Home ▻ Colleges & Schools▻College of Business, Public Policy and Law▻School of Law▻International Study▻Canada

Canada

Welcome to University of Galway School of Law

The Claddagh sunset

Photo by Professor Chaosheng Zhang

Discover the perfect destination to begin or advance your legal education. University of Galway, located in the vibrant cultural heart of Ireland, offers world-class academic programmes, a strong focus on practical experience, and an inclusive, supportive community.Canada

Whether you’re an aspiring undergraduate or an accomplished professional seeking postgraduate opportunities, our School of Law, which has taught law since 1849, provides pathways tailored to your ambitions. With access to expert faculty, global networks, and unique work placement and research opportunities, you’ll graduate ready to excel in the legal profession or beyond. We are home to the Centre for Disability Law & Policy and the world-renowned Irish Centre for Human Rights. We have also been named 'Law School of the Year' at the Dye and Durham Irish Law Awards 2024.

Explore our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, meet fellow Canadian students thriving in Galway, and take the next step toward your future in law.

You can check out the 'Global Galway' website for more information about studying in Galway as an international student.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I practice law in Canada as a University of Galway graduate?

Graduates of our law degrees listed below who wish to practice in Canada must apply for a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.

Undergraduate Courses:

Postgraduate Taught Course:

The NCA will assess your legal education and experience and tell you what you must do to qualify for Law Society bar admission (these are called “assignments”).

Graduates who receive their Certificate of Qualification from the NCA can apply to bar admission programmes in Canadian common law jurisdictions, including all provinces and territories except Quebec.

We encourage students to monitor eligibility requirements closely, as they may change at any time. Full details are available on the NCA website.

What are the entry requirements for a Canadian student?

You can view this page to understand what your Canadian results are the equivalent of.

For example, for our Postgraduate LLB programme, the prerequisite for admission is an approved Level 8 degree in any discipline at Second Class Honours level or above (a 2.2 degree). The equivalent in Canada is a minimum CGPA of 2.8 using the 4-point scale or 70%.

The entry requirements to each programme are listed under the 'Key Facts' section of each course page.

You can view the list of our School of Law undergraduate course pages here.

You can view the list of our School of Law postgraduate taught course pages here.

How do I apply to an undergraduate course?

If you are not a European Union resident...
Please refer to the International Office undergraduate applications section of our website.

How do I apply to a taught postgraduate course?

You can make your application through the online application system.

Where can I find information about scholarships that are available to international students?

A variety of scholarships and financial supports are available for international students. Learn more about these funding options to help support your studies.

Where can I find information about accommodation/financial supports?

University of Galway's Accommodation Advisory Service is available to answer all of your accommodation queries and provide you with assistance.

Testimonials

Brent

Brent Meadows |   Senior Associate from Canada

I obtained my BA in Ottawa and began working with emergency services for the City of Ottawa. I was negotiating contracts and thought my career might benefit from legal training. I learned about University of Galway from friends who had previously studied there. I decided to give it a shot. I obtained my LLB from University of Galway School of Law in 2013. I can certainly say that Galway is a brilliant city, and the professors are excellent. After graduating, I was called to the Ontario Bar in 2015. I am now working at a great firm as a senior associate where I practice personal injury law. I am grateful for my experience in Galway. I also learned how to hit low stingers through the wind and rain on the local golf courses to counter the Atlantic gusts.
Katie

Katie Davis |   LLM (International Migration and Refugee Law and Policy)

My time at University of Galway is one that I’ll never forget. I was always interested in law, but I didn’t complete an undergraduate law degree in Canada, nevertheless the University has options for non-lawyers to complete an LLM in their chosen specialty, so I decided to take the chance and move to Ireland. Completing my LLM in Migration and Refugee Law and Policy at the Irish Centre for Human Rights allowed me to learn from experts in the field, and in small classes and seminars where I could get the most out of my degree. My existing passion for refugee rights only grew during my degree as I was able to conduct research on issues I was passionate about and I had the opportunity to produce a podcast for the Irish Centre on a topic of my choosing. Galway is also a beautiful city and located near to Connemara National Park where I spent every weekend hiking during the semester which only added to my love of the country.
Kirsten

Kirsten Larson |   PhD Candidate in International Human Rights Law

I chose to study at University of Galway because of the ICHR’s outstanding legacy in shaping future leaders in human rights, justice, and policy-making at the international level. The LLM (International Human Rights) offers unique opportunities, such as an annual visit to The Hague to engage with international courts, participation in the International Criminal Court Summer School, and regular seminar series featuring leading experts in international human rights. The transition from Canada to Ireland has been seamless, thanks to the exceptional support provided by the professors, staff, and broader university community. The guidance and mentorship of my supervisors and the faculty at the ICHR have been invaluable in providing me with a high-quality education. Currently, I serve as the team lead and co-producer of the Human Rights Podcast, a platform dedicated to discussing contemporary human rights challenges and amplifying diverse voices in the field. This role has allowed me to combine my academic interests with innovative outreach, further enhancing my communication and organisational skills.
Rowan

Rowan Hickie |   Project Coordinator at GlobalChild

During my LLM in International Human Rights, I had the opportunity to learn from incredible professors at the Irish Centre for Human Rights while also exploring various areas of international human rights law. Through the program, I discovered my passion for children's rights which has shaped the trajectory of my career. After finishing my LLM in 2021, I returned home to Canada. I quickly found work as a researcher for the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, where I conducted research on both Canadian and international human rights law. While working at the Centre, I also volunteered with the international children's rights organization GlobalChild on their InspiRights project. After volunteering with GlobalChild for 6 months, I applied for and secured a Project Coordinator position with the organization. In this new role, I will be responsible for coordinating the InspiRights project and preparing academic research papers with the organization's Director. My LLM degree has been instrumental in my career, providing me with a strong foundation of skills and a wide network of peers. I am excited to use the skills I learned during my LLM throughout my career.

Downloads