North America may be where most of the world’s top law schools are based, but look further south to Latin America, and there are a wealth of globally ranked and accredited LL.M. programs that are often far cheaper than comparable programs in the US and Canada, and may also come with more unique benefits to students, too. 

From Brazil to Chile and from Argentina to Costa Rica, LL.M.s in Latin America are coming of age. The perk for students, is gaining a truly global experience in a region that is becoming increasingly important to the global economy. Growth is robust, bringing with it businesses and jobs. 

Another advantage for those who pursue an LL.M. in Central or South America is learning a new language such as Spanish, which is the second most used globally, or Portuguese. 

The social side of studying in Latin America can be just as enriching as the learning experience. Vibrant cities, such as São Paulo and Buenos Aires, offer fantastic cultural attractions. So there are a multitude of reason to consider Latin America for your LL.M. We’ve listed 10 of the best such courses below. 

In terms of LL.M. programs, India is an up-and-coming destination. Today, India may not boast as many top law schools as the US or western Europe, but it does hold a few aces up its sleeve. Its law schools are coming of age, boasting esteemed alumni from Chief Justices to Supreme and High Court judges, which is a sign of the quality of the education. India is also home to several prestigious law firms which pay good salaries. 

LL.M. programs in India are numerous, and offered at law schools across the country. In terms of quality, these degrees can vary, so potential India-bound LL.M. applicants are encouraged to do their research before settling on a school. The top LL.M. degrees in India are offered by the country’s world-class law schools, which may be ranked in global publications. 

India was once a net exporter of law students who went to do their Master’s in Laws programs abroad, but it now boasts a wide range of homegrown LL.M. programs that are approved by the Bar Council of India.

Here are 10 of India’s best LL.M. programs.

Australia has long been a favored destination for LL.M. seekers. And that’s no surprise: the country features English as a primary language, a legal system (common law) similar to the United Kingdom, strong ties to Asia, and other aspects that LL.M. students appreciate. Many LL.M. seekers gravitate to universities in the Group of Eight, some of the oldest and largest institutions in the country. Both international students and domestic can choose to study in a huge range of locations: from the economic and cultural hotspots of Melbourne and Sydney to Brisbane on the country’s west coast, there are no shortage of options of where to pursue your LL.M. in Australia.

An LL.M. degree can be a fast ticket to the top. For many law professionals, having a US law school on the top of a CV can be extremely valuable.

Indeed, LL.M. graduates are expected to enjoy a career and salary boost, but they have to pay for it at the top law schools and sometimes dearly. 

With the US economy booming, the opportunity cost of leaving your job to return to full-time study is high. This is especially true for international students, who have to consider not only the tuition for an LL.M. program, but cost of living, which can be high in some American cities. 

Luckily, at many law schools, there is an abundance of financial aid for LL.M. students. Choosing to study outside of big metropolitan areas can help minimize expenses as well.

Here are the top 10 budget LL.M.s in the USA: 

There are abundant benefits to studying for an LL.M. degree in France. There are numerous leading law schools that provide high quality education, but also excellent job prospects in France, Europe and overseas. There is also easy access to powerful European institutions including the International Chamber of Commerce and the International Energy Agency, which offer students great experiential learning opportunities. 

A highly metropolitan country, students enjoy studying alongside diverse cohorts, especially in the capital city, Paris. The lifestyle is another perk: the major metropolises like Paris have famous art galleries, museums and cuisine, though the cost of living can be higher in these cities.

Nevertheless, France is a fantastic place to do an LL.M., and here are the top 10 law schools you should be considering.

Although New York is not the biggest state in the US, it certainly carries its weight: it’s the fourth-most populous state in the country; if it was an independent country, it would rank as the twelfth biggest economy in the world. A number of law schools offer LL.M. programs in the state: many in and around New York City (of course), but others further north (‘upstate,’ as the locals say.) Here are the top 10 LL.M. programs in New York state:

For many students, an LL.M. program in the UK will most likely not be considered ‘cheap.’ Fees can add up, especially for students who come from outside the European Union (EU), who usually pay more for tuition than UK and EU-based students. What’s more is that the best schools tend to charge higher fees, which reflects the quality of the education and the resources required. 

Fortunately, a top-quality LL.M. degree doesn’t have to cost the earth. We’ve pored over the fees so you don’t have to. Below are the 10 highest quality LL.M. degrees in the UK which can be pursued on a budget, based on fees for overseas (non-EU) students. 

You can also see the Top 10 Budget UK LL.M. Programs for EU students.

Master of Studies in Law (MSL) programs are designed for those without a background in law and who want to move into the profession. The degrees are sometimes also called Master of Legal Studies, Master of Studies in law, or Master of Science in Legal Studies. What they all have in common is that they’re typically available to students who don’t have an undergraduate degree in law, which differentiates them from LL.M. programs. In this sense, MSL programs are often looked at as alternatives to LL.M. programs.

At some law schools, MSL students also study alongside LL.M. students in core or elective classes.

Although the MSL is typically a one-year, in-class degree, some law schools are now offering these programs in online formats, giving students flexibility in how, when and where they study. They also do not have to quit their jobs, as they study part-time. 

The best MSL programs will help prepare students to transition into law-related fields, or may help graduates better understand legal aspects of their current jobs.

An LL.M. in Environmental Law is increasingly relevant LL.M. specialization as activists, businesses, politicians and policymakers grapple with climate change and how to prevent it. It is also an increasingly popular specialization among LL.M. students. Environmental Law programs cover local and international frameworks for environmental protection, the use of natural resources and climate change prevention. Students are also exposed to various related topics including water law, business and trade, indigenous land issues, environmental justice and historic preservation.

A typical Environmental Law LL.M. program may include classes like "Public Policy," "Energy Law," and "Land Use Law,' among others. Sometimes, an Environmental Law LL.M. specialization may be grouped with another related specialization, such as Energy Law. (See the Top 10 LL.M. Programs in Energy Law here.)

The best LL.M.s in Environmental Law may be offered by law schools that host research centers in the space. This insures that the program curriculum is up-to-date and based on current thinking in the field.

An LL.M. in Environmental Law prepares students for work in private law firms, as environment and sustainability advocates, as educators and policymakers, and for work in international bodies. Some Environmental Law LL.M. graduates also end up working in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), such as the Sierra Club, the World Wildlife Fund, and Greenpeace, among others.

See the Top 10 LL.M. programs in Environmental Law below.

We are living in the “Asia century”, with steady growth in some economies and two big China-led projects that have given lawyers a mood of optimism across the Asia-Pacific region. The Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative have the potential to generate lucrative opportunities for law firms. 

Aside from the buoyant-looking job prospects, another reason to come to the region is for its leading law schools. Indeed, law schools across the Asia-Pacific region, in countries like Australia, Japan, China (as well as the semi-autonomous Hong Kong), have come into their own in the past years.

From Melbourne to Singapore and from Hong Kong to Taiwan, there are a plethora of top LL.M. programs to pick from. Here are the best 10.