Understand Law like never before with a top LLM degree from New Zealand

Do legal matters interest you greatly, and you find yourself reasoning and figuring out solutions to complex legal issues? A Masters degree in Law, or LLM, can be an ideal course for you to choose and build your career path on. And if you choose to do the course in one of the top-study abroad destinations like New Zealand, there are several advantages. 

One, the bright career prospects upon course completion are enough to attract any student to pursue the program. Two, the high-paying job opportunities in the legal domain await students completing the course, offering them ample scope to grow and move ahead in the industry. In addition, New Zealand has top-quality education offered at its numerous law schools, which encourages international students to apply to the country for LLM courses.

Why Study Masters in Law in New Zealand?

Choosing the ideal study-abroad destination for your LLM course can be a daunting decision to make. Among the several top countries to study in, New Zealand emerges as one of the popular choices among Indian students wanting to study LLM. Here are some reasons why:

  • LLM degree courses offered at most New Zealand universities are relatively more reasonably priced and easy to afford.

  • Most NZ universities feature among the top universities for Law in the QS World University Rankings 2023 for Law and Legal Studies.

  • Legal graduates can find rewarding employment opportunities in the industry upon completion of LLM in New Zealand.

  • The starting salary for a solicitor in New Zealand is approximately NZD 62,000 per annum.

(Related Source: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/government-law-and-safety/law/solicitor/) 

LLM Courses in New Zealand for International Students

Law courses offered in New Zealand are designed to provide domestic and international students alike with a deeper understanding of legal problems and complexities surrounding day-to-day issues. Students are allowed to interpret, analyse, reason out, and offer innovative and unique solutions to legal matters. This helps them gain a thorough idea of what the real-world legal environment and the proceedings therein look like before they step into the outside world.

Some of the core specialisations offered in LLM courses at New Zealand universities include:

  • Principles of Public International Law

  • European Union Law

  • Antarctic Legal Studies

  • European Public Law

  • World Trade Law

  • International Human Rights

  • Law of the Sea

  • International Environmental Law

Cost of Studying LLM in New Zealand for Indian Students

The average cost of pursuing a Masters course in Law (LLM) for international students at one of the top recognised New Zealand universities is estimated at roughly NZ$ 42,586. 

Disclaimer: The figures are indicative only and only serve as a reference for fees for LLM in New Zealand. For a more accurate estimate of the academic fees for the program, please check with your applied university.

Related Source: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/master-of-laws-llm.html

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study LLM in New Zealand

The eligibility criteria for the course for each university are likely to differ from one institution to another. However, some of the standard admission requirements for LLM courses at New Zealand universities are:

  • Completion of Bachelor’s of Law or LLB from a New Zealand university or an international equivalent degree from a recognised university abroad

  • International students are required to prove proficiency in the English language as an additional requirement for entry into the course. All students must secure at least 6.5 in the IELTS Test Report Form, with a minimum of 6.0 secured in each band of the test.

Related Source: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/enrol/international/english/  

Top Universities / Colleges for Masters in Law in New Zealand

New Zealand has tons of study options for students wanting to expand their knowledge base in the legal domain. Listed below are some of the top law universities in New Zealand that are the most preferred by several international students for pursuing Masters in Law programs:

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2023/law-legal-studies?&countries=nz

Career Prospects in New Zealand After Pursuing Masters in Law

Pursuing a degree in LLM from a reputed and recognised university in New Zealand has the potential to open up a wide array of career opportunities for graduates. Some of the most-demanded law jobs in New Zealand include:

  • Payments & Settlements Officer

  • Legal Counsel

  • Refugee & Protection Officer

  • Policy Support & Administrator

  • Law Lecturer

FAQs

1. How to apply for an LLM in New Zealand?

International students keen on pursuing LLM courses in New Zealand must satisfy the required eligibility criteria for the university they wish to apply to. Most New Zealand universities require students applying for LLM to have completed a formal LLB degree (Bachelor’s in Law) or an international equivalent from a recognised university in New Zealand or overseas.

2. Is New Zealand good for studying Masters in Law?

New Zealand proudly hosts several top law schools that rank high in QS World University Rankings. Besides, graduating from these law universities with a prestigious LLM degree entitles the students to find high-paying placement opportunities in the country or elsewhere in the world.

3. What types of LLM courses are available in New Zealand?

Students opting for LLM degrees in New Zealand universities can choose from a host of available specialisations, such as:

  • Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Conflict and Disaster Law

  • International Law

  • International Corporate and Commercial Law

  • Human Rights Law

4. Can I practice as a lawyer in New Zealand after pursuing an LLM?

Yes, to practice Law in New Zealand, you must have a professional degree in the subject, such as LLB or LLM, which is approved by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE).

5. Which universities in New Zealand offer LLM courses?

Some of the top New Zealand universities offering LLM degrees include:

  • The University of Auckland

  • Victoria University of Wellington

  • The University of Waikato

  • University of Canterbury

  • Auckland University of Technology

6. What is the average salary of lawyers in New Zealand?

A professional lawyer in New Zealand is estimated to earn an annual average income of NZ$ 80,000 (approx)

Related Source: https://www.glassdoor.co.nz/Salaries/lawyer-salary-SRCH_KO0,6.htm

7. Can I study LLM in New Zealand after LLB in India?

Yes, you can apply for an LLM degree at a New Zealand university if you have completed your LLB degree from India and adhere to the specified eligibility criteria (academic and English proficiency requirements) by the university you apply for.

8. What is the duration of an LLM degree in New Zealand?

The average duration of an LLM degree in the country may roughly be around 1-2 years. This will likely vary from one university in the country to another, depending on the course's curriculum.

Updated on 11 November, 2024

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