Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 16 termsDuration
- Ottawa (Main Campus), CanadaLocation
- LawField of study
- bilingualLanguage of instruction
- Ottawa (Main Campus)Campus
- $11,872Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Reflecting Canada’s bilingual and trijuridical legal system (civil law, common law, aboriginal law), as well as its location in Canada’s Capital, the Faculty of Law offers graduate programs leading to a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in Law. The graduate studies in law are a joint endeavour of the Common Law and Civil Law Sections.
Read more
We welcome law graduates from both legal systems and from countries around the world. Courses are offered in English or in French, and occasionally in both languages. Students may readily complete their graduate studies while learning something of Canada's other legal and linguistic traditions. The programs are offered in English and in French, and sometimes in a combination of both. In accordance with University of Ottawa Policy, examinations, assignments and the research paper or thesis may be written in either English or French. The programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 7.0
- Study modeFull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Minimum requirements: B+ in a master's degree in Law Application Fee: CA$125.00 (non-refundable) Recommendation letter(s): 2 Transcript(s): 1 Required document(s): Letter of For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. The applicant must: Have a master of laws degree (LLM) awarded by an accredited Canadian university, obtained with a minimum average of 75% (B+), calculated as per the standards established for graduate studies or an equivalent degree in law from a foreign university meeting the same standards, as well as demonstrated legal research and writing abilities; Have sufficient knowledge of French or English. Foreign applicants whose first language is neither English nor French will be required to provide proof of proficiency in one or other language as specified in section A of the General Regulations in effect for graduate studies. Transfer from Master’s to PhD Program With the approval of the Director of the Vice Dean or the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies in Law, a master’s student may exceptionally be admitted into the doctoral program without having completed all the requirements o Published language requirement: TOEFL 100/New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 7.0); TOEFL iBT 100 · English test waiver: TOEFL 600 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Paper-based) TOEFL 100/New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based) · Application fee: CAD 125.00
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$11,872 CAD / year≈ $8,729 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsInternational Doctoral Scholarship valued at CAD 45,000 over five years for international PhD students (conditions changed for students who began a PhD in May 2023 or later). Source: uOttawa Tuition fees - International students page.
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: Fall: April 1 (international applicants).
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Doctorate in Philosophy Law cost?
CAD 11,872 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
16 terms, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum requirements: B+ in a master's degree in Law Application Fee: CA$125.00 (non-refundable) Recommendation letter(s): 2 Transcript(s): 1 Required document(s): Letter of For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. The applicant must: Have a master of laws degree (LLM) awarded by an accredited Canadian university, obtained with a minimum average of 75% (B+), calculated as per the standards established for graduate studies or an equivalent degree in law from a foreign university meeting the same standards, as well as demonstrated legal research and writing abilities; Have sufficient knowledge of French or English. Foreign applicants whose first language is neither English nor French will be required to provide proof of proficiency in one or other language as specified in section A of the General Regulations in effect for graduate studies. Transfer from Master’s to PhD Program With the approval of the Director of the Vice Dean or the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies in Law, a master’s student may exceptionally be admitted into the doctoral program without having completed all the requirements o Published language requirement: TOEFL 100/New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 7.0); TOEFL iBT 100 · English test waiver: TOEFL 600 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Paper-based) TOEFL 100/New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based) · Application fee: CAD 125.00
Is there a scholarship?
International Doctoral Scholarship valued at CAD 45,000 over five years for international PhD students (conditions changed for students who began a PhD in May 2023 or later). Source: uOttawa Tuition fees - International students page.
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