Faculty of Law Exchange Programs
Banner photo credit: Megan Mussenden, Law exchange alumni (Norway) and winner in the 2023 UCalgary International Photo Contest
Students in UCalgary's Faculty of Law have the option to enhance their JD degree with an international exchange program. As an exchange student, you will study at a host university in another country. You will attend 1 semester of law courses abroad and, upon successfully completing your exchange, these course credits are transferred back to your JD degree.
The JD Law exchange program is competitive with limited spots available every year. All Law exchange applicants are interviewed and assessed collaboratively by the UCalgary Office of Signature Learning Experiences (OSLE) and the Law faculty advising office. These offices continue to work together throughout your exchange: OSLE supports your logistic arrangements and travel preparations, while the Law faculty advising office supports your academic approvals and transfer credit.
Key details
Sterling Hillman, JD student who attended an exchange in Scotland
Exchange options for Fall 2027
Canada
- University of Ottawa - minimum GPA 2.7 (only available for students in the CCLF program)
Mexico
- Tecnológico de Monterrey - minimum GPA 2.7 (course instruction is primarily in Spanish with limited English courses)
Hong Kong SAR
- University of Hong Kong - minimum GPA 3.2
- City University of Hong Kong - minimum GPA 3.0
Austria
- University of Graz - minimum GPA 2.7
Denmark
- University of Copenhagen - minimum GPA 2.7
Finland
- University of Helsinki - minimum GPA 2.7
France
- Aix-Marseille Université - minimum GPA 2.7 (course instruction is in French only)
- Université Grenoble Alpes - minimum GPA 2.7 (course instruction in English or French)
Germany
- Bucerius Law School - minimum GPA 2.7
Italy
- University of Trento - minimum GPA 2.7
Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam - minimum GPA 3.0
- Erasmus University Rotterdam - minimum GPA 2.7
- University of Groningen - minimum GPA 2.7
Norway
- University of Oslo - minimum GPA 2.7
Switzerland
- University of Lucerne - minimum GPA 2.7
United Kingdom
- University of Aberdeen - minimum GPA 3.0
- University of Exeter - minimum GPA 3.0
- University of Glasgow - minimum GPA 3.0
Australia
- Curtin University - minimum GPA 2.7
- University of Western Australia - minimum GPA 2.7
Your next steps
Identify 4-6 programs of interest
Law exchange placements are competitive, typically accepting a maximum of 2 students per program, up to a total of 20-25 students per year. (These limits are determined by multiple factors, including balancing the number of incoming international students and ensuring that enough students are in Calgary for courses to run as normal.)
For this reason, we strongly recommend identifying at least 4 programs that you are interested in, and ideally 6 programs. You will be able to specify your order of preference and priorities in the application, but having back-ups will give you the best chance of being selected.
Attend an info session
The info session is a great opportunity for you to meet your advisors, learn more about how law exchanges work, and ensure you are on track to apply. You can find the info session details at the top of this page.
The info session will also present any known available options for the summer, in case you are unable to pursue a semester abroad.
If you miss the info session, you can still apply for an exchange. Please just read this page carefully and contact an advisor if you have any questions.
Prepare your application
Your preparations should include: reviewing the program pages, checking course offerings, requesting 1 reference letter from a UCalgary Law instructor, and filling out the online application.
You will ultimately fill out 1 online application form for each program you are applying to. Start by "saving" your applications, until you have all 4-6 program applications "saved". Once you're ready, you can "submit" your top 3 applications and rank them in your order of priority (note: the application system will not allow you to "submit" more than 3 applications).
Have questions?
International travel presents challenges that are not found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, accessibility issues, or demands on the physical and mental self, which may challenge you when away from your usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative to evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual condition against the rigours of your desired global program. If you are unsure whether this program is a good fit for you, or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment and participation, please contact us. Our global experience advisors are happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arranging any supports necessary for your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your global experience advisor to ensure that the program you are seeking can support your needs. Additional considerations can be found on our Identities Abroad resources.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.
