Law, or legal studies, examines legal systems, institutions, and principles. Studying law abroad can broaden your understanding of how different jurisdictions approach legal education and professional qualification. A law degree may be one step toward legal practice, but licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction. In the following sections, we list several strong countries for studying law abroad and explain why each destination may be worth considering.
Top Countries to Study Law
1. United States of America
The United States is home to many of the world’s best law schools. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law & Legal Studies, Harvard University ranks first, and QS reports that more than half of the top 10 institutions are located in the United States.
Harvard Law School provides courses and seminars across many subject areas. Students can also learn through clinics and externships, which combine academic study with practical experience.
Financial aid policies differ by institution and degree. For example, Yale Law School awards need-based aid and offers the Hurst Horizon Scholarship for J.D. students with very significant financial need. Stanford Law School also offers financial aid for J.D. students who would otherwise be unable to pursue a legal education. Applicants should review each school’s current eligibility rules and funding pages before applying.
2. United Kingdom
The UK offers a range of law programs at institutions such as the best UK law schools, including the University of Oxford, University College London, University of Cambridge, Durham University, and more.
Many undergraduate law degrees in the UK take three years, although course formats vary. Oxford’s BA in Jurisprudence has three- and four-year options, University College London’s Law LLB is a three-year course, and most Cambridge Law students complete their degree in three years.
Professional qualification depends on the jurisdiction. For the Solicitors Qualifying Examination route to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, the Solicitors Regulation Authority lists a degree or equivalent qualification or experience, passing SQE1 and SQE2, two years of qualifying work experience, and meeting character and suitability requirements.
3. Australia
Australia is another popular destination for international students. The Australian Government reported 481,851 onshore overseas students enrolled at higher education providers in 2024.
Australia is home to some of the best law schools in the world, including the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales, and the University of Sydney.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law & Legal Studies, the University of Melbourne ranks 11th, the University of New South Wales is tied for 13th, and the University of Sydney ranks 17th.
Students can also look for practical and international opportunities when comparing programs. For example, UNSW Law & Justice lists exchanges, international courses, internships, clinics, and moot courtroom experiences among its experiential learning opportunities.
4. Canada
Canadian requirements vary by school and province. The University of Toronto lists a three-year J.D. program. Osgoode Hall Law School at York University requires applicants to complete at least three years of university study, equivalent to 90 credits, by June of the year of admission.
Law schools such as York University and the University of Toronto offer core and elective courses, experiential learning, and mooting opportunities. Students should review each school’s curriculum rather than assume that every institution offers the same specializations.
After graduation, licensing rules depend on the province. In Ontario, candidates must meet Law Society of Ontario licensing requirements, including examinations, good character, and experiential training. The experiential training requirement may be fulfilled through the Articling Program or the Law Practice Program. An articling term is generally eight to 10 months.
Canadian law schools may also offer international exchanges and other global opportunities. Students should check the current options at each institution.
5. Singapore
Students comparing law universities in Singapore can consider the National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, and the Singapore University of Social Sciences. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Law & Legal Studies, the National University of Singapore ranks sixth and Singapore Management University is tied for 56th. The Singapore University of Social Sciences also offers law degree programs, including an LL.B. and a J.D.
At Singapore Management University, the LL.B. is a four-year honors program. Students are guaranteed at least one global exposure experience, such as an international exchange, overseas internship, study mission, or international competition.
Singaporean universities can also provide international exposure through exchange arrangements and international partnerships. For example, the National University of Singapore Faculty of Law lists partner universities for its Student Exchange Program.
6. Japan
- Notable School/s: University of Tokyo | Kyoto University
- Reasons: Established law faculties, legal research resources, and English-language graduate or study-abroad options at selected institutions
Japan can be a strong destination for students interested in Japanese law and comparative legal study. Students should compare the degree level, curriculum, and language of instruction carefully. Leading options include the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University.
The University of Tokyo offers a Bachelor of Laws as well as graduate routes. Its Faculty of Law library holds more than 800,000 books.
Students researching law universities in Japan may also consider English-language options at selected institutions. Temple University Japan Campus offers courses in American, Japanese, and international law in English. Students can pursue LL.M., certificate, and audit options at the Japan campus. Its J.D. Semester Abroad Program is designed for J.D. candidates enrolled at Temple University or another US law school.
7. China
- Notable School/s: Tsinghua University | Peking University
- Reasons: Highly ranked law schools, English-taught postgraduate programs at selected institutions, and program-specific tuition and scholarship options
Selected Chinese universities offer English-taught postgraduate law programs. For example, Tsinghua University offers English-taught law master’s options in Chinese Law, International Arbitration and Dispute Settlement, and Intellectual Property and Innovation Policy. Peking University offers an English-taught LL.M. in Chinese Law.
Program structures and fees vary. Tsinghua University’s official 2026 tuition list states a full-program fee of RMB 146,000 for the English-taught law master’s programs referenced above. Peking University’s 2026 LL.M. in Chinese Law is a one- to two-year program with tuition of RMB 160,000. Tsinghua University’s general 2026 graduate admissions guidance states that master’s programs typically take two to three years and doctoral programs generally take three to four years. Applicants exploring affordable universities in China should check each program’s official tuition page before applying.
We hope this article on the best countries to study law was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
