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University of Calgary Faculty of Law (Canada) – In-Depth Guide for International Students

Name: University of Calgary Faculty of Law (Canada) – In-Depth Guide for International Students
Address: Murray Fraser Hall, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada

Alberta, Canada

LLM Abroad, PhD in Law

Popular

University of Calgary – Faculty of Law (Calgary)

1. Introduction

The University of Calgary Faculty of Law is one of Canada’s premier public law schools providing internationally oriented legal education — including Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)degrees. Its programs attract students from Canada, the U.S., and around the world due to strong specialization in areas like natural resources, energy and environmental law, business law, and international law. Located in Calgary, Alberta, the Faculty of Law prepares students for modern legal careers through a blend of academic coursework, experiential learning, and professional development.

2. Historical Background

The Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary was officially established in 1976 after strong advocacy from legal professionals and community members in Calgary. While Calgary’s first law faculty trace back to 1913, the current institution has grown into a respected legal education hub with a rigorous curriculum and vibrant research environment.

3. Law Programs & English Language Requirements

Below is a comprehensive table of all law-related programs available at UCalgary Law with respective English language proficiency requirements:

Program	Study Duration	Specializations / Notes	English Language Requirements
JD (Juris Doctor)	3 years (6 yrs part-time)	Core common law professional degree	English proficiency per UCalgary Registrar (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS where required)
LLM – Course-based	1–1.5 years	Includes major research paper, specialization in NREEL	TOEFL iBT 97+, IELTS 7.0+, PTE 68+, CAEL 70+
LLM – Thesis-based	1–2 years	Research focus, choose thesis topic	Same as above
PhD in Law	4 years	Thesis-based research program	English: TOEFL 97+/IELTS 7.0+/PTE 68+
Foreign-Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP)	1 year	For internationally trained lawyers	IELTS 7.0 or equivalent for ELP

Exact TOEFL/IELTS cutoffs for JD may vary by applicant background; UCalgary considers former English instruction and test scores.

4. Key Highlights of Top Law Courses

Juris Doctor (JD)

Core professional degree approved by common law societies.
3-year full-time or 6-year part-time options available.
Focus on legal foundation, advocacy, and international requirements.

Master of Laws (LLM)

Course-based: Designed for professional depth and research; major paper required.
Thesis-based: Academic research leading toward doctoral-level skills.
Strong emphasis on Natural Resources, Energy & Environmental Law (NREEL).

PhD in Law

Advanced research degree intended for academic, policy, or leadership careers.
Thesis project supervised by faculty research leaders.

Foreign-Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP)

Certificate for internationally trained lawyers to satisfy NCA requirements.
Combines Canadian legal foundations with practical law school training.

5. Entrance Exam Requirement

Program	Required Entrance Exam
JD	LSAT (strongly recommended; highest score on LSAC report used)
LLM (Course/Thesis)	No LSAT (academic evaluation & research proposal)
PhD in Law	No LSAT (research-focused evaluation)
FTLP	No LSAT (NCA assessment + English proficiency)

6. Top 5 Reasons to Choose University of Calgary Faculty of Law

Strong Specialization in Energy & Environmental Law — One of Canada’s top programs in this area.
Internationally Recognized Curriculum — Prepares students for global legal challenges.
Faculty Expertise & Research Opportunities — Faculty with deep academic and professional credentials.
Graduate & Certificate Options — Flexible pathways for career advancement and research.
City of Calgary Advantage — Strategic geographic location in a dynamic legal and business environment.

7. Grade & Ranking of University of Calgary Faculty of Law

While specific global rankings vary by publication, UCalgary Law is consistently ranked among the top Canadian law schools with high admission standards, competitive acceptance rates, and strong outcomes. It is recognized for innovation in legal education and research.

8. Documents Required for Admission

Program	Academic Documents	Supplementary Documents
JD	Transcripts, LSAT score, Bachelor’s education proof	Personal statement, application fee payment, English proficiency docs
LLM	Law degree transcript, GPA evidence	Research proposal, CV, English test scores
PhD	LLM transcript, GPA, law degree	Research proposal, supervisor identification, English test scores
FTLP	Law degree, NCA assessment report	Personal statement, resume, English test score

9. How to apply for Admission

Program	Application Process
JD	Apply online via UCalgary eID portal : upload documents & LSAT by deadlines.
LLM	Apply through Graduate Studies portal with CV, proposal, and references.
PhD	Apply via Graduate Studies portal with thesis plan and supervisor.
FTLP	Submit FTLP application online with NCA report & statements.

10. Contact Details – University of Calgary Faculty of Law

Department	Phone	Email
General Law Faculty	403-220-7115	law@ucalgary.ca
JD Admissions	–	alison.lee@ucalgary.ca
Graduate Program Admin	–	msalamat@ucalgary.ca
Dean’s Office	403-220-5447	lawdean@ucalgary.ca