Studying an LLM (Master of Laws) program in Pakistan

LLM in Pakistan Pakistan literally means ‘Land of the Pure’ in Urdu and Persian languages. The name was formed in 1933 as ‘Pakstan’ by the popular Pakistan Movement activist Choudhary Rahmat Ali. The letter ‘I’ was added to the name to make it Pakistan to ease pronunciation and allow for a linguistically correct name. The capital of Pakistan is Islamabad, and the country’s currency is the Pakistani Rupee.

Pakistan was carved out from the regions in the east and west of India which is home to a large number of Muslims. In order to accommodate the increasingly growing Muslim population, the country Pakistan was created in 1947. In 1956, Pakistan adopted a new constitution making it an Islamic republic; the country is ethnically diverse and rich with culture.

Find LLM programs in Pakistan

Where & what to study in Pakistan

There are many institutions where you can study for an LLM in Pakistan, Pakistan is a burgeoning legal region.

You can study for an LLM at the following institutions: University of Management and Technology (UMT) Lahore, Pakistan College of Law Lahore, University Law College Punjab University Lahore, University of Sargodha, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, University of South Asia Lahore, International Islamic University Islamabad, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education.

Law students in Pakistan can choose from different LLM specializations, including: Constitutional and Administrative Law; Corporate and Commercial Law; International and Comparative Law; Criminal Justice and Criminology; International Trade Law; Islamic Commercial Law; Muslim Family Law; and Sharia (Islamic Law & Jurisprudence).

Admissions & applications

Pakistan is a culturally diverse country, as a result the populace speak different languages such as Punjabi and Urdu. Because Pakistan is an Islamic nation – the Arabic language is also a staple. As a result, some of the universities lecture and teach students in Arabic while others teach in English language. Whatever language you are being taught in, a good proficiency in the Arabic language would be beneficial.

Due to the Sharia and Islamic laws, some universities have separate campuses for male and female students i.e. International Islamic University Islamabad. Therefore it is important to be aware of the laws and conducts of the universities you choose to attend.

To gain admission to a university in Pakistan, you will need a good undergraduate (LLB) degree not lower than second lower division from any Higher Education Commission and Pakistan Bar Council’s recognised institution. You will need an original copy of your undergraduate degree transcript, secondary school certificates, national identity card and a completely filled-in application form and passport photographs.

Tuition fees & living costs

Studying for an LLM in Pakistan can be painstakingly rewarding, the duration of the LLM is between 2-4 years, with the tuition fee costing around Rs. 75,000-100,000 per annum ($750-$1,000).

Besides the tuition fees, other costs also need to be paid such as the application fee, examination fee and accommodation costs. It is important that you have enough funds for the entire duration of the program before starting your course.

Living costs in Pakistan are relatively cheap, especially when compared to other countries in Asia such as Singapore or Hong Kong.

What to do when you aren’t studying

The area of land now known as Pakistan had been inhabited way before the country was created in 1947. There were dwellers who settled on the land, leaving behind various archaeological ruins and sites. Many scenic sites in Pakistan are categorised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as: The Ancient Fort of Rohtas, The Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, Archaeological ruins at Moenjodaro of the Indus Valley, Civilisation, historic monuments of the ancient city of Thatta, 1st Century Buddhist ruins at Takht-i-Bahi and neighbouring city remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol.

For the adventurous student, Pakistan is a mountainous and hilly terrain, with many stunning mountains to explore for the mountain climbers and adrenaline seeking students, for example Gilgit-Baltistan which is the second highest mountain in the world.