Skip to content 
Introduction
Pursuing a law degree abroad can be a rewarding but expensive journey. Whether aiming for a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), or a PhD in Law, tuition and living expenses in top countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many prestigious law schools and organizations offer law school scholarships for international students. These scholarships ease financial stress and help future legal professionals build global careers.
In this article, you’ll discover the best scholarships available in 2025 for international students studying law, along with eligibility, benefits, and application tips.
Why Law Scholarships Matter for International Students
- Reduce the financial burden of legal education abroad
- Encourage diversity in global legal systems
- Support career paths in human rights, international law, and public policy
- Attract top talent to prestigious law schools
- Promote legal research on global issues like justice, equality, and environmental law
Top Law School Scholarships for International Students
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Provider: U.S. Department of State
Level: LL.M. or other graduate degrees
Overview:
The Fulbright Program offers full scholarships to international students who want to pursue graduate studies, including law, in the U.S.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Strong academic record
- Demonstrated leadership and community involvement
- Country-specific requirements apply
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Provider: UK Government
Level: LL.M. and other postgraduate programs
Overview:
Chevening is the UK’s global scholarship program offering funding to outstanding international students with leadership potential.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Return airfare to the UK
- Additional grants for essential expenses
Eligibility:
- Citizenship in a Chevening-eligible country
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least two years of work experience
- Commitment to return home after studies
3. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK)
Provider: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Level: LL.M. and other master’s degrees
Overview:
Aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel costs
- Thesis grant and study-related expenses
Eligibility:
- Must be from a low or middle-income Commonwealth country
- Strong academic background
- Financial need
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
Provider: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Level: PhD and Master’s degrees (including LL.M.) at the University of Cambridge
Overview:
A prestigious, fully-funded scholarship for exceptional international students.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Maintenance allowance (£20,000+ annually)
- Visa and travel costs
- Family and fieldwork funding
Eligibility:
- Non-UK citizens
- Admission to a full-time graduate law program at Cambridge
- Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential
5. AUWCL Global Talent Development Scholarship (USA)
Provider: American University Washington College of Law
Level: LL.M. programs
Overview:
Offers partial and full scholarships for international students applying to LL.M. programs in areas like human rights, gender law, and international trade.
Benefits:
- Up to full tuition
- Possible housing support
- Academic advising and career services
Eligibility:
- Must apply to an LL.M. program at AUWCL
- Based on merit and need
6. University of Melbourne Law School Scholarships (Australia)
Provider: Melbourne Law School
Level: JD and LL.M. degrees
Overview:
Several scholarships are available for international students, including the Melbourne Graduate Scholarship and Human Rights Scholarship.
Benefits:
- Partial to full tuition support
- Living allowance
- Research support for PhD candidates
Eligibility:
- Enrolled or applying to a law degree at Melbourne Law School
- Academic excellence and leadership potential
7. DAAD Law Scholarships (Germany)
Provider: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Level: LL.M., PhD, and research
Overview:
Provides scholarships to international students for legal studies or research in Germany.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition waiver (if applicable)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in law or related field
- German or English proficiency (depending on program)
- Admission to a German university
8. Berkeley Law Scholarships (USA)
Provider: University of California, Berkeley Law
Level: LL.M.
Overview:
Merit- and need-based scholarships for international LL.M. applicants.
Benefits:
- Partial to full tuition
- Opportunities for assistantships
- Access to alumni network and career services
Eligibility:
- Academic excellence
- Diversity and need are considered
- Separate scholarship application often required
9. Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship – UNSW Law (Australia)
Provider: University of New South Wales
Level: Juris Doctor and LL.M.
Overview:
UNSW Law offers competitive scholarships to high-achieving international students entering legal programs.
Benefits:
- Full or partial tuition fee reduction
- Research support for postgraduate students
Eligibility:
- Must be an international student
- Outstanding academic achievements
- Enrolled or applying to an eligible law program
10. Rotary Peace Fellowship (Global)
Provider: Rotary Foundation
Level: Master’s in Peace Studies and Law
Overview:
For students pursuing peace and conflict resolution programs, including law degrees focused on international law and diplomacy.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and fees
- Housing and living expenses
- Travel expenses
- Internships and field-study costs
Eligibility:
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience
- English proficiency
- Commitment to peace and justice initiatives
Tips for Winning Law School Scholarships
- Apply early: Deadlines vary, and some require up to a year in advance planning.
- Tailor your personal statement: Highlight your passion for law, goals, and why you’re a strong candidate.
- Demonstrate leadership: Many scholarships reward public service, activism, and leadership roles.
- Get strong recommendation letters: Choose professors or employers who can speak to your legal potential.
- Apply to multiple opportunities: Don’t limit yourself to one or two. Cast a wide net.
Final Thoughts
Law is a field of power, advocacy, and justice—and scholarships ensure that talented students from all backgrounds get access to this world. Whether you’re interested in corporate law, international human rights, environmental law, or public policy, these scholarships can help you build a global legal career without drowning in debt.