Do you need an undergraduate degree to go to law school in Canada?

Asked by: Harold Kunze  |  Last update: January 7, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (54 votes)

You'll need at least three years of an undergraduate degree to apply to law school in Canada. However, completing a four-year degree gives you an advantage on applications.

Do you need an undergrad for law school in Canada?

In Canada, the first-level common law degree is the Juris Doctor or JD, which takes three years to complete. It is an undergraduate degree program, and not a graduate degree program, even though prior undergraduate education is required for entry. The first year of law school is similar at most Canadian law schools.

Can I get into law school without undergrad?

Apply With or Without a Bachelor's Degree

Many people are surprised that a Bachelor's Degree is NOT required by the State of California to apply for admission to law school. Not everyone has the opportunity to complete a four-year undergraduate education.

Can you be a lawyer in Canada without a degree?

In order to become a lawyer in Canada, you must obtain a law degree. Your law degree must be either from a Canadian law school or from a foreign common law jurisdiction (U.S. or UK etc). A Canadian degree, Juris Doctor (JD), is a three-year-long, full-time, or part-time course.

Is undergrad important for law school?

Higher engagement tends to mean better grades, and your undergraduate GPA plays a large role in the law school admissions process." In addition, finding opportunities to cultivate your research and writing skills will prepare you for law school and demonstrate your commitment to law school success.

10 Signs You Should Become A Lawyer

24 related questions found

What 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.

Does undergrad matter for med school?

2. Do Med Schools Care About Your Undergrad School? Your undergrad does matter for med school, although the degree of importance varies between institutions. If you're applying for a highly competitive program, the prestige of your undergrad school does make a difference in your medical school application.

Which Canadian law school is easiest to get into?

10 Easiest Law Schools to Get Into in Canada Based on Acceptance Rate
  • University of Manitoba Robson Hall Law School – 16.1%
  • University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law – 12.9%
  • University of Ottawa Law School– 12.14%
  • University of Saskatchewan College of Law – 11.25%
  • University of Victoria Faculty of Law – 10.7%

Has anyone become lawyer without degree?

In four states, you can still take this non-law-school route to becoming a lawyer. Vermont, Washington, California, and Virginia all allow people to become lawyers by “reading the law,” which, simply put, means studying and apprenticing in the office of a practicing attorney or judge.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

Can I take the LSAT without a bachelor's degree?

Yes, you can take the LSAT without a bachelor's degree. However, you must have earned a bachelor's degree to enter law school. Many students apply for law school the fall of their senior year of college and then enter law school the following fall, after receiving their bachelor's degree.

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.

Can I get into law school with a low undergrad GPA?

Yes, it is possible to get into law school with a low GPA if your other application components, such as your extracurriculars, high LSAT score, and stellar essay, overshadow it. However, you should improve your GPA to improve your odds of getting into your top law schools.

Can you skip undergrad and go to law school?

While law schools prefer a bachelors degree, students can achieve law degrees without one. California law schools don't require a BA or BS to apply for admission, Glendale University College of Law says. The state accepts that not everyone can afford the time or money for a four-year undergraduate degree.

How much do Canadian lawyers make?

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is $116,145 per year, with an average salary of $103,175 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

What undergraduate degree do most lawyers have?

"You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business, or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer science, engineering, ...

How can I become a lawyer in Canada without a degree?

In order to practise law in Canada you must have a qualifying law degree from Canada, or you must take a law degree outside Canada and then go through the process required by the National Committee on Accreditation. Osgoode Hall Law School offers a Juris Doctor program for those interested in pursuing a career in law.

What is the easiest lawyer to become?

The easiest law to practice is often considered to be estate planning. This involves helping clients prepare for the distribution of their assets upon death or incapacitation, making it relatively straightforward compared to other legal fields.

How can I get into law school without a degree?

Applicants who hold an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or 60 undergraduate credits from an accredited program may apply without possessing a full 4-year degree.

Can you go to law school without undergrad Canada?

Complete an undergraduate degree. You'll need at least three years of an undergraduate degree to apply to law school in Canada. However, completing a four-year degree gives you an advantage on applications.

Can I get into law school with a 2.5 GPA Canada?

Canadian law schools with lower GPA and LSAT requirements

Generally, you would need a GPA above 3.7 or 80% to successfully enter a Canadian law school. With a high LSAT score and other requirements, it may secure your spot to your preferred law school.

What is the cheapest law school in Canada?

The cheapest law schools in Canada are in Quebec, but those low fees are usually only for Quebec residents. Out-of-province and international students pay more. But the cheapest law schools in Canada outside of Quebec are the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia Law School.

Can you skip undergrad and go straight to med school?

The short answer is: no. Medical schools don't accept students straight out of high school into a medical school curriculum without at least some prior education. The traditional journey from high school to medical school and becoming a doctor can take over a decade, but most MDs and DOs agree its well worth it.

What is a good MCAT score?

Earning a 515 or higher on the MCAT makes you a top applicant for medical school admissions. A score of 515 on the MCAT is an important score threshold because it means you've earned a 91st percentile score. According to the AAMC, earning a 514 or better on the MCAT results in a 70% acceptance rate.

What is the most common undergrad major for med school?

According to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the most popular pre-med major is biology.