China has long been an important destination for higher education, combining major research universities with a rich cultural setting. Students who choose China can study at institutions with strong international profiles while experiencing the country’s history, language, and legal culture.
Law is a well-established field at several Chinese universities. The schools below offer legal education at undergraduate and/or graduate levels, and several provide English-taught options for international students, especially at the LL.M. level. This article takes a closer look at respected law schools in China.
Top Law Schools in China
1. China University of Political Science and Law
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D. | Medium of Instruction: Chinese; selected graduate law programs in English
Established in 1952, the China University of Political Science and Law is widely regarded as one of China’s leading law-focused universities. In addition to law and political science, the university also offers programs in fields such as economics, management, literature, history, philosophy, education, science, and engineering.
CUPL offers legal education across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For international students, current admissions information lists law among undergraduate options and lists master’s and doctoral routes at the graduate level. English-taught graduate options have included programs in comparative law, international law, and Chinese law. Its location in Beijing also gives students proximity to national legal institutions, courts, and major legal employers.
2. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
When discussing the best law universities in China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) stands out for combining research-driven academics with a prime location in Shanghai, one of Asia’s influential legal and commercial hubs. Its KoGuan School of Law is internationally oriented, supported by specialized research centers in areas such as competition law, financial law, intellectual property, human rights, and EU law. It also offers international pathways, including an English-taught LL.M. in Chinese Law and an S.J.D. program for international students.
That international, skills-based approach is exactly what drew Serbian attorney Stefan Pekić to pursue his LL.M. at SJTU as he deepened his focus on international trade law and cross-border cooperation. Describing the classroom culture, he noted the emphasis on “discussion during lectures” and “writing research papers at the end of each semester,” adding that the program was “not based on rote memorization.” In a field where legal reasoning and persuasive writing matter as much as doctrinal knowledge, his experience highlights how SJTU’s law training builds habits that translate directly into international legal work.
Just as important, Pekić’s story shows how accessible SJTU can be for talented international applicants, and how seriously it supports them once they arrive. He noted that his classes were conducted in English, making it realistic to earn a China-based LL.M. without needing Chinese for academic success. SJTU’s broader appeal is a top-tier Chinese law environment with global reach, strong institutional organization, and real pathways for international lawyers who want China expertise without compromising on academic rigor.
3. Southwest University of Political Science and Law
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D. | Medium of Instruction: Chinese; selected postgraduate law programs in English
One of China’s notable institutions for the study of law, Southwest University of Political Science and Law is located in Chongqing in southwest China. The university is among China’s early higher institutions dedicated to political and legal studies and offers multi-level legal education from undergraduate through doctoral study. Language of instruction varies by program, so applicants should check the current admissions page for the exact program they plan to apply for.
In addition to its academic programs, SWUPL offers students a wide range of international exchange opportunities. University materials list partnerships with more than 90 universities in 16 countries and regions, as well as nearly 93 exchange programs. Through these connections with other legal institutions around the world, the university aims to build cultural bridges and give students an international legal education.
4. Peking University
Peking University, another excellent law school in China, traces its university history to 1898 in Beijing. Legal education at Peking University dates back to the early 20th century, with the Law Department founded in 1904 and the Peking University Law School officially inaugurated in 1999. Throughout its history, the university has remained closely connected to major intellectual movements and has educated many noteworthy figures in the field of law.
Presently, Peking University Law School offers legal study through programs such as the Bachelor of Laws, Juris Master, Master of Laws, Doctor of Laws, LL.M. in Chinese Law, and short-term Chinese law programs. Its LL.M. in Chinese Law is taught in English and focuses on Chinese civil and commercial law. The law school also supports research and teaching through more than 30 research institutes and international cooperation with universities and legal institutions abroad.
5. Tsinghua University
In our list of the five best law universities in China, it is crucial to mention Tsinghua University, a leading research university in Beijing. The university was established in 1911 as Tsing Hua Imperial College, while its modern law department was restored in 1995 and the School of Law was rebuilt in 1999. Today, Tsinghua Law School offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral legal education.
In addition to its academic credentials, Tsinghua stands out for its international orientation. Its English-taught LL.M. options include programs in Chinese Law, International Arbitration and Dispute Settlement, and Intellectual Property and Innovation Policy. These programs reflect the university’s broader goal of training students for legal work in both Chinese and international contexts.
We hope that this article on Best Universities for Law in China was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Open Courses for International Students!
