Student Experience
My Canada Law from Abroad Experience
Discover why students love Canada Law from Abroad and studying in the UK at one of our Preferred Law School partners.
UK Law Degrees
UK Law Degrees
There are a range of UK Law Degrees available that are comparable to those offered in Canada, and some that are only available when you choose to study in Britain.
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Law School Myths Debunked: I Should Attend the Most Prestigious University Possible
Written by Canada Law from Abroad - 23/04/2026
In this blog we work to debunk the myth that students need to attend the most prestigious university possible in order to succeed in their future legal career.
It’s important to remember that, like most things in life, one size does not fit all – and that’s okay! There are many ways that students can decide which universities they wish to apply to and ultimately attend. At Canada Law from Abroad, we partner with some of the top UK universities to help you get the most out of your legal education. Whether you want to study in the bustling city of London, or you prefer a more serene setting, we have you covered.
CHOOSING THE BEST FIT FOR YOU
We generally advise you should go to the university that best fits you regardless of how prestigious a school is. Evaluate all aspects of the university such as campus type, location, student involvement opportunities, cost and of course, prestigious reputation/ranking, if that is indeed important to you. If the university and you aren't a good match, you will be unhappy regardless of the prestige so find one that fits best with your personality, academic needs, and strengths. If you want to pick your universities based on student satisfaction, work opportunities, or research prestige, our advisors are here to help guide you to the ones best for you. There is not a one-size-fits-all university, it's very much a personal decision, and your search and selection of the universities you apply to should be personal as well.
LAW SOCIETIES BRING NETWORKING AND COLLABORATION
All of our partner universities have law societies that students can join during their studies. These societies are student-run groups with a focus on giving academic support, providing networking opportunities, and organizing group events specifically tailored to law students. These groups are a great way to get to know your fellow law students and can bring you amazing personal connections to carry with you throughout your legal career
While some universities have more specific Canadian law societies that offer support when looking ahead to the NCA accreditation process, for others these societies are open to all students and enable you to connect with students from different backgrounds as you work through your legal studies.
BENEFITS OF RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITIES
Throughout your university research you may come across the term “Russell Group” university – what is that? Just how important is that designation when considering your Law School options?
The truth is these universities have a clear aim to produce the best research and academic resources for its students that they can, and with over 30 years of history dedicated to this focus, these universities do have some great networking opportunities and professional connections available to students. The resources available to this group means that they also have policies in place to continue top-notch development and growth of their research and learning goals.
University staff and alumni have strong, often unrivalled links with business and the public sector. When considering law studies, these industry connections can be directly to top-tier law firms both in the UK and abroad. The result? These connections can help students build their own professional network. As networking is a key part of the legal profession, these useful connections may help students establish their legal career early-on.
We are partnered with several members of the Russell Group including:
- University of Birmingham
- University of Exeter
- University of Leeds
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of York
YOUR CAREER IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT
Overall, we find that students who choose not to attend highly ranked/prestigious universities can be just as successful as those who do as long as they make the most of their education and take advantage of every opportunity offered to them. Professional/real-world experience can be just as important as grades when considering recent graduates and the focus UK universities place on growing students’ professional skillset can be a huge advantage no matter where you study. Most importantly, these experiences can often set you apart from your Canadian peers so it’s important to seek out these skill-building opportunities throughout your studies. Consider taking on Pro Bono work, participating in Mooting competitions or attending guest lectures to build a well-rounded legal professional.
Other Law School Myths Debunked
Law School Myths Debunked: I Need a Perfect GPA to Receive an Offer
Written by Canada Law from Abroad - 23/04/2026
In this blog we work to debunk the myth that students need to have a perfect GPA in order to obtain an offer to UK Law School.
When students apply to UK Law Schools, they often expect to experience the same limited places and level of competition as applying to Canadian Law School. As such, they think that anything below a perfect 4.0 GPA isn’t going to be good enough to secure an offer to UK Law School – this isn’t necessarily the case!
While these programmes can still be competitive for entry (especially at popular or highly ranked universities), there are a number of reasons that UK Law Schools can also be more accessible to Canadian students than Canadian law schools.
Of course, having a strong GPA can bring some advantages when seeking Law School admission, a perfect GPA is not a direct requirement.
UK ADMISSIONS REVIEW STUDENTS WHOLISTICALLY
When considering applicants, UK admissions teams will review the entirety of your application. What this means is that in addition to your GPA, they’re also looking at the other aspects of your application including professional experience (outside of the classroom), your letter of reference, any mitigating or extenuating circumstances, and your personal statement. As a whole, your GPA becomes a much smaller aspect of your application.
UNIVERSITIES SET THEIR OWN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Every programme at each university has their own admissions criteria with a recommended GPA. At Canada Law from Abroad, we partner with some of the top UK universities who have a range of expected grades for admission. Because we’re working directly between university admissions and students, we can match students up with the best universities for their academic history.
If you are concerned about having a lower GPA, our advisors can work with you to determine what your options are and help draw attention to other (potentially stronger) aspects of your application. We have strong relationships with our partner universities and can also help create an avenue of communication between you and the university.
A GOOD PERSONAL STATEMENT CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERECE
University representatives individually read personal statements, evaluate work history and experience and take a more holistic look of students beyond GPA. As such, a good personal statement can sometimes be the difference between a student receiving an offer and a student receiving a rejection.
When students are concerned about their grades, the personal statement can be a great opportunity to draw attention to other areas of success such as extracurriculars, related work experience or even academic progression.
Other Law School Myths Debunked
Law School Myths Debunked: It's so expensive, I'll never afford it!
Written by Canada Law from Abroad - 24/04/2026
In this blog we work to debunk the myth that the cost of attending UK Law School is unattainable.
When students apply to UK Law Schools, there are several factors to consider and one of the most important items is cost. It is true that the cost of tuition as an international fee-paying student is high (especially if comparing to home fees at a Canadian university), however there are several important ‘big picture’ items to consider when deciding what route is best for you.
Save Money on Admissions/Application Requirements
Compared to Canadian universities, the cost of applying to UK Law Schools is lower because of the streamlined application process. The centralized application system UCAS enables students to use 1 application to apply to up to 5 universities.
In addition, because UK universities do not require the LSAT as an admission requirement, there’s no need to undertake that exam unless needed for applications elsewhere.
While our partner universities do not currently require UK entrance exams (such as the LNAT) for consideration, students looking to apply to universities outside of our portfolio are encouraged to research the entry requirements for their choices.
The Value of Time
Unlike Canadian Law Schools, students can apply to UK Law Schools direct from high school and obtain a qualifying law degree in 3-years.
For students who will have a completed university degree prior to entry, they can obtain their qualifying law degree in as little as 2-years!
Either way, Canadians can save time and get started on their career earlier than their Canadian counterparts. Learn more about the different UK Law degrees here.
Internationally Recognized Degrees
The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, with degrees that are internationally recognized.
Students will be focusing on their major from the very beginning which means more time is dedicated to your future career! You’ll gain everything needed for a successful career as a lawyer by learning from top professionals in their field. You’ll also have opportunities to grow your own professional network, gain critical work experience, explore different areas of law and ultimately determine the type of lawyer you want to be.
Students looking to grow their knowledge further can look at pursuing an LLM after their qualifying law degree to further specialize in a dedicated area of law.
Gaining International Experience
All of our partner universities offer career services to help students work on their CVs or even find part-time employment during their studies. On a student visa, students can work up to 20 hours during term time and up to 40 hours outside of term time (typically during the summer). As long as you’re putting your studies first, this can be a great way to help subsidize the cost of studying/living. It’s also a great way to boost your resume and set you apart when applying to and interviewing for jobs later in your career.
Education is an investment
By spending less money to apply, less time earning your qualifying degree, earning money while studying, and gaining a competitive advantage with international education/experience, students have plenty of reasons to make the leap and earn their qualifying law degree in the UK.
Other Law School Myths Debunked
Law School Myths Debunked: Going straight from undergrad to law school is easiest
Written by Canada Law from Abroad - 24/04/2026
In this blog we work to debunk the myth that students need to complete their university studies in Canada prior to seeking entry onto a UK law degree. Similarly, that this route will result in an ‘easy’ experience in law school.
No mater when you begin your law studies, it’s important to note that as a professional degree, it is quite rigorous. Students should expect a heavy course load paired with high expectations from their professors. There is no one ‘easy’ route to completion, however it is completely possible to successfully complete your law studies in the UK and return to Canada should you be willing – even if you’re coming from high school!
Entry to UK Law Schools begins after high school
Unlike Canadian Law Schools, for UK students, entry to Law School begins after they have completed their A-Levels – this is the equivalent to completing your Canadian high school diploma (or DEC for Quebec students).
Students are not required to have a completed university degree prior to seeking entry onto a law programme, though it can save a bit of money (specifically the cost of international tuition for one year of study) if you decide to apply to UK law school after your Canadian undergraduate degree is completed. This is simply because students who complete a Canadian university degree first will likely qualify to undertake a 2-year LLB degree rather than the standard 3-year degree.
All internationally trained lawyers need to be assessed
After completing UK studies, all students who have completed their law training outside of Canada need to have their degree assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). This process is completed regardless of whether your UK degree is 2-years in duration or 3-years.
The NCA reviews each applicant on an individual basis (taking their legal education and professional experiences into consideration) and will assign NCA challenge exams or additional courses to subsidize any missed learning from your overseas studies.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re at a disadvantage when attending law school directly from high school. It simply means you’re assessed in a different way from those who have already completed a university degree. The NCA will inform you of any required additional items needed to receive your Certificate of Qualification and qualify for law society bar admission.
How to set yourself apart as a high school student
If you decide to apply to UK law school direct from high school, it’s important to set yourself apart from other applicants by considering all extracurricular activities or experiences that have developed your interest in law school (outside of the classroom). If you have a part-time job, consider the skills you’ve developed that may translate well to a future legal career. If you’ve visited a court room or legislature building in your free time, consider how that visit has added to your overall understanding of the law.
Because UK universities are reviewing the entirety of your application, your grades become a very small aspect of your application. What universities cannot see on a transcript is your own understanding of the legal profession and how your own experiences have developed your curiosity or interest in the field. Make sure you leverage whatever experiences you do have! Your Canada Law from Abroad advisor can help you draw attention to these items when working on your personal statement!
Professional Experience is Highly Valued
UK universities value experiences outside of the classroom and providing these as part of your application can display independence, time management, maturity and leadership – all desired traits for a future legal career.
Experiences beyond the classroom can be obtained if you’re a high school student or as someone with university studies under their belt, so there’s no harm in applying as a high school student!
Decide what’s best for you
There is no ‘easiest’ route when considering a career in law. Whether you’re applying to Law School direct from high school, after a university degree or even after some life experience, it’s important to show a dedication to the career path, speak to your qualities and have the academic skillset required to be a successful student.
Other Law School Myths Debunked
- I Should Attend the Most Prestigious University Possible
- Law School is So Expensive - I'll Never Afford It
- I Need a Perfect GPA
Canada Law from Abroad
STUDY LAW IN THE UK
Canada Law From Abroad provides a free service to Canadian students wishing to get their law degree in the United Kingdom. We work with a consortium of a dozen top UK law schools. We are here to provide guidance for the application process and we also help you take the needed steps to transition to life in the United Kingdom.
Why Study Law in the UK?
Written by Canada Law from Abroad - 06/09/2023
Why should you, as a Canadian, study law in the UK? We'll give you three reasons!
1. You do NOT need to write the dreaded LSAT
There are different entry requirements for law school in Canada and in the UK. In Canada applicants are required to write the Law School Admission Test, which is also commonly referred to as the LSAT. Generally, the LSAT requires intense study and preparation including attending LSAT preparation courses which can be costly. When adding on the costs of the test, the Credential Assembly Service fee, and study materials, the LSAT is not only a financial burden but it can be psychologically straining, as it can take months to prepare for the test. If the applicant is in their final year of their undergraduate studies, the LSAT may not be a feasible option as the majority of time is already being devoted to maintaining a strong GPA, preparing personal statements or even part-time work.
In the UK, however, there is no need to write the LSAT. The application process to law school in the UK is straightforward: you need to submit your academic transcripts from high school and any formal education completed after high school (including any university or college), an academic reference letter, and a personal statement. Applications are made via the University College Application Service (UCAS) which has one application fee and gives students up to 5 university choices in their one application.
2. Save your time and money
At first glance, tuition for law school in the UK may appear high compared to Canadian tuition, but it is important to remember that a UK law degree is normally shorter than a Canadian law degree. This means that not only do students spend less time getting their degree, but can save on tuition fees and living expenses. Tuition costs for overseas students can vary quite significantly from one university to the next (and even from one year to the next), but you can speak to your Canada Law from Abroad advisor to explore universities and their tuition fees for the year you're looking to apply.
In Canada, law school is a minimum of three years and can cost over $100,000 CAD. By comparison, in the UK if a student opts to take the 2 year accelerated LLB programme, the entire tuition for two years can be less or comparable in cost depending on the university. Add on the time and cost of four years of undergraduate studies required before being admitted to law school in Canada, and studying law in the UK can be both a fast and cost efficient route to becoming a lawyer.
3. Gain international experience
The UK attracts top students from around the world because studying law in the UK is a wonderful opportunity to gain international experience. Not only is it the motherland of Common Law, but it is just a short train ride away to the continent where civil law reigns supreme. Moreover, future employers find individuals with experience studying and working in a different country than the one they originated from attractive, as it demonstrates initiative and a willingness to adapt to changing situations.
