A degree in international law can open many career opportunities. This academic field covers a wide range of legal issues, including public international law, human rights, trade, dispute resolution, and comparative law. It is a distinct discipline, and studying international law can broaden your employment options, knowledge, and skills.
If you’re pursuing international law, studying abroad can help you maximize your education. International law concerns legal rules, institutions, and disputes that cross national borders, so studying it in another country can help you build your skill set, competencies, and global perspective. Getting a degree abroad can also strengthen your resume.
Globally speaking, there are many law schools to choose from. If you want to study international law abroad, you should pick a country with strong law schools, internationally focused programs, and opportunities to learn from global legal systems. In this article, let’s talk about a few of the best countries to study international law!
Top Countries to Study International Law
1. United States of America
Of course, first on our list is the United States of America. Several American law schools consistently perform strongly in global law rankings, and the United States remains one of the most popular destinations for students who want to study law in a global setting. American universities also offer a broad range of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. As an international student, you can gain exposure to different legal traditions, legal research methods, clinics, and international law courses.
Law schools in the United States are well respected globally, which is one reason the country is one of the best places to study international law. Many U.S. law schools are also highly selective, so applicants should prepare carefully and review each school’s admission requirements. After entering an American law school, you can build a strong foundation in legal analysis, international legal issues, and professional skills.
International law is offered in various American educational institutions. For example, Harvard University has International Legal Studies, which offers many courses and reading groups in international, foreign, and comparative law. New York University offers an LLM in International Legal Studies, and Yale University offers a wide range of international law courses, centers, workshops, and experiential opportunities.
2. United Kingdom
Interestingly, the United Kingdom has three separate legal systems: one for England and Wales, one for Scotland, and one for Northern Ireland. Because the UK’s legal traditions have a long history, law students can gain a deep foundation in legal reasoning, common law, and comparative legal study.
Another reason to study in the United Kingdom is that its universities offer strong legal education and research opportunities. British higher education has a long record of producing influential research, training, and teaching, and many UK law schools are internationally recognized.
Additionally, when you study in the United Kingdom, you can explore a wide range of career paths, especially if you’re taking a degree related to international law. Universities like Middlesex University London and the University of Oxford offer international law-focused study options, including international law, human rights law, and public international law. Aside from these universities, many other British universities offer international law-related programs and courses.
3. Australia
Australia is another top country to consider if you want to study international law. This country offers a welcoming environment for international students and has a diverse student community. As a foreign student, you can experience a multicultural society while taking your law program.
Australia is home to top-performing universities with strong reputations in research and teaching. Australian law schools have a good standing globally, and several universities offer programs and specializations connected to international law, diplomacy, public law, human rights, and dispute resolution.
International law programs are offered in various Australian law schools. The law school at the Australian National University offers the Master of International Law and Diplomacy and an LLM with an International Law specialization. The University of Sydney offers a Master of International Law and a Graduate Diploma in International Law, making it another strong option for students interested in this field.
4. Sweden
- Best School/s: Lund University | Uppsala University
- Reasons: Research-focused education, English-taught master’s programs, and strong international law and human rights options
Going to Northern Europe, Swedish educational institutions offer international law-related programs, especially at the master’s level. Sweden is recognized for its research-focused higher education system and for encouraging students to think critically and independently.
The Swedish higher education system often emphasizes active learning, independent thinking, seminars, group discussions, and research-based study. For law students, this kind of education can help them dig deeper into international legal issues and build a strong foundation in their chosen profession.
One of the well-known law schools in Sweden is Lund University, which was founded in 1666. Lund offers an LLM in International Human Rights Law, a two-year, 120-credit master’s program. Uppsala University also offers law master’s programs, including international and European law-related study options and a Master’s Programme in Investment Treaty Arbitration. Beyond these two universities, students can find other Swedish law schools with international law-related courses and research opportunities.
5. Singapore
If you’re eyeing the Asian continent, you can consider Singapore, as it is one of the best places to study international law. This Southeast Asian country has a growing international student body for many reasons. Regarding the quality of education, Singapore is highly regarded for its strong academic standards and globally connected universities.
Secondly, Singaporean universities use the English language as a medium of instruction, so language may be less of a barrier for many international students. You can expect to build your skills and competencies in Singaporean law schools because they place a high value on rigorous legal education. You’ll receive training that can help you establish your profession as a lawyer or legal professional.
Institutions such as the National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University offer law programs with international, comparative, cross-border, commercial, arbitration, and dispute resolution components. NUS Law is especially strong in regional and global rankings, while SMU offers postgraduate law programs such as the Master of Laws in Cross-Border Business and Finance Law in Asia.
FAQs: Studying International Law Abroad
Which Course is Closer to Law?
If you are undecided about whether to pursue law, you might want to explore other courses that are close to law, such as political science, international relations, public administration, conflict resolution, criminal justice, or public policy. Like law, these fields can help you understand policies, rights, institutions, governance, unfairness, and injustices. Fortunately, you can apply for accredited and high-quality law courses directly from our page and start your law career on a strong note.
Hopefully, this guide to the best countries to study international law was informative and helpful for you. If you are interested in learning more, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
