Master of Laws

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 60% or higher in the previous academic degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 20.
• PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Victoria University of Wellington offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options specifically designed to support international students pursuing their academic endeavors. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students in covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying in New Zealand.

International Scholarships: The university provides a range of merit-based scholarships for outstanding international students entering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. These scholarships often consider academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Several faculties within the university offer their own scholarships tailored to specific fields of study. These awards recognize excellence in particular disciplines and may support international students pursuing degrees within those faculties.

Research Grants and Fellowships: For postgraduate students engaging in research, Victoria University offers research grants and fellowships to support their projects. These grants can cover research expenses, conference participation, or living stipends during the research period.

Study Abroad and Exchange Scholarships: International students participating in study abroad or exchange programs facilitated by Victoria University can access scholarships to assist with travel expenses, accommodation, and other study-related costs during their exchange period.

Government and External Scholarships: Additionally, international students may be eligible for scholarships offered by the New Zealand government, international organizations, and external funding bodies. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Graduates from Victoria University of Wellington's Master of Laws (LLM) program possess advanced legal knowledge and skills, opening up diverse and prestigious career pathways within the legal field both domestically and internationally.

Legal Practitioner/Solicitor/Barrister: Many LLM graduates pursue careers as legal practitioners, working as solicitors or barristers in law firms, providing legal advice, representing clients, and engaging in litigation.

Corporate Counsel/In-House Lawyer: Professionals often secure roles as corporate counsel or in-house lawyers within corporations, organizations, or government agencies, advising on legal matters, contracts, and regulatory compliance.

Legal Consultant/Adviser: Graduates may work as legal consultants or advisers, providing expert advice to businesses, governmental bodies, NGOs, or international organizations on legal issues and regulatory compliance.

Policy Analyst/Advocate: Professionals might pursue roles as policy analysts or advocates, working for government departments, think tanks, or advocacy groups, influencing policy development and legal reforms.

Judicial Clerk/Legal Researcher: Some graduates embark on careers as judicial clerks or legal researchers, assisting judges, legal scholars, or academics in legal research, analysis, and writing.

International Legal Adviser: Professionals often specialize in international law, working for international organizations, diplomatic missions, or NGOs, advising on international treaties, human rights, or global legal issues.

Academic/Researcher: Graduates may pursue academic careers as legal scholars or researchers, teaching law in universities, conducting legal research, and contributing to legal scholarship.

Legal Entrepreneur/Compliance Officer: Professionals might establish legal consulting firms or work as compliance officers in industries, ensuring adherence to legal regulations and ethical standards.