At a glance
9 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
€69k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 9 monthsProgram Duration
- Fall Entry OnlyAdmission Cycle
- Course, Law & Business, or Thesis TracksProgram Options
- Merit-based scholarships availableFinancial Aid
- Apply via LSACApplication Platform
Vanderbilt Law School offers a one-year Master of Laws (LL.M.) program designed for international students. The program provides a deep dive into U.S. legal studies, with options for a general Course Track, a specialized Law and Business Track focusing on corporate law and finance, or a Thesis Track for research-oriented students. All tracks allow students to take courses relevant to the New York bar exam. The LL.M. is a 9-month, full-time, on-campus program with fall admission only.
Curriculum
LL.M. students study alongside J.D. students and can choose from a wide range of courses. Students can select one of three tracks: Course Track, Law and Business Track, or Thesis Track. The chosen track is not binding and can be changed before classes begin. Academic advisors are available to assist with final decisions.
- Academic Year
Frequently asked questions
- What is the tuition fee for the LL.M. program?
- The tuition for the current academic year is $79,116. A non-refundable seat deposit of $1,000 is required to accept an offer of admission, which is credited towards the fall semester bill.
- How long is the LL.M. program at Vanderbilt University?
- The LL.M. program is a one-year, full-time, on-campus program. It is a 9-month program with fall admission only.
- What are the admission requirements for international students?
- Applicants must hold a law degree from an institution outside the United States. English proficiency is required, typically demonstrated by a TOEFL score of 100+, IELTS score of 7.0+, or Duolingo English Test score of 115+.
- How do I apply for the LL.M. program and scholarships?
- Applications are submitted online through the LSAC LL.M. Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The final application deadline is May 30, and to be considered for scholarships, it is strongly encouraged to apply by February 1.
- Are there scholarship opportunities for LL.M. students?
- Merit-based scholarships are available and awarded automatically to admitted students. While amounts vary, full scholarships are not available. Applicants should aim to apply by February 1 for scholarship consideration.
- Can LL.M. graduates practice law in the U.S. after the program?
- Not all U.S. states permit LL.M. graduates to sit for bar exams. However, the program includes coursework that can help qualify students to sit for the New York bar exam.
Entry requirements
Law DegreeHold a law degree (Bachelor's or Master's with 3 years of study) from an institution outside the United States. Correspondence or online degrees are not considered.
TOEFLTypically 100+ (TOEFL iBT)
IELTSTypically 7.0+
Duolingo English Test (DET)Typically 115+
English proficiency is required. Waivers may be granted for applicants whose native language is English or who completed their undergraduate law degree in an English-instruction institution. Vanderbilt does not accept TOEFL MyBest or Essentials scores. An interview may be requested to further assess English proficiency, especially for scores below the typical range. A Summer English for Legal Purposes (SELP) course is available.
Fees
Tuition (international)The cost of tuition for the current academic year is $79,116.
Tuition (home)Not applicable for LL.M. program.
LivingNot specified.
A non-refundable seat deposit of $1,000 is required to accept an offer of admission, which is credited towards the fall semester bill. While some LL.M. students may find part-time work as research assistants or in the library after arrival, these positions are not guaranteed and most students do not work during their studies.
How to apply
1. Apply via LSACSubmit your application through the LSAC LL.M. Credential Assembly Service (CAS). This service includes the Vanderbilt Law School Electronic Application, the LSAC Document Assembly Service, and the International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service.
2. Submit Application FeeThere is an application fee. Fee waivers are provided to attendees of LL.M. information sessions. Alternatively, a waiver can be requested by emailing llm.program@law.vanderbilt.edu with your LSAC account number, TOEFL score (if applicable), and resume.
3. Provide Transcripts and EvaluationsLSAC's International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service will handle transcript evaluation.
4. Submit English Proficiency ScoresSubmit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) unless a waiver is granted.
5. Consider Scholarship Application DeadlineFor scholarship consideration, it is strongly encouraged to apply by February 1. The final application deadline is May 30.
Scholarships
Merit-Based ScholarshipsVaries (Full scholarships are not available)
Frequently asked questions
What is the tuition fee for the LL.M. program?
+
The tuition for the current academic year is $79,116. A non-refundable seat deposit of $1,000 is required to accept an offer of admission, which is credited towards the fall semester bill.
How long is the LL.M. program at Vanderbilt University?
+
The LL.M. program is a one-year, full-time, on-campus program. It is a 9-month program with fall admission only.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
+
Applicants must hold a law degree from an institution outside the United States. English proficiency is required, typically demonstrated by a TOEFL score of 100+, IELTS score of 7.0+, or Duolingo English Test score of 115+.
How do I apply for the LL.M. program and scholarships?
+
Applications are submitted online through the LSAC LL.M. Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The final application deadline is May 30, and to be considered for scholarships, it is strongly encouraged to apply by February 1.
Are there scholarship opportunities for LL.M. students?
+
Merit-based scholarships are available and awarded automatically to admitted students. While amounts vary, full scholarships are not available. Applicants should aim to apply by February 1 for scholarship consideration.
Can LL.M. graduates practice law in the U.S. after the program?
+
Not all U.S. states permit LL.M. graduates to sit for bar exams. However, the program includes coursework that can help qualify students to sit for the New York bar exam.