The Master of Laws (LLM) in New Zealand is a 1 Year full-time program. Eight law schools in New Zealand are listed among the top 500 law schools in the world, with the University of Auckland, boasting in the top 100. In order to study in New Zealand, students must have a bachelor’s degree in Law from a recognized college with good grades. The fees for LLM in New Zealand for international students ranges between 36,000 - 42,000 NZD (17.25 lakhs - 20.12 lakhs).
The cost may seem slightly overwhelming to students on a budget. In such a case there are plenty of scholarships in New Zealand that you can choose from to ease the financial burden. LLM graduates in New Zealand can earn upo 194,000 NZD (93.17 lakhs INR) on average per year. Job opportunities after LLM in New Zealand are prosperous for those with experience.
Highlights
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Type of Courses | Master of Laws by coursework Master of Laws by Thesis Master of Laws by a research portfolio Master of Laws by dissertation and coursework |
| Fees | 36,000 NZD - 42,000 NZD (17.73 lakhs - 20.69 lakhs INR) per year |
| Popular Specialisation | Corporate and Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law |
| Intake Session | January and July |
| Roles | Lawyer, Legal Executive, Solicitor, Legal Associate in Law Firms |
| Salaries | 194,000 NZD per annum (95.58 lakhs INR) |
Top Universities for LLM in New Zealand
According to QS News Ranking, the following are the top 8 universities in New Zealand offering LLM program:
| University | Program | Admission Deadlines | Fees Per Annum (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Auckland | Master of Laws - LLM | Late Year Semester 2022 [Nov 10th, 2022] | Semester One 2023 [Dec 8th, 2022] | Semester Twp 2023 [Jul 4th, 2023] | 42,586 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Master of Laws - LLM | Trimester 1 Starting in March 2023 [Dec 1st, 2022] | Trimester 2 Starting in July 2023 [May 1st, 2023] | Trimester 3 Starting in November 2023 [Sep 1st, 2023] | 38,850 |
| University of Otago | Master of Laws - LLM | April 30th, 2023 | 42,090 |
| University of Canterbury | Master of Laws - LLM | Master of Laws [L.L.M] International Law and Politics | December 9th, 2022 | 39,000 |
| University of Waikato | Master of Laws - LLM | Master of Laws [L.L.M] Laws in Maori/Pacific & Indigenous Peoples' Law | December 1st, 2022 | 37,110 |
| Auckland University of Technology | Master of Laws - LLM | December 8th, 2022 | 36,100 |
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Table of Contents |
Why Study LLM in New Zealand?
- Majority of countries have English speaking legal systems including India, which makes New Zealand an ideal destination for pursuing LLM.
- The education system in New Zealand is modelled on the UK system. It offers the best of both worlds, i.e. standards of education and quality of life akin to the USA, UK, and Canada but at a much lower cost.
- Universities in New Zealand offer the most flexible LLM program which is available as coursework, intensive research, and dissertation writing basis or course that requires submission of thesis.
- Post-study work visa opportunity with a 12 months stay-back for international students seeking jobs in New Zealand.
LLM in New Zealand: Specialisations Offered
Depending on one’s preferences, becoming a professional in law and regulations may lead one to a number of different subdivisions. Among the most popular of these specialisations are commercial law, regulatory theory, and international relations.
Some popular specialisations in Law offered by universities in New Zealand are Conflict and Disaster Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice, International Corporate and Commercial Law, International Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution Law, Public Law, Law of War and Conflicts, Cyber Law, and Indigenous Issues.
LLM in New Zealand: Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for LLM course in New Zealand, students must have completed an LLB or equivalent degree in Law with satisfactory grades. International students are also required to ELP scores to demonstrate their English language proficiency. All international students are advised to apply at least six months before the program deadline to receive equal consideration.
Basic Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s of Law or LLB with a minimum GPA of 5.0 on the scale of 9.0
- English language proficiency
- IELTS: 7.0 - 7.5
- TOEFL-iBT: 100
- Letter of recommendation from faculty and employees
- Certificates proving involvement in extracurricular activities
- GMAT or GRE scores (if applicable)
- Work Experience (if required)
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Passport copy
Also Check: Exams to Study in New Zealand for International Students
LLM in New Zealand: Cost of Studying
Generally, the fees for an LLM for international students in New Zealand is 36,000 - 42,000 NZD (17.25 lakhs - 20.12 lakhs INR), which is comparatively lower than in other countries. For instance, the costs of studying LLM in New Zealand will be around 25,000 - 50,000 NZD (11.98 lakhs - 23.96 lakhs INR) per year, while the same in Australia will be 39,000 - 57,000 NZD (18.69 lakhs - 27.31 lakhs INR) annually.
Tuition Fees
| University | Annual Tuition Fees (NZD) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 42,586 | 20.40 lakhs |
| University of Otago | 42,090 | 20.17 lakhs |
| University of Canterbury | 39,000 | 18.69 lakhs |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 38,850 | 18.61 lakhs |
| University of Waikato | 37,110 | 17.78 lakhs |
| Auckland University of Technology | 36,100 | 17.30 lakhs |
Cost of Living in New Zealand
On average the living expenses in New Zealand are budgeted at 17,000 - 20,000 NZD (8.14 lakhs - 9.58 lakhs INR) including accommodation, food, transport, and living. Students have to pay for travel and accommodation costs in New Zealand after getting enrolled in the university. The average cost of living is provided in the table below:
| Requirement | Cost Per Week (NZD) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Homestays | 285 | 13,658 |
| Single Room (Flat) | 140 - 293 | 6,709 - 14,041 |
| Entertainment | 55 | 2,635 |
| Food | 80 - 120 | 3,833 - 5,750 |
| Transportation | 37 | 1,773 |
| Phone | 19 | 910 |
LLM in New Zealand: Scholarships
Students planning to study LLM may also look for a range of scholarships in New Zealand to meet educational expenses. Though, these scholarships are highly competitive due to limited availability. Some of the popular scholarships for international LLM applicants offered by universities in New Zealand:
| Offered By | Name of Scholarship | Eligibility Requirements | Amount Granted (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Auckland | India High Achievers Scholarship | For high achieving Indian students seeking admission in undergraduate and masters degree | 20,000 |
| ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship | For high achieving ASEAN students seeking admission in undergraduate and masters degree | 10,000 | |
| Postgraduate Law Award | Students enrolled in master of law and master of taxation program | 10,000 | |
| University of Otago | Research Masters Scholarships | Those achieving overall Grade A or A+ in final year of bachelor’s degree | Tuition Fees Covered |
| Coursework Master’s Scholarship | Students enrolled in coursework based masters degree | 10,000 | |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Faculty of Law International Students LLM Fee Scholarship | Awarded to those demonstrating financial need | 5,000 |
| University of Waikato | Faculty of Law Graduate Scholarship | Students enrolled in postgraduate research or postgraduate taught programs | 5,000 |
LLM in New Zealand: Job Opportunities
Studying LLM in New Zealand enables students to take advantage of the country’s highly developed and well-funded law schools, in addition to learning in the environment of a prominent early practitioner of the common law. A newly graduated student with a Master of Laws in New Zealand can earn 45,000 NZD (21.61 lakhs INR) annually, whereas one with 2-3 years of experience can raise an average salary of 70,000 NZD (33.62 lakhs INR).
Finding jobs in New Zealand with an LLM degree may initially seem difficult but with slight research and help from universities, you can always find your way to cushy median salaries in comforting job roles.
Top Paying Job Profiles for LLM graduates in New Zealand:
| Designation | Average Annual Salary (NZD) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Lawyer | 100,000 | 48.02 lakhs |
| Senior Solicitor | 82,737 | 39.73 lakhs |
| Associate Attorney | 75,076 | 36.05 lakhs |
| Attorney/Lawyer | 66,466 | 31.92 lakhs |
| Solicitor | 56,402 | 27.8 lakhs |
| Legal Executive | 55,921 | 26.85 lakhs |
| Barrister | 54,379 | 26.11 lakhs |
| Legal Administrator | 51,455 | 24.71 lakhs |
| Legal Assistant | 49,948 | 23.98 lakhs |
Return On Investment for LLM in New Zealand:
| University | Tuition Fees (NZD) | Average Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 42,586 | 71,000 |
| University of Canterbury | 39,000 | 45,000 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 38,850 | 69,000 |
LLM in New Zealand: Comparison By University
Comparison Universities in New Zealand offering LLM based on admission criteria:
| University | Application Fee | GPA Required (9.0 Scale) | ELP Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Auckland | 85 NZD | 5.0 in LLB | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 90 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 75 NZD | B average in LLB | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL iBT: 100 |
| University of Otago | N.A | B+ average in LLB (300 - 400 level papers) | IELTS: 7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 102 |
| University of Canterbury | 330 NZD | B+ average in LLB or relevant degree | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 90 |
| University of Waikato | 500 NZD | B average in LLB or relevant degree | IELTS: 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What are some of the best universities offering LLM in New Zealand?
Ans: The University of Auckland, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University, University of Waikato are some of the best universities that offer LLM programs. They all feature in the top 500 of QS world ranking.
Ques: What is the average fee to pursue LLM in New Zealand?
Ans: Generally for international students, tuition fees for LLM ranges between 36,000 - 42,000 NZD (17.73 lakhs - 20.69 lakhs INR). It varies as per university opted.
Ques: What additional cost will be incurred while studying LLM in New Zealand?
Ans: On average the living expenses may be budgeted at 17,000 - 20,000 NZD (8.37 lakhs - 9.85 lakhs INR) including accommodation, food, transport, and living. And obviously living costs will vary depending on the type of accommodation opted.
Ques: What are the general eligibility criteria to apply for LLM in New Zealand?
Ans: Students willing to apply for LLM in New Zealand must have Bachelors in Law with good grades. In addition, students from non-English speaking countries have to provide proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
Ques: What are popular specialisations available to LLM students in New Zealand?
Ans: Specialisation is optional but you can choose to have your LLM awarded in one of our six specialisation areas: Corporate and Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution or Public Law.
Ques: What is the minimum English Proficiency Score requirement for LLM in New Zealand?
Ans: Average English Proficiency Score requirement for master of laws in New Zealand is IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 90, and TOEFL PBT: 575.
Ques: I have done LLB in India, can i pursue LLM in New Zealand?
Ans: Universities in New Zealand accept students having a 3 year Bachelor's degree in Law. If you have done your LLB from India and fulfil academic and English Proficiency requirements, you are eligible to apply for an LLM in New Zealand.
Ques: What salary is offered to Law graduates in New Zealand?
Ans: A newly graduated student with LLM in New Zealand can earn 45,000 NZD (22.17 lakhs INR) annually, whereas one with 2-3 years of experience can raise an average salary of 70,000 NZD (34.48 lakhs INR).
Ques: How long does it take until you're able to practise as a barrister after LLM in New Zealand?
Ans: In addition to having the appropriate academic qualification, students have to complete practical legal training as required by NZCLE which typically lasts 12 months. Followed by a Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC) that takes either 13 or 19 weeks. Upon completion, graduates can apply for submission and receive a practising certificate. This allows lawyers in New Zealand to work as barristers or solicitors.
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