Discover online law degree Canada options. Find out which law schools offer these programs and how they help law students succeed
As technology improves, the internet makes it possible for international students to get their degree online. It’s not surprising that many students are looking into an online law degree in Canada. With an online method of instruction, students have the freedom of studying in the comfort of their own home.
An online law degree in Canada, however, may not always be possible. While there are more than 20 law schools in the country, only a few migrated to online classes. Here’s what you should know if you want to get a law degree online.
Can you become a lawyer online in Canada?
No. Law schools in Canada do not offer online law programs leading to an LLB or JD degree. However, there are law-adjacent online programs offered by universities and colleges. Some of these programs are offered through top universities in Canada, making them an excellent starting point for aspiring lawyers.
Face-to-face method of instruction is still preferred over an online law degree in Canada. The nature of the subject requires interaction with students. This is especially true when explaining complicated concepts. More importantly, the practice of law requires face-to-face interaction in court, making physical setups critical.
Simply put – a purely online law degree in Canada does not meet the demands of the profession. This is why as of now, law societies are very strict with how the program is administered.
Schools offering online law degree in Canada
So, it’s clear that an online law degree in Canada is unlikely. However, that doesn’t mean that legal professionals cannot find ways to improve or continue their education online. Here are some law schools that offer law-adjacent online courses.
Queen’s University – Faculty of Law
Queen’s University offers JD programs as well as other law-adjacent courses for interested students. Its more popular programs related to or useful for the legal professional are:
- Certificate in Law
- Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law
Here’s what you should know about each one:
Certificate in Law (CiL)
The CiL is a part-time undergraduate program that offers seven courses. Students must complete four out of these seven courses to be eligible for graduation. To fully accommodate students, classes are conducted on weekdays, with evening and weekend sessions as well.
The seven courses to choose from are:
- Aboriginal Law
- Workplace Law
- Corporate Law
- Public and Constitutional Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- International Law
- Introduction to Canadian Law
This law certificate is for students and professionals who want additional knowledge on the basics of the Canadian legal system. Students may also take up the CiL without admission by applying as a non-degree interest law student. Students may be admitted through two categories:
- Online non-degree continuing
- Online non-degree interest
Here’s a short explanation about Queen University’s Certificate in Law offering:
Following are the admission requirements for the program:
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Online non-degree continuing |
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Proficiency in the English language |
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A minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.6 or more. |
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Enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program, having completed first-year studies |
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Accomplished one year of studies in Queens University’s online degree program |
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Completion of a graduate or undergraduate program with a CGPA of 2.6 or more |
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Accomplishment of two years of a three-year full-time advanced diploma, gaining a CGPA of 2.9 or more |
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Submission of the official transcript |
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Accomplishment of a two-year diploma with a CGPA of 2.9 or more |
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Online non-degree interest |
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Must be 21 years old or over at time of admission |
NDI is meant for those who only want to enroll in the courses to satisfy their interest. This cannot lead to on-campus studies. Likewise, enrollees cannot participate in other courses outside of the law program. The university also accommodates Letter of Permission students through their Undergraduate Admissions office.
Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law (GDipICL)
The GDipICL is a graduate program designed for students, professionals and lawyers who want to specialize in Canada’s immigration laws. It is offered through online classes that include nine courses. To graduate, students must get at least a B- in each course over the period of two consecutive semesters.
Professionals or those who have other commitments can also enroll on a part-time basis. However, they must be able to finish the course within 24 months. Requirements for the GDipICL are:
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A bachelor's degree from a recognized university |
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A minimum of a B average or equivalent in the bachelor’s degree |
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Language test scores |
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Two references, one from the academic and another which can be a professional or academic reference |
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A Personal Statement of Interest |
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Tuition deposit of $400, non-refundable |
More information about Queen’s GDipICL program is available through the official website.
University of British Columbia – Peter A. Allard School of Law
The Allard School of Law of the University of British Columbia (UBC) does not offer an online law degree in Canada. However, it does offer the following learning courses:
- Canadian Public Law
- Canadian Criminal Law
- Administrative Law
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Tort Law
- Property Law
- Canadian Private Law: Contracts
These courses are suitable for foreign law students and foreign lawyers who are working on their National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) requirements. An NCA Certificate of Qualification is needed for law society bar admissions in all common law provinces and territories in Canada.
These courses allow students to finish the prescribed learning materials on their own time and schedule. Requirements for admission are the following:
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A first law degree such as JD or LLB |
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A valid NCA Assessment Report. If no report yet, a completed file with the NCA in line for assessment |
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English Language Proficiency test taken within 24 months before application for students who got a bachelor's degree in an institution where English is not the primary language for instruction |
York University – Osgoode Hall Law School
Osgoode Hall Law School of York University takes the fourth spot when it comes to top law schools in Canada. However, it also offers short courses, conferences, and certificates through Osgoode Professional Development. Depending on personal preferences, courses can be taken in person, online, or in a hybrid setup.
Short courses and conferences can be anywhere from half a day to two days of time commitment. For certificates, the learning period can cover around 30 hours. They function mainly to further the education of legal professionals. Through these short courses, they can stay up to date with any legal changes in their jurisdiction.
Admission requirements include:
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Resume or curriculum vitae |
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Transcripts |
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Writing sample |
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Contact information for two references |
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Language proficiency proof |
It’s perfect for lawyers and professionals who need to earn their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements or any other accreditations. Lawyers practicing on different aspects of the law can pick and choose their preferred subject matter. Some of the offerings include:
- Civil litigation
- Business law
- Administrative law
- Banking and financial services
- Family law
- Wills, trusts, and estates
Humber College – Paralegal Education Diploma
Being a paralegal is a great starting point if you want to be a lawyer. Paralegals are also licensed through law societies and must meet specific requirements under their jurisdiction. Humber College offers a diploma for aspiring paralegals, teaching them about legal research, tribunals, small claims, criminal summary convictions, and more.
Admission requirements include passing Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent. The applicant must also complete Grade 12 English or its equivalent and three grade 11 or grade 12 c, m, or u courses. The course, however, isn’t fully online with some offerings done in a hybrid setup.
Here are other courses often preferred by paralegals in Canada:
Athabasca University, Alberta, Canada
This university offers Legal Studies as one of its courses under applied studies. The course is fully online and covers Canada’s legal system and its development. It’s being offered as an individualized study online course – making it perfect for online professionals. Note though that this is not a pathway towards a JD or LLB degree.
However, if what you’re looking for is a program that lets you take the bar exam, there are other options. Canada has a total of 24 law schools, each one equipped to provide theoretical and experiential learning for aspiring lawyers.
Discover top law schools in Alberta, Canada. Learn about the programs offered, admission requirements, and tuition costs to help you choose the right one for you.
Career opportunities after earning an online law degree in Canada
There are basically two types of legal online programs offered by schools in Canada. The first are for lawyers who want to continuously improve their education. The other is for non-lawyers who are also in the legal field or plan to work as a legal professional. Some of these courses are open to anyone who meets the criteria.
Successfully finishing a legal course or program can help students advance in their career. This can be beneficial for paralegals, law clerks, legal assistants, compliance officers, human resource specialists, government workers, and more. Since the law pretty much guides all workings within sectors, adding law courses to your CV is always a plus.
Note though that these programs do NOT allow you to practice as a lawyer. However, it does open doors for a career in the legal profession. Some may offer pathways towards a JD degree, depending on the university.
How to become a lawyer in Canada
To become a lawyer in Canada, one must take up the Juris Doctor (JD) degree program. This usually takes three to four years to finish, depending on the student's workload. It is a second-entry undergraduate degree. This means that in order to enroll as a first-year student, you need to finish an initial bachelor’s degree in any program.
After earning your JD degree, law societies require an articling period. This is the time when law graduates work under the supervision of an accredited lawyer for twelve months. The articling process is typically paid with students viewed as regular employees. In fact, these students may be absorbed by the firm upon passing the bar exam.
The JD degree can only be earned through face-to-face classes. For an online law degree in Canada, students are limited to certificates that help improve their legal knowledge. How they use it or integrate it into their chosen field depends on them.
Taking the bar exam in Canada
The final hurdle for law students after law school and articling is the bar exam. This is administered at a provincial level, which means that it can happen at different times of the year. The passing rate also changes per province but usually plays around 60 to 80 percent. For aspiring lawyers in Québec, two exams must be taken and passed.
Building legal education online
The internet is a great place to further your career through accredited educational institutions. Even better, there are multiple online law degree Canada options for individuals who are willing to put in the work. Through online learning, students have the opportunity of enrolling in programs that best fit their busy lives.
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