International Students at KU Law

International students are welcomed and encouraged to apply to one of our three law programs. KU Law offers a Juris Doctorate program, a Two Year J.D. Program for Foreign Trained Lawyers and a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degree.

J.D. Program

The Univerity of Kansas School of Law is an excellent place for international students to begin their legal careers. Law school faculty members with outstanding credentials care about teaching and are accessible to students. We have a rich array of courses, including ten clinical programs. We offer eight joint degree programs. The first-year curriculum includes a Lawyering class designed to teach legal research and writing in a context that emphasizes professionalism and practical skills. All first-year students have one of their classes in a small section of around 20 students providing an informal learning atmosphere.

International students that have earned a bachlor's degree or equivalent from a U.S. or foreign college or university are encouraged to apply.

International Admissions Checklist

Two Year J.D. Program for Foreign Trained Lawyers

The Two Year J.D. Program for Foreign Trained Lawyers is open to students that have earned an LL.B in Law from a foreign institution. A successful candidate is admitted with 30 transfer credits and is eligible to complete the degree from the Univeristy of Kansas and are eligible to sit for the bar examination in any state in the U.S.

Two Year J.D. program

Two year J.D. Program application requirements

Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) Degree

Foreign trained lawyers interested in pursuing careers as academicians (i.e. law professors and administrators), judges and arbitrators, government officials, and practicing lawyers are eligible for the Doctor of Juridicial Science (S.J.D.) degree. In most instances, to be considered for admission candidates must hold a Master's degree in law (namely an LL.M degree or M.C.L. degree). In an increasing number of countries having an S.J.D. degree awarded by an American law school is extraordinarily helpful in promotion and advancement.

S.J.D. Program

S.J.D. application