Can an international student go to law school?

Asked by: Dr. Laura O'Conner IV  |  Last update: November 26, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (58 votes)

Some American law schools may not admit international students and others may enroll a small percentage. Once they determine what schools of preference do accept international applicants, it is advisable to receive guidance from the law school admissions teams to receive answers to state-specific questions.

Can I go to law school with an international studies degree?

There is no pre-law curriculum in the United States; essentially law schools will take you regardless of your major if your grade point average and law board scores are high enough.

Can an international student take the LSAT?

The exam is offered multiple times a year worldwide. You can find international test dates, designated testing centers, and register at lsac.org.

Does Harvard law accept international students?

Each year we receive many applications from international students. The Admissions Committee is experienced in international admissions and has specific knowledge regarding foreign universities.

Can immigrants go to law school?

As state policies in certain states make higher education more accessible and affordable for undocumented students, many have gone to pursue graduate and professional degrees. One such option is a law degree, also known as the Juris Doctor (J.D.), which typically takes three years to complete.

yes, where you go to law school matters.

31 related questions found

Do US law schools accept international students?

Law schools in the United States will accept international students from across the world. If you are an international student, you may want to think carefully about whether or not a US Law degree will be useful for you in your future career plans.

Can non US citizens study law?

Some states allow foreign lawyers to apply for bar admission based on years of law practice and/or a qualifying foreign law degree (typically involving legal education in English common law). However, most states require foreign lawyers to obtain an LL. M. degree (or equivalent) from an ABA-accredited law school.

Can you study law as an international student?

Yes, international students can go to law school in the US. Many law schools in the US are willing to accept students from other countries and allow them to pursue legal education in their schools.

What GPA does Harvard law require?

As you can see from these numbers, an LSAT score of 170 or higher and a GPA above 3.75 will give you a chance of gaining admission to Harvard Law School. If you have a GPA of 3.94 or higher and above a 175, you are pretty much a lock for admission, particularly given the class size of ~560.

Does Yale Law School accept international students?

Welcome International Students

We welcome these students and seek to make their transition to Yale Law School a smooth one. Yale University hosts nearly 3,500 international students and scholars representing more than 100 countries.

Is it harder to get into law school as an international student?

Applying to law school can be difficult for anyone, but foreign applicants face extra challenges. Still, getting in can be within reach with the right outlook, advice and support.

How do international students pay for law school?

International students must remember that all law school tuition and fees are required to be paid in U.S. dollars, by check or U.S. money order (payable to Southwestern Law School).

How expensive is the LSAT?

What fees are associated with the LSAT? It costs $222 to take the LSAT and receive one free score report. In addition, subscription to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is required for application for most law schools. This subscription costs $200 and includes on score report for $45.

How to become a lawyer in the USA for international students?

To be eligible for admission to a law program in the USA, you need to fulfill certain academic and language requirements.
  1. Hold a bachelor's degree equivalent to a four-year US degree.
  2. Meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 or higher set by universities.
  3. Pass the LSAT (Legal School Admission Test).

What is the cheapest law school in the US?

The cheapest law schools in the US are the University of the District of Columbia law school and the University of North Dakota law school, which are cheapest only for in-state residents.

Which major is best for law school?

The best major for prospective law school students is Political Science. Political Science offers a deep understanding of government, legal systems, and political theory. It also hones your critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication— key to law school and being a successful lawyer.

What is the hardest law school in the USA?

1. Yale University. With an acceptance rate of just 6.9%, it's no wonder that Yale is the hardest law school to get into. Only around 1 in 15 of their highly qualified applicants makes it through.

Is 170 a good LSAT score?

170 score: Scoring a 170 on the LSAT is almost always considered a good score — that means you are in the 2-3% of test-takers. Still, it won't guarantee you admission at a top law school. Other parts of your application are still a factor.

Can a 2.5 GPA get you into law school?

So generally, if you're trying to get into the top schools, a GPA below 3.6 will be considered low. But to answer the question what GPA do you need to get into law school, any law school, then the answer is at least a 2.5. That is realistically the lowest GPA you can have to get into law school.

How long is law school in the US?

As a law student, you can expect to spend at least three years in law school. Full-time students typically complete their studies within three years, while part-time students take up to five years. Graduating from law school is an impressive achievement for many aspiring lawyers.

Is it worth studying law in the USA?

Among the 20 law schools whose 2022 grads were paid the most in full-time private sector jobs, the median salary was more than $182,200. An employment and salary report from the National Association for Law Placement indicated that the J.D. class of 2022 had an employment rate of 92.1% – the highest in 35 years.

Which country is best to study law for international students?

7 Best Countries to Study Law Abroad
  • United States. The United States is recognized for its law degree, and most of the best universities for law come in the US, according to the QS World University ranking. ...
  • United Kingdom. Why is the UK the best country to study law? ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • Japan. ...
  • Netherlands.

How hard is the bar exam?

The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.