Top Law School Scholarships for International Students in 2025
Pursuing a legal education can be an expensive endeavor, especially for international students who may face higher tuition fees and additional living costs. Fortunately, there are several law school scholarships for international students that provide financial assistance to help offset these expenses. These scholarships are offered by universities, governments, and private organizations, and they are aimed at supporting students with strong academic performance, leadership skills, and a passion for law.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best law school scholarships available for international students in 2025.
1. The Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford, UK)
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and well-known scholarships in the world. It offers full financial support for international students to pursue a law degree at the University of Oxford. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and a stipend for academic and personal expenses.
- Eligibility: Open to students from select countries with exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
- Award Amount: Full tuition, living expenses, and a stipend
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Rhodes Trust website, and applicants must also apply to the University of Oxford.
- Website: Rhodes Scholarship
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides scholarships for international students to pursue graduate studies, including law degrees, in the United States. This highly competitive program is funded by the U.S. government and offers full financial support for tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Fulbright scholars are selected based on academic merit and leadership potential.
- Eligibility: Open to students from over 155 countries worldwide, applying for graduate degrees in the U.S.
- Award Amount: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Fulbright commission or U.S. embassy in the applicant’s home country.
- Website: Fulbright Program
3. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge, UK)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides full funding for international students pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Cambridge, including law programs. Established by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and a stipend for research and academic activities.
- Eligibility: Open to international students applying to graduate programs at the University of Cambridge, with a focus on academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to improving lives.
- Award Amount: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the University of Cambridge’s admissions portal.
- Website: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
4. The Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships provide full financial support for international students to pursue a master’s degree, including law, at any university in the UK. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and additional grants for academic activities.
- Eligibility: Open to students from over 160 countries, with a strong academic record, leadership potential, and a commitment to returning to their home country to contribute to its development.
- Award Amount: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Chevening website, and applicants must also apply to their chosen UK university.
- Website: Chevening Scholarships
5. The Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
The Australia Awards Scholarships are funded by the Australian government and provide full financial support for international students from developing countries to study in Australia. These scholarships are available for a variety of graduate programs, including law degrees. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs.
- Eligibility: Open to students from eligible developing countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Award Amount: Full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Australia Awards website.
- Website: Australia Awards Scholarships
6. Columbia Law School’s Human Rights LL.M. Fellowship (USA)
The Human Rights LL.M. Fellowship at Columbia Law School is designed for international students committed to pursuing a career in human rights law. The fellowship offers full funding for an LL.M. (Master of Laws) degree at Columbia University, covering tuition, living expenses, and a stipend for research and human rights-related activities.
- Eligibility: Open to international students with a demonstrated commitment to human rights law.
- Award Amount: Full tuition, living expenses, and a stipend
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted through Columbia Law School’s LL.M. admissions process.
- Website: Columbia Law School Fellowships
7. Edinburgh Law School Tercentenary Scholarships (University of Edinburgh, UK)
The Edinburgh Law School offers several scholarships for international students pursuing graduate law degrees. The Tercentenary Scholarships provide full or partial funding for LL.M. and PhD law programs, with a focus on academic merit and research potential.
- Eligibility: Open to international students applying to LL.M. or PhD programs at the University of Edinburgh.
- Award Amount: Full or partial tuition
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the University of Edinburgh’s admissions portal.
- Website: Edinburgh Law School Scholarships
8. Stanford Law School’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (USA)
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University offers full funding for international students pursuing graduate degrees, including law. The program covers tuition, living expenses, and a stipend for academic and personal activities. It also includes leadership development and mentorship opportunities.
- Eligibility: Open to international students applying for graduate programs at Stanford, including law.
- Award Amount: Full tuition, living expenses, and a stipend
- How to Apply: Applicants must apply separately to both Stanford University and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program.
- Website: Knight-Hennessy Scholars
9. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for international students to pursue graduate degrees, including law, at German universities. The DAAD scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs, providing full financial support for qualified students.
- Eligibility: Open to students from developing countries with strong academic records.
- Award Amount: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the DAAD portal or through participating universities.
- Website: DAAD Scholarships
10. Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme (University of Oxford, UK)
The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships provide full financial support for international students from developing countries pursuing graduate degrees in law and other fields at the University of Oxford. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and a leadership development program.
- Eligibility: Open to students from developing countries with a commitment to making a positive impact in their home country.
- Award Amount: Full tuition and living expenses
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions process.
- Website: Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships
Tips for Applying for Law School Scholarships
1. Start Early
Scholarship deadlines are often several months before the start of the academic year. Make sure to research scholarships early and give yourself plenty of time to gather the necessary documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
2. Tailor Your Application
Scholarship committees are looking for applicants who meet specific criteria. Tailor your personal statement, academic background, and extracurricular achievements to match the goals of the scholarship.
3. Prepare Strong Supporting Documents
Make sure all your supporting documents are organized and presented clearly. Your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and any additional documents should reflect your qualifications.
4. Seek Guidance
If you’re unsure about the application process, seek guidance from university counselors, scholarship advisors, or mentors who have experience in applying for international scholarships.
Conclusion
There are numerous law school scholarships for international students that provide full or partial funding for tuition, living expenses, and other costs. Whether you’re aiming to study in the U.S., UK, Australia, or elsewhere, these scholarships can help make your dream of earning a law degree a reality. Be sure to research your options thoroughly, meet all application deadlines, and submit strong, tailored applications to increase your chances of success in 2025.