Pursue Undergraduate Program in
Law - Juris Doctor
One of Canada's largest and most distinguished law schools.
Osgoode Hall Law School offers students an extraordinary legal education. Our internationally renowned three-year Juris Doctor (JD) program provides a rich, innovative and interdisciplinary experience that exposes students to a broad array of perspectives. Throughout our curriculum, theory, practice and reflective assessment are integrated so students can develop a solid foundation in legal reasoning, build practical skills and gain an appreciation for the ethical dimensions of law and the legal profession. Our full-time professors and part-time faculty of practising lawyers and judges are among the country's top legal scholars and practitioners. We prepare our students to enter the legal profession with a unique combination of thoughtful and practical skills.
The Law Degree
The law degree has two different roles. It is an academic discipline worthy of study in its own right as well as a necessary preliminary for entry to the legal profession. It is a fascinating subject, with a great tradition and dynamic future. Whether you are advocating for the rights of an environmentally sensitive ecosystem or weighing freedom of expression with the right to privacy, there will be something to challenge your interests.
What You'll Learn
We challenge the traditional curriculum and aim for excellence at all levels through a comprehensive, well-rounded legal education focused on law-in-action. We promote interdisciplinary studies through various joint-degree programs and partnerships with other Faculties, institutions and international exchanges.
A law degree is one of the most well-respected undergraduate qualifications. It opens up career opportunities quite apart from the practice of law. This is because the study of law improves powers of reasoning, clarity of thought and the ability to analyze and express complicated ideas. Such skills are in demand in a wide variety of areas including commerce and industry, social services, politics, the media and the public services.
Highlights of the Osgoode program
- innovative, diverse curriculum covering a broad array of subject areas
- 17 clinical programs
- unique first year Ethical Lawyering in a Global Community intensive
- exciting research opportunities
- local and global summer internship program
- 4 optional curricular streams
- international study opportunities
Joint & combined degree programs
- JD/MBA with the Schulich School of Business
- JD/MES with the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change
- JD/MA (Philosophy) with the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- JD/LLB (Civil) with the Université de Montréal
Did You Know?
- Osgoode was the first law school in Canada to introduce public interest and experiential education requirements into the JD curriculum, and the first to open an Office of Experiential Education to assist with the development of new experiential education courses, programs and clinics.
- Osgoode has an Indigenous admissions category and encourages applications from students who identify with and have a connection to an Indigenous community.
- Osgoode provides more than $5 million in financial aid annually through scholarships, bursaries and awards. Our innovative, income contingent loan program, the first of its kind in Canada, enables selected incoming students to attend Osgoode each year, without paying tuition. Rather, tuition is covered through bursaries and loans, the latter repayable after graduation over a 10-year period and only if the graduates' income affords them the ability to pay.
- Osgoode is committed to supporting students' academic, professional and personal success. We were the first law school to introduce in-house counsellors offer individual counselling and wellness programs exclusively for JD students
About Osgoode Hall Law School
- Osgoode is the largest, and one of the oldest, common-law law schools in Canada
- We offer unmatched experiential learning opportunities both in terms of number and experience
- Our curriculum is innovative, diverse and delivered by the country's top legal minds
- We are home to the largest law library in Canada
- Osgoode is a pioneer in online legal research
- We are committed to increasing Indigenous representation and perspectives within the law school and profession, including having introduced an Indigenous and Aboriginal Law graduation requirement
- Has the largest graduate program and the only Professional Development program for lawyers in Canada
For further information, please contact Osgoode's Admissions Office at admissions@osgoode.yorku.ca.
Program Details
Offered By
Osgoode Hall Law School
Degrees Offered
JD, Joint Program
Fall Entry
Yes (first and upper year)
Winter Entry
No
Summer Entry
No
Ways to Study
Full-Time
Sample Schedule (First-year)
Possible Career Paths
- lawyer
- business
- government
- judge
- academia
- non-profit organization
Viewbooks
Undergraduate
View Viewbook (PDF)
Transfer & Mature
View Viewbook (PDF)
Indigenous
View Viewbook (PDF)
International
View Viewbook (PDF)
Admission Requirements
I am a high-school student I have completed at least one year of full-time study at college or university I have been away from high-school for at least two years I have never studied in a formal academic high-school environment Returning / Reactivating student (previously York) Visiting StudentsOsgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Baccalauréat Français
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Bachillerato
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
CAPE
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Chinese High School
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Turkish High School
- Some programs require higher. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 4.0 or 70%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
GCE
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Hong Kong
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
International Baccalaureate
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Indian High School
- Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 55%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Tawjihyah
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
United States High School
- Grade 12 graduation with a minimum overall average of "B" on Grade 11 and Grade 12 academic courses is required to be considered for most programs. Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- SAT or ACT scores are not required for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum outside the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam.
- SATs/ACTs are considered in combination with high school grades.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
For Fall (September) 2021 and Winter (January) 2022 entry, York University will deem the SAT/ACT as optional for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam. However, students who have completed a standardized test are encouraged to submit their test scores as it may support your application for competitive programs. SAT/ACT scores must be sent electronically from the College Board directly to York. Please browse the section below for pre-requisites and detailed admission requirements.
Note: An SAT/ACT test will be required from students who are not enrolled in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam or have not studied in a formal academic high-school environment.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO) - minimum 6 academic courses
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
Osgoode Hall Law School
JD
Requirements for admission:
- We also welcome applications from those with less than three years of undergraduate study, if you satisfy the following requirements:
- At least 26 years of age by September of the year in which you will start the program
- Minimum five years of non-academic experience
- Note the LSAT and English Language Proficiency requirement still apply.
For more information, visit the Osgoode Hall Law School website.
You are required to provide official evidence of academic achievement in secondary education. This can be demonstrated through:
- Final grades under the Ontario curriculum (obtained through correspondence, night school or through TVO)
- Credentials through other curricula, such as results from Advanced Placement (AP) or Advanced-level courses in the General Certificate of Education (GCE). (Students may register to sit for the AP and GCE examinations as private candidates.)
In the absence of final grades in courses:
- You must submit the results of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a minimum combined total of 1170 on the Critical Reading and Math components or a composite American College Testing (ACT) score of 24.
- Your application will be reviewed by an admissions sub-committee. If admitted, you will not be eligible for entrance scholarships. You will be considered for continuing student scholarships at the end of your first year of study, if you satisfy those criteria.
You may also be required to provide proof of language proficiency. You will be considered for entrance scholarships on the basis of your overall averages in the six 4U/4M (Ontario curriculum) or equivalent courses.