FAQ

Program Related Questions

How is the GPLLM structured?

The program beings each September. The program may be completed in one year (three sessions with a F/W/S registration sequence) or through an extended full-time option that allows students to complete the program requirements over two years (six sessions with a F/W/S/F/W/S registration sequence). Regular classes take place on Friday evenings (from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and all day on Saturdays (8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.), on alternating weeks. Students also attend a three-day non-credit course called Legal Methods, and at least one intensive course (that is two weekends in length). Please review the 2022-2023 Program Calendar.

Is the GPLLM considered a full-time or part-time program?

Although the program is delivered in a part-time format - Friday evenings and all day Saturday every other week - the program is considered a full-time program by the University due to the number of class hours.

Is the GPLLM a Masters Degree?

Yes. The GPLLM is a Master of Laws degree, a virtually universal credential.

Does the GPLLM enable me to practice law?

No. The GPLLM will provide you with a substantive, academically rigorous legal education in a variety of different areas of law. If you are licensed to practice law in another jurisdiction, the GPLLM concentration in Canadian Law in a Global Context will enable you to fulfill the NCA Core and Mandatory courses. If you are new to the law, the GPLLM will not provide you with the qualifications to practice law.

What is the difference between the GPLLM and the LLM?

The GPLLM is a full-time executive LLM geared towards practicing lawyers and professionals from a number of different industries. The GPLLM is not a research-based program. The LLM required a JD or LLB in order to be admitted. Students in the LLM attend the Faculty’s JD classes, the majority of which are offered during the daytime. In addition, the profile of students in the GPLLM is quite different from that of our LLM program. Learn more about the current GPLLM cohort. Fees, admissions deadlines and admissions requirements also differ between the two programs. Please visit the LLM Admissions page for more information.

Is there a pathway from the GPLLM to the SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science)?

GPLLM students who have an undergraduate law degree might be eligible for admissions to the SJD program. For more information please review the SJD requirements here.

Is the program delivered by distance learning?

Typically, class sessions are delivered face-to-face in a classroom. One of the aspects of the program on which we most pride ourselves (and about which we regularly receive positive feedback) is the dynamic classroom experience. Face-to-face engagement allows you to extract the greatest value from the program while also developing close relationships with your faculty and peers. 

I'm applying as an international student. Where can I find information about student visas, work permits, etc.?

Please visit the Centre for International Experience for more information.

Do you offer career support?

The Graduate Career Advisor supports current GPLLM students through tailored career supports. Through workshops, events, mentorship, information sessions, alumni chats, and direct advising, our students develop their career skills and understanding on a vast range of topics: NCA candidacy, LSO licensing, the Law Practice Program, career decision-making, alternative law career paths, application documents, interview preparation, building a Canadian law network, and more.

As a part of your resources, all GPLLM students access the U of T Law Careers portal (UTLC). By developing their professional profile on UTLC, students receive targeted job notifications, event updates, and are able to access a wide range of asynchronous online career resources. The UTLC job board is of most interest to students from our Canadian Law concentration, and all GPLLM students have access.

Finally, U of T’s Career Exploration & Education is available to all U of T students as a central service. While they offer generalized career services, many of their 40+ programs, resources and services both live online, and asynchronous, are tailored also to graduate students.

Can you share information on the licensing process?

For prospective students and incoming students, we strongly encourage you to review:

  1. The National Committee on Accreditation: The NCA determines what is required for internationally trained people to become qualified for licensing in Canada. The assessments they issue determine a GPLLM student’s course requirements.
  2. The Law Society of Ontario: The LSO grants licensing to prospective lawyers wishing to practice in Ontario. They administer the bar examinations that typically take place late Summer, Fall and Winter.

The program is structured such that it runs from September until early August (see Program Calendar on our Admissions page) as closely in alignment as possible to match the LSO’s licensing processes

For current GPLLM students, the Graduate Career Advisor is supports them in their licensing questions through workshops, events, asynchronous materials, and direct advising. 

Admissions Questions

How many candidates do you accept each year?

We accept up to 120 students in total from all four concentrations each year.

Is an admission interview required?

If you think you would benefit from meeting with a member of the GPLLM team to discuss the program and the value it can offer you, please contact us at any time. We’d be happy to help you determine whether the GPLLM is the right fit for you given your career and personal goals. This meeting can take place in person, over the phone or via Zoom. If you are in the GTA, we are happy to meet in a location that is convenient for you (we do love coffee). Upon review of your Application, an interview may be requested if the Admissions Committee requires additional information

If I fulfill the minimum criteria of admission to the program, what are my chances of entry?

Fulfilling the minimum criteria only guarantees you consideration for admission to the program. Whether you receive an offer of admission is a function of the strength of your application on its own and relative to that of the other applicant. Due to the competitive nature of the program, the majority of applicants exceed the minimum admission requirements. If you are concerned that you aren’t competitive for the program, please contact us. We’d love to chat.

What are the most heavily weighted factors in my application?

We take a holistic approach when reviewing applications for admission to the GPLLM. Although your academic background is one of the variables considered by the Admissions Committee, we also consider your professional experience, extra-curricular involvements, reference letters, personal statement in assessing your contributions to the classroom experience.

If I’m admitted this year, can I defer my admission to next year?

Please contact us for details at admissions.gpllm@utoronto.ca.

How long before I know if I’ve been accepted once my application is submitted?

GPLLM applications will be considered in four rounds as set out on our Admissions page. Applying early in the process is particularly important for students who will need to obtain appropriate immigration documentation as the process can be a lengthy one. The GPLLM Program reserves the right to make off-cycle decisions at their sole discretion.

Do I need to write the LSAT?

No. Cause for celebration, we know.

Do I need to write a TOEFL or IELTS?

It is essential that you have a command of the English language. If your primary language is not English and you graduated from a non-Canadian university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, you must demonstrate your facility in English by completing an English-language facility test. Candidates who have completed their undergraduate degrees in a language other than in English must write their TOEFL (iBT or TWE) or IELTS (academic). The minimum overall score required is 100 (writing, 24; speaking, 24) on the TOEFL, and for the IELTS the minimum overall score is 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each component. This language requirement should be met at the time you submit your application.

My academic records are in a language other than English or French. Shall I also submit English translations of my documents?

If your transcripts/documents are in a language other than English, you must also submit notarized English translations. Translations do not replace original documentation. Both the original documents and translations must be submitted. Exception: French is an official language of Canada and we therefore do not require English translations of transcripts in French.

How much is the application fee?

A $125 CDN application fee is required. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Tuition Related Questions

What is included in the program fees?

The annual tuition fee includes the program fee, and most course material.

How can I pay tuition?

Please visit the Student Account website for all tuition fee payment options available to GPLLM students.

Are there scholarships or discounts available?

Unfortunately, students in the GPLLM are not currently eligible for financial aid.

What are my financing options?

The University of Toronto, Faculty of Law does not offer direct financing or student financial aid for the GPLLM. However, the GPLLM qualifies for the Scotiabank Professional Student Plan, Life Long Learning Plan (LLP), and Ontario Student Assistant Program (OSAP). For more information please visit our Fees page.

Is the GPLLM program tuition fee tax deductible?

The GPLLM is considered a full-time program and therefore the tuition fee is partly tax deductible. It also qualifies for the Canada Revenue Agency’s Life Long Learning Plan.