How many applications do you receive?

In 2023 we received just over 2900 applications.  The target enrolment for the incoming first-year JD class is 216.

How many years of an undergraduate program do I need in order to apply?

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of three years of full-time undergraduate studies at an institution recognized as providing an academic environment and education that prepares students for potential success in advanced study. Prior to completion of undergraduate degree studies, the applicant would have completed secondary schooling in Canada or equivalent pre-university studies.

What undergraduate program should I study to prepare for law school?

There are no prescribed "pre-law programs" or program pre-requisites.  Students at law school have completed undergraduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines including commerce, political science, engineering and pure sciences, philosophy, language studies and literature, economics, biology, sociology, music, fine art and international relations to name just a few.

Do you have minimum admissions requirements?

We do not have minimum admission requirements. Recommended scores and grades can be found under each category on the Admission Categories & Standards page. 

Do all documents have to be in by November 1?

As long as you have submitted your OLSAS application online by November 1, application materials such as letters of reference and transcripts can follow after the deadline.  All documents should be sent to OLSAS.

How are grades and the LSAT weighed?

Grades indicate how well an applicant has mastered the academic discipline chosen for the undergraduate degree.  The LSAT test assesses aptitude for legal studies through questions designed to measure reading comprehension, logical and analytical reasoning.  Both grades and the LSAT score are considered academic factors of approximately equal weight. To have a good chance of being offered admission, both measures should fall within the competitive ranges for consideration.

When should I write the LSAT?

The January test score is the latest score accepted for admission in the current admission cycle.  

How do you treat multiple LSAT scores?

The Admissions Committee will rely on the highest score achieved at the time of the admission decision.

If I went on exchange in my undergrad, does my transcript need to be assessed by WES?

Applicants are not required to obtain a WES assessment for courses taken as part of an exchange program, as long as transfer credits for these courses are recognized on the home university transcript.

When can I expect to hear if I have been admitted?

Following the OLSAS application deadline, OLSAS will forward file contents in electronic format to Queen’s Faculty of Law. Files will be assembled from the electronic materials. Files in each of the admission categories are ranked for competitiveness and forwarded to the Admissions committee for review and decision throughout the cycle.  Beginning in January and running through until late August, decisions regarding admission will be communicated to applicants by email and letter. Please be sure to keep OLSAS updated through the cycle with your current mailing address and current email address.

When will I know if I have been awarded an entrance scholarship?

Most admission scholarships are awarded during the first round with the offer of admission.  However, some admission scholarships will be awarded later in the admissions cycle as more funds become available.

What financial assistance is available to me? What are the costs of attendance?

It is recommended that you apply for the Queen’s Law Admissions Bursary.  Full information on the costs of attendance, and about merit-based and needs-based assistance can be seen on the University Registrars' Student Awards Website. Tuition is posted on the website of the University Registrar.