Updated at: 22-03-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

For those interested in learning more about international law, here is a list of the top schools offering relevant programs. Human rights, immigration, international trade, and commerce are just some of the many areas that fall under the purview of international law.

While the vast majority of U.S. law schools offer at least introductory courses in international law, the international law programs at a select few institutions have earned national recognition for their depth. Many of these institutions also offer international study opportunities for students interested in a career in law.

U.S. News and World Report has released its annual ranking of the best law schools in the world, and this year there are a total of 12 tied institutions included. Listed below are the top 12 schools, along with the median LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs of their most recent law school graduates.

Best Universities To Study International Law

Best universities to study international law

Harvard University

Harvard University

Famous and elite in Massachusetts, Harvard University is home to one of the world’s top law faculties. The law library at this institution, which dates back to 1817, is the largest of its kind.

Programs available at Harvard Law School include the J.D., LL.M., and juris doctorate levels. In addition, Harvard Law and the University of Cambridge offer a joint J.D./LL.M degree program, as well as joint degree programs combining the study of law with business, government, public health, urban planning, and the common law master’s degree.

Every student pursuing a Juris Doctorate at Harvard Law School is required to take a course in foreign or comparative law. As a result of their international immersions and projects, they gain a more well-rounded understanding of legal issues around the world.

University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Many parallels can be drawn between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, as Cambridge is often seen as an offshoot of Oxford. They’ve been paired together and given the name “Oxbridge.” It was established in 1209 and is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning.

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Law is offered by the university’s Faculty of Law and can be completed in two years, full-time or part-time. In order to graduate, students must complete a dissertation. The goals of this course are to equip students with the tools they need to study international law, acquire relevant skills for their research, and take part in cutting-edge projects.

The University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Law also offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Law, a Master of Laws (LL.M. ), a Master of Corporate Law (LL.M. ), and a Doctor of Laws (J.D. ).

Stanford University

Stanford-University

Stanford University, which can be found in Stanford, California, is home to one of the best law schools in the world.

The Law School at Stanford University offers a Master of Laws with a concentration in International Economic Law, Business, and Policy for those interested in international law. Its purpose is to disseminate authoritative information on topics relevant to international business, such as trade, dispute resolution, business transactions, environmental law, and more. However, entry into the program is restricted to those who hold a primary law degree earned outside of the United States.

The Stanford Program in International Legal Studies is also available at their law school. Students whose first law degree was earned in another country can follow this path to earn a Master of Science in Law. Other than these, they also provide a Juris Doctor program, a program leading to a joint degree, and a master’s degree program.

University of Chicago (UChicago)

Chicago’s University of Illinois

Established in 1890 and located in the city of Chicago, Illinois, the University of Chicago (UChicago) is a private research institution. The University of Chicago is highly selective in admitting students because it is widely recognized as a pioneering research institution that has contributed to progress in a number of academic fields.

Prospective students can look forward to a stimulating learning environment at the University of Chicago Law School. Out of a total of more than 170 classes offered, 30 are international and comparative law-focused. Those interested in pursuing a similar path in the legal field can apply to the University of Chicago’s JD Program and then continue their education in the LLM or JSD Programs.

College of Oxford

One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning is located in England; the University of Oxford. The university has been regarded as a center of academic excellence in many fields, including law, since its founding in 1096.

Part-time degree programs in international law are available through the Faculty of Law at some of the world’s best universities for the study of law. In just two years of full-time study, you can earn a Master of Science in International Human Rights Law.

Students at this top-tier international law school can earn a master’s degree in international human rights law, which aims to familiarize them with the scope, application, and implementation of these laws at the international level. This course is offered both online and in-person at New College, Oxford during the summer months.

Yale Institution

Similarly to Harvard, Yale University is a private, Ivy League school. In 1701, New Haven, Connecticut became home to the third-oldest American institution of higher learning: one of the Best universities to study international law.

There are a total of five different law degrees that can be earned at Yale. Many different types of advanced degrees can be earned in the field of law, such as a Juris Doctor, a Master of Laws, a Doctor of the Science of Law, a Doctor of Philosophy in Law, or even a Joint Degree with another academic division.

This is one of the top schools in the world for international law, and they have a dedicated International Laws Program to oversee and manage all the different departments and courses that focus on international law. In doing so, it aids students at this prestigious international law school in identifying opportunities both inside and outside of the institution. In addition to the regular courses, seminars, student-designed courses, and clinical rotations, they offer, they also offer the regular courses.

The London School of Economics and Political Science 

The London School of Economics and Political Science 

The London School of Economics and Political Science is a constituent college of the University of London. Although it was founded in 1895, it didn’t start issuing degrees under that name until 2008.

This top-ranked institution features a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program, a Doctor of Laws (D.L.) program, and two Master of Laws (Executive and LLM) programs. A combined Juris Doctor/Bachelor of Laws (LLB/JD) program is also available.

Their public international law courses are viewed as essential to the curriculum and research at their law school. Undergraduates learn about human rights and general public international law. Master of Laws students can choose from a variety of electives, including an advanced public international law course. Doctoral candidates in international law under the supervision of their faculty.

New York University (NYU)

New York University’s law school, NYU School of Law, is widely considered one of the top institutions in the world in which to specialize in international law. This institution is committed to preparing students for success in a wide variety of fields and careers in today’s rapidly evolving, globally interconnected, and sometimes divisive world.

About fifty different courses, seminars, clinics, and other forms of hands-on training in all imaginable areas of international and global law are offered by the faculty every year. International and comparative law can be studied at the master’s and doctoral levels. The faculty also provides international law executive programs and a combined LLM/JSD degree.

The University of California, Berkeley

When people think of prestigious universities in California, they often think of UC Berkeley in Berkeley. This is because UC Berkeley is known for its innovative and research-focused curriculum. The Times Higher Education, U.S. News & World Report, and QS World University Ranking all rank it among the top institutions in the world for international law programs. The law school at Berkeley features interdisciplinary degree programs in international and comparative law.

The law school offers JD, LL.M., and Ph.D. programs in international and comparative law. Executive education for professionals in the business and legal sectors is also provided. These classes are cross-disciplinary and can be taken from any number of different academic programs at the university.

J.D. and LL.M. candidates can choose to specialize in international law through the school’s certification program. Finally, modern facilities and a wealth of resources are at the disposal of students, allowing them to engage in experiential learning.

The University of Groningen

Lastly, the University of Groningen rounds out our list of the best schools in which to major in international law.

This is a top-tier Master of Laws (LLM) in International and European Law degree program at a Dutch public research university. This is a four-year undergraduate degree program that is taught entirely in English, requires only full-time enrollment, and can be completed in 36 months.

Students who wish to enter the global legal profession will find this program particularly beneficial. Candidates from outside the United States are required to demonstrate their English language proficiency. The annual tuition is €1,084 for students from the Netherlands and the rest of the EU/EEA, and it is €8,916 for students from outside the EU/EEA.

University of Melbourne (Unimelb)

University of Melbourne (Unimelb)

The University of Melbourne is a public research institution in Victoria, Australia. It was founded in 1853. It is one of Australia’s top universities and a part of the elite Group of Eight. The school participates in both the Universitas 21 and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities.

Unimelb’s Law School is a forerunner in domestic and international legal education, and as one of the best schools for international law in the world, it offers students a highly competitive academic environment. Students at the Law School can major in a wide range of disciplines, including international humanitarian law, international criminal law, finance, tax, law, and development, or international arbitration.

There are two graduate degrees that students can pursue to learn more about international law: a Graduate Diploma in International Law and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Public and International Law.

George Washington College

The George Washington University (GWU) is a private research university located in the nation’s capital. It was chartered by Congress in 1821. It is the most prestigious university in the state and is well-known for its rigorous academic program that places an emphasis on research.

The law school at George Washington University is also the city’s oldest. Teaching students the theories and doctrines of international law is a top priority at GW Law so that they can compete and succeed in a global legal environment.

These top schools for international law offer a wide range of JSD programs in addition to a general LLM degree with 11 areas of emphasis. Along with several double-degree options. Graduate students interested in international law can choose from more than fifty different international and comparative law courses.

The University of Glasgow

Even though it has a stellar reputation, the University of Glasgow in Scotland ranked dead last on our list of the best law schools in the world. The LLM degree in international law is awarded after completion of a postgraduate program at the University of Glasgow. Students who want to broaden their horizons and gain an understanding of legal systems other than their own will benefit greatly from this program.

The duration of the program is either 12 months (for full-time students) or 24 months (for part-time students). UK part-time students pay £1,112 for 20 credits, while full-time students pay $10,000. Costs for a year of full-time study for international students are £21,650.

There is a very low acceptance rate at these top 13 international law schools because of the intense competition for admission. Therefore, if you want to earn a degree in international law, you had better have a stellar academic record. In addition, if you have a strong academic history, you might be awarded a scholarship that pays for all of your schooling.

FAQs

What is the best country to learn law?

Among international students, those interested in studying law continue to flock to the United States. Harvard Law School is the best in the world, and it is located in this city. Yale, Stanford, and Columbia University also have law schools that are among the best in the world. In the United States, there is a wide variety of options for students interested in pursuing a legal education.

What is the No 1 law school in the world?

Since US News and World Report began compiling annual rankings of the best law schools, Yale Law School has consistently ranked first.

Where can one study international law?

In this article, we have compiled a list of the top international law schools; any of these institutions would be excellent choices for a law education.

Are international lawyers in demand?

International law and international lawyers are in high demand because of globalization.

Conclusion

Many of the world’s top institutions for legal education have been discussed. It is important for readers to know that attending one of these schools can help advance a person’s career. If you’re going for a master’s degree, though, it’s best to pick these so you can make sense of the intensive coursework. What’s more, the lessons you learn will set you up for success in your professional life, where the sky’s the limit.