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Requirements of English-Language Canadian Law Schools
Law School
Academic Requirements
Writing Component
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Law School
Academic Requirements
Writing Component
Admissions Criteria
Applications
Class Size
Total One Year Canadian Resident Tuition
Law School
Academic Requirements
Writing Component
Admissions Criteria
Applications
Class Size
Total One Year Canadian Resident Tuition
University of Alberta
Applicants must complete at least three years (90 credits) of undergraduate study toward a degree or already hold an undergraduate degree before starting law school. Credits must be from the University of Alberta or another recognized institution. Direct entry from high school is not available. While the standard minimum is three years, UAlberta may consider "two-year applicants" in exceptional cases. These applicants must have completed 60 credits and display outstanding academic performance (minimum ~3.7 GPA) and an LSAT score in the 90th percentile. Admission for two-year applicants is conditional on completing current courses successfully.
All JD applicants must submit a personal statement as part of the application. The statement has a maximum length of 1,000 words (approximately 2-3 pages). The faculty specifies that it should be a PDF document. The statement should give the committee a sense of the person behind the numbers and how they would enrich the law school. This is a critical part of your application; ensure you follow the guidelines provided by UAlberta Law when writing it.
1,275
185
$19,792.00
University of Calgary
UCalgary Law requires at least 60 credit units of undergraduate study for eligibility, though most admitted students have a four-year bachelor's or higher degree. Studies must be from accredited institutions, without specific "pre-law" course prerequisites, welcoming diverse disciplines. Credits should be from full-time study, with diploma courses counting only if later credited towards a degree. UCalgary reviews international grades qualitatively, and there are no special categories for mature or discretionary applicants, except for Indigenous and Black applicants.
UCalgary Law's "Statement of Purpose and Perspective" requires applicants to write three short essays (up to 300 words each) from a list of nine topics. These topics include:
The essays, totaling up to 900 words, are submitted via the online application and are critical for demonstrating authenticity and insight into your purpose and perspective in the holistic review process. You can find the full guidelines
. 1400+
130
$17,875
University of British Columbia
You must complete an undergraduate degree or at least three years (90 credits) of an approved degree program. While almost all admitted JD students at UBC have a four-year bachelor's degree, a few are admitted after just three years. Third-year students can apply, but their admission will be conditional on completing their third year by the end of the spring term and maintaining their prior academic average. Essentially, you need at least 90 credits by the spring of the year you wish to enter, although most admitted students exceed this minimum.
Personal Statement:
Each response should be clearly numbered and submitted through the online application form.
.1,500+
200
$13,953.92 (1st year)
$13,081.80 (2nd & 3rd year)
University of Victoria
You need at least three years of undergraduate study (90 credits or 45 UVic units). Though a completed bachelor's degree isn't mandatory, most admitted students have one. If you haven't finished a degree, you must demonstrate a logical progression through coursework. UVic accepts all undergraduate disciplines without specific prerequisites. Studies should be from a recognized institution, with college credits counting equally as university credits. While part-time study receives consideration, full-time study with a full course load (4-5 courses per semester) is favored as it better prepares students for the demanding 1L curriculum, equivalent to seven courses.
All applicants must submit a Personal Statement in two parts:
Optional Pronouns: UVic invites applicants to optionally share their personal pronouns in Part B. This is not evaluated for admission; it’s simply to help the faculty address you correctly if you join the program. Choosing not to share pronouns has no bearing on your application’s assessment.
1,357
roughly 125
$12,264
University of Manitoba
Applicants must complete at least 60 credit hours of university-level courses, equivalent to two years of undergraduate study. These courses must be graded and from a recognized institution. While a bachelor's degree is not mandatory, most admitted students have completed more than two years of study.
For applicants aged 26 or older under the Individual Consideration or Indigenous categories, a minimum of 30 credit hours will suffice.
English language proficiency is necessary for applicants whose first language isn't English, though most domestic applicants meet this requirement through prior education.
If you are a regular applicant, you do not need a personal statement—your numbers will speak for themselves.
Suppose you are applying under a special access category. In that case, the personal statement is a required 1500-word max essay that can greatly affect your admission since it helps the committee understand your background and any challenges or contributions that numbers alone don’t reflect. There are no specific prompt questions or required topics; however, UManitoba advises applicants to keep the objectives of the category in mind when writing. For example, Indigenous-category applicants are asked to describe their connection to their Indigenous community in their statement.
600-800
106
$14,500–$15,500
University of Ottawa
You need to have completed at least three years of university (that's 90 credit hours) at a recognized school. You don't have to finish a degree, but it's a good idea to do so before starting law school. You can come from any field of study; there's no need for specific courses or a pre-law program. If you're applying as a Mature student, you might not need these credits if you have a lot of work experience.
Your personal statement is key for your Ottawa Law application. It's like a written interview that shows who you are beyond grades and scores. Here’s what to keep in mind:
This is your opportunity to tell your story and explain why you're a great candidate for their law program. You can check out UOttawa's tips on writing a Personal Statement
.Uottawa considers everything about you, not just grades and test scores. They consider your GPA, LSAT score, personal statement, reference letters, and experiences and background. There are no strict minimums for GPA or LSAT; if you're weaker in one area, being stronger in another can help.
3,033
390
roughly $17,500
University of New Brunswick
Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from a recognized Canadian university. However, in exceptional cases, the university may consider candidates in their final year of a four-year degree or those with three years (90 credits) of full-time study, provided they have a particularly strong overall application.
For Discretionary and Indigenous applicants, UNB may admit individuals without a standard academic background if they demonstrate significant life achievements or qualities indicating their capability to succeed in legal studies, reflecting UNB’s commitment to accessible legal education.
All applicants to UNB Law must submit a personal statement, regardless of application category (Regular, Discretionary, Indigenous). The statement should explain your motivations for pursuing law, highlight your personal strengths and experiences, and discuss any relevant background or achievements.
For those applying under Discretionary or Indigenous categories, the statement should connect personal stories to category-specific criteria, such as experiences related to diversity or community heritage.
While there is no strict word or page limit, most personal statements are 1-2 pages long. They should be clearly labeled and uploaded through the online application or emailed to lawadmit@unb.ca.
800
92
$16,481
Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law
You need at least two years (60 credit hours) of undergraduate study at a recognized university. Most admitted students have completed a four-year degree. Exceptional candidates may be considered after 2–3 years if their academic performance is outstanding, with only special cases admitted after two years. All studies must be from accredited institutions, and international students might need credential evaluations. There are no specific majors or prerequisite courses required; Dalhousie accepts students from all academic disciplines, focusing on full-time study in a degree-bearing program. While the norm is having a completed bachelor's degree, the Work/Life Experience category might consider non-traditional academic backgrounds.
(a) Content Guidance: Dalhousie’s application form includes some targeted questions (for example, about academic performance anomalies or category-based considerations), and applicants are advised not to simply repeat that information in the personal statement. Use the personal statement to provide a deeper narrative about your personal qualities, experiences, and goals, rather than rehashing basic facts available elsewhere in the application. Essentially, the statement is your chance to tell your story and “offer the admissions committee a comprehensive view” of who you are as a prospective law student.
(b) Format: The admissions office recommends using a clear, sans-serif font (e.g. Arial or Verdana) that is accessible for readers (a nod to readability, including for those with dyslexia). There are no specific spacing or margin requirements mentioned, but it should be a polished, well-structured essay. The personal statement (and résumé) must be uploaded through the online application portal; you cannot submit the application without attaching these documents. (If you submit a placeholder or incomplete document just to get the application in, your file will not be assessed until the real personal statement is provided, so make sure it’s final when you apply.
(a) Part-Time Applicants: If you are applying to the part-time JD program, you must include a brief statement explaining why you wish to study part-time in law school.
(b) Special Categories: Applicants to the Indigenous Black & Mi’kmaq (IB&M) Initiative or other special categories may be encouraged to provide further context about their background or community connection, but this is usually incorporated into the personal statement or a prompted question rather than a formal separate essay.
(c) Scholarship Applications: While not exactly part of the admission application, note that Dalhousie has a separate Entrance Scholarship application (due by Jan 15) for certain competitive scholarships. If you choose to apply for those, you might have to write short answers or essays for scholarship consideration. However, all JD applicants are automatically considered for most scholarships that don’t require a separate application
Admissions are decided through a holistic review of each file. The Admissions Committee considers all aspects of the application, including: academic record (GPA), LSAT score, personal statement, résumé, letters of reference, and non-academic experience. There are no strict cut-offs for LSAT or GPA; an applicant’s strengths in one area can offset weaknesses in another. Dalhousie explicitly balances academic indicators with personal qualities. For the academic portion, as noted, the committee weights GPA (60%) and LSAT (40%) in its assessment formula, but qualitative factors are also very important.
roughly 1,200
170
$22,522.62
Queen's University
Applicants must complete at least three years (90 credits) of full-time undergraduate study by enrollment, typically toward a bachelor's degree. While most admitted students have a four-year degree, Queen's will consider exceptional candidates with three full-time years in an acceptable program. No specific undergraduate program or prerequisite courses are required; students from any field may apply, with importance placed on academic performance and program rigor. The undergraduate institution must be recognized to prepare students for advanced study. If educated outside North America, a WES evaluation may be needed, except for exchange courses listed on your home transcript.
Personal Statement: A personal statement is required from all applicants. It is submitted through the OLSAS application (as a text field or attachment) and must be authored entirely by the applicant. Queen’s allows you up to 6,000 characters (including spaces) for the personal statement. The content should highlight your academic, personal, professional, and extracurricular accomplishments and also convey why you are interested in studying law at Queen’s.
Access Category Statement: If you apply in the Access Category (for applicants who have faced barriers or come from disadvantaged backgrounds), there is an additional required essay. OLSAS will prompt you to provide a brief Access Statement (maximum 1,500 characters) explaining the basis of your access claim. You should describe the challenges or unique circumstances that affected your academic trajectory (such as disability, financial hardship, personal adversity, etc.) and how those experiences equip you to contribute to diversity in law school. You should also upload any supporting documentation for these circumstances (e.g., medical letters, etc.) via the application system.
Note: The Indigenous and Black applicant categories have their own additional requirements (Indigenous applicants, for example, should provide a letter of support from their community and proof of Indigenous status), but they do not require a separate personal essay beyond the main Personal Statement (only Access has the extra 1,500-char statement).
Queen’s Law uses a holistic admissions process, looking beyond just numbers. Academic factors (UGPA and LSAT) are very important, but the committee also weighs non-academic factors such as work experience, leadership, community involvement, extracurricular activities, achievements, and personal background. Every applicant is assessed on how they would contribute to the law school community, not just on a GPA/LSAT grid.
2,645
216
$21,094.10
Western Law
You need at least three years of full-time undergraduate study (or equivalent) from a recognized university, though most admitted students have a four-year degree. No specific major or courses are required, but strong research and writing skills are recommended. The admissions committee prefers a full course load and rigorous studies but will consider equivalent part-time studies or special circumstances. Degrees from outside Canada/US may need a WES evaluation. There is no strict GPA or LSAT cutoff, but a mid-70s% GPA and an LSAT above the 50th percentile are generally expected, with a competitive 3.7 GPA and 80th percentile LSAT.
(a) Mature applicants (age 30+ with at least 5 years non-academic experience) and Canadian Forces applicants have category-specific considerations as well. Mature applicants, for instance, may submit a résumé via OLSAS SAM to detail their work experience if it’s not fully captured in the autobiographical sketch. Western allows mature applicants to use two non-academic references if an academic reference is not feasible.
(b) Black applicants: Western does not have a separate formal category solely for Black students, but it recognizes the underrepresentation of Black Canadians in law. Applicants who self-identify as Black and wish to highlight any disadvantages or unique perspectives stemming from that identity can do so, typically within the Access category or Optional Essay as appropriate.
Western Law uses a holistic review process for admissions, looking beyond just numbers. According to the official policy, roughly one-third of the evaluation is based on LSAT performance, one-third on academic performance (GPA), and one-third on your personal profile and experiences. Here’s how each component factors in:
2,553
188
$21,840 (Ontario Residents)
$23,900 (Domestic Out of Province)
University of Toronto
You need at least three years of full-time undergraduate study in a degree program at a recognized university by the end of May of the entry year. A bachelor’s degree isn't mandatory, but competitive applicants often have one. All academic backgrounds are accepted, with no specific prerequisites required; the focus is on the breadth and success of your academic experience. If you studied part-time, your coursework should be equivalent to three full-time academic years. All attended institutions must be recognized and accredited.
The Personal Statement and the Optional Essay are entered via the OLSAS online application text box (no special formatting).
The U of T Faculty of Law considers three main factors in each application: (1) academic record (undergraduate GPA and transcript), (2) LSAT results, and (3) personal essays (written statements). No single factor guarantees admission; all components are reviewed together to assess each candidate’s potential. The committee explicitly uses a “whole-person” approach, meaning qualitative factors can offset or contextualize numerical metrics.
2,351
212
Ontario Resident:
Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
Applicants must complete at least three years (90 credit units) of undergraduate study by the end of May/June in the admission year, usually equating to work toward a bachelor's degree at a recognized university. While most admitted students have a four-year degree, the formal requirement is three years. Applicants with less than three years can apply under a special consideration route if they are at least 26 years old and have a minimum of five years of non-academic experience, such as work or military service.
Personal Statement:
Osgoode’s personal statement has a unique two-part format. Part A is mandatory and is further split into two sections (each up to 2,000 characters).
In these Part A sections, applicants are prompted to discuss:
Part B (Optional Personal Statement Section): Part B is optional – an applicant may choose to write this section (up to 2,500 characters long) if they have additional information to share. Part B is intended for discussing any of the following, if applicable:
Osgoode Hall employs a holistic admissions process, meaning there is no formula or fixed weighting that determines admission. Instead, all components of an application are reviewed in context. The Admissions Committee looks at a combination of academic and personal factors, seeking well-rounded candidates. Key criteria include:
3,125
315
$26,056.16 (Domestic)
$27,296.26
(Out of Province)
University of Windsor
Applicants are expected to have completed significant undergraduate study prior to admission. While a minimum of three years of full-time undergraduate study (or equivalent) is preferred, most admitted students typically hold a four-year bachelor's degree by the time they commence the JD program.
The Personal Statement is a critical component of the Windsor Law application process. It consists of responses to four required questions and one optional question, all of which you complete in the School Submissions section of your OLSAS application.
The Admissions Committee reviews these responses to assess various aspects of your candidacy:
Applicants should use the Personal Statement to present significant experiences and accomplishments, detailing how they align with the admission criteria. Highlighting experiences that demonstrate self-discipline, commitment to excellence, community involvement, and service to others is crucial, as is indicating any membership in disadvantaged groups.
Windsor Law adopts a holistic admission process, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups to promote equity and diversity. They evaluate candidates based on various criteria:
2,238
187
Without Residence:
$11,383.41 (Ontario Resident)
$11,400.96 (Non-Ontario Resident)
With Residence and Meal (Optional):
$14,000-$19,500+ (All domestic)
Lakehead University Bora Laskin Faculty of Law
Applicants must complete at least three years of full-time undergraduate study at a recognized university. Preference is given to those with a four-year degree. You can apply in your third year if you'll have three years completed before starting law school. A B+ average or better is competitive. All transcripts from postsecondary institutions attended are required. No specific major or courses are necessary, but a broad academic background is beneficial. Mature applicants can apply with extensive work experience instead of three years of study but must demonstrate potential through their experience.
Personal Statement: All applicants must submit a personal statement via OLSAS specific to Lakehead's requirements, which you can find
. This statement should discuss how your goals or experiences relate to Lakehead's three mandate areas: Aboriginal and Indigenous Law, Environmental and Natural Resource Law, and Sole/small town practice. It’s an opportunity to highlight your strengths, achievements, interest in law, and any relevant background factors that set you apart as an applicant.Additional Written Components: Besides the personal statement, the OLSAS Autobiographical Sketch is a required component, although it is more list-based. No separate “why Lakehead” essay is required.
The Bora Laskin Faculty of Law emphasizes a holistic admissions process. No single factor has a fixed weight, and there are no automatic cut-offs for GPA or LSAT. Instead, the Admissions Committee reviews the entire application file, considering academic performance, LSAT, personal statement, references, work/volunteer experience, and any special factors together to get a complete picture of the applicant. They seek academically strong and well-rounded candidates who fit the school’s mandate and values.
678
65
$21,766.96
McGill University
All applicants must have completed at least 60 credits of university-level studies or hold a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS) from a Quebec CEGEP (college). In practice, this means at least two years of post-secondary education are required (Students who completed a French Baccalaureate in Quebec are also eligible.)
Applicants cannot apply directly from high school or from an international IB program without additional post-secondary credits.
In fact, almost all admitted students have finished an undergraduate degree; those with only 60 credits (without a full degree) are technically eligible but very rarely admitted.
Personal Statement:
Evaluation Criteria
Formatting and Submission Guidelines
You can read more information below:
McGill’s BCL/JD (JD) program requires a strong academic foundation (with most entrants having an undergrad degree and A-level grades), bilingual proficiency in English and French, and no mandatory LSAT (though a good LSAT score can help if submitted). The process is holistic and competitive, with no rigid cutoffs—the committee looks at the overall background, including achievements, experiences, and qualities that align with McGill’s mission. See the .
1,132
180
$5,654.67(Quebec resident)
$15,047.37 (Non-Quebec Canadians admitted Fall 2024 (rate A))
$11,948.97 (Non-Quebec Canadians admitted prior to Fall 2024 (rate B))
University of Saskatchewan
You need a post-secondary academic background with at least two full years (60 credit units) of study at a recognized university or equivalent. There are no specific recommended pre-law programs or prerequisite classes, so students from all accredited undergraduate disciplines are welcome. While you can apply after completing two years, most admitted students have completed a four-year undergraduate degree. If you're applying with the minimum 60 credits, your application will typically be considered after your first-term grades of the second year are available, with a final transcript showing all 60 credits required by June 1. You must be in good academic standing, and having a strong GPA can boost your competitiveness since admissions are merit-based.
All applicants to USask Law must submit a personal statement, which is limited to 500 words. This is your chance to share more about yourself beyond grades and LSAT scores. In your statement, you should include:
Content Suggestions:
If you're in the Discretionary category, you also need to write an additional 500-word statement about your educational disadvantage or circumstances, but everyone must submit the standard personal statement.
The Admissions Committee evaluates applications holistically, with a primary focus on academic performance and LSAT scores. Your best two-year undergraduate GPA and your highest LSAT score are the most important factors in assessing academic potential. Although there's no specific formula published, historically competitive applicants typically have around a 3.7+ GPA and a 159 LSAT.
900-1250
126
$21,227 (with books)
$18,727 (Tuition and Fees only)
Lincoln Alexander School of Law (previously operating as Ryerson University)
Applicants are generally required to have completed at least three years of post-secondary study (approximately 30 one-semester courses) towards a degree at a recognized university. While a complete four-year bachelor's degree is not mandatory, most successful applicants have graduated before beginning law school. Applicants with at least three years of completed undergraduate coursework are considered eligible, and an in-progress degree is acceptable at the time of application.
Lincoln accepts applicants from various academic backgrounds, with no specific field of study required. However, completing a bachelor's degree is common and advantageous.
For applicants with less than three years of university study, there is an "Access" category. These candidates must be at least 26 years old by the entry time and have at least five years of significant non-academic experience, such as full-time work or military service. These mature applicants must demonstrate the ability to succeed in law school, even if the traditional educational requirement is waived.
For those with international or non-standard educational backgrounds, transcripts must be assessed by World Education Services (WES) and submitted through OLSAS to ensure academic credentials are properly evaluated.
Applicants must submit a two-part Personal Statement and complete an online video interview, which showcases their motivations and personal qualities beyond academic metrics.
.Lincoln Alexander School of Law employs a holistic review process for admissions, focusing on a comprehensive range of criteria beyond just GPA and LSAT scores, with no specified cut-offs. Key factors include:
2,328
150
$22,322.78 (Ontario Resident)
$26,394.52 (Non-Ontario Resident)
Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law
Applicants must have at least three years of undergraduate study, totaling 90 credit hours, with 30 credits at the upper-year level. While a completed degree is not mandatory, most successful candidates have obtained one or are in their final year. TRU considers those in their third year conditionally, provided they finish by June 30 and maintain grades.
800+
124
$23,060.44
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