university of toronto phd in law

Osgoode’s PhD in law is a full-time advanced degree requiring research-intensive study and in principally aimed at students pursuing an academic career. It is designed to be completed in three to four years.

Prerequisites

An LLM is generally a precondition of admission to the PhD. Students without an LLM should apply initially to the Research LLM; after their first year of study they can apply to advance to the PhD.

Degree Requirements

Graduate seminar i: legal research (gs law 6610), graduate seminar ii: advanced legal research methodologies (gs law 6611).

• Study groups
• One elective course
• Extended dissertation proposal

Dissertation

• Final oral examination

The Graduate Seminar is the core course for the Graduate Program in Law. Designed to complement other courses, the seminar provides a venue for developing critical assessments of the law and facilitating students’ progress on their own research, papers and dissertation proposals. The seminar also creates an intellectual community and introduces students to Osgoode research resources.

This seminar offers a review of quantitative and qualitative methods employed in legal research. Specific sessions focus on interviewing, ethnographic methods, surveys and other quantitative methods, data collection and analysis, archival and document collection and analysis. The seminar is designed for PhD students and is completed in the winter term.

Study Groups

Students participating in study groups read and discuss a number of articles with their groups each week. The groups are not structured as courses but as venues for reflection and discourse. For doctoral students, study groups are equivalent to the comprehensive examinations required by other graduate programs.

Participation in a study group is required (for credit) in the first or second year of PhD studies, and then one year thereafter (non-credit) provided PhD students are registered full-time. Students can choose among five options, depending on their research interests and course availability:

• Regulation and Governance
• Law and Economic Relations
• Theoretical Perspectives in Legal Research
• Law and Social Justice
• Law in a Global Context

Elective Courses

PhD students can fulfil their elective course requirement through:

• a variety of graduate courses in law
• integrated courses with the JD program
• independent study
• courses in other programs

Research Outline, Ethical Review and University Guidelines

In the second term of their first year, each student must submit to the Program office a brief outline of their proposed research that has been reviewed and approved by the members of their supervisory committee. The work must be original, containing a new argument supported by research carried out by the student.

A declaration of the ethical issues around the underlying research must be made early in the student’s first year. Projects involving interactions of any kind (for example, through interviews, questionnaires, consultations or observations) require an ethics review.

Dissertations must be prepared in accordance with the Faculty of Graduate Studies thesis and dissertation guidelines .

Extended Dissertation Proposal

PhD students must submit an extended dissertation proposal (50 –70 pages) by the end of their sixth term. Students must defend their proposal in an oral exam before an examining committee (which must be done by the end seventh term).

The dissertation is a piece of original research that reflects a substantial contribution to existing legal literature. Expected to be between 300-350 pages, it should have the usual scholarly apparatus, footnotes and a bibliography prepared in accordance with the McGill Guide to Legal Citations. The dissertation should be of sufficiently high quality to warrant publication by an academic publisher or through a comparable venue.

With the permission of their supervisor and in consultation with the Graduate Program Director, PhD candidates may submit a Portfolio Dissertation in lieu of a conventional thesis. The Portfolio Dissertation must be composed of three to five articles (depending on the length and ambition of the articles) developed during the candidate’s graduate studies, published or accepted for publication, and combined with an introduction and conclusion.

Final Oral Examination

Students must succeed in an oral defence of their dissertation before an examination committee.

Time to Completion

PhD students are expected to complete all requirements within 18 terms (six years).

Residency Requirement

Students must be located such that they are able to progress on all program requirements requiring geographical availability on campus.

More Detail:

Faculty research advisors, related topics:, funding and fees, intellectual life, meet our current doctoral students, meet our phds.

Jake Okechukwu Effoduh

“This school propelled me to unearth the power of legal research in ways that have helped me uncover new insights, challenge existing paradigms and contribute to this ever-evolving landscape of scholarship.”

Deanne Sowter

“Attending Osgoode Hall Law School for my JD and PhD were two of the best decisions of my life, giving me the opportunities and skills to engage in important research supported by a thriving academic community.”

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Stg, law, juris doctor / political science, doctor of philosophy, stg jd / pol phd: introduction.

The Combined Degree Program (CDP): STG, Law, Juris Doctor / Political Science, Doctor of Philosophy is designed for students interested in studying the intersection of law and political science. The CDP permits completion of both the Juris Doctor (JD) and PhD degrees at least one year sooner than it would take to acquire them independently.

For a general description of CDPs, see General Regulations section 1.4.3 .

Law, Juris Doctor / Political Science, Doctor of Philosophy www.law.utoronto.ca/academic-programs/jd-program/combined-programs/jdphd-political-science

Juris Doctor Program Faculty of Law Email: [email protected]

Doctor of Philosophy Program in Political Science Department of Political Science Email: [email protected]

STG JD / Pol PhD: Application Process

Applicants must apply to the Juris Doctor (JD) program, the PhD (Political Science) program, and the CDP.

Applicants may be considered for admission to the CDP after they have gained independent admission to both the JD and PhD programs.

Applicants admitted to the JD and PhD must inform both programs of their status and request admission to the CDP.

Applicants may also be considered for the CDP while they are in Year 1 of the JD program. Interested students should contact the Faculty of Law about this before applying to the CDP.

STG JD / Pol PhD: Requirements

Minimum admission requirements.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the JD program , the School of Graduate Studies, and the PhD program .

Academic Path to Completion

Every CDP involves a specific combination of approved degree programs. The CDP requirements build on those of the two separate degree programs. Each CDP has a unique pattern of academic activity year by year.

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University of Toronto Faculty of Law

The information on this page was provided by the law school.

Official Guide to LLM, Master’s, and Certificate Programs

Introduction.

Today, it is one of the world’s great law schools, a dynamic academic and social community with 57 full-time faculty members and 25 distinguished short-term visiting professors from the world’s leading law schools, as well as 500 JD and graduate students.

The Faculty’s rich academic programs are supplemented by its many legal clinics and public interest programs, and its close links to the Faculty’s more than 6,000 alumni, who enjoy rewarding careers in every sector of Canadian society and remain involved in many aspects of life at the law school.

Housed in two beautiful, historic buildings and a state-of-the-art facility, the Faculty features modern amenities, including the renowned, high-technology Bora Laskin Law Library.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Canada’s largest city, the law school is near a wide variety of attractions, including the Royal Ontario Museum, which is next door.

Why U of T?

• Our Faculty is internationally recognized for academic excellence.
• Our students are exposed to some of the world’s finest doctrinal and theoretical scholars in public and private law.
• Our students are sought after by prominent law firms, nationally and internationally, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and leading graduate law schools.
• Our law school distributes over $2 million in financial aid each year.
• Our graduating classes typically enjoy the highest rates of employment of all Ontario law schools.
• Linkages with other U of T faculties, other universities, and leading members of the bar and bench provide a diverse interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research.
• Our law school has a strong and unwavering commitment to public service and leadership through numerous programs and activities.
• Our student body is comprised of extraordinary individuals representing a myriad of backgrounds, interests, and accomplishments.
• We are located in downtown Toronto—the heart of one of the world’s most multicultural and interesting cities.

Law School Enrollment

Physical Facilities

Housed in two historic buildings—Flavelle House and Falconer Hall—and the new Jackman Law Building, the law school is located on the St. George campus of the University of Toronto, close to the heart of the city.

Both the Flavelle House and Falconer Hall were private homes in the early 1900s, and offer students an architecturally inspiring environment for their studies. In recent years, major renovations have equipped the historic houses with leading-edge technology. Students enjoy Internet connections for laptops and Internet-based conferencing technology that allows interaction with guest lecturers, legal experts, faculty, and other students and schools around the world.

The Jackman Law Building provides a new, state-of-the-art facility to house the Faculty of Law. The new building features classrooms, offices, study spaces, and the Bora Laskin Library, which provides a comfortable, modern environment where students can access rich legal resources and related materials. The library currently offers more than 265,000 volumes and strives to support law studies with the highest quality legal resources, services, and training. Its collection includes legal materials from the major common law countries and more than 700 scholarly periodicals from around the world, as well as subscriptions to leading law CD-ROMs and online systems such as Quicklaw, Westlaw, and LexisNexis.

There is a variety of accommodations available both on and off campus for students coming to Toronto independently or with their families. Housing options include the university residences, independent residences, student-family housing, and off-campus housing.

Demand for residence is very high and law students are advised to apply for residence as soon as possible.

Graduate House

Visit the Graduate House website for all information about the residence, including its exact location, types of accommodation, amenities, fees, and the application process.

Priority for rooms in the Graduate House is given to first-year students from outside southern Ontario whose opportunities to locate suitable housing in Toronto prior to September were limited. Within this priority, preference is given to students who have shown financial need.

University of Toronto Student Housing Services

Please visit University of Toronto’s Housing Services for information such as

• the undergraduate residences on campus that accept applications from law students (be advised that space in residence cannot be assured, as priority is given to undergraduate students);
• the university’s family housing apartments;
• independent residences located near the law school; and
• other off-campus housing options, including summer and temporary housing.

The Housing Service now includes a registry of off-campus housing .

LLM Programs/Areas of Specialization

• Excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary scholarship, including research centres in innovation law and health law, as well as many collaborative programs.

The University of Toronto Faculty of Law offers the following law degrees:

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Combined-degree programs—JD/MA or JD/PhD
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
• Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM)
• Doctor of Juridical Sciences (SJD)

Coursework-Intensive LLM

The coursework-intensive format is aimed at law students who wish to specialize in a specific area of law (particularly in one of the Law Faculty’s several strengths), to develop an understanding of North American legal processes and laws, or to explore the common law at an advanced level.

Graduates of the coursework-intensive LLM have pursued further graduate legal education (through a doctoral program), entered directly into a university position, or resumed practice with private firms, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations.

The coursework-intensive LLM is usually undertaken on a full-time basis, from September to August. In exceptional cases, with the permission of the associate dean, students may apply to complete the program on a part-time basis.

Students can customize an area of focus in the coursework-intensive LLM through their course selections and thesis topic. In the past, students have studied in areas like constitutional law, international law, law and economics, and legal theory.

Requirements

Students must

• remain in residence in Toronto for two academic terms (September to April) and
• complete 28 credit hours of coursework, including the mandatory LLM seminar.

Graduate students choose their other courses from the wide variety available in the JD program, which are posted online in the summer. Graduate students are expected to choose upper-level and seminar courses. Only in exceptional cases will students be permitted to select basic courses or courses from the first-year JD program. NCA courses are not included in the LLM curriculum, so please consider the GPLLM program if you are looking to requalify.

Thesis-Intensive LLM

The thesis-intensive LLM offers law graduates the opportunity to demonstrate advanced legal scholarship through the writing of a dissertation of significant length. Graduates of the thesis-intensive LLM program often pursue further graduate legal studies (through a doctoral program) or seek positions in the academy or in policy development.

The full-time LLM is designed as a 12-month program commencing in September, involving a course of studies and a thesis which, combined, are valued at 24 credit hours. Students in the thesis-intensive LLM program can design a program in almost any area of law and legal theory that will meet that student’s interests and needs.

All thesis-intensive LLM candidates participate in the graduate seminar, Alternative Approaches to Legal Scholarship, as well as the LLM seminar with other graduate students. Those seminars are designed to expose students to various approaches to legal scholarship, including law and philosophy, law and economics, feminism and the law, legal history, law and society, analytical jurisprudence, and critical legal theory.

• remain in residence in Toronto for two academic terms (September to April);
• complete 8–20 credit hours of coursework, including the mandatory graduate seminar, Alternative Approaches to Legal Scholarship, and the LLM seminar; and
• write a 4–16-credit thesis (approximately 15,000–45,000 words) under the supervision of a graduate faculty member.

Graduate students choose their other courses from those available in the JD program, which are posted online in the summer. Graduate students are expected to choose upper-year courses and seminars. Only in exceptional cases will students be permitted to select basic courses or courses from the first-year JD program. NCA courses are not included in the LLM curriculum, so please consider the GPLLM program if you’re looking to requalify.

Global Professional Master of Laws

The Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) is a 12-month executive-style master of laws offered during evenings and weekends and taught by a winning combination of leading legal experts and renowned full-time faculty. The GPLLM combines the best of U of T’s reputation for academic excellence with the pragmatic real-world expertise that is the gold standard in today’s competitive business environment.

What is the GPLLM?

The GPLLM provides an intensive experience like no other. Focused on Canadian business law from a global perspective, the Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) challenges lawyers, business leaders, professionals of all sorts, and policymakers to think differently about the legal issues and framework with which they deal. Students examine the impact of globalization on laws, legal institutions, and markets from a broad, multidisciplinary, and comparative legal perspective. Through examples, case studies, debates, and deconstruction of actual business deals, you’ll gain hands-on practical knowledge, and a robust understanding of the constructs of Canadian business law—and emerge a valued leader for your organization.

Equipped with a GPLLM, graduates add immediate value to their clients, businesses, organizations, and agencies. The program prepares its participants to dissect and ask the right questions when dealing with complex global legal issues and transactions. In collaboration with local and foreign counsel, auditors, and other parties, they are able to effectively identify the issues and challenges arising from the globalized business environment.

Top legal minds from the U of T Faculty of Law teach alongside adjunct faculty who are leading experts from Canadian and global law firms, businesses, and institutions. Dean Edward Iacobucci and an additional 8–10 of our full-time faculty teach in the program, including Professors Michael Trebilcock, Ben Alarie, Anita Anand, Tony Duggan, Mohammed Fadel, and David Schneiderman. Adjunct and international faculty from other universities and the business world are listed on our website.

All students take Law and Business in a Global Economy, which is a mandatory foundational course.

Students must choose one course from each of the following groups (which are offered through a combination of evening classes and weekend modules):

Selection 1

• Comparative Corporate Governance
• Canadian Administrative Law
• Anti-Corruption Law: International, Domestic, and Practical Perspectives

Selection 2

• Securities Regulation and Corporate Finance
• Canadian Constitutional Law

Selection 3

• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Canadian Criminal Law
• Canadian and Cross-Border Issues in Corporate Tax
• Commercial Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

GPLLM students must also choose three seminar courses from the following options (each of which is offered as two-day weekend intensives):

• Law and Policy of Public-Private Partnerships
• Intellectual Property Law
• Economic and Social Regulation & Competition Law
• Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethics, and the Law
• International Insolvency Law

Finally, students may choose one course from each grouping below (which are offered as three-day weekend courses):

• Foundations of Canadian Law
• International Dispute Resolution
• Professional Responsibility

Additional elective courses will be offered in future years.

What You’ll Take—and Take Away

• A Master of Laws degree from Canada’s top law school and one of the world’s great law schools.
• A unique, dynamic learning environment led by leading legal experts.
• Professionals from different backgrounds, industries, experiences, and perspectives.
• An extensive alumni network—for life.
• An ability to distinguish yourself professionally.
• A unique combination of legal and business expertise that will change the way you think and enable you to develop your leadership skills.
• Analytical reasoning and insights that will boost your credibility and understanding, and put you a step ahead of your colleagues.
• A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can fit into your life and work.

Student Services and Organizations

Students manage a remarkable range of organizations and activities at the Faculty of Law. Students also benefit from numerous services provided by the Faculty and the university. Organizations and activities include:

• Aboriginal Law Students’ Association
• The Advocates’ Circle
• Artists’ Legal Advice Services (ALAS)
• Black Law Students’ Association
• Christian Law Students’ Association
• Criminal Law Students’ Association
• East Asian Law Students Association
• Environmental Law Club
• Health Law Club
• International Law Society
• Intramural Sports
• In Vino Veritas
• JD/MBA Students’ Association
• Jewish Law Students’ Association
• Law Follies
• The LIFT Project
• Mandate for Public Interest Law
• Muslim Law Students’ Association
• Senators Club
• South Asian Law Students’ Association
• Sports and Entertainment Law Society
• Technology and Intellectual Property Club
• Ultra Vires
• Women and the Law

Graduate Law Students Association

The Graduate Law Students Association (GLSA) represents all students enrolled in the Graduate Programme at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. The object of the GLSA is to assist graduate students in their dealings with the Faculty and to obtain representation for students on various committees and organizations that pertain to the graduate law programme. The GLSA strives to encourage and facilitate cooperation and understanding among students and faculty in order to improve the research activities and educational experiences of all graduate law students at the University of Toronto.

Other Programs of Special Interest

• Capital Markets Institute
• Centre for Innovation Law and Policy
• Distinguished Visiting Professors Program
• Health Law and Policy Group
• International Human Rights Program
• Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS)
• Pro Bono Students Canada
• Workshops : Feminism and the Law; Diversity; Legal Theory; Constitutional Roundtable; Health Law and Society; Law and Economics; and Globalization, Law, and Justice

Contact Information

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Meet four future lawyers and leaders from U of T's Faculty of Law

Clockwise from top left: Faculty of Law grads Meaza Damte, Tomas Jirousek, Nik Khakhar and Sabrina Macklai (all photos by Nina Haikara)

Published: June 20, 2023

By Nina Haikara

Graduates of the juris doctor (JD) program at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law recently crossed the stage at Convocation Hall.

In total, 231 new JDs comprise the latest cohort of future lawyers and leaders  – and join the ranks of an accomplished  global network of U of T Law alumni .

U of T’s Faculty of Law asked four JDs from this year’s graduating class to reflect on their time at law school and what they learned.

Meaza Damte (JD 2023)

Class of 2023 Valedictorian University of Toronto Student Leadership Award John Willis Award for Leadership and Gina Caldarelli Memorial Prize for Spirit

What’s next? Articling at McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Looking back, I chose to study law because I understood the power that the law holds in our society. Becoming a lawyer was the logical next step to harness that power and use it to uplift marginalized communities and vulnerable populations.

It’s surprising just how rigid the law can be in the face of systemic injustice. Crafting creative legal arguments can be difficult within the confines of precedent. The ever-present, and frankly flawed, ‘reasonable person’ standard was created by straight white men with immense privilege. The rigidity built into our legal system is intentional.

When I started law school, I viewed the law as a tool to create social change. Three years later, my perspective on the law has shifted: I still believe the law can be a tool for social change, but it needs to be wielded in creative and sometimes disruptive ways. The adversarial common law system is not the only way forward.

Long-term, I want to find a way to combine my passion for advocacy with my love for community and kinship. Becoming a lawyer is a great privilege – and I am hopeful that I can use that privilege to make positive change in the lives of as many people as possible.

Tomas Jirousek (JD 2023)

University of Toronto Student Leadership Award Senior editor, Indigenous Law Journal Co-president, Indigenous Law Students’ Association (ILSA) U of T Varsity Blues Rowing

What’s next? Clerkship, Court of Appeal for Ontario

I was inspired to study law by my grandparents. They weren’t lawyers, but they never stopped helping people. My maternal grandma worked as a nurse at the Indian Hospital in our community, the Kainai First Nation.

My paternal grandfather was a school principal at a remote First Nations community a few hours north of Whitehorse. My paternal grandpa isn’t an Indigenous person, instead coming to Canada with his family from the Czech Republic, but that never stopped him from dedicating his career to supporting Indigenous youth in the Yukon.

While I’m the first person in my family to go to law school, I’m most definitely not the first to dedicate myself towards supporting Indigenous communities. For me, the law is just a platform to advance the same principles of equity and kindness that my grandparents worked towards.

I want to continue using the law to help marginalized communities. Law school has shown me that you can promote equity through an incredible number of avenues. Whether through volunteering at community legal clinics, or working at an Indigenous law firm, I feel being a small part of Indigenous communities’ ultimate success is the best goal I could aspire to.

Nik Khakhar (JD 2023)

Caseworker, Innocence Canada Blog editor, Criminal Law Students' Association (CLSA) Founder and co-organizer of the inaugural U of T Faculty of Law Students’ Research Symposium

What’s next? Articling at Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC)

I am constantly inspired by the amount of interdisciplinary learning that comes with legal studies and practice. In law school, you have the benefit of learning from diverse peers and professors who all come in with different experiences and understandings of justice. In legal practice, interdisciplinary collaborations are not only encouraged but necessary.

You learn so much every day in this profession, and the learning experiences teach you humility, compassion, and open-mindedness – all of which are necessary for good character.

As I get more practical experience at the federal Crown, I hope to synthesize my passion for academia with my enthusiasm in legal practice through seeking opportunities to participate in criminal law policy reform, and hopefully, will someday have the privilege of teaching our next generation of law students as an adjunct professor.

Sabrina Macklai (JD/Master of Information 2023)

Editor-in-Chief (2020-2022), Ultra Vires Co-founder & co-president of the Legal Innovation & Technology Group (LIT)

What’s next? Clerkship, Federal Court of Canada

I chose to study law out of a desire to understand the tension underlying intellectual property (IP) law regimes. In particular, I came to law school hoping to determine if a balance could be struck between protecting creators’ rights and promoting innovation.

My interest in this area stems from my undergraduate and graduate training. I was introduced to IP law while working as a student in an analytical chemistry lab at McMaster University. It was there that I learned why patents were an important asset for inventors. Later, during my master’s at U of T’s Faculty of Information, I studied the history of IP and the way it has been used to hinder access to information. Struck by these conflicting views, I entered law school eager to find answers.

This August, I will be heading to Ottawa to clerk for Justice Russel W. Zinn at the Federal Court of Canada. I am excited to get a behind-the-scenes look at how judges make decisions and hopefully participate in some exciting patent trials!

Long-term, I wish to practise intellectual property law and hope to eventually contribute to the scholarship in this area.

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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.

Suggested: 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.

Suggested: 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

Suggested: 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.

Suggested: 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:

Suggested: 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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School of Graduate Studies

Graduate programs.

February 2024

ATTENTION: You may have heard of new measures in place for International students admitted to postsecondary institutions in Canada and applying for study permits. These new measures do not apply to graduate students (Master’s and PhD programs). While all international students must follow the established study permit application processes, the new Attestation Letter required for undergraduate students does not apply to graduate students in degree-granting programs.

As of February 15, 2024, graduates of master’s degree programs will be eligible to apply for a 3-year post-graduation work permit. Open work permits will also remain available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs. We will provide additional information about this change as it becomes available.

For more information see Apply for Your Study Permit – Centre for International Experience .

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The training and experience you’ll acquire at the master’s or doctoral level at the University of Toronto will give you tools to drive change and excel in virtually any industry — whether you go on to teach and do research at a university, take a role in government, start a private enterprise, or embark on a professional career. Our research-driven graduate programs will help guide you through a lifetime of intellectual study, opportunity, and challenge.

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Are you ready to launch a lifelong path of intellectual discovery and professional enrichment? Apply to graduate school at Canada’s #1 research institution.* Visit our Future Students page to find out more.

*According to Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2021 . View our rankings.

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Explore our 400 areas of study within more than 300 graduate program below.

Questions? Explore the 2023-24 SGS Calendar to access comprehensive information about graduate programs.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact the graduate unit (department, centre, or institute) you’re thinking of applying to. Visit the graduate unit and collaborative specializations directory.

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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

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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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Thesis & Proposal

<—Back to Ph.D. program requirements.

Ph.D. Thesis

Each student will complete a dissertation based on original research conducted by the candidate on a topic in women and gender studies, approved by the Supervisory Committee. The dissertation must constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge of the field, and must be based on research conducted while registered for the Ph.D. Program. It will be submitted and evaluated according to the procedures specified by the School of Graduate Studies.

Ph.D. Proposal

A student’s research formally begins with the submission of a dissertation proposal to the Dissertation Committee. The Dissertation Committee consists of at least three faculty members including a supervisor from the WGSI graduate faculty. The dissertation proposal is normally about 20-30 pages (not including references); it should draw in significant part on the work done for the comprehensive exams. The proposal is expected to: state the issue that the doctoral project seeks to address; situate the research within the relevant literatures and debates; indicate the contribution that the research is anticipated to make; and describe the methods and approaches to be employed in the research.  It should include a bibliography and a tentative timeline for completion of different stages of the dissertation.

The student will submit the proposal to all Dissertation Committee Members who will review the proposal for approval after the student’s satisfactory completion of the written submission and oral exam.

The dissertation proposal will be accepted no later than  August 31 st   of the second year of Ph.D. studies  for students admitted with an M.A. degree; it will be accepted no later than  December 31 st   of the third year of Ph.D. studies  for direct-entry students.

Students whose projects involve the study of human subjects must submit an ethics protocol and have it approved before field work begins.  Ethics approvals should be submitted in time for review by the Research Ethics Boards and in any event no later than the deadline for the submission of the dissertation proposal.  The review process normally takes 6-8 weeks; students should review the following websites to obtain more details on this process:

• http://www.research.utoronto.ca/faculty-and-staff/research-ethics-and-protections/humans-in-research/
• http://www.research.utoronto.ca/forms/protocol-submission-for-supervised-and-sponsored-research/
• Meeting dates of REBs: http://www.research.utoronto.ca/about/boards-and-committees/research-ethics-boards-reb/

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Find out more about our faculty's scholarship, including recent publications , books , and honours , under " Scholarship & Publications ."

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Latest News

• Tuesday, April 9, 2024 Canadian Criminal Law in Ten Cases by Martin L. Friedland
• Thursday, February 29, 2024 Scholar, teacher and colleague: Remembering University Professor Stephen Waddams
• Friday, January 19, 2024 In Memoriam: Professor Emeritus Jacob Ziegel
• Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Asper Centre releases anniversary episode of Charter: A Course
• Friday, December 1, 2023 Year in Review 2023: On the bookshelf
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