Studying an LLM (Master of Laws) in China

Great Wall of China China – otherwise referred to as the People’s Republic of China (PRC) – is a vast and populous country situated in East Asia. Populous is in fact an understatement; China is the most populated nation in the world, with an estimated population of over 1.35 billion. The capital is Beijing, other popular 'hotspots' regions or cities are: Shanghai and Hong Kong. Yuan (pronounced yen) is the Chinese currency and most commonly referred to as the Renminbi (CNY).

China is proud to be the home of the Great Wall of China – one of the seven new wonders of the world! In fact the Great Wall of China triumphed over several other monuments and landmarks across the globe to be listed among the new Seven Wonders of the World and is the longest man-made structure in the world. The country is deeply rooted in culture and tradition – for example the red dragon and Chinese New Year. It also has a delicious and distinctive cuisine.

Find LLM programs in China

Where & what to study in China

The following universities offer an LLM program:

City University of Hong Kong
Students wishing to study at the City University of Hong Kong, will be studying in one of commercial cities of China. Upon graduation there are many multinational firms looking for legal trained minds. Students at City University Hong Kong can study: LLM Chinese and Comparative Law; LLM International Economic Law; LLM Common Law and LLM Maritime and Transportation Law.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Students wishing to study at The Chinese University of Hong Kong can choose from the following specializations: LLM Chinese Law; LLM Corporate and Financial Law; LLM Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law. Click here to find out about studying a Master of Laws in Hong Kong.

China-EU School of Law (CESL)
The China-EU School of Law is based in Beijing and offers two Master of Laws specializations: Master of European and International Law and Master of Chinese Law. The tuition fee for the LLM program is about 60.000 RMB (about €7.500) and students from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are granted a 50% fee waiver.

Peking University-Beijing China
Peking University in Beijing is one of the popular universities to foreign students. The university is situated in the heart of the capital of China. Students can study LL.M in Chinese Law. The tuition for the whole program is 160,000 RMB – around $16,500.

Tsinghua University School of Law-Beijing China
Tsinghua University – also in Beijing – is one of the notable law schools in China, foreign students and Chinese students alike enroll for the LLM program in Chinese Law, The tuition for the LLM program is RMB 146,000 for one year and RMB 73,000 for one semester.

Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)
At the Beijing Foreign Studies University Students can study the LLM in Chinese Business and Commercial Law full time or via distance learning.

Application & admissions

The general requirements to be allowed to study an LLM program in China is a good first degree (bachelors degree) in law, however some institutions do accept a second class honors degree so check with your chosen institution. To be allowed to study an LLM in the English language, students will also need to provide proof of English language proficiency, which is measured using TOEFL and IELTS scores. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of foreigners/international students to use and understand English as it is spoken, written and heard in the university environment. If you do not possess a legal degree, you would need experience and professional qualifications relevant to the LLM you choose. Admission is at the institution’s discretion.

You will also need proof of admission into professional law practice (either in Hong Kong, the UK or other countries) or a pass in the Common Practice Examination of England & Wales (GDL – Graduate Diploma in Law). Depending on your university you might need to pay an application fee and supply an official transcript of your undergraduate degree.

What to do in China when you aren’t studying

China is the world's second largest country by land area and as a student living in this country you will never be short of interesting places to visit. A good place to start is the Great Wall of China; a long lasting monument that historically served to protect China from intrusion.

As a student you will almost certainly be up for some fun – and a great place to get the adrenaline pumping is the Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney resort. Other fun sites include: the Shaolin Monastery, Wudang Mountains, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Trango Towers and Mount Emei.