Canada has three universities ranked in the global top 30 for law and legal studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. The University of Toronto ranks #18 globally, UBC ranks #26, and McGill ranks #30, making Canada one of the strongest destinations for postgraduate legal education.
There is one critical thing Indian students must understand before applying: an LLM from a Canadian university does not automatically allow you to practise law in Canada. To become a licensed lawyer in a Canadian common law province, you must go through the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) process, regardless of where you studied your LLM. Popular specialisations for LLM in Canada include international law, business law, tax law and environmental law.
Check out: Law Colleges in Canada
Top Universities for LLM in Canada 2026
Canada has 13 universities ranked globally for law and legal studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. The table lists some of the popular Canadian universities for LLM programs.
| QS 2026 Ranking (Law and Legal) | University Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| #18 | University of Toronto | Toronto, Ontario |
| #26 | University of British Columbia (UBC) | Vancouver, BC |
| #30 | McGill University | Montreal, Quebec |
| #101-150 | Queen's University at Kingston | Kingston, Ontario |
| #101-150 | University of Ottawa | Ottawa, Ontario |
| #101-150 | York University | Toronto, Ontario |
| #151-200 | Dalhousie University | Halifax, Nova Scotia |
| #151-200 | University of Montreal | Montreal, Quebec |
| #201-250 | University of Alberta | Edmonton, Alberta |
LLM Courses in Canada
The annual tuition fees for the LLM in Canada for international students is mentioned in the table below.
| University Name | Program Offered | Annual Tuition Fees (International) | Tuition Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | LLM | CAD 54,040 | INR 39.38 Lakhs |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | LLM | CAD 10,082 | INR 7.76 Lakhs |
| McGill University | LLM | CAD 44,671 – 46,900 | INR 30.80-32.36 Lakhs |
| Queen's University at Kingston | LLM | CAD 12,927 – 15,358 | INR 8.92-10.6 Lakhs |
| University of Ottawa | LLM | CAD 20,000 – 25,000 (full program) | INR 13.80-17.2 Lakhs |
| York University | LLM | Research LLM: ~CAD 19,724 (3 terms) Professional LLM: ~CAD 50,972 | INR 13.61-35.17 Lakhs |
| Dalhousie University | LLM | CAD 18,000 – 22,000 | INR 12.42-15.18 Lakhs |
| University of Montreal | LLM | Varies by program (often lower for some options) | INR 15-28 Lakhs |
| University of Alberta | LLM | CAD 10,000-12,000 | INR 6.90-8.28 Lakhs |
Check out: Cost of Studying in Canada
Note for Indian students: McGill's LLM is unique, it is a bijural programme that covers both common law and civil law traditions. This is particularly valuable for Indian lawyers interested in international law, comparative law or careers in Quebec. The University of Toronto's LLM is the most expensive in Canada but also carries the strongest employer reputation score (79.8) among Canadian law schools in the QS 2026 rankings
Admission Requirements for LLM in Canada
The basic requirements for Indian students to gain admission to Canadian universities are as follows.
| Parameter | Key details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | LLB / JD or equivalent first law degree |
| Minimum Academic Score | B+ average or equivalent (65-75%) |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5-7 overall (6-6.5 in each band) |
| TOEFL iBT | 90-100 overall (22 in Writing) |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Required (Research/Personal Statement) |
| Letters of Recommendation (LOR) | 2-3 (Academic/Professional) |
Cost of Living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada for international students is mentioned in the table below.
| Category | Toronto (CAD / INR) | Vancouver (CAD / INR) | Montreal (CAD / INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (1-Bedroom, Outside Centre) | CAD 2,023 / INR 1.39 lakh | CAD 2,221 / INR 1.5 lakh | CAD 1,343 / INR 92,667 |
| Food & Groceries (Single Person) | CAD 550-650 / INR 37,950-44,850 | CAD 580-680 / INR 40,020-46,920 | CAD 480-580 / INR 33,120-40,020 |
| Transport (Monthly Pass) | CAD 156 / INR 10,764 | CAD 150 / INR 10,350 | CAD 95 / INR 6,555 |
| Personal Expenses (Phone, Internet, Entertainment, Toiletries, Misc.) | CAD 180-250 / INR 12,420-17,250 | CAD 190-260 / INR 13,110-17,940 | CAD 160 – 220 / INR 11,040-15,180 |
| Total Monthly Estimate (Moderate Student Lifestyle) | 2,900-3,700 / INR 2,00,100-2,55,300 | 3,100-4,000 / INR 2,13,900-2,76,000 | 2,300-3,000 / INR 1,58,700-2,07,000 |
Scholarships for LLM in Canada for Indian Students
The funding for LLM programs in Canada is limited compared to research-based degrees, but several universities offer automatic entrance awards that do not require a separate application. Some of the main scholarships in Canada for international students are mentioned below.
| University | Scholarship Name/Type | Value | Automatic Consideration? |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Jackman Scholarship Fund; Financial Assistance Application for non-OSOTF awards; external awards encouraged | Varies (partial support only) | Yes (via Financial Assistance Form) |
| UBC (Allard) | Entrance Scholarships and Awards; International Tuition Scholarship | CAD 2,500–23,000 (~INR 1.73–15.87 lakh); CAD 3,200/year (~INR 2.21 lakh) | Yes (automatic upon admission) |
| McGill University | Sophie Nappert International Arbitration Scholarship; O'Brien Fellowships (Human Rights); Research Group on Health and Law Fellowship; Entrance Fellowships | Up to ~CAD 16,000+ (~INR 11.04 lakh+) | Mostly yes; some require separate application |
| Queen's University | Queen's Graduate Fellowships (QGF); merit-based funding; Sutherland Fellowship | CAD 5,000–10,000+ (~INR 3.45–6.90 lakh) | Yes (most are automatic) |
| University of Ottawa | Admission Scholarships (Faculty of Law); Jacques Frémont Scholarship (International); CN Admission Scholarship; Sobirovs Law Firm Scholarship | CAD 5,000+ (~INR 3.45 lakh+) | Yes for many |
| Dalhousie University | Schulich Graduate Scholarships; Dalhousie 1-Year Master's Scholarship; Law Foundation of Nova Scotia awards | CAD 20,000 (~INR 13.80 lakh) for 1-year scholarship | Yes (automatic for many) |
| University of Montreal (UdeM) | Exemption Scholarship for International Students (tuition reduction); faculty and university merit scholarships | CAD 11,000–15,500/year (~INR 7.59–10.70 lakh) tuition exemption | Yes (automatic for exemption) |
| University of Alberta | Graduate Entrance Scholarship; Faculty of Law Scholarships and Awards; Graduate Research Assistantships | CAD 17,500 + tuition top-up (~CAD 10,000 for internationals) | Yes (automatic consideration) |
Canada Visa For Indian Students
For Indian students, the visa required to study in Canada is the Canada Study Permit (Student Visa) official document that allows international students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.
To apply, you must first obtain an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the university. Next, complete the online study permit application on the IRCC website, submit all required documents, and provide biometrics. You need to pay the study permit fee of CAD 150 and the biometrics fee of CAD 85. The total official cost is CAD 235 (INR 16,150-16,200, depending on the exchange rate).
Students are strongly advised to apply several months before their course start date to avoid any delays in visa processing.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for LLM Graduates in Canada
Indian students who complete an LLM at a Canadian university are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years. The PGWP allows you to work in Canada in any job, there are no restrictions on the type of work or employer. For LLM graduates, this is the period during which most students complete their NCA requirements and provincial bar admission while working in a legal or compliance role.
| PGWP Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must have completed a full-time programme at a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada; programme must be at least 8 months long |
| Duration for LLM graduates | Up to 3 years (based on programme length, a 1-year LLM gives a 3-year PGWP for master's degree graduates) |
| Field of study requirement | No field of study requirement for master's degree graduates — this is confirmed by IRCC. The field of study restriction applies only to college and non-university programmes |
| Language requirement | CLB 7 in English (or NCLC 7 in French) in all 4 language areas equivalent to approximately IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0 |
| Application window | Must apply within 180 days of receiving official confirmation of programme completion; must have held a valid study permit at some point during those 180 days |
| Work permit | Open work permit work for any employer in any occupation; no restriction on hours |
| PR pathway | Canadian work experience gained on the PGWP qualifies for Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) and Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNP); legal professionals are in demand in Ontario and BC |
Pursuing an LLM in Canada offers Indian students excellent academic exposure, strong global recognition, and promising career opportunities. After graduation, the 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) opens doors for valuable work experience and potential permanent residency. With careful planning and early application, your dream of studying law in Canada is very achievable.
FAQs
Ques. What are the chances of getting a Canadian student visa for LLM after getting an offer from a good university?
Ans. Approval chances are generally good for genuine LLM applicants, especially at public universities. However, refusals happen mainly due to weak proof of funds or insufficient ties to India. A strong statement of purpose (SOP) explaining why you will return after studies helps a lot.
Ques. After completing an LLM in Canada, how long is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
Ans. For a 1-year LLM program, you can get up to a 3-year PGWP. This is one of the biggest advantages for Master’s students in Canada.
Ques. Is it necessary to show IELTS even if the university didn’t ask for it?
Ans. It is highly recommended to submit English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL) with your visa application, even if the university waived it. Officers often expect it as proof of language ability.
Ques. What should I do if my study permit gets refused?
Ans. Common refusal reasons include doubt about your intent to leave Canada or insufficient funds. You can reapply with stronger documents and a better explanation in your SOP, or consider an appeal/review in some cases.
Found 20 universities
| Ranking | College Info | Top Courses | Fees & Cost of Living | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 #18/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Toronto, TorontoOntario, Canada43%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL4.5 | Tuition: (CA$62,146/Yr)$44.7K/Yr Living: (CA$13,491/Yr)$9.7K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#22/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  McGill University, MontrealQuebec, Canada46%Acceptance Rate | LLM General Law Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 | Tuition: (CA$30,524/Yr)$22K/Yr Living: (CA$875/Yr)$630/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#30/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  The University of British Columbia, VancouverBritish Columbia, Canada54%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: IELTS7 | Tuition: (CA$17,842/Yr)$12.8K/Yr Living: (CA$16,536/Yr)$11.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#61/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Alberta, EdmontonAlberta, Canada58%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE68 | Tuition: (CA$9,250/Yr)$6.7K/Yr Living: (CA$19,344/Yr)$13.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#120/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Montreal, MontrealQuebec, Canada57%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL72PTE50 | Tuition: (CA$21,654/Yr)$15.6K/Yr Living: (CA$12,000/Yr)$8.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#140/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Calgary, CalgaryAlberta, Canada55%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 16 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE68 | Tuition: (CA$8,575/Yr)$6.2K/Yr Living: (CA$16,119/Yr)$11.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#142/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Ottawa, OttawaOntario, Canada80%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL5 | Tuition: (CA$10,000/Yr)$7.2K/Yr Living: (CA$15,758/Yr)$11.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#166/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Queen's University, KingstonOntario, Canada42%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL4.5 | Tuition: (CA$12,927/Yr)$9.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#182/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Sherbrooke, SherbrookeQuebec, Canada68%Acceptance Rate | L.L.M Prevention and Dispute Resolution Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL100 | Tuition: (CA$26,860/Yr)$19.3K/Yr Living: (CA$9,192/Yr)$6.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#184/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Quebec at Montreal, MontrealQuebec, Canada50%Acceptance Rate | L.L.M Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL61 | Tuition: (CA$23,150/Yr)$16.7K/Yr Living: (CA$4,320/Yr)$3.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#211/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Dalhousie University, HalifaxNova Scotia, Canada78%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL5 | Tuition: (CA$9,750/Yr)$7K/Yr Living: (CA$16,448/Yr)$11.8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#258/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Victoria, VictoriaBritish Columbia, Canada63%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE65 | Tuition: (CA$11,428/Yr)$8.2K/Yr Living: (CA$9,653/Yr)$7K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#281/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Laval University, Quebec CityQuebec, Canada59%Acceptance Rate | L.L.M Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL79PTE59 | Tuition: (CA$22,066/Yr)$15.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#286/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Saskatchewan, SaskatoonSaskatchewan, Canada72.3%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 16 months Exams Accepted: Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE63 | Tuition: (CA$12,231/Yr)$8.8K/Yr Living: (CA$20,065/Yr)$14.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#296/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  York University, TorontoOntario, Canada48%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo140TOEFL5PTE76 | Tuition: (CA$52,972/Yr)$38.1K/Yr Living: (CA$16,865/Yr)$12.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#408/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Manitoba, WinnipegManitoba, Canada52%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL5 | Tuition: (CA$20,727/Yr)$14.9K/Yr Living: (CA$13,600/Yr)$9.8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#493/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Windsor, WindsorOntario, Canada30%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE68 | Tuition: (CA$24,885/Yr)$17.9K/Yr Living: (CA$8,458/Yr)$6.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  HEC Montreal, MontrealQuebec, Canada17%Acceptance Rate | L.L.M Taxation Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL72 | Tuition: (CA$18,900/Yr)$13.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  Schulich School of law, HalifaxNova Scotia, Canada80%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL5 | Tuition: (CA$9,750/Yr)$7K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  Osgoode Hall Law School, North YorkOntario, Canada8%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo140TOEFL5PTE76 | Tuition: (CA$52,972/Yr)$38.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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