New Zealand, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant student life, and world-class education, has become an increasingly popular destination for international students. If you’re an aspiring lawyer looking for high-quality legal education in a multicultural environment, New Zealand offers some exceptional opportunities. The country’s legal system, rooted in common law and influenced by both indigenous Māori customs and international law, provides a unique framework for legal studies.
In this blog, we will explore the top law programs available for international students on New Zealand study visa, and what you need to know to pursue your legal education in this beautiful island nation.
Types of New Zealand Law Programs Available for International Students
New Zealand offers a variety of law programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, making it an ideal destination for law students at any stage of their academic journey.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
The LLB is the standard undergraduate law degree in New Zealand and typically takes 3-4 years to complete. This program covers core subjects such as constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, and legal research skills. After completing an LLB, international students on a New Zealand student visa can pursue careers in New Zealand’s legal profession, subject to completing further professional requirements.
Master of Laws (LLM)
For students who already have a law degree, New Zealand offers LLM programs that provide advanced knowledge in specialized areas of law. Common specializations include international law, business law, environmental law, and human rights law. The LLM programs at New Zealand’s top universities are designed to deepen students’ understanding of legal concepts and help them develop expertise in their chosen field.
Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates
For students who want to specialize in a specific area of law but do not want to commit to a full LLM, New Zealand universities offer postgraduate diplomas and certificates in various areas of law. These shorter programs can often be completed in one year and offer a more focused curriculum in areas such as intellectual property law, dispute resolution, or public policy.
Joint/Double Degree Programs
Some universities, such as the University of Auckland, offer joint or double degree programs, allowing students to combine law with another field, such as commerce, political science, or international relations. These programs are ideal for students on New Zealand study visa who want to broaden their skill set and increase their career prospects by gaining expertise in both law and other disciplines.
Best Law Schools in New Zealand
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Auckland University of Technology
The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program is designed for high-achieving students who wish to enhance their legal research and writing abilities and strengthen their CVs for competitive law roles or clerkships. This program provides an advanced opportunity for students already enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) to further their academic and practical legal skills. It typically involves completing a dedicated research course and a dissertation, with most students on New Zealand student visa undertaking the research component in Part III of their studies and completing their dissertation in Part IV.
Entry Requirement for Honours
To be invited to the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program, students must have achieved a minimum B+ average in their Part II LLB courses. The program is tailored to those who have completed Parts I and II of the LLB, meeting the academic requirements for entry into the honours program. Students are expected to undertake two core courses, the Research Course, and Dissertation. Upon successful completion of these courses, students will have developed advanced legal research and analytical skills, providing a significant advantage when applying for legal positions.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program from AUT have gone on to successful careers in prestigious law firms, corporate legal teams, immigration consultancies, and various commercial sectors. Career pathways for graduates are diverse, with opportunities in areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, criminal law, family law, and environmental law.
Law graduates also find roles outside traditional legal practice, including positions as in-house counsel for major corporations, patent attorneys, policy advisors, and senior management roles in business, taxation specialists, and more. Graduates wishing to practise law as barristers and solicitors can gain admission to the New Zealand High Court after completing the required Professional Legal Studies course, obtaining a certificate of character from the Law Society, and meeting other legal requirements for admission.
The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is a prestigious qualification that not only enhances academic credentials but also opens doors to a wide range of legal and professional opportunities both within New Zealand and internationally.
Master of Laws (International Law and Politics) at University of Canterbury
The Master of Laws (International Law and Politics) at UC is designed for individuals who already have a foundational understanding of law and wish to deepen their expertise in the intersection of international law and politics. This specialized postgraduate degree offers a unique opportunity to engage with both legal and political frameworks at the global level, equipping students on New Zealand study visa with the skills necessary to navigate complex international issues.
Program Structure
The program consists of a combination of compulsory courses and a dissertation, providing a well-rounded academic experience. Students also choose two elective courses that allow them to tailor the program to their specific interests within the field of international law and politics. The Master’s degree is typically completed over 1–2 years of full-time study, or up to 4 years on a part-time basis.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the LLM in International Law and Politics, applicants must hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Postgraduate Certificate in International Law and Politics with a minimum B Grade Point Average (GPA), or equivalent academic qualifications. If English is not your first language, you will need to meet UC’s English language proficiency requirements.
Career Pathways
The program offers a robust academic foundation and prepares graduates for a wide range of global career opportunities in the realm of international law and political affairs. The program is ideal for those aiming for careers in international diplomacy, specialized legal practice, government positions, international organizations, NGOs, or the military.
Doctor of Juridical Science at the University of Waikato
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is a structured doctoral program designed for individuals with a strong academic or professional background in law. It offers an opportunity to achieve mastery in a specific area of law while developing advanced research and analytical skills. The SJD at the University of Waikato is distinctive for its tailored approach, combining coursework with independent research and providing comprehensive support throughout the process.
Program Structure
The program is divided into two main parts. In Part 1, students complete a Research Portfolio and attend a series of seminars and cohort meetings with their academic supervisors. This part involves producing two research papers of publishable quality, demonstrating expertise in a chosen area of law, and developing a research proposal at a PhD-level standard. Part 1 carries 120 points, and students must achieve a passing grade in the Research Portfolio.
Part 2 focuses on the completion of a doctoral-level thesis of up to 60,000 words. Students undertake rigorous, supervised research and present their findings in a thesis that critically investigates an approved topic of significant academic value. The thesis must demonstrate intellectual independence, mastery of research methods, and make an original contribution to the field.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the SJD program, applicants must typically hold a bachelor’s degree with honours or a master’s degree, achieving at least a second-class honours (first division) or distinction. Alternatively, a Master of Philosophy or equivalent academic qualifications may be acceptable. In exceptional cases, applicants may be considered based on other evidence of research capability and relevant knowledge, subject to approval by the Postgraduate Research Committee.
Career Pathways
It is an ideal choice for those looking to contribute to the advancement of legal scholarship and practice at the highest level. The program is ideal for those aspiring to senior roles in academia, law, or related fields, equipping graduates with the knowledge and expertise required for leadership positions.
Study law in New Zealand offers international students on New Zealand student visa an enriching academic experience, a world-class education, and a range of exciting career opportunities. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate LLB, an LLM, or a postgraduate diploma, New Zealand’s universities provide excellent programs in an inclusive and supportive environment. With the right preparation, New Zealand can be the perfect destination for aspiring legal professionals looking to enhance their knowledge, broaden their horizons, and set themselves up for a successful global career.
West Highlander Immigration
If you’re considering study law in New Zealand, take the first step today by researching programs, gathering application materials, and exploring scholarship opportunities through West Highlander Immigration, the best consultants for New Zealand.