Admissions

We are now accepting applications for the LL.M. program. The LL.M. program follows an academic year calendar, with starts in late August and January; the academic term ends in May each year. We encourage students to apply today! We accept applications for fall and spring starts. Every student receives personalized attention and support throughout the application process and the program completion and beyond.

To apply for Fall Semester (August) Start:

We are accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester.

To apply for Spring Semester (January) Start:

The recommended deadline to apply for spring semester start is November 1, and we accept and review applications continuously until the academic semester begins.

LL.M. Commitment to a Diverse Student Body

By its nature the Academic Year LL.M. program includes a diverse student body of legal professionals from all over the world. Cultural diversity is the key to the program's success. The Academic Year LL.M. program creates a worldwide community of legal professionals (J.D. and LL.M. students) who subsequently infuse their legal systems with the knowledge that they obtain at UC Davis about the common law and international legal systems. The goal of the Academic Year LL.M. is to attract legal professional participants from many different countries and legal systems since they will eventually represent clients who are culturally diverse, and who will be engaged in international legal endeavors.

Requirements

International applicants must present satisfactory evidence of the completion of legal academic training at an accredited educational institution. American applicants must have completed at least seven years of residential study at accredited colleges and law schools, and must hold a professional degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association. (4 years of undergraduate studies plus 3 years of J.D. studies). For additional admissions information, please read the LL.M. degree requirements.

English Requirement

There is a minimum TOEFL score of 570 (or 230 for the computer-based examination TOEFL-CBT, or 88 for the iBT exam) required by the law school for foreign language applicants to the LL.M. program. A minimum of 6.5 IELTS is also acceptable.

Individuals who have completed one year as full-time students in an English-speaking country may be eligible for a TOEFL exemption. In such cases, you might request a waiver. To request a waiver, please briefly explain your special qualifications to the Admissions Committee  on a separate sheet of paper, and submit it with your application. A short but concise paragraph should meet this requirement.

Application Checklist

If you have any questions regarding the application or the application process, please contact the LL.M. Admissions Office at llm@ucdavis.edu

The application consists of:

1. Completed application form

2. Official Academic Records (Transcripts) - One official set of academic records issued in the original language and accompanied by a certified English translation. Academic records should show graded coursework, dates of enrollment and award of degree(s).

3. Two letters of recommendation - It is preferred that these letters come from the applicant’s law professors.

4. TOEFL/IELTS - Official score report for either TOEFL or IELTS. A minimum of 88 on the internet-based TOEFL, or 570 on the paper-based test is required. TOEFL score reports should be sent to Institution Code 4778. A minimum of 6.5 IELTS is also acceptable.

5. Personal Statement - Your personal statement should include personal, academic and professional background and your reasons for seeking an advanced degree.

6. Résumé or curriculum vitae - Please list your educational and professional background, in addition to any scholarships, awards or honors you have received.

Submitting your application

There are three ways to apply:

Option 1:  Online through LSAC

We recommend that you apply through LSAC, but it is not required. LSAC requires that all LL.M. applicants purchase the Document Assembly Service for $85 USD plus $30 USD for each law school report. This service is good for five years and allows applicants to access and transmit online applications and send materials to LSAC for forwarding to law schools. Please note: LSAC also offers The International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service for a fee of $135. This is an optional service and is not required by UC Davis.

Please send supporting documentation to:

LL.M. Admissions
University of California, Davis, School of Law
400 Mrak Hall Drive, Room 1123
Davis, CA 95616

Option 3: By Mail

You may elect to fill out our paper application. The program brochure includes the application, and contains detailed information on how to submit a completed application. You may download the program brochure.
Mail your application and supporting documentation to:

LL.M. Admissions
University of California, Davis, School of Law
400 Mrak Hall Drive, Room 1123
Davis, CA 95616

LL.M. Admissions Office Contact Information

We are very pleased that you are interested in our LL.M. program. Our staff members and LL.M. Admissions Office will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the LL.M. application process. The University of California, Davis School of Law is proud of its LL.M. program. We have many successful LL.M. alumni, and we look forward to welcoming you into our global family.

If you have any questions regarding the application or application process, please contact:

LL.M. Admissions Office
University of California, Davis, School of Law
400 Mrak Hall Drive, Room 1123
Davis, CA, 95616

llm@ucdavis.edu
+1 (530) 752-6081