham, UK, in the virtual mode.
Applying for Masters Abroad: An Overview
Defining Your Goals and Objectives
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, and it is crucial to identify what you hope to gain from the program. Before applying for a law master’s program overseas, it is essential to determine your goals and objectives for pursuing the program.
Do you want to specialise in a specific area of law? Are you looking for practical experience through internships or clinical programs? Do you want to learn a new language or immerse yourself in a new culture? Once you have a clear idea of your goals and objectives, you can start shortlisting law schools that align with your interests.
Researching and Shortlisting Law Schools
The next step is to research and shortlist universities that offer the program. Choosing the right university that fits your academic and career goals is crucial. When researching law schools, there are several factors to consider, such as the university’s reputation, experienced faculty, and curriculum. It is also important to consider other factors such as the location of the university, cost of living, scholarships and funding opportunities, and the cultural and social environment of the country. Make a list of law schools that meet your criteria and start the application process. Start by researching universities that offer the program you wish to pursue. Look for renowned universities for their law programs have experienced faculty, and offer a curriculum that aligns with your interests.
Here is a text table summarising the information on LLM specialisations and country-wise average fees for LLM abroad:
| University | Country | Program Details | Tuition Fee (First Year) |
| The University of Melbourne | Australia | Master of Criminology | Rs 19.4 Lakhs |
| The University of Sydney | Australia | Juris Doctor | Rs 27.4 Lakhs |
| RMIT University | Australia | Master of Justice and Criminology | Rs 21.8 Lakhs |
| Curtin University | Australia | Master of Philosophy (Law) | Rs 20.0 Lakhs |
| Deakin University | Australia | Master of Laws | Rs 21.1 Lakhs |
| University of Toronto | Canada | Master of Laws (LLM) | Rs 33.5 Lakhs |
| The University of British Columbia | Canada | LLM – Master of Law | Rs 16.4 Lakhs |
| University of Alberta | Canada | Master of Law | Rs 12.5 Lakhs |
| McGill University | Canada | Master of Laws (LLM) | Rs 25.0 Lakhs |
| York University | Canada | Professional LLM | Rs 25.9 Lakhs |
| University of Hamburg | Germany | Masters in European and European Legal Studies | Rs 7.2 Lakhs |
| Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg | Germany | LLM | Rs 2.5 Lakhs |
| Dresden University of Technology | Germany | Master of Laws in International Studies in Intellectual Property Law (In German) | Rs 2.1 Lakhs |
| University of Augsburg | Germany | LLM in Intellectual Property and Competition Law (In German) | Rs 27.8 Lakhs |
| Universität Konstanz | Germany | LLM in Comparative Studies of German, European and Chinese Law (In German & English) | Rs 1.1 Lakhs |
| University College Dublin | Ireland | MCL Common Law | Rs 16.8 Lakhs |
| Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin | Ireland | LLM in Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law | Rs 17.6 Lakhs |
| National University of Ireland Galway | Ireland | LLM (International & Comparative Business Law) | Rs 14.4 Lakhs |
| Griffith College | Ireland | LLM in International Commercial Law | Rs 18.4 Lakhs |
| Dublin City University | Ireland | LLM | Rs 12.7 Lakhs |
| Average | Australia | Rs 27 Lakhs | |
| Average | Canada | Rs 19.68 Lakhs | |
| Average | Germany | Rs 8 Lakhs | |
| Average | Ireland | Rs 20 Lakhs |
Source: Shiksha.com
Checking the Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements
After creating a list of the colleges you would like to apply to, the following step is to investigate the prerequisites for admission and eligibility requirements. Before beginning the application process, it is extremely important to ensure that you fulfil all of the necessary standards to be accepted into the University of your Choice. There is a possibility that the requirements for admission to a Master of Law programme in a foreign nation will differ from university to university. Applicants to law school are often required to have a bachelor’s degree in law or a field closely related to a minimum grade point average and a level of fluency in the language that will be used for instruction. In addition, some educational institutions ask that applicants have previous job experience in the field of law or that they submit their scores from standardised tests such as the GRE or the LSAT.
You must study the admission requirements of each university you are interested in attending very carefully and ensure that your application contains all relevant documents and information.
Preparing and Submitting the Application
The next step is to fill out and submit the application. Online applications are the norm for international Master of Laws programmes, with supporting materials such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose (Cover Letter), and a resume or curriculum vitae.
You are responsible for ensuring that all the documents you submit to the institution are in the correct format and adhere to their guidelines. If your original documents are not written in the language used for instruction at the university, you may need to provide certified translations.
Also, it is essential to remember that different universities have different application due dates. Applying to college is a competitive process with strict deadlines; to minimise stress at the last minute, be sure to get your application in early.
Applying for Scholarships and Funding
Studying abroad can be expensive, and it is essential to consider the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses when planning to pursue a Master’s degree in the country of your choice. Many universities offer scholarships and funding opportunities for international students based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. Additionally, several external organisations and government bodies offer scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.
Research and apply for scholarships and funding opportunities well in advance to increase your chances of receiving financial assistance. It is also essential to carefully read each scholarship and funding opportunity's eligibility criteria and application requirements and ensure you submit all the necessary documents and information.
Tips to Prepare a Strong Cover Letter
A cover letter is crucial to your application for a master’s degree in law abroad. It is your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications and to make a compelling case for why you should be admitted to the program. Here are some tips to help you prepare a strong cover letter:
- Start with a Strong Opening: Your opening sentence should grab the selection committee’s attention and make them want to read more. Start with a bold statement or question highlighting your passion for law and your motivation for pursuing a master’s degree in the field.
- Highlight Your Relevant Experience: Your cover letter should highlight your relevant experience in the legal field, such as internships, volunteering, or previous work experience. This will demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in law and have already gained practical experience in the field.
- Showcase Your Academic Achievements: Be sure to list your marks/grades/scores, courses taken that are related to the specialisation, and any research projects you have completed. This will demonstrate that you are well-prepared for the programme's rigorous demands and have a solid academic foundation.
- Explain Why You Are A Good Fit For The Program: Use your cover letter to explain why you are a good fit for the specific program. Research the program and the faculty and mention how their expertise aligns with your interests and career goals.
- Demonstrate Your Communication Skills: A cover letter is also an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills. Write in a clear, concise, and professional tone and proofread your letter thoroughly to ensure no grammatical errors or typos.
Remember, your cover letter should be tailored to the specific program you are applying to and should showcase your unique strengths and qualifications.
Conclusion
Applying for a law master’s program overseas can be challenging and complex, but with careful planning and preparation, it can also be a rewarding and life-changing experience. Define your goals and objectives, research and shortlist law schools, check eligibility criteria and admission requirements, prepare and submit the application, and apply for scholarships and funding opportunities. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of being accepted into your preferred LLM program abroad and achieving your academic and career goals.
References
- https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/masters- of-law-in-abroad-cl1245
- https://www.mastersportal.com/ articles/2622/4-easy- steps-to-apply-to-a-masters-in- law-abroad-in-2023.html