Admitted S.J.D. Students
Welcome to the University of Minnesota Law School!
We are looking forward to our LL.M. and exchange students joining us for the Introduction to American Law course August 10 - 28, 2026. Fall semester course registration will take place in August, but information is linked at the bottom of this page for you to review before arriving if you would like. Please read below to learn about life on campus and in Minneapolis! Feel free to contact Teagan, our current student worker, with any questions at [email protected].
Don't forget: our early decision deadline is February 1. Although it is optional, there are many advantages to committing early, including beginning the I-20 request process sooner so you can apply for your F-1 visa to enter the US sooner.
- Law School Academic Calendar
- What to do as soon as you arrive in Minneapolis
- Arrival Transportation Information
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
The ISSS New Student website has many resources to help you understand and adjust to life at the University of Minnesota and in the United States, whether you are on an F-1 or J-1 visa, as well as critical pre-arrival requirement details. Other useful information includes a new student handbook, details about campus-wide events, and links to each step of the incoming international student processes!
After you have submitted your LL.M. or SJD commitment form and paid the seat deposit, the law school International Programs department will send you instructions on how to request your I-20 document through the MyISSS portal. The I-20 document allows you to apply for an F-1 student visa. Learn more about the materials you must submit for your I-20 related to finances on the University's financial documentation policies website.
Please note: exchange students are not required to pay a seat deposit, but must complete all the same steps for requesting I-20 documents.
If you do not need a visa to enter the US, the University still must ensure all students are aware of and understand the costs of earning a degree. This financial certification form is required for all students who will enroll at Minnesota Law but do not need the University to support them in obtaining a student visa.
Health Insurance and Immunizations
Your comprehensive U of M health coverage officially begins in late August. If you need to see a doctor due to an illness or emergency between your arrival and that date, you will be covered. Your health insurance will automatically be billed to your student account, which should be paid the first week or so of the semester. If dependents will accompany you, you are required to purchase coverage for them immediately after your arrival. A separate form is required to enroll your dependents in U of M health insurance. Visit the Boynton Health Services website for international students to learn more about the mandatory health coverage.
For your immunization form and any questions regarding required immunizations, please visit Boynton Health Services immunization website. To get a general idea of how things work in the US, we encourage all incoming students to watch this one-hour video from ISSS about Navigating the US Healthcare System.
Housing and Living Guides
Limited short-term summer housing is available through the International Early Arrival Housing Center. You will be able to make reservations on their website starting in early July. To learn more about University-owned housing options for graduate and professional students, please visit the Graduate Student Housing website. In the unlikely event you have an issue with leasing an apartment, you may contact Student Legal Services (SLS) and access their tenant resource guide and receive legal guidance.
- Housing Guide for LL.M., Exchange, and SJD students
- Housing and Living Guide Map
- Roommate Finder
- Banking in Minneapolis
- Purchasing Items
- Transportation in Minnesota
- Markets in Minneapolis
- Twin Cities Accolades
Payment of Tuition and Fees
Your student account will be billed around the start of each semester. For additional information about billing, due dates, and how to pay, visit the OneStop finance website. If you have received a scholarship and/or paid a seat deposit, please wait to pay your tuition bill until you confirm that those have been credited to your student account.
US Legal System Overview
Want to learn more about the US legal system before you arrive here in Minnesota? Below is a short list of books recommended by Minnesota Law professors to give you a general overview of our legal system.
- Outline of the US Legal System - created by the United States Department of State
- The Federal Court System in the United States - An introduction for judges and judicial administrators in other countries; created by the Administrative Office of US Courts.
New York Bar Information
The University of Minnesota Law School is committed to supporting students throughout their time on campus and in whatever they pursue after graduation. Minnesota Law has received official approval for courses that meet the academic requirements for the NY bar, including approval for the LL.M. Legal Writing courses. If you are considering taking the NY bar exam, review the NY Bar course and other requirement information, and be aware of the new NY Bar Skills Competency Requirement. Minnesota Law has several options to help LL.M. students to meet that requirement. Yale Law School, like Minnesota Law, does not have an LL.M. degree specifically intended to prepare students for the bar. They have, however, created a useful NY bar exam guide for LL.M.s that we also encourage you to review.
Opportunity to Help TOEFL Research Project
Did you recently take the IELTS Academic test? Do you plan to take it soon? Read this information sheet to learn more about helping TOEFL collect data on comparing IELTS and TOEFL scores.
* Minnesota Law does not endorse any specific English proficiency exam.