international law phd in canada

• Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD)
• Graduate School
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The PhD in Law is designed to provide advanced training for outstanding graduate students who have already obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) degree or its equivalent. The PhD is a research-intensive degree that prepares graduates for opportunities in law teaching, legal research, policy development, public and governmental service, and the practice of law.

The degree requirements include course work, comprehensive exams, a dissertation proposal and defence, a dissertation, and an oral dissertation exam. Working closely with a supervising faculty member, a student in the PhD program is expected to produce a book-length piece of original legal scholarship and of publishable quality.

The PhD provides an opportunity for focused study in a chosen field of law. It does not, of itself, qualify a holder for entry to the legal profession in British Columbia or any other certification for legal practice.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

The graduate degree helped me achieve my current career goals by making me a better researcher, writer, and editor.

Craig Bateman

Quick Facts

Program Enquiries

Admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 100

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 7.0

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

Prior degree, course and other requirements

Prior degree requirements.

Completion of either an LLB or JD and a Masters degree.

Document Requirements

Additionally to the required documents please submit: C.V. or resume Dissertation Proposal: PhD degrees in the Allard School of Law at UBC are dissertation-based degrees involving original research. Dissertation (PhD) proposals form an important part of the admissions process and help to guide the assignment of supervisors and supervisory committees. A proposal should outline a research project that could reasonably lead to a dissertation that makes an original scholarly contribution in the chosen field of legal study. The PhD dissertation proposal is approximately 10 pages (2,500 words), excluding bibliography. Clarity of expression is important. Please upload your thesis proposal under "Writing Sample". List of possible thesis supervisors: All applicants must submit a list indicating your first and second choice for a thesis supervisor, this list should be uploaded to your application form. There is no need to secure a thesis supervisor nor is it is necessary to contact potential thesis supervisors prior to submission of an application as many faculty members prefer that applications are referred by the Graduate Committee for their review.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Research Information

Research facilities.

Allard Hall, the home of the Peter A. Allard School of Law, was opened in 2011. The latest technology connects the Faculty with campuses, courthouses and offices around the world, and a new, state-of-the-art UBC Law Library serves as a vital academic hub for students and the legal community. Natural light, contemporary classroom designs, expanded student service spaces, a student forum space at the centre of the building, and new research spaces are all part of the new facility. The Law Library has a research collection of approximately 225,000 volumes.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 1 student received Teaching Assistantships valued at $1,054.
• 2 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 2 students was $6,313.
• 10 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 10 students was $4,505.
• 20 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 20 students was $20,705.
• 8 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 8 students was $20,750.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

24 students graduated between 2005 and 2013: 1 is in a non-salaried situation; for 1 we have no data (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016). For the remaining 22 graduates:

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, alumni on success.

Robert Russo

Job Title Lecturer

Employer Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times.

• Research Supervisors

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Affolder, Natasha (International Environmental Law, Biodiversity Law, Law and Sustainability)
• Ahmad, Hassan (transnational tort law; interaction of domestic jurisdiction and liability principles with international law; business and human rights law; Law and political economy)
• Aloni, Erez (Law and legal practice; Law; Contracts; family law; law and sexuality)
• Arbel, Efrat (Law and legal practice; Law; Constitutional law; Gender and Law; Legal and Critical Theory; Prison Law and Policy; Refugee Law; Tort Law)
• Bakan, Joel Conrad (Constitutional Law, Legal Theory, Socio-Legal Studies)
• Benedet, Janine (Law and legal practice; Penal Law; Labor Standards and Laws; Human Rights and Liberties, Collective Rights; prostitution and pornography; sexual abuse of girls; sexual harassment in employment and education; sexual violence against women)
• Beswick, Samuel Peter (Private law; Common law; Comparative law; Torts, private obligations and product liability law; Legal theory, jurisprudence and legal interpretation; Law; Law and time; Limitations; Remedies; Tort Law; Restitution and unjust enrichment; Public authority liability)
• Bhandar, Brenna (Law and legal practice; property law)
• Biukovic, Ljiljana (Adaptation of international legal norms by national governments, the impact of regionalism on multilateral trade negotiations and the development of European Union Law,European union Law, International Trade Law, International Dispute Resolution, E-commerce, Comparative Law )
• Cheng, Jie (Comparative Constitutional Law; Chinese Law and Governance; Hong Kong and Macau Basic Laws; Land Property Law; Information Law)
• Christie, Gordon (Legal Theory, and trans-cultural tort law, Aboriginal law, Indigenous legal orders, Indigenous legal theory, Legal Theory and trans-cultural tort law)
• Clifford, Robert (Aboriginal and Indigenous law)
• Cui, Wei (Law and legal practice; Taxation; Law; Social Organization and Political Systems; Chinese administrative law; Chinese legislative system; law and development; Law and political economy; tax and development; tax policy)
• Cunliffe, Emma (Women and the law, evidence, experts, courts and media, open justice, pathology and law, criminal law, SIDS, child homicide )
• Dauvergne, Catherine (Immigration, Immigration Law, Refugee Law, Legal Theory, Globalization)
• Duff, David (Tax Law Tax Policy Environmental Taxation Charities, Tax law and policy, environmental taxation, comparative and international taxation, and distributive justice)
• Etxabe, Julen (Law and society; Literature and critical theory; History and philosophy of law and justice; Law and humanities; Legal Theory and Jurisprudence; Human Rights; Political Theory; Law and literature; Cultural Studies)
• Flynn, Alexandra (Law and society; Municipal Law; Local Governance; property law; Administrative Law; Experiential legal education; Socio-Legal Studies; Law & Cities)
• Ford, Cristie (Law and legal practice; Law; Regulation; Social, Economical and Political Impacts of Innovations; Laws, Standards and Regulation Impacts; Administrative Law; Ideological, Political, Economical and Social Environments of Social Transformations; Financial innovation and fintech; financial regulation; Legal innovation and law tech; regulation & governance theory; securities regulation; the legal profession)
• Goldbach, Toby Susan (Law and legal practice; Political Culture, Society and Ideology; Procedural Law; Jurisprudence; Comparative Law; Dispute Resolution; Judicial Politics; law and development)
• Goold, Benjamin (Law and legal practice; Law; Border Studies; Criminal Justice; Human Rights; migration; Privacy; security)
• Gordon, Sara (Law and legal practice; Intersection of psychology and mental health with the criminal justice system; Criminal law and criminal justice; Health law and policy; Legal methodology and interdisciplinary approaches)
• Grant, Isabel (Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Psychiatry and Law)
• Harris, Douglas (Property law (except intellectual property law); Canadian history; property law; condominium law; legal history)
• Hastie, Bethany (Labour & Employment Law, Human Rights, Socio-Legal Studies, Access to Justice)

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Africanization of international investment law : reconciling sustainable development, climate action, and foreign investment in the global south
• Rethinking the Antarctic governance and legal framework through the creation of an international legal framework for mining operations in Antarctica
• Sustainable development : Africa's hidden and not-so-hidden contribution to its law, politics, and history
• Overlapping criminal offences and gendered violence : what is overlap and when is it part of the problem of overcriminalisation?
• Climate discourse polluted : a cumulative effects analysis of the fossil fuel industry’s tactics to influence public discourse
• The financialization of housing in Canada and federally-backed mortgage securitization : public risks, private benefits
• Bishops on the bench : why Constantine legislated Christian bishops into the role of judges
• Canada's criminal justice response to technology-facilitated intimate partner violence
• Towards a theory of deference in Canadian proportionality jurisprudence

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• LLM - Master of Laws (Common Law) (LLMCL)
• LLM - Master of Laws (LLM)
• LLM in Taxation (LLMT)

Further Information

Specialization, ubc calendar, program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

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Haley Hrymak

Many of the academics I admire and look up to are at UBC. UBC is the ideal place for my work given my focus on BC, my supervisors’ skillsets, and my connection to the legal community and anti-violence sector across BC. I am also very thankful for the funding UBC has offered me to complete my...

Melanie McPhail

Growing up in the Vancouver area, I was thrilled at the opportunity of continuing my graduate studies close to home after spending over a decade in Ontario. Additionally, studying at UBC provides me with the opportunity to work with Dr. Cristie Ford, a leading scholar in regulatory governance.

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Doctoral Program

Intensive, selective and challenging, our doctoral program is ideal for scholars intent on deepening and broadening their critical understanding of the law, as well as their original engagement with it.

Our Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) program serves as a starting point for those planning to pursue careers in academia, think-tanks, government and international organizations, among others. Our students build the teaching supervision, leadership and knowledge that they need to take on any challenge. Whatever their ambitions, our students have great success in achieving them. The DCL program allows for the development of a substantial thesis, which makes an original contribution to legal scholarship.

McGill's Faculty of Law currently hosts approximately 70 doctoral students, who come from all around the world. Each year, we admit roughly 15 new students to this vibrant community.

Our doctoral programs

The Faculty of Law offers three options for students in its doctoral program:

• Doctor of Civil Law - Law
• Doctor of Civil Law - Comparative Law
• Doctor of Civil Law - Air and Space Law

Research affiliations

If their area of research is suitable, DCL candidates may wish to be associated with:

• the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism
• the Paul-André Crépeau Centre for Private and Comparative Law
• the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy
• or one of the Research Chairs at the Faculty of Law.

Doctoral students at McGill’s Faculty of Law are invited to participate in Faculty Seminars and other workshops as a way to underscore their membership in a community of academic scholars.

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Law Faculty

Graduate 3-325-1-0

Courses and specifics

• Dissertation or thesis track

Admission requirements

Be sure to select your choices to display the eligibility conditions that apply to you.

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation from respondents (preferably university professors, including the candidate's master's thesis supervisor) who know the candidate personally and who can directly assess their research abilities by referring, ideally, to specific work produced by the candidate that the respondents were able to assess formally or informally.
• A two-page (maximum) submission outlining the candidate's educational and professional goals in applying to the doctoral program, demonstrating their motivation to undertake a large-scale research program and explaining all the circumstances that may have affected their past academic performance.
• A four-page (maximum) submission briefly describing their research project (even in an embryonic state).
• A copy of a major research paper (100 pages minimum, excluding appendices) previously produced by the candidate (e.g., a master's thesis). Please email this document to the PhD technician.

The minimum duration of the program is six full-time sessions. The maximum duration of the program is 15 sessions or 18 sessions if you began your studies as half-time.

Students must be registered as full-time. In some cases, the dean may allow a student to register as half-time (in exceptional cases).

Costs and financial aid

$2,022.23 *

*Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $1,440.45

Other fees: $581.78

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

Check your legal status

These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2023-2024 academic year. Information updated: May 19, 2023

Good news! You may be able to lower this amount!

Under certain conditions, Canadian students who are not residents of Quebec can follow university study programs offered in French while benefiting from the same tuition fees as residents of Quebec.

Check eligibility criteria

$9,435.98 *

Tuition fees: $8,854.20

As an international student, you have access to exemption scholarships granted by UdeM throughout your university program. Note that for ungraduated programs, you must be enrolled as a full-time student for two sessions and reside in Quebec in the case of exclusively online study programs.

Find out about the UdeM exemption scholarship

Future prospects Pursuing a career or further studies? The choice is yours!

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Research activities, get a head start by discovering what's been written on the topic., need info on admissions.

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Candidates interested in doctoral studies can apply for the PhD in Law.

Our PhD is an advanced degree that leads to the preparation of a thesis under the supervision of a member of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

The goal of our doctoral program in Law is to develop autonomous academics and lawyers who will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their particular field of law through the research they do during the program and thereafter.  The program is intended to foster an environment in which each student can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for the successful completion of a thesis, including the design, development and implementation of a research framework and the mastery of those theoretical and methodological sources relevant to the field of research.

We invite you to explore the  Program Requirements and Course Descriptions.

Our PhD Students and our Alumni

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Bahati Mujinya

Alicia Czarnowski

Adedamola Damola Adediji

Bolanle Oyekan

Esther Ekong

Fatima Tajini

Peter A Allard School of Law

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Learn how to apply

Doctor of Philosophy in Law

The PhD is a research-intensive degree that prepares graduates for opportunities in law teaching, legal research, policy development, public and governmental service, and the practice of law. 

Learn more about the degree requirements.

Tuition, Fees & Funding

Tuition fees and scholarship & bursary information to help you plan your finances.

Program Eligibility

Minimum education, credentials and English language requirements.

How to Apply

Application deadlines and everything you need to know to apply.

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Review some of our commonly asked questions.

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Here's What Our Students Have To Say

“I chose Allard Law because it’s one of the best law schools in Canada and UBC is consistently recognized as a world-class research intensive university. I had a rich experience during my Masters’ program here at Allard, so I was really happy and excited to progress my studies at the Ph.D. level. I’m confident that the PhD program will go a long way in helping me develop expertise in my chosen field of corporate governance and anti-corruption law and I look forward to more rewarding experiences during my time here.  

Ph.D. in Law

Program overview.

Candidates interested in doctoral studies at the Centre for Law, Technology and Society can apply for the  Ph.D. in Law  at the Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa.

The Centre for Law, Technology and Society offers supervisors in French and English and in Civil Law and Common Law. Most of our Faculty Members are experts in one or more foreign jurisdictions, international law and comparative studies.

All of our Faculty Members are affiliated with one of the two sections of the Faculty of Law and are authorized to supervise doctoral candidates. Feel free to contact them directly to discuss supervision availability prior to your admission.

The PhD is an advanced degree that leads to the preparation of a research thesis. The goal of the University of Ottawa’s doctoral program in Law is to develop autonomous academics and lawyers who will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their particular field of law through the research they conduct during the program and thereafter. The program aims to foster an environment in which each student can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for the successful completion of a thesis, including the design, development and implementation of a research framework and the mastery of those theoretical and methodological sources relevant to the field of research.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Students must follow two courses:

• DCL 8330 – Legal Research Methodology and Theory (compulsory course)
• an elective course (a  graduate course related to the research area  offered at the Faculty of Law)

Students must also submit to two examinations:

• a Comprehensive Examination
• a Thesis Proposal Examination

After having successfully completed the above requirements, students must write a PhD Thesis (90,000 to 120,000 words) and defend it before an examining board.

The Faculty of Law only accepts students enrolled on a  full-time  basis.

While students should complete all program requirements within 4 years, the maximum time permitted is 6 years.

All applications to the Ph.D. in Law are processed through the Faculty of Law’s Office of Graduate Studies.

Applicants should further note that the Admissions Committee for Law and Technology evaluates research proposals in light of the strength and availability of its Faculty members, as well as library and other resources in the relevant field.

Given the structure of the doctoral program,  a September admission is recommended . The application deadline for September admission is February 1 of the same calendar year for which admission is sought.

For more information

More detailed information about the Ph.D. in law, and its admission process, is available on the  Faculty of Law, Graduate Studies website .

You may also contact:

Prof. Elizabeth Judge Coordinator, Graduate Studies in Law and Technology [email protected]

Exams Know-how

PhD in Law from...

PhD in Law from Canada: A Complete Guide to Pursue PhD in Law in Canada for International Students

Canada ranks 4th globally when it comes to research opportunities which is why international students often decide to pursue PhD in Law from Canada. Canada is home to some of the finest law schools offering PhD in Law. Not only is a PhD in Law from Canada a highly remunerative career choice but also a well-respected profession with a great scope. The annual salary package for lawyers in Canada is quite good starting from 37,500 CAD and going up to 295,000 CAD and this field is characterized by a balanced demand and supply of labor.

We have prepared a guide including best universities for PhD in Law in Canada, cost of studying, scholarships, eligibility criteria, admission process, future opportunities to help you get started.

Why Study PhD in Law in Canada?

If you are looking for reasons why you should consider getting a PhD in Law from Canada, take a look at the points below:

• World-class education: Canada not only is the top choice among international students beating countries like the US and UK but also home to coveted universities. Remarkably, 12 universities in Canada rank in the QS subject rankings by Subject 2021 for Law and Legal Studies. Out of which 3 universities namely University of Toronto, McGill University and University of British Columbia rank in the top 50 globally while the remaining are placed within the top 300 category.
• Funding opportunities: There are numerous scholarships for international students in Canada which can definitely help you in reducing the costs significantly. Besides program funding you can secure financial support through Research Assistantships (RA).  You can also find fully funded law PhD in Canada which is totally a bonus point if you are looking for affordable education. International students are also allowed to work on or off-campus with a valid study permit.
• Future prospects: Adding an international doctoral degree to your resume, makes you highly employable in Canada as well as other parts of the world. It also leads your way to permanent residency in Canada. The demand for judges and lawyers in Canada between 2019-2026 is expected at 46,000 compared to 46,600 job-seekers which means the demand and supply will be stable implying good future prospects.

Job Opportunities after Studying in Canada for International Students!

Top 6 Universities in Canada for PhD in Law

Law is a popular field of study in Canada, let us take a closer look at the top universities for PhD in Law in Canada:

• University of Toronto
• McGill University 
• University of British Columbia
• University of Ottawa
• York University
• Queen’s University at Kingston

Details about PhD programs at each of these universities is mentioned below:

1. University of Toronto

University of Toronto is the top ranking institution in Canada with a very high research output. It also ranks in the top 50 in QS subject rankings for Law and Legal Studies in 2021. It provides Doctoral of Juridical Science (SJD) with 2 admission rounds - one for general entry and the other for direct entry. The Faculty of Law also provides collaborative graduate programs that allow you to pursue PhD in Law with an interdisciplinary perspective.

2. McGill University

The Faculty of Law at McGill University offers a competitive, challenging and intense Doctor of Civil Law program with 3 specializations. Admission to this program is very selective as the university admits a new batch of only 15 students per year. This program gives you the opportunity to associate with the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism, the Paul-André Crépeau Centre for Private and Comparative Law, the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy or one of the Research Chairs at the Faculty of Law depending on your research area.

3. University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia, another leading institution in Canada offers PhD in Law through Peter A. Allard School of Law. It is a research-intensive program which will open your doors to work in the public sector, legal research, law teaching, policy development, practice of law and government service.

4. University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa is one of Canada’s top 10 research universities known for its impactful research facilitated by collaboration, innovation and interdisciplinarity. The Faculty of Law at University of Ottawa aims at developing lawyers and academicians who can operate autonomously and prove themselves in the field of law. The maximum limit for completing this program is 5 years from the registration date.

5. York University

The Osgoode Hall Law School at York University is well-known for providing affordable PhD in Law. The program accepts a very limited number of candidates therefore you need to be a competitive applicant and apply early to secure a place. All candidates are expected to complete the requirements of the program within 18 terms i.e. 6 years.

6. Queen’s University at Kingston

The Queen’s University of Kingston provides a 4-year PhD in Law program. Queen’s law programs proudly boast of high employment rates of nearly 95%. The program helps you reach the highest point in your career and understand the challenges of the ever-changing job market.

Universities in Canada for PhD

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for PhD in Law in Canada

Before proceeding with the admission process, let us take a look at the eligibility criteria and admission requirements for earning PhD in Law from Canada:

• Master’s degree
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Canadian study permit
• Additional documents

Let us now talk about these PhD requirements in Canada elaborately:

• Master’s Degree

For seeking admission to PhD in Law in Canada, you must complete an LLB or JD along with a master’s degree in Law from recognised universities. You are expected to have a minimum overall average of B+ i.e. 75% or above in your master’s degree .

• Proof of English Language Proficiency

International applicants whose first language is not English must submit English language test scores for admission. A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 or TOEFL score of 100 is required for admission to PhD in Law in Canada for international students.

• Canadian Study Permit

As international students seeking admission to Law PhD in Canada, you will have to apply for a Canadian study permit. Applications for a study permit can only be submitted after receiving an admission confirmation.

Documents Required for PhD in Law in Canada

Take a look at the list of documents required for applying to PhD in Law in Canada for international students:

• Transcripts from post-secondary education
• English language proficiency tests scores
• GRE scores, if required
• Letters of reference
• Statement of Interest
• Dissertation proposal
• Writing sample
• Preference of thesis supervisor
• Copy of passport
• Proof of sufficient finances

What is the Eligibility, Requirements & Application Process for Masters in Canada?

Compared to the number of applications received, the seats for PhD in Law in Canada is quite limited which is why barely meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Let us now take a look at the admission process for PhD in Law in Canada:

Admission Process for PhD in Law in Canada

PhD in Law in Canada is offered for the September intake. Applications for admission are available around September of the previous year and are accepted up to December 1 at most institutions. The application deadlines for doctoral degrees are mostly not flexible and must be adhered to. Once you have checked the eligibility criteria and application deadlines, the next step is applying for admission. The steps in the application process in Canada are discussed below:

• The application process will start by completing the online application available on the respective university’s website and submitting the necessary application fee.
• An essential step to apply for Phd is connecting with a supervisor, some universities require commitment from a supervisor prior to applying while others assign supervisors in the first year.
• The next step is to gather and upload all necessary documents required for admission.
• Make sure you add your referees carefully as it is an important part of the application and must be received by the specified deadline for your application to be complete.
• After submitting the application, you can track the status of your application and wait until the admission decision. Universities generally send admission decisions via email.
• If you are accepted, make sure you reply to your offer of admission within the prescribed time period and pay the tuition deposit.
• Next, you will have to proceed with the student visa application. You must check the financial support being provided by your institution and apply for funding opportunities accordingly.

Intakes and Deadlines to Study in Canada in 2022!

Cost of Studying PhD in Law in Canada

The cost of studying for a PhD in Law in Canada includes tuition fees, cost of accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, entertainment and personal expenses. On average, the annual tuition fee for PhD in Law in Canada is 6,955 CAD - 15,000 CAD.

The exact cost of living in Canada will depend on various factors such as your location, type of accommodation and preferences. You can assume the average cost of living to be around 10,000 CAD - 12,000 CAD per year i.e. 800 CAD - 1,000 CAD per month. The rent of accommodation makes a major difference in your cost of living. If you choose to live on-campus accommodation, the rent is around 3,000-7,500 CAD while off-campus accommodation costs around 8,000 CAD - 9,000 CAD per year.

Now as you are aware of the investment that is required to study Phd in law in Canada, let us look at the ways in which you can manage your studies within budget. Below mentioned are some of the PhD law scholarships Canada. 

Scholarships for PhD in Law in Canada

There are a lot of PhD in Law scholarships in Canada to ease your financial burden. Besides financial support provided by universities, you can apply for PhD Law scholarships in Canada. Take a look at the table below to learn about the various scholarships and eligibility criteria for the same:

How to Finance your Studies in Canada?

Career Opportunities in Canada After PhD in Law

Law is a high yielding field because of the ever-growing demand for legal services. A PhD in Law boosts your salaries by 23% and prepares you for senior positions in an organization. 

• You can be working at private firms, public sector, educational organizations, large corporations, Government or be self-employed as a lawyer, attorney, counsel, advocate among other positions.
• Employees of the public sector receive higher salaries than those employed in the private sector. 
• The average salary of a person working in the legal field is around 144,000 CAD per year. Notably, legal professionals in Ontario have the highest average salaries of around 160,000 CAD followed by Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. 

The popular job titles and average salaries for candidates with PhD in Law from Canada are given in the table below:

It is a well-known fact that a higher level of education directly contributes to higher earning potential. Therefore investing in a PhD in Law in Canada is definitely worth it for your future. Law is a skill-based discipline and to work as a professional in this field you need to have strong judgment, knowledge of legal matters, ability to handle clients, grit, problem-solving skills, negotiation skills, etc. If you are looking for streamlined assistance to fulfil your dream of studying in Canada, connect with our Yocket Counsellors today!

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD in Law in Canada

How long is the PhD in Law in Canada program?

The PhD in Law in Canada can be completed within 3 to 4 years.

What are the top universities for PhD in Law in Canada?

Some of the top universities for PhD in Law in Canada include University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Montreal, University of Ottawa, etc.

How much does it cost Indian students to get a PhD in Law from Canada?

The cost of PhD in Law from Canada for Indian students is between 3,95,000 INR to 8,90,000 INR annually.

Is a PhD in Law in Canada funded?

Yes, most institutions in Canada have a funding standard set for applicants of each department which must be provided to the students as program funding. You can combine this funding package with other external awards.

Is it mandatory to a LLM for admission to PhD in Law in Canada?

Yes, it is mandatory to get a LLM i.e. a Masters of Law before applying for admission to PhD in Law in Canada.

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PhD Students

Kuukuwa Andam

Phd candidate.

Kuukuwa Andam is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Law, Queens University. Her thesis focuses on how female sexual minorities in Ghana are using technology for activism. Her research interests are human rights law, international law, labor and employment law, feminist legal studies, gender and sexuality, and African Studies.

Ekaterina Antsygina

Ekaterina Antsygina joined Queen’s University as a PhD student in September 2017. Her research is devoted to the delimitation of extended continental shelves in the Arctic Ocean. 

Delano Aragao Vaz

Martha Patricia Ballenas Loayza

Martha Patricia Ballenas Loayza is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Law, Queens University.  Her thesis focuses on the religious-conscientious exemption as a guarantee of freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.

Patricia has worked as an Associate Professor in the National Academy for Judges and Prosecutors - National Government of Peru. Patricia has also worked as a Legal Affairs Manager for Financiera Confianza, a company of the BBVA Foundation.

Aleksandra Balyasnikova-Smith

Aleksandra Balyasnikova-Smith successfully defended her dissertation and completed the requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Law in the Fall Semester of 2022.

Aleksandra (Sasha) joined Queen’s Law as a Ph.D. student in September 2018. Here she developed and defended a case for global environment trust, which clarifies the nature and content of duties of States owed toward humankind with respect to the global environment.

Cristóbal Caviedes

Cristóbal  Caviedes successfully defended his PhD thesis in January 2020 and will convocate in Spring 2020.

Cristóbal is a PhD candidate and international constitutional law researcher at Queen's Law, with the provisional thesis title "On Constitutional Courts’ Voting Rules". He has several publications to his credit, including ones in the American Journal of Jurisprudence and Ius et Praxis.

Ana Patricia Chuc Gamboa

Ana is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Law, Queens University. Her thesis attempts to find better coordination between free trade regulations and the protection and respect of human rights.

Santino Dau

Santino Dau successfully defended and convocated with a PhD from Queen's Law in the fall of 2018.

Santino Dau has had a diverse teaching experience including assisting with a Labor and Employment Law course at Queen’s University and working as a seasonal instructor at the Royal Military College (RMC). Santino holds an LLM from Dalhousie University and has received the Queen’s University Faculty of Law Student Award (2016-2017) and the Robert Sutherland Fellowship (2014-2015).

Alicia Elias-Roberts

Alicia Elias-Roberts is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Law, Queens University. Her thesis focuses on petroleum activities in disputed maritime areas and a positivist approach to international law.

Alicia served in academia for over 18 years and was the Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago and was a former Head of Department of Law at the University of Guyana.

Wondwossen Firew

Prior to becoming a Mastercard Foundation Fellow and joining Queen’s University Faculty of Law in 2019, Wondwossen Firew held a position as an Assistant Professor of Law at the School of Law of University of Gondar for 10 years. In addition to his academic post, he served the School of Law as its Dean. During the past six years, he held an administrative position, in addition to his academic position.

Rory Fowler

Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Rory Fowler retired from the Canadian Forces after having served for nearly 28 years, first as an infantry officer with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, and subsequently as a Legal Officer with the Office of the Judge Advocate General. In the latter role, Rory worked extensively in the area of Public and Administrative Law as both a legal advisor and educator. Among other positions, Rory served as the Director of Law – Compensation, Benefits, Pensions & Estates and the Director of Law – Administrative Law.

Maseeh Haseeb

Haseeb is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Law, Queens University. His thesis focuses on the political genealogy of Canadian national security discourse. In particular, this research explores the emergence of national security in Canada to investigate how race has been historically embedded in political practices of national security from the 19th to 21st century. 

Michele Leering

Michele is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Law, Queens University. Her thesis documents the imperatives for legal education reform, specifically the contribution of “Reflective Practice” as a professional learning theory of benefit to legal educators, law students, and legal practitioners. Her research compares approaches in Canadian and Australian law schools in traditional law and experiential learning courses.

Hiwot Mekuanent

Abayomi Okubote

Abayomi is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Law, Queens University. His thesis focuses on third-party funding (TPF) in International Arbitration and proposes a harmonized framework for the regulation of TPF.

Abayomi Okubote worked in Olaniwun Ajayi LP (a top tier commercial law firm in Nigeria) and has garnered almost 10 years’ experience in dispute resolution. At Olaniwun Ajayi LP, he was part of the teams that represented multinational and domestic corporations in commercial law disputes. He has advised government agencies on several cutting-edge projects in Africa.

Sarojini Persaud

Phd candidate.

Saro is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Law, Queens University. Her work at Queen's Law pertains to the impact of tax administration agreements, between select First Nations and the Canada Revenue Agency, on First Nations self-governance and self-determination.

Ksenia Polonskaya

Ksenia Polonskaya successfully defended and convocated with a PhD from Queen's Law in the fall of 2018.

João Carlos Vieira Costa Cavalcanti Rocha is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Law, Queen’s University. His dissertation explores the normative democratic theory and constitutional law, including comparative perspectives.

He obtained an LLM at Queen’s University in 2019. His thesis revolved around an authoritarian era in the history of Brazil – the dictatorship of Getúlio Vargas – and its relationship with anti-liberal legal thought.

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International trade law, sjd student mariam olafuyi receives african scholars award.

Based on a story by Perry King

SJD student Mariam Olafuyi has been awarded an emerging academic award at the third annual African Scholars Awards ceremony. 

The awards, created by the University of Toronto’s African Alumni Association, recognize the winners for their commitment to building and strengthening communities inside and outside U of T in ways that promote diversity, inclusivity and innovation. Twenty-five students, faculty, staff and alumni received awards at an event at the William Waters Lounge in Woodsworth College.

• Read more about SJD student Mariam Olafuyi receives African Scholars Award

Mariam Momodu (Olafuyi)

Mariam Momodu (Olafuyi) is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. She specializes in international trade law, law and development and law and globalization. In her doctoral thesis, she re-evaluates economic integration in Africa by exploring the concept of bottom-up economic integration- an analysis of the use of private regulation by non-state actors to facilitate trade within Africa. She also routinely engages in debates about the informal economy and trade facilitation initiatives that affect women and youth in Africa. Mariam is currently a Vanier Scholar at the University of Toronto. She was recently also awarded a Senior Doctoral Fellowship by New College, University of Toronto. 

She obtained her undergraduate degree in law from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where she was elected as the first female president of the law students' society and set a record for the most outstanding academic result from the faculty.  She then obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the University of Cambridge, where she was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship and the Cambridge Trust Scholarship. During her time at Cambridge, she was a co-editor of the Cambridge Journal of International and Comparative Law and one of the organizers of the annual Cambridge Africa Business Network conference at Judge Business School.

Prior to commencing her doctorate program, Mariam was an adjunct lecturer at the Centre for Law and Business, Lagos. She also worked as in-house counsel for a multinational company and practiced in a tier-one law firm in Nigeria, advising on regional economic integration and trade in Africa.

In addition to her academic endeavours, Mariam is involved in several initiatives that equip young people from underrepresented backgrounds with the skills and knowledge required to access quality education. She also actively advocates for quality education in developing countries.

She has received several recognitions for her work in law, education and development. She was recognized by McKinsey and Co. as one of the 40 Next Generation Women Leaders in Nigeria and was a delegate at the World Youth Forum in 2019.

Presentations

"Globalization, Technology and Values: Millennials and Gen Z's Interaction With the Global Trading System"  at the World Trade Organization Public Forum. October 2019 (Panel Convener and Moderator)

"Can Transnational Private Regulation Facilitate Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals?" at the Purdy Crawford Workshop on The Role of Business Regulation in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. September 2019

Mainstreaming Non-State Actors in African Economic Integration.

http://www.afronomicslaw.org/2019/05/01/mainstreaming-non-state-actors-in-african-regional-integration/

The Informal Economy and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement: Making Trade Work for the Often Overlooked (AfronomicsLaw.Org)

Co-authored chapter published in ‘The Copenhagen Competition 2010 on Access to Medicines’ Laura Nielsen (ed.). Copenhagen: DJOF Publishing, 2010. Print

• Read more about Mariam Momodu (Olafuyi)

Prof. David Schneiderman writes "How to make investment agreements more progressive: stop signing them" in Globe and Mail

In a commentary in the Globe and Mail , Prof. David Schneiderman argues that there are compelling to revisit Canada’s participation in the investor-state dispute settlement agreements that are part of most trade treaties ("How to make investment agreements more progressive: stop signing them," October 27, 2018).

Read the full commentary on the Globe and Mail website , or below.

• Read more about Prof. David Schneiderman writes "How to make investment agreements more progressive: stop signing them" in Globe and Mail

No Time for Tinkering: On Intellectual Property and NAFTA

No Time for Tinkering: How a "more progressive" NAFTA could break the vicious circle of global inequities in the ownership of knowledge

The postwar international trading order reflected the assumption that reducing various state-imposed restrictions on trade, and promoting free and competitive markets, would be mutually beneficial to trading nations and to the world as a whole.

• Read more about No Time for Tinkering: On Intellectual Property and NAFTA

"Taking the facts seriously": A Conversation with Professor Michael Trebilcock

Renowned law and economics scholar University Professor Michael Trebilcock will present a paper, “The Fracturing of the Post-War Free Trade Consensus: The Challenges of Constructing a New Consensus,” at the International Monetary Fund’s conference “Meeting Globalization’s Challenges,” October 11, 2017, in Washington, DC.

The University of Toronto is the only Canadian postsecondary institution participating among a global list of panelists.

• Read more about "Taking the facts seriously": A Conversation with Professor Michael Trebilcock

Prof. David Schneiderman discusses the rules of trade and investment on TVO's The Agenda

In an extended one-on-one interview with host Steve Paikin, Prof. David Schneiderman discussed the rules of international trade and investment on TVO's flagship public affairs program, The Agenda with Steve Paikin , on May 8, 2017.

• Read more about Prof. David Schneiderman discusses the rules of trade and investment on TVO's The Agenda

Prof. Ariel Katz writes "CETA could put Canada between a rock and constitutional hard places"

In a commentary in the Globe and Mail , Prof. Ariel Katz analyzes the constitutional implications of a decision by the German Federal Constitutional Court about CETA, the Canada-European Union free trade agreement ("CETA could put Canada between a rock and constitutional hard places," October 25, 2016).

• Read more about Prof. Ariel Katz writes "CETA could put Canada between a rock and constitutional hard places"

Faculty of Law co-sponsors all-day workshop about TPP agreement for Minister Chrystia Freeland

By Terry Lavender

“I felt I needed to be informed by the academic community’s thinking on trade issues,” Chrystia Freeland said (all photos by Arnold Lan)

• Read more about Faculty of Law co-sponsors all-day workshop about TPP agreement for Minister Chrystia Freeland

Special Issue of JILIR dedicated to 2014 Baker Lecture - Anne Orford on Food Security and International Trade Law

The Journal of International Law and International Relations (JILIR) has published a special issue based on the 2014 Katherine Baker Memorial Lecture delivered by Anne Orford, Michael D Kirby Chair of International Law, Melbourne Law School. Prof. Orford spoke about "Food Security, the World Trade Organisation, and the Social State."

• Read more about Special Issue of JILIR dedicated to 2014 Baker Lecture - Anne Orford on Food Security and International Trade Law

Prof. Ariel Katz and LLM student Liran Kandinov: "TPP trades away our constitutional rights"

In a commentary in the Toronto Star , Prof. Ariel Katz and LLM student Liran Kandinov argue that changes to copyright terms proposed in the Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement would violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms ("TPP trades away our constitutional rights," October 28, 2015).

Read the full commentary on the Toronto Star website , or below.

• Read more about Prof. Ariel Katz and LLM student Liran Kandinov: "TPP trades away our constitutional rights"

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Secretary-General Appoints Robert Petit of Canada to Head International, Impartial, Independent Mechanism Investigating Serious Crimes in Syria

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Robert Petit of Canada as Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011.

Mr. Petit will succeed Catherine Marchi-Uhel of France, who was appointed as the first Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism in 2017.  The Secretary-General expresses his gratitude to Ms. Marchi-Uhel for her dedicated service to the Mechanism and to the United Nations more broadly, as well as for her contributions to the advancement of international criminal justice.

Mr. Petit brings to the position 35 years of criminal justice experience in both national and international settings.  Since 2017, he has been the senior United Nations official to lead the United Nations Follow-On Mechanism on the Democratic Republic of the Congo in relation to the murders of two members of the Group of Experts in March 2017.  Mr. Petit also served as Senior Counsel and Team Leader in the Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes Section of Justice Canada.

Previously a Crown Attorney in Canada, Mr. Petit has held various international senior prosecutorial positions, including as International Co-Prosecutor of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, Senior Trial Attorney at the Special Court for Sierra Leone and Prosecutor of the Serious Crimes Unit, United Nations Mission in East Timor.

Mr. Petit holds an advanced university law degree from the University of Montreal, Canada, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in history from the same university.  He is fluent in English and French.

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