How long is law school in Netherlands?

Asked by: Filiberto Harris  |  Last update: January 2, 2026
Score: 5/5 (74 votes)

Earning a law degree in the Netherlands begins with an undergraduate law degree (bachelor of law or LLB), which requires three years of study, followed by a master of law degree (LLM), which requires one year of study.

Can you study law in the Netherlands in English?

Leiden Law School offers an extensive range of undergraduate law courses. Many of these are taught in English and are accessible to both Dutch and international students alike. As an international student, you can follow undergraduate law courses via an exchange or study abroad programme.

How long is law school in Europe?

Graduate with a degree in Law after 3 years of undergraduate studies. Finish the Legal Practice Course (LCP), which takes 1 year. Follow all the above with 2 years of training at a law firm.

How expensive is law school in the Netherlands?

Leiden Law School's Advanced Master's Programmes are not subsidised by the Dutch government. For programmes of this type an institutional tuition fee applies. The annual tuition fees for all students (Dutch, EU and non-EU citizens alike) for the academic year 2025-2026 are: Full time: €21,600.

How do you become a lawyer in the Netherlands?

To become a lawyer in the Netherlands you must complete law school with a Dutch University. You must subsequently follow the 3-year Professional Education Programme for the Legal Profession (Beroepsopleiding Advocaten, in Dutch). You will have take a test (in Dutch) to determine your basic knowledge.

Law student life - minivlog 。⋆౨ৎ˚ living alone in Amsterdam, studying, daily routine

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Is studying law in the Netherlands worth it?

Studying law in the Netherlands requires a commitment of time, but the benefit of being able to earn a law degree in a country that follows a civil law approach and is known as the legal center of Europe makes the course of study worthwhile.

What is the best country to become a lawyer?

The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.

How long does it take to study law in the Netherlands?

LLB International and European Law at University of Groningen is a 3-year bachelor programme focusing on the fields of international politics, law and justice. All basic law areas including private law, constitutional law and criminal law, are covered.

What is the most expensive law school in the world?

Two New York City-based law schools, Columbia University and New York University, ranked as most expensive. Columbia charged $81,292 in tuition and fees while New York University charged $80,014.

Do Dutch citizens pay for university?

Dutch students and students from other EU/EEA countries as well as Suriname generally pay the “statutory tuition fees” which are lower. This fee level is set by the Dutch government and the same at every university.

Which European country is best to study law?

France remains a top choice for legal studies with prestigious institutions like Sciences Po and the University of Paris. Known for its excellence in international law and human rights, France offers students exposure to the legal workings of the EU and a vibrant cultural setting.

How long is law school in the USA?

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.

How hard is the LSAT?

This process is not only time-consuming but can be very expensive as well. So yes, the LSAT is hard, and it is designed that way. It's not so much a test that requires a student to remember random facts, but instead, it is a test that showcases a student's thought process.

Do you need to speak Dutch to study in the Netherlands?

In summary, while you don't need to learn Dutch to study at HZ, having some knowledge of the language can be beneficial. It's not a barrier to your studies or daily life, but it can enhance your experience and opportunities in the Netherlands.

Which university in Netherlands is best for law?

Best law schools in the Netherlands in 2021
  • Leiden University.
  • University of Amsterdam.
  • Utrecht University.
  • Maastricht University.
  • Tilburg University.
  • Erasmus University Rotterdam.
  • University of Groningen.
  • Vrije University of Amsterdam.

What is the difference between Dutch law and English law?

Key Takeaways. Dutch civil law is governed by the Dutch Civil Code, whereas English contract law operates on common law principles. Dutch courts focus on parties' intentions and context, whereas English courts take a more literal approach.

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.

Which country is cheapest to study law?

Where is the cheapest place to study law? A. A study has found that The US is the most expensive place to study law, while Germany, China and Sweden are among the cheapest. The tuition might differ because of location, university and more.

Is Netherlands a good country to study law?

The Netherlands is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for law students because of its high-quality education and environment. The value of the degree is high, with various Dutch legal programs focusing on international law, human rights law, international arbitration, and the Hub for International Law.

How long is law school in Germany?

The study of German law has its own peculiarities. Education lasts for an average of 8-9 years (depends on the student's progress) and consists of two stages: Stage I – full time study at the university during 4-5 years. After completing this stage, each student must take a state examination (Erstes Staatsexamen).

Which European country is best for study law?

Best law schools in Europe by QS Rankings 2021
  • University of Oxford, the UK.
  • University of Cambridge, the UK.
  • The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the UK.
  • UCL, the UK.
  • King's College London, the UK.
  • Université Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, France.
  • The University of Edinburgh, the UK.

Where is it hardest to become a lawyer?

1. California

Law students across the US may be familiar with the famed “impossible” California bar exam. But why is the California bar exam so hard? For starters, the cut score (the score needed to pass the test) of the California bar is 1390 out of 2000, which is 40 points above the national average.

How much do you get paid at Linklaters Paris?

The average Linklaters salary ranges from approximately $67,847 per year (estimate) for a Documentation Specialist to $378,109 per year (estimate) for a Partner.