Greetings all,

I've scoured the archives of the boards here and have found partial answers to my questions, but not entirely. If anyone could share experiences, insight or answers I'd greatly appreciate it.

1. Are there universities in the US that offer full (or at least substantial) scholarships for students who want to specialize their LLM in maritime law or 'law & economics'? [I get the impression that those law schools that do give full scholarships are more for people who pursue a general LLM degree with a few specialized LLMs in human rights and conflict resolution.

2. Do you know of special scholarships geared towards (female) applicants from Africa? (I have an LLB, have practiced as a prosecutor and most recently as a magistrate)

3. What is the best way to show that a fee waiver for the application fee is needed?

4. Besides Tulane being great for Maritime study - are there other US law schools anyone would recommend for this field?

5. And what schools in particular has anyone found especially strong in "law & economics"?

I greatly appreciate any and all input you all provide!

About the application fee waivers: there are some schools that do not charge application fee, such as Southern Methodist University (any foreign student who so requests) and University of San Diego (if you apply online), but I am not quite sure their ranking in maritime law or 'law & economics'. There are other universities that may grant a fee waiver if you explain why you need this fee to be waived.

I think that the best you can do is to check on US&News for ranking on that fied (if available) and look for all law schools' website. It's where you'll find explanation about the application process, scholarships, LLM Programs, etc.

Try the Tier 1 schools like Yale, Harvard, Standford, Columbia.... the top schools, because I think your chances to get a scholarship will be bigger (as far as I know, Tulane does not offer scholarships to foreign students) and It would improve your resume a LOT.. Not that you need, of course. You have a great deal of experience as prosecutor and magistrate.

Hope this helps! Best wishes!

Thank you Mila, I appreciate your response. I am most keen on pursuing an LLM in admiralty/maritime law and I thought if I gained admittance into a program where I specialized in 'law & economics'/international trade, then I might be able to take at least a few courses in maritime law whether at my host institution or by cross-registering for course(s) at another area university. This is especially the case in cities such as Boston and New York where you have many renowned schools concentrated in one location. However, my main issue is affording the extremely high cost of application fees and being somewhat sure that I'll gain admittance into those schools I apply to - but most of all have a substantial scholarship.

If others would like to provide more feedback, then please feel free to do so! Thanks in advance!

Hi Atlas

I understand that Vanderbilt is very strong in Law & Economics. They have a joint degree program too. Besides, you may make a request to Ms Cynthia Coleman, the Admissions Dean, for application fee waiver.

I remember having read about a full scholarship exclusively "reserved" for female students. you may search the webpages of Vanderbilt; meanwhile, I will also try to find out and write you.

Has anyone received a partial scholarship from Tulane U?; is it true that they don´t offer scholarship to foreign students?, Any experience?

I believe the University of Chicago is one of the best law & econ places around.

Nri and Iowa, many thanks. Nri - I'll look into Vanderbilt and definitely pass on info if you get further clarifications. And Iowa, I will check out U. of Chicago.

Thanks!