LLM Study at Waikato
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Te Piringa Faculty of Law is dedicated to providing its students with the highest quality, student-focused practical legal education.
We welcome applications from students around the world and all our degree programmes are internationally recognised.
Our particular strengths lie in international law, cyber law, indigenous legal issues, environmental law, alternative dispute resolution, intellectual property, law and information technology, human rights, law of armed conflict and law and public policy. We have a strong focus on social justice.
Why Waikato?
Choose Waikato to study for an internationally recognised qualification at a world-class law school in a friendly environment close to some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
The Waikato Law Faculty is committed to providing Masters and Postgraduate students with a challenging and enriching educational experience, in a supportive learning environment.
Our faculty members come from a wide range of nations and cultural backgrounds, creating a truly multicultural environment. Alongside with leading NZ scholars, the Faculty holds staff from as far afield as Canada, China, Fiji, South Africa, Colombia, Iran, Ireland, the UK and the USA, who regularly advise governments and international organisations on a range of legal issues. Staff are actively engaged in trend-setting research which is published in internationally peer-reviewed publications.
We are home to the Centre for Environmental, Resources and Energy Law (CEREL) and the Maori and Indigenous Governance Centre (MIGC).
We have teaching and research links with institutions all over the world including in Europe, US and China. These links and our regular programme of international guest lecturers enrich the learning experience at Te Piringa Faculty of Law.
Learn more about practicing law in NZ.
The Waikato LLM
Find more about the LLM here
The LLM will help you stand out from the crowd, and give you a fresh perspective on the law and international legal systems in an increasingly globalised world. Studying in an English-speaking country with a vibrant common law tradition such as the one in New Zealand will enable you to enhance your academic and professional background and open doors of opportunity anywhere in the world
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) programme at Te Piringa - Faculty of Law is a one-year course designed to provide an advanced legal education for law graduates who seek to gain a competitive edge in the local and global environment.
We offer a flexible and yet robust programme structure that meets the needs of our diverse students every year. The Master of Laws program may be completed in either of the following modes:
- By coursework only (for students who seek to upgrade their skills and knowledge through specialist taught papers)
- By coursework and dissertation (for students wanting to combine taught papers with a significant part of independent research)
- By thesis only (only for students who have demonstrated significant capabilities in independent research)
For more see www.waikato.ac.nz/law/postgraduate/study_options/llm
Paper choices
In the LLM by taught papers (by coursework only), you would have to choose a minimum of 120 points from a pool of "full semester" (taught by our distinguished faculty members) and/or "intensive" papers (taught by our outstanding visiting professors over a shorter period of time).
For more on taught papers offered currently visit https://www.waikato.ac.nz/law/postgraduate/study_options/llm/taught_papers
Class sizes are small (a maximum of 25 students) and lecturers are very approachable with what we call an "open door" policy. For more information visit http://www.waikato.ac.nz/law/postgraduate
Entry Criteria
Candidates must have completed the LLB degree, or a combined degree in Te Piringa – Faculty of Law, or an equivalent qualification. Admission is subject to a minimum 'B' grade point average. For more information about entry requirements contact one of our friendly staff on 0800 WAIKATO (within NZ) or 07 838 4610 (Outside NZ), or visit https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/enrolment/postgraduate.
If your first language is not English, you are required to provide satisfactory evidence of English language proficiency, generally in the form of an IELTS (academic) or TOEFL examination score. The following minimum scores are considered to be evidence of such competence:
- an IELTS Overall score of 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in the Writing band), or
- a Paper-based TOEFL score of 600 (with at least 5.5 on the Test of Written English), or
- an IBT (Internet Based TOEFL) score of 100 with a Writing score of 22, or
- a B grade or better at Level 8 in the Certificate of Attainment in English Language.
All other evidence is considered on a case by case basis. However, in individual circumstances, we might accept other means of proof as proficiency of English, which may include competition of tertiary degrees in English. Alternatively, you may choose to take English Courses provided at University of Waikato College before enrolling in the LLM Programme.
Tuition Fees
Our full year LL.M. tuition fees amount to approximately $32,040 per year for international students.
For more detailed information on tuition fees visit: www.waikato.ac.nz/study/money/fees-internat.shtml
In addition to your tuition fee and airfare, you will need to cover your living costs, information about living costs can be found here - https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/costs/cost-of-living however this will depend on where and how you live, and does not take into account further travel, entertainment or personal expenses. In general, you will find the cost of living in Hamilton is a lot less expensive than in other major cities throughout New Zealand.
Postgraduate Programmes
We also offer a wide array of postgraduate degree programmes that are taught through small seminars or by supervised research.
Graduate Diploma Programmes
Graduate Diploma in Law
Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution
Masters Degree Programmes
Master of Laws (LLM)
Master of Laws in Maori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law
Higher Degree Programmes
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Scholarships
A scholarship will open up a world of opportunities for you and many can provide support with study, fees, accommodation, research or leadership opportunities. Find more detailed information on scholarships here.
Immigration
Full details of immigration requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying and reporting requirements are all available from Immigration New Zealand.
Location
The University of Waikato is located in Hamilton, New Zealand's fourth largest city, with a population of over 130,000 people. Several world-class surf and swimming beaches are located within an hours drive of Hamilton, and the greater Waikato region plays host to many outdoor activities, such as skiing, rowing, bush walks, hiking and mountain-biking tracks, etc. The Waikato University campus sits on 65 hectares, with thousands of mature trees, three small lakes and huge sports fields.
Find more information about Why study at Waikato.
Housing
There are several on- and off-campus housing options available to you and University accommodation staff can also help you to find rental accommodation close to campus. Find more information about Accommodation.