Overview

The Law LL.M. programme at Yale University provides a sophisticated environment for advanced legal study and academic research. This one-year residency is specifically tailored for individuals who demonstrate a profound commitment to legal education and scholarly inquiry. Students benefit from a globally diverse cohort and a curriculum that encourages independent intellectual exploration.

Why Law at Yale University?

Choosing this programme means joining a world-renowned community of scholars where small class sizes facilitate deep engagement with the Yale Law School faculty. The school typically enrols only 25 students annually, ensuring an intimate and collaborative atmosphere. Students have access to exceptional resources, including the Tsai Leadership Program and various clinical and experiential learning opportunities. Furthermore, the Graduate Programs Office supports students with academic workshops, the Works in Progress Symposium, and funding to present research at international conferences.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 76636 per year
National fee: USD 76636 per year
Local fee: USD 76636 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is entirely elective, providing candidates with the freedom to design a bespoke course of study that aligns with their specific research goals. To qualify for the degree, students must complete at least 24 units of study. Modules and academic activities may include:

Independent Research and Writing
Faculty-supervised Reading Groups
Legal Scholarship and Teaching
Civil & Private Law
Public Law
Academic Writing and Publishing

Students may also take up to six units in other schools and departments across the university to complement their legal training. The programme emphasises theoretical foundations and scholarly development rather than preparation for professional bar examinations.

Careers with Law

This programme is explicitly structured for those aiming to enter the legal academy. Graduates frequently secure positions in law teaching and high-level scholarship at leading institutions worldwide. The focus on research agendas and intellectual development prepares students for roles as:

Law Professors
Legal Researchers
Legal Scholars
Policy Analysts

The global nature of the cohort, with students from over 30 countries, ensures that graduates are well-equipped to contribute to legal discourse on an international scale. The Law School’s Career Development office provides further resources to help alumni navigate the academic job market and professional opportunities within the legal sector.

Programme Structure

Courses Included:

Beyond the extraordinary academic opportunities at Yale Law School, our LL.M. students regularly and actively participate in many other aspects of student life at the Law School and across Yale University, including participating in a diversity of student organizations and attending a wide variety of co-curricular events and activities.

The Graduate Programs Office also hosts a range of academic and social events for graduate students throughout the academic year from, for instance, our Works in Progress Symposium, where students present their research to faculty and peers, and workshops on academic writing and publishing, to our winter and spring luncheons, a cruise around the Thimble Islands, and a visit to the historic Litchfield Law School, among others.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New Haven, United States

Disciplines

Civil & Private Law Public Law Master of Laws (LLM) View 69 other Masters in Civil & Private Law in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

$80 application fee or fee waiver

Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor

School Report with transcript

English proficiency test results - recommended for non-native English-speakers

Mid-Year Report & Final Report

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

76636 USD / year

≈ 76636 USD / year
Out-of-State

76636 USD / year

≈ 76636 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

76636 USD / year

≈ 76636 USD / year

Living costs

New Haven

United States

1380 - 2110 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Law.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New Haven

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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