How to Apply
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have a law degree from an institution outside of the United States.
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking the TOEFL or IELTS exam. In some circumstances, the admissions committee will consider a Duolingo score. Minimum scores are listed below and, regardless of the exam taken, scores are considered valid if the exam date is within two years of your LL.M. program start date.
- TOEFL: Minimum overall score is 4.5 for applicants who take the TOEFL exam on January 21, 2026, or after, with strong preference given to applicants with scores of 5.0 or higher. If applicants took the TOEFL exam before January 21, 2026, the minimum overall score is 80, with strong preference given to applicants with scores over 100. We do not accept MyBest scores.
- IELTS: Minimum overall score is 6.5, with strong preference given to candidates who score 7.5 or higher.
- Duolingo: Minimum overall score is 120.
Required Application Materials
Candidates for admission should submit their applications online via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) application portal. LSAC transcript processing times vary, so applicants are encouraged to submit all their materials well in advance of the deadline to ensure their application is complete before May 1.
A completed application includes:
- application form and application fee
- résumé or CV
- personal statement
- official academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- two letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
2027-28 Tuition and Fees (estimated)
If offered admission to the program, students must provide evidence of adequate financial support for their educational and personal expenses as part of the student visa application process. This includes tuition and fees, mandatory health insurance, textbook costs, and living expenses for one year, as detailed in the chart below. Scholarship funding is available from Minnesota Law and can be used toward tuition only. Every admitted student will automatically be considered for a scholarship and there is no separate or additional application needed for consideration.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $68,920 |
| Mandatory Insurance & Fees* | $7,490 |
| Living expenses and textbooks (for one person in modest accommodations) | $23,500 |
| Total* | $99,910 |
* All costs are estimates and subject to change. Final tuition and fee rates are set by the central University at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Application Process
Key Dates
- 2027-28 Application available: October 1, 2026
- 2027-28 Application Deadline: May 1, 2027
Review of complete applications begins in November and admissions are made on a rolling basis. Qualified applicants may be interviewed virtually (or in person, if practical).
To Apply Online
The LL.M. program online application becomes available on October 1 each year. Before you begin to complete the online application, please review the University of Minnesota's requirements and application instructions by clicking on "Law School Instructions." Please note that if you apply online you will be required to use the complete LSAC Credential Assembly Service and to pay the application fee with a credit card.
To Apply via Postal Mail (by special request only)
If you have extenuating circumstances, you may request to apply by printing the application and mailing the completed paper copies of all materials to the address on the application forms, then paying the $75 application fee online with a credit card. We are unable to consider application forms or documents sent in any other form, such as email attachments. Avoiding LSAC fees is not a reason we can approve for applying by mail.
As required by Title IX, the University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the University’s Title IX Coordinator. The Notice of Nondiscrimination is located here. Information about the University’s policies and processes for responding to sex discrimination can be found on Equal Opportunity & Title IX’s website: eot.umn.edu.