Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law

Deadlines for submission of completed applications are available on the Future Students website: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/law-phd.

In addition to the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the Faculty of Law requires:

a) Completion of an undergraduate degree in Law (e.g. JD or LLB), normally with a minimum grade point average of 3.30 on a 4.0-point scale.

b) Completion of a Master’s degree in Law or other appropriate and relevant Master’s, with a minimum grade point average of 3.00. The typical successful applicant will have a GPA of at least 3.7 on a 4.0-point scale.

c) For applicants required to provide proof of proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) score of 97 (5.0 for tests taken after January 21, 2026), with a minimum of 25 (5.0 for tests taken after January 21, 2026) on the reading and writing components; or a minimum IELTS overall band score of 7.0, with a reading and writing band minimum of 7.0; or a PTE score of 68; or a CAEL overall score of 70, with a minimum score of 70 on writing and reading sections. This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of “A-” in the Academic Writing and Composition course, a minimum grade of “A-” in the Research Writing and Form course, and a minimum grade of “B+” in other courses.

d) Two reference letters, ordinarily academic. At least one reference letter should be written by someone who has worked with the applicant at the Master’s level and who is well familiar with the student’s past work and research proposal.

e) An indication of possible supervisors.

f) A writing sample.

g) A 10-page statement describing the applicant’s research interests and proposing a dissertation project.

h) An up-to-date curriculum vitae.