Program Related Questions
How is the GPLLM structured?
The program runs for 12 months, starting in September and ending the following August. You will be in class in the evening and all day Saturday, every other week. Each term also commences with a three-day residential module. Here is the 2017-18 GPLLM Schedule.
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 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 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.
Is the program delivered by distance learning?
No. All 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.
Admissions Questions
How many candidates do you accept each year?
We accept up to 70 students in total from all concentrations each year.
Is there an application deadline?
The application system will re-open on October 2nd for the 2017-2018 academic year. Our admissions committee considers applications on a rolling basis, which means we review applications and admit students on a first-come-first-served basis.
Is an admission interview required?
No. 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 Skype. If you are in the GTA, we are happy to meet in a location that is convenient for you (we do love coffee).
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?
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 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 below. 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.
Round One: October 2, 2017 - November 24, 2017 (11:59pm EST) Decision: December 15, 2017
Round Two: November 25, 2017 - February 16, 2018 (11:59pm EST) Decision: March 9, 2018
Round Three: February 17, 2018 - April 27, 2018 (11:59pm EST) Decision: May 18, 2018
Round Four: April 28, 2018 - August 17, 2018 (11:59pm EST) Decision: Rolling admissions
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.
Do I need to be employed full-time in order to be accepted into the GPLLM?
We prefer students to be employed when applying to, and while enrolled in, the program but will consider each candidate on their own individual merits. Please contact us to discuss your individual situation at gpllm@utoronto.ca.
How much is the application fee?
A $120 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, most course material, and meals on class days.
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.
Helpful Hints When Preparing Your Application
Can you advise on who to choose for references, what I write in my personal statement, what my resume should include?
Curriculum Vitae/Résumé
Your résumé should outline work experience since university graduation. Be sure to clearly identify: firms/employers, locations, positions held, responsibilities and dates of employment.
You should also outline your participation in volunteer work or community organizations, board appointments, as well as any other relevant accomplishments or information you feel would help your candidacy.
Please also include a complete summary of your post-secondary education, including any academic awards you have received.
Choosing your References
Each recommendation should be from an individual who can comment on your professional qualifications, academic promise and suitability for the program. Please refrain from soliciting references from peers, co-workers or direct reports. Personal references are also ineligible (e.g. friends, family members, etc.). While your reference can provide the Admissions Committee with whatever information s/he thinks would be of value to the Committee, s/he may also wish to comment on the following factors:
Does the applicant have the academic capacity to succeed in the program?
Will the applicant benefit professionally from taking the program?
Will the applicant contribute to the classroom and learning experience of others?
Does the applicant have both the time and the motivation to succeed in the program?
Purpose of Graduate Study
This is your opportunity to articulate (in no more than two pages/1000 words) why you want to be admitted to the Global Professional LLM (GPLLM) and why you would be a valuable asset to the program. Please address all of the following:
1. Why have you chosen to apply to the GPLLM and what do you hope to achieve? Please refer to your career and any other personal details that you think are relevant.
2. Please indicate the concentration(s) for which you wish to be considered and explain why you have chosen that concentration.
3. Please describe the extent and manner in which your current position requires you to engage with the law and legal or regulatory issues.
4. If you are a lawyer, please explain why you are pursuing an executive legal education.
5. How will you contribute to a dynamic classroom experience?
