Study an LLM in New Zealand
A Master of Laws (LLM) in New Zealand is designed for law and non-law graduates who want to enhance their academic legal knowledge.
Students enrolling in the program enjoy flexibility in choosing modules and dissertation topics. Courses generally last one year full-time and 24 months part-time, and students select the module or area they wish to study and complete a dissertation over the learning period. An LLM qualification will provide graduates with a competitive edge in a crowded job market and offer the chance for a change in direction for those currently employed.
Graduates in the Master of Law in New Zealand can benefit from strategic partnerships with firms, regulators, and teaching-focused academics. The course opens pathways to careers such as paralegal, legal secretary, legal executive, barrister clerk, teacher, and more.
Types of LLM Degrees
Postgraduate Certificate in Law (PGCertLaw)
A postgraduate certificate in law program is designed for professionals from a non-law background who want to seek knowledge of legal matters. In addition, the program can also be taken by law graduates who wish to bridge the gap between the master studies. The PGCertLaw combines a Master of Laws (LLM) or Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree.
This program can benefit professionals such as accountants, tax consultants, compliance managers, IT professionals, business development managers, police, and public sector staff.
- Course duration – three years
- Course fees – $21, 293
- Entry requirements – Bachelor of Law with GPE 4.0 and IELTS with at least 7.0 or above/GMAT or GRE scores (if applicable).
Master of Laws (LLM)
An LLM in New Zealand aims to provide an advanced-level flexible legal study available full-time and part-time. It provides a detailed analysis of particular areas of law and more policy-oriented courses. Each course contains a significant research component, usually a 12,500-word research essay for 30-point courses. Students can enrol in specializations like corporate and commercial law, environmental law, international law, public law, etc.
After completing an LLM in New Zealand, one can opt for professions like foreign policy official, research counsel, tax adviser, and barrister.
- Course duration – one year
- Course fees – $42,586
- Entry requirements – Bachelor of Laws with IELTS academic qualification with at least 7.0.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A PhD is a postgraduate research degree for students who want to undertake independent and original research supervised by their academic advisor and research leaders. New Zealand universities offer more law PhD courses in various specialization areas, including constitutional, administrative, and public law, human rights law, and legal history.
- Duration – 4 years
- Fees – $10,600
- Entry requirements – Master’s in law with GPE 6.0 and IELTS academic qualification.
Scholarships
Students planning to study an LLM in New Zealand can apply for scholarships to cover their educational expenses. Due to their limited availability, these scholarships are highly competitive.
| Scholarship | Offered by | Award |
| ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship | The University of Auckland | $20,000 |
| Coursework Master’s Scholarship | University of Otago | $10,000 |
| Faculty of Law Graduate Scholarship | University of Waikato | $5000 |
| Postgraduate Law Award | The University of Auckland | $10,000 |
| Faculty of Law International Students LLM Fee Scholarship | Victoria University of Wellington | $5000 |
Jobs and Careers
Master of Laws graduates will move into legal or corporate practice and take on management, business, banking, non-governmental organisations, research and teaching roles. Traditional legal roles include lawyer, risk analysis and litigation.
Salary
Fresh graduates with Master of Law degrees in New Zealand can earn up to $45,000 annually, and two- to three-year experienced law graduates can earn around $70,000. Here are some top-paying jobs after studying an LLM in New Zealand.
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
| Corporate lawyer | $100,000 |
| Senior Solicitor | $82,737 |
| Legal Executive | $55,921 |
| Attorney/Lawyer | $66,466 |
| Legal Assistant | $49,948 |
Where can I study an LLM in New Zealand?
To learn more about the best LLM courses in New Zealand, find details of the top-ranking Law and Legal Studies universities in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 below:
| Rank | University | Acceptance rate |
| 1 | The University of Auckland | 45% |
| 2 | Victoria University of Wellington | 64% |
| 3 | University of Otago | 58% |
| 4 | University of Canterbury | 50% |
| 5 | University of Waikato | 70% |
Study an LLM in New Zealand
If you want to learn more about studying an LLM in New Zealand, arrange a free consultation with SI-New Zealand today.
FAQ
What are the average fees for pursuing an LLM in New Zealand?
The average fee for international students to study LLM in NZ ranges between $20,000 and $45,000. However, the fee varies depending on the university and specialization selected.
What are the general eligibility criteria for applying for an LLM in New Zealand?
To pursue an LLM degree from New Zealand, one must have completed their bachelor’s or an undergraduate degree from a recognized university with a minimum GPA of 5.0. Also, you must have a qualified IELTS score of at least 6.5 or above.
What are popular specializations for LLM in New Zealand?
New Zealand universities offer LLM degrees in six specializations: corporate and commercial law, environment law, human rights law, international law, litigation, and dispute resolution or public law.
What is the minimum English proficiency score requirement for an LLM in New Zealand?
Universities in New Zealand accept a minimum English proficiency score of 6.5 or above for LLM.