Osgoode Hall Law School Acceptance Rate, Requirements, Rankings, Tuition

Home » Law Schools » Osgoode Hall Law School Acceptance Rate, Requirements, Rankings, Tuition

The Osgoode Hall Law School was established in 1889 as part of York University in Toronto. In this article, you will discover the law school’s unique qualities and strengths, including information on admissions, entry requirements, acceptance rates, tuition fees, scholarships, and the curriculum of the Juris Doctor Program.

Learn about the 2-Year Senior Status LLB Degrees.

Osgoode Hall Law School Acceptance Rate

According to the most recent data, the acceptance rate of Osgoode Hall Law School is 8%. In the past year, there were 3600 applicants for only 290 spots in the first-year program. Osgoode oversees significantly more Juris Doctor students across the program’s three-year duration compared to other institutions. The number of students is usually over 900, which is more than three times when contrasted with other legal institutions across Ontario and British Columbia.

Osgoode Hall Law School Requirements

The entry requirements for Osgoode Law School consist of 6 major factors. Keep in mind that the school has a holistic approach to admitting candidates. LSAT scores, prolonged social and intellectual engagement, good communication skills, academic and personal achievements, post-secondary academic attainments, and resilience against adversities are some of the key factors that are considered while admitting candidates. The requirements are listed below:

1. LSAT Requirements – minimum 160
2. GPA Requirements – minimum 85%
3. Transcripts – required
4. Personal Statement – required
5. Letters of Reference – at least 2 letters of reference
6. Resume – required

Check out your alternative option to Canadian law schools – Study Law in the UK.

LSAT Requirements

Law School of York University accepts LSAT scores of 160 and above. The higher your score is, the higher your chance of securing a first-year place. Only your highest score in the past 5 years will be taken into consideration.

GPA Requirements

You are expected to have a grade point average of 85% and above. This also equates to 3.69-3.7 (out of 4.0) or an A-.

Transcripts

Transcripts will also be forwarded to the Admissions Committee. International applicants must be aware that theirs will undergo an evaluation by the World Education Service.

Personal Statement

The Personal Statement is an integral part of the admissions process.

• Part A of the Personal Statement involves writing a 2,000-character elaboration of one’s motivation to study law and any academic, leadership, or sporting highlights.
• Part B is optional, yet will certainly be of good assistance to be admitted given that a candidate manages to effectively encompass any equity factors, work and life experience, diversity, and performance in up to 2,500 characters.

Letters of Reference

Two letters of reference must be submitted to highlight the character and personal qualities of a candidate, their academic talent, employment or volunteering contributions, and any special circumstances. Preferably, at least one of the references needs to be academic in nature.

Resume

Your resume must provide a comprehensive record of your activities since high school, including employment, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, awards, and research.

Osgoode Hall Law School Tuition

It’s worth noting that in 2024, Osgoode Hall charges $81,640 for the entire law degree for domestic students, but the fee for international students is much higher at $125,863. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the tuition fees to help both domestic and international students make informed decisions regarding their education.

Find out how much a law degree costs in Canada.

Scholarships

Student success at Osgoode is encouraged by the generous financial support which supports students’ professional development.

There are Renewable Entrance Scholarships and Awards Funds, which typically are structured as three renewable funding boosts of $10,000 each. Given that the recipients are continuously ranked inside the top 20% of the Juris Doctor class. Two examples are:

• The Harley D. Hallett Renewable Entrance Scholarship; and
• The Honourable William G.C. Howland Award of Excellence Entrance Scholarship.
• The following law firms have also responded to the financial aid program and have themselves participating in creating scholarships:
• Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP;
• Torkin Manes LLP;
• Stikeman Elliott LLP; and
• McMillan LLP.

Osgoode also partners with the following categories of donators to subsidize scholarships in their name or to commemorate notable people:

• Other companies/businesses, e.g. Scotiabank and the Bogoroch & Associates Entrance Award;
• Private individuals, e.g. Kenneth Laundry, Benjamin Laufer, Bert James MacKinnon and Stephen George Legett; and
• International contributors, namely Bulgaria’s Ignat Kaneff and his Academic Excellence Fund.

Osgoode Hall Law School Ranking

Osgoode Hall Law School, renowned for its comprehensive legal education and impactful research, is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 3 law schools. The school’s prestigious standing is attributed to its academic excellence, driven by a faculty of leading legal scholars and practitioners. Osgoode Hall caters to a wide array of student interests and career aspirations, offering a diverse range of specializations such as corporate, international, human rights, and environmental law. The school is recognized for its influential legal research, contributing significantly to both national and international legal communities.

Additionally, Osgoode Hall is committed to community engagement through its various legal clinics, providing students with valuable practical experience while serving the community. The school’s extensive alumni network, comprising graduates in prominent legal, governmental, and academic positions, further enhances its reputation and offers current students valuable mentoring and networking opportunities. This combination of academic rigour, practical experience, and community service cements Osgoode Hall’s position as a leading institution in legal education.

The Curriculum at Osgoode Hall Law School

The curriculum differs slightly from the standard first-year and upper-year courses distribution at other universities. However, it is highly skills-based.

Why to Choose Osgoode Hall Law School

Osgoode Hall Law School stands out as a premier institution for pursuing a Canadian law degree, distinguished by its unique blend of theoretical and practical legal education. Here are the reasons why Osgoode Hall is an excellent choice:

1. Expert Faculty with Practical Experience: Osgoode Hall’s faculty members are often practitioners, offering students insights into both the academic and practical aspects of law. This dual focus provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how legal theories are applied in real-world cases.
2. Diverse Student Organizations and Support Services: With around 50 sub-societies under its Law Society and a robust Career Services Centre, Osgoode Hall fosters a dynamic and supportive environment. These organizations and services help in shaping well-rounded, broad-minded graduates.
3. Impressive Articling Clerkship Success Rate: In 2020, a remarkable 92% of Osgoode students applying for articling clerkships successfully secured these positions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the school’s training and network.
4. Flexible Class Sizes and Personalized Attention: The school employs a unique teaching approach, dispersing students across larger classes and smaller groups. This method ensures a balance between broad-based learning and individualized attention, optimizing the educational experience.
5. Largest Law Library in Canada: Osgoode Hall boasts the largest law library in the nation, providing students with an unparalleled resource for legal research and study.
6. Scholarship Opportunities and Internship Support: The school’s partnerships with law firms not only provide scholarship opportunities but also allow students to make early impressions on potential employers. Additionally, firms like Gowling WLG and Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP fund awards to support interns in underpaid or low-paid positions.
7. Global Exchange Programs: Through partnerships with universities in various countries, Osgoode offers extensive exchange programs. These opportunities are supported by the Law Faculty and allow students to gain international legal perspectives.
8. Application Support for Exchange Programs: Prospective exchange students are guided through the application process with the necessary support documents, including faculty references, resumes, and statements of interest.

More About Osgoode Hall

Osgoode Hall is a subsidiary of York University in Ontario, Canada’s third-largest university with over 55,000 students and 7,000 staff. The Hall prepares students for the Bar exam of the Law Society of Ontario and has a renowned, innovative faculty. It’s named after William Osgoode, Canada’s first Chief Justice. The 15,000+ alumni network includes Prime Ministers, Supreme Court Judges, Ontario Premiers, and professionals in various sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this law school:

Is Osgoode Law School hard to get into?

Yes, Osgoode Law School is quite competitive. The acceptance rate is only 8%, with 3600 applicants vying for just 290 spots in the first-year program. This high level of competition indicates that gaining admission into Osgoode Hall Law School is challenging.

What is Osgoode Hall Law School ranked in the world?

Globally, Osgoode Hall Law School is consistently listed in the top 20. Osgoode’s reputation is further enhanced by its rich history and a broad network of notable alumni, including Supreme Court justices and political leaders, contributing to its prestige and recognition in the legal world.

How much is Osgoode Law School per year?

The yearly tuition fee for Osgoode Law School is $24,802 for domestic students and $39,543 for international students. This is in addition to ancillary fees of $1,163, estimated textbook costs of $1,000, an application fee of $130, and an OLSAS application fee of $115.

Is Osgoode a top law school?

Yes, Osgoode Hall Law School is considered a top law school. It is renowned for its comprehensive legal education and impactful research, consistently ranking among the top 3 law schools in Canada. Its reputation is enhanced by its academic excellence, diverse specializations, and influential legal research contributions.

What LSAT score do you need for Osgoode?

Osgoode Law School requires a minimum LSAT score of 160. It’s important to note that the higher the LSAT score, the better the chances of securing a place in the first-year program. Only the highest LSAT score from the past 5 years will be considered for admission.