Intended for jurists educated outside of Canada in the traditions of common law, this program provides an in-depth exploration of the Canadian legal system and Quebec law.
Overview
About this program
Gain a solid understanding of Canadian and Quebec law
This specialized graduate program is offered exclusively in English and allows jurists educated on the traditions of common law to gain a solid understanding of the foundations of the legal system in Canada, as well as a general knowledge of Quebec law. Discover the unique features of Canadian law, such as public law, bijuralism, and First Nations legal systems.
Continue developing your skills in order to meet the requirements to be called to the Bar in a province or common law territory in Canada. After successfully completing this program, you will need to apply for a certificate of qualification issued by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s National Committee on Accreditation.
- Program designed for jurists educated outside of Canada
- Introduction to comparative law in Canada and in the Commonwealth
- Offered in English only
- Small-group teaching sessions
Advantages of studying law at UdeM
Legal studies with a human perspective
- Discover a vibrant academic and research environment that has had a major impact on the development of the law for over 100 years
- Benefit from a comprehensive, varied legal education that paves the way to a law practice and careers where legal knowledge is a major asset
- Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a large faculty team at all academic levels
- Belong to the largest Faculty of Law in Quebec and Canada
- Benefit from access to a comprehensive library and computer lab
- Focus your priorities on challenges that will be faced by the future legal experts
Courses and specifics
- 30 credits
- Full-time
- Part time
- Day course
- Evening course
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Admission requirements
Admission requirements
Be sure to select your choices to display the eligibility conditions that apply to you.
To be eligible as a regular student, and subject to the quality of the application, the candidate must either:
Meet the general admission requirements (section XI) of the “Règlement pédagogique des Études supérieures et postdoctorales” (educational regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies).
To be eligible for admission as a regular student to the Graduate Diploma in Canadian Law (D.E.S.S.), applicants must:
- Meet the general admission requirements (Section XI) of the “Règlement pédagogique de la Faculté des études supérieures et postdoctorales”;
- Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.B. degree in common law;
- Have obtained, in their undergraduate studies, a GPA an average of at least 2.7 out of 4.3 (or equivalent), or meet the minimum GPA required by their home university for admission to a graduate program, if higher;
- Have studied in a Juris Doctor or LL.B. program delivered in English;
- Have a good command of written English (reading comprehension), as many readings and reference materials in Canadian law are in English.
Since the program is offered in English, students are not required to demonstrate proficiency in French.
The minimum schooling is two full-time terms. The maximum is twelve terms, starting from the initial registration date.
In the first year, only the full-time option will be available.
Costs and financial aid
-
$2,183.05 *
Total for a full-time session of 15 credits
Tuition fees: $1,513.35
Other fees: $669.70
These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.
* These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2025-2026 academic year.
Information updated: July 17, 2025 -
$5,393.20 *
Total for a full-time session of 15 credits
Tuition fees: $4,723.50
Other fees: $669.70
These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.
Good news! You may be able to lower this amount!
Under certain conditions, Canadian students who are not residents of Quebec can follow university study programs offered in French while benefiting from the same tuition fees as residents of Quebec.
* These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2025-2026 academic year.
Information updated: July 17, 2025 -
$11,998.60 *
Total for a full-time session of 15 credits
Tuition fees: $11,328.90
Other fees: $669.70
These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.
* Note that this amount may vary depending on the selected track (with or without dissertation or directed study).
These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2025-2026 academic year.
Information updated: July 17, 2025 -
$2,183.05 *
Total for a full-time session of 15 credits
Tuition fees: $1,513.35
Other fees: $669.70
These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.
* These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2025-2026 academic year.
Information updated: July 17, 2025 - Calculate tuition fees based on other situations
Available financial assistance
Future prospects Pursuing a career or further studies? The choice is yours!
There are excellent job opportunities in Canada’s legal professions. Keep in mind that courses taken in the DESS program are recognized in the comparative common law Master program.