Queen's Law - Fudan University Double Degree Program

Queen's Law students can earn both a Juris Doctor (JD) from Queen's University and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Chinese Business Law from Fudan University through an innovative international double-degree partnership.

This unique opportunity allows students to complete both degrees in the same timeframe typically required for a traditional JD, while gaining valuable international legal experience in one of the world's leading economic and legal centres. 

Program Highlights

Two Degrees in Three Years

Students spend 3L studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, completing courses that are cross-credited toward their Queen's JD requirements. Upon successful completion, students graduate with:

Students who choose not to complete the LLM thesis may still participate as an exchange student and receive credit toward their Queen's JD. More information can be found here (link to exchange website). 

Exceptional Value

Participants continue paying only their regular Queen's Law tuition and mandatory fees during their year abroad.

  • No additional Fudan tuition is required.
  • The Fudan LLM normally carries tuition costs exceeding CAD $50,000.
  • Students gain access to an internationally recognized graduate law credential at no additional tuition expense. 

Study in Shanghai

Students spend their final year living and studying in Shanghai, one of the world's most dynamic global business centres.

The LLM program:

  • Is taught entirely in English.
  • Offers opportunities for students fluent in Mandarin to take Chinese-language law courses.
  • Provides Chinese language instruction for students who do not speak Mandarin. 

Program Structure

Years 1 and 2

Students should be prepared to:

  • Participate in the International Law Program immediately after 1L. 
  • Complete compulsory upper-year JD requirements in 2L. 
  • Take an overload of credits during 2L to ensure degree requirements are met. 

Year 3

Selected students spend their third year at Fudan University in Shanghai, completing LLM coursework that also satisfies Queen's JD requirements. Students will earn the remaining 15 upper-year JD requirements in their first semester at Fudan and must complete a master's thesis and oral defence in their second semester. The thesis defence may be completed remotely, allowing students to return to Canada following coursework completion. 

Important Considerations

Because the academic year at Fudan extends into late June:

  • Participants will not attend spring convocation alongside their Queen's JD classmates.
  • Professional licensing timelines may differ from those of other students in their graduating cohort. 

Selection Process

Queen's Law may nominate up to three students per year for admission to the program.

Selection occurs in two stages:

  1. Students apply through Queen's Law Exchange Application by January 15 of 1L. 
  2. Selected students will be nominated and must submit an application to Fudan University and must be admitted by Fudan. 
Information Session

Interested students are encouraged to attend an upcoming information session to learn more about:

  • Eligibility requirements
  • Academic planning
  • Application procedures
  • Student experience in Shanghai
  • Career opportunities arising from the program

Details will be announced shortly. 

Learn More

Questions about the Queen's Law-Fudan Double Degree Program?

Contact:
Exchange Program Coordinator: law.exchange@queensu.ca. 

Additional application details, timelines, and eligibility requirements will be posted as they become available.