The LLM and PhD programs in Law at Queen's are limited to a small number of highly qualified students. Admissions decisions are made by the Faculty of Law and the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Application Requirements

Deadlines

Review and decisions on an application will happen only when all required documents have been received. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis beginning at the end of September.

Final deadlines to have all documents submitted and applications completed:

  • January 15 - LLM; LLM with a Specialization in Political and Legal Thought; and PhD applications
  • November 15 - LLM International Law Programs at Bader College applications

International applicants are advised to apply well in advance because immigration procedures may be lengthy. Visit the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) to see how Queen’s helps international students.

Minimum Admission requirements

  • LLM; LLM with a Specialization in Political and Legal Thought: JD/LLB with a B+ average (or equivalent) normally required.
  • PhD: LLM with an A- average (or equivalent) in prior degrees normally required.

Supervision

Applicants do not contact potential supervisors prior to applying for admission.  Normally, supervisors are assigned when we admit applicants to our Program. Our application form allows applicants to suggest potential supervisors.  If there is someone you are interested in working with, please add that professor’s name to the application form. On the Research Interests webpage https://law.queensu.ca/research/faculty-research-expertise  you can find potential faculty supervisors under the various research areas. Availability of supervisors depends on current supervision numbers and if sabbaticals or leaves occur.

Contents of Application package

A complete application (LLM and PhD programs) consists of the following:

  1. On-line application (currently $120 fee)
     
  2. Two Recommendations (completed online) from professors who taught you at law school.
    PhD applicants: one of your referees should be your LLM supervisor.
    Include the email addresses of your referees on the application form When you submit your application (with payment fee) your referees will automatically receive an email message with the link to your application to complete the reference form. If your referee prefers to submit a hard copy reference, you may print the form from the application portal, send it to your referee and have him/her mail the recommendation form to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. It must be in a sealed, signed envelope.
  3. Transcripts (official transcripts from each university attended may be uploaded to application by applicant).
    Graduates and/or current students of Queen’s University do not need to upload or submit official transcripts. Queen’s transcripts will be printed from the internal system.
    For degrees earned outside of Queen's University, official transcript(s) are to be uploaded to the application site for review purposes. If you receive an offer of admission you will be required to submit two hardcopy official transcripts. The hardcopies should be mailed to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs from the issuing university. Photocopied, scanned, or transcripts printed from a university website are not permitted. Degree and graduation certificates must be included if the transcript does not indicate the type of degree and date granted.
    Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by an English or French translation provided by the institution issuing the transcript.
    Transcripts submitted become the property of Queen’s University and will not be returned. They are subject to verification and are not available for copying.
  4. Curriculum Vitae/Resume (electronic) Email your current CV or resume as a Word or pdf document to Graduate Program Coordinator at lawgrad@queensu.ca. 
  5. Statement of Objectives (electronic)
    There is typically not enough room on the application to include a complete Statement of Objectives, which is typically half to one page in length. Therefore we request applicants to email this document as a Word of pdf document to Graduate Program Coordinator at lawgrad@queensu.ca. Please be sure your name and “Statement of Objectives” appear on the document.
    A statement of your career objectives and reasons for wanting to pursue graduate studies at Queen's University.
  6. Research Proposal (electronic)
    There is typically not enough room on the application to include a complete Research Proposal. Therefore we request applicants to email this document as a Word of pdf document to Graduate Program Coordinator at lawgrad@queensu.ca. Please be sure your name and "Research Proposal" appear on the document.
    We need to ascertain your understanding of the topic and research plans, and our resources in terms of supervisor, classes and library holdings. Maximum length should be 500 words for LLM applicants, and 1000 words for PhD applicants. 
  7. Writing samples (electronic)
    One or two legal writing samples that demonstrate your research and writing abilities. Writing samples should be 5–10 pages in length, be written originally in English and written while you were a student in law school or in a graduate program. PhD candidates: one writing sample should be a chapter of your LLM thesis. Email as a Word or pdf document to Graduate Program Coordinator at lawgrad@queensu.ca.
  8. English-Language Proficiency (paper)
    If English is not your first language, one of the following will be required:
    • Proof of studies lasting at least one full year at an English-language institution and terminating not more than 12 months ago, reviewed and approved by the Director of Admissions, School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
    • TOEFL iBT with minimum scores of: Writing 25, Speaking 25, Reading 25 and Listening 25
    • TOEFL Paper-Based and Computer-Based, with a score of at least 600
    • MELAB, with a score of at least 80
    • IELTS, with an overall band score of at least 7.0 on the academic module
    • If you have received a grade of A- (A minus) or higher in ESLA 140 or ESLA 150 in the Queen’s English for Academic Purposes program, you may not require another test score.

Ready to Apply?

First: Online Application Portal - Complete the application form, submit, and pay the application fee. Ensure you have uploaded official transcripts to the application.

Second: E-mail your Curriculum Vitae/Resume, Statement of Objectives, Research Proposal, and Writing Sample(s) to lawgrad@queensu.ca

Third: If given an Offer of Admission: Official hardcopies of transcripts, degree/graduation certificates (if applicable), English-language proficiency scores (if applicable) should be sent to:
Admissions Assistant 
School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
Queen’s University
Gordon Hall, Room 425
74 Union Street
Kingston, ON  K7L 3N6
Canada