Law education encompasses a wide range of topics related to law and civil rights. New Zealand is recognized as a top destination for studying law due to its comprehensive programs, international offerings, and welcoming environment, covering everything from justice to the enhancement of legal practices.
New Zealand law programs allow students to work in the country (full-time during summers and part-time during the school year), and today, we will guide you through the best law universities in New Zealand, followed by the application process and benefits of studying law in New Zealand.
Why Study Law in New Zealand?
1. Excellent Quality of Education
New Zealand stands out for its top-tier educational system, distinguished teaching methodologies, well-equipped facilities, and highly skilled educators. All New Zealand universities rank within the top 3% globally according to the QS World Rankings. Graduates from New Zealand can confidently anticipate excellent career prospects on a global scale.
2. Wide variety of courses
One compelling reason to pursue a legal education in New Zealand is the extensive array of legal study disciplines available. The educational approach emphasizes practical learning, innovation, and research. The law curriculum offers a comprehensive understanding of legal systems and the formation of regulations, spanning various disciplines such as criminal justice degrees.
3. International Perspectives
Given New Zealand's cultural diversity, studying law here provides invaluable exposure to a multitude of legal systems and perspectives. This exposure can prove immensely beneficial if you aspire to work in the international or global legal arena.
4. Internships and Work Opportunities
New Zealand's robust economy offers students numerous part-time employment and internship options. The country's legal system is rooted in the British common law tradition, providing an advantageous foundation for practicing law and gaining practical experience, not only in New Zealand but also in other countries.
Top Universities for Law in New Zealand
The top universities to study Law in New Zealand are:
1. University of Aukland
The University of Aukland is a public university established in 1883 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand. It is one of the leading universities for law courses. According to QS World Rankings 2024, the university ranked 68th worldwide and best in NZ. The university has several research centers, like The New Zealand Centre of Human Rights, The NZ Centre for Legal and Political Theory, etc. The university's acceptance rate is 45%, offering courses full-time and part-time.
The University of Auckland’s LLB program combines compulsory law courses, elective law, and non-law courses from another degree program and one General Education course. Students can learn the legal foundations of different laws, like contract law, tort law, public law, evidence, etc. In the fourth year, students can choose from various elective courses, allowing them to specialize in a specific area. For LLB Hons, students must submit a research thesis and additional advanced coursework.
- Courses offered - Bachelor of Law (LLB)
- Entry requirements - At least 75 points (or equivalent) from a recognized university. Passed all eight courses with an average CGPA of 3.0 (C+).
- International fees - $35,249
2. Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington is a public university established in 1897 and is a constituent of the University of New Zealand. The university is affiliated with ACU, AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS and is ranked 241 in the QS World Ranking 2024. Victoria University of Wellington offers a full-time social sciences and management LLB program with an acceptance rate of 64%.
The faculty of Law at Victoria University of Wellington has a reputation for being challenging and content. Students can hone their skills and gain a solid grounding in various aspects of Law, like legal analysis, statute law, etc. As law students, they can examine legal texts and relationships between people, principles, and techniques.
- Courses offered - LLB (Bachelors of Law)
- Entry requirements - A first-class academic transcript with qualifying marks in SAT/ATAR/IELTS/TOEFL
- International fees - $36,750
3. University of Otago
The University of Otago is one of the oldest universities in New Zealand, established in 1869. The Matariki Network of Universities affiliated with the university keeps the law faculty at the forefront of legal education. According to the QS World Rankings 2024, the university ranks 206 with an acceptance rate of 58%.
Throughout the course, students are taught about legal issues, principles, and concepts and get a chance to start their law careers in firms worldwide. The curriculum is structured so that they can enhance their knowledge, decision-making, and negotiation skills. This will help you get employment opportunities in different fields.
- Courses offered - LLB
- Entry requirements - A university entrance qualification.
- International fees - $36,256
4. University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury is a public research university established in 1873 as Canterbury College, a constituent of the University of New Zealand. UCSA, SVA, and Ngai Tahu affiliate with the university. It ranks under the top 10 for its engineering and science programs. The Canterbury University (Law faculty) provides excellence in academics and legal skills. According to the QS World Rankings 2024, the university ranks 256, with an acceptance rate of 50%.
The curriculum comprises the core subjects to understand the inner workings of the law system. Students will get the opportunity to deal with real people's problems as a part of the innovative Clinical studies program, thus crafting their practical skills. Additionally, the Criminal Justice offers a unique opportunity for students to become exemplary members of law enforcement and border control.
- Courses offered - LLB
- Entry requirements - Excellent academic record with IELTS/TOEFL/Language CERT qualifications, etc.
- International fees - $34,275
5. University of Waikato
The University of Waikato was established in 1964 in Hamilton. The university's faculty of Law is one of the best universities to study Law in New Zealand. According to the QS World Rankings 2024, the university ranks 250 worldwide, with an acceptance rate of 50%.
The university's curriculum aims to provide students with a unique skill set to excel in the legal profession. Lawyers and judges will be associated with teaching and assessing assignments with valuable feedback to make the course more engaging., Students will also get practical experience, such as interviewing a client, making a case in court, or negotiating a settlement. During the internship, students will get the opportunity to work at the Hamilton District Community Law Centre, firms, and other reputed organizations. You will also be eligible for the National Summer Clerking Employment Programme.
- Courses offered - LLB
- Entry requirements - Strong academic background with a qualification in English proficiency test.
- International fees - $33,710
Law Scholarships in New Zealand
New Zealand universities also offer law scholarships to international students. To apply for the grant, candidates must meet the specific requirements mentioned for each scholarship program. Some of the popular scholarships are -
- The India High Achievers Scholarship by the University of Aukland
- The Faculty of Law Graduate Scholarship by the University of Waikato
- Tongarewa Scholarship by the Victoria University of Wellington.
Application Process for LLB in New Zealand
The application process and seat intake vary from university to university. To know more about the application procedure, speak to an SI-New Zealand consultant. The mode of the application process is online, and applicants must submit the admission form before the due date. The law school requirements for admissions are as follows -
- LLB with a minimum GPA.
- English Language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 to 7.5 and TOEFL iBT - 100)
- Letter of recommendation from the faculty or employees
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Passport copy
- Work experience (if applicable)
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Certificates involving extracurricular activities
Studying Law in New Zealand FAQ
Can international students apply for law programs in New Zealand universities?
Yes, international students can apply for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in law.
Are there scholarships available for law students in New Zealand universities?
Yes, law universities in NZ offer various scholarships to international students. Some popular scholarships are the Faculty of Law Graduate Scholarship by the University of Waikato, the Tongarewa Scholarship by the Victoria University of Wellington, the Latin American Academic Achievement Scholarship, etc.
Are there any specialized fields of law offered in New Zealand universities?
There are many specializations available in the legal profession field. Disciplines range from taxation to private areas, human rights, health law, criminal justice, and more. However, the important subject areas of the Law include Public Law, Commercial Law, International Law, Common Law, and Legal Theory and procedure.
Can I practice law in New Zealand after completing my degree from a foreign university?
To practice Law in New Zealand, one must apply to the New Zealand Council of Legal Education to have your qualifications assessed.
Do lawyers get paid well in New Zealand?
The average pay of a lawyer per year in New Zealand is $84,047. The entry-level salary starts at $70,753 per year; on the other hand, the experienced earn up to $123,178 per year.
