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Osgoode Hall Law School – York University – An In-Depth Guide

Name: Osgoode Hall Law School – York University – An In-Depth Guide
Address: Ignat Kaneff Building 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada

Canada, Ontario

LLM Abroad, PhD in Law

Popular

Osgoode Hall Law School, the law faculty of York University

Osgoode Hall Law School, the law faculty of York University 9

1. Introduction

Osgoode Hall Law School, the law faculty of York University in Toronto, Canada, is one of the nation’s oldest, most respected, and competitive institutions for legal education. Founded in 1889, Osgoode is globally recognized for its rigorous Juris Doctor (JD) program and advanced postgraduate degrees (LLM, PhD), attracting students from around the world including India. With a rich legacy of producing leaders in law, policy, and justice, Osgoode blends academic excellence, practical skills, and professional networking opportunities in a dynamic, multicultural city.

2. Historical Background

Osgoode Hall Law School began as part of Canada’s first formal legal education initiative in the late 19th century, and was later integrated into York University in 1969. Its legacy stretches back to the early Legal & Literary Society (1876), which helped sustain legal learning before a formal law school existed. Over time, Osgoode evolved into one of Canada’s most influential legal institutions, noted for its scholarship, clinical law opportunities, and contributions to legal reform and justice.

3. Law Programs & English Language Requirements

Below is a verified table of Osgoode Hall Law School’s degree programs available to international students and required English proficiency tests & scores:

Program / Degree	Level	Duration	English Language Tests & Minimum Scores (if required)
Juris Doctor (JD)	Undergraduate Entry Professional Law	3 years	TOEFL iBT: 100; IELTS Academic: 7.5
Master of Laws (LLM) – Research	Graduate	1–2 years	TOEFL iBT: 100; IELTS: 7.5
PhD in Law	Doctoral Research	3–4 years	TOEFL iBT: 100; IELTS: 7.5
Professional LLM (various specializations)	Graduate Professional	~2 years	TOEFL iBT: ≥102; IELTS Academic: ≥7.5

Very Important Notes:

Osgoode does not offer a 5-year integrated B.A.LL.B/B.Com.LL.B. The JD is a postgraduate entry law degree.
Professional LLM specializations can vary (e.g., Business Law, Securities Law).

4. Key Highlights of Top Law Courses of Osgoode Hall Law School

Juris Doctor (JD)

Flagship professional law degree in Common Law.
Strong clinical and practical learning with legal clinics, externships, and community engagement.
Offers flexible schedules and combined degree options with other faculties.

Master of Laws (LLM)

Available as Research LLM or Professional LLM with specialized areas.
Designed for law graduates aiming to build advanced expertise.
Professional LLM includes multiple specializations such as Business Law, Tax, and Intellectual Property.

PhD in Law

Research-intensive doctoral program for academic and scholarly careers.
Requires a thesis and advanced seminars.

5. Entrance Exam for Osgoode Hall Law School

Program	Entrance Test
JD	LSAT (Law School Admission Test) – required; scores from up to past 5 years accepted.
LLM / PhD	No LSAT required, but academic degree prerequisites apply.

6. Top 5 Reasons to Choose Osgoode

Prestigious Legacy & Strong Reputation: One of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished law schools with a global reputation.
Comprehensive Legal Programs: From JD to LLM and PhD with multiple specialization options.
International Outlook: Attracts a diverse student body and offers global legal learning experiences.
Experiential Learning Opportunities: Strong focus on practical skills through clinics, internships, and community engagement.
Location Advantage: Situated in Toronto – Canada’s legal and business hub – with networking and career prospects.

7. Grade & Rankings (Verified Table)

Ranking Source	Rank / Position
Times Higher Education – Top Law Schools Canada	4th in Canada
QS Subject Rankings – Law & Legal Studies	#151–200 (Global)
THE World University Rankings (Law)	~#43
Macleans Canadian Law School Historical Rankings	Previously top law school

8. Documents Required for Admission

Document Type	Required For
Academic Transcripts	JD, LLM, PhD
LSAT Score Report	JD only
CV / Resume	Graduate Law
Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose	JD & Graduate
Letters of Recommendation	Graduate
Writing Sample (if requested)	LLM / PhD
English Language Test Scores	If applicable

9. How to Apply for Admission

Application Step	JD	Graduate (LLM / PhD)
Application Portal	OLSAS (Ontario Law School Application Service)	York University Graduate Admissions Portal
Submit Academic Records	✔	✔
Submit LSAT	✔	✘
English Scores	If applicable	If applicable
Submit Personal Statement	✔	✔
Submit Letters of Recommendation	Optional but recommended	✔