Tuition and Financial Support

Tuition, fees, and financial support

Tuition and fees

Tuition fees for the BCL/JD program are based on the number of credits you are registered for. The Tuition & Fee Calculator reflects a normal course load of 30 credits per year (note that the first year curriculum is 32 credits over two terms). The $400 deposit goes towards first-year tuition.

Student who have been granted permission to study on a part-time basis will be charged tuition fees at the per credit rate and will be required to pay student society fees, student services fees, registration and transcripts charges, and information technology charges.

Complete information regarding fees can be obtained at the Student Accounts Office, McLennan Library Building, (514) 398-7878. Further information regarding fees can also be found on McGill's Student Accounts.

Additional Expenses

Books

The cost of first-year reading materials is approximately $1,000.

Accommodation

The approximate cost of an apartment in Montreal is between $600 and $1,600 a month per person. For more information about housing, McGill Off Campus Housing web page.

Transportation

An extensive system of public transportation, including both buses and subway (the Metro) serves the entire city. For further information, visit the STM web site (Montreal's public transportation system).


Financial support

Many students in the Law Faculty receive a scholarship or prize carrying financial at remuneration some time during their studies. McGill also offers University entrance scholarships and student aid.

There is no need to apply for Faculty of Law entrance scholarships. All admitted University, Mature, and Transfer students are automatically considered for Faculty of Law scholarships, as are admitted CEGEP students who are ineligible for McGill University entrance scholarships. Admitted CEGEP students who meet the minimum academic requirements will be automatically considered for a McGill University entrance scholarship.

Several of our entrance scholarships are aimed at supporting individuals from communities or groups who experience systemic barriers to education, such as racialized people and people from an economically disadvantaged background. In order to help us more effectively allocate these scholarships and address systemic barriers, we invite applicants to share self-identifying and contextualizing information in their admission application (e.g. in their Personal Statement and/or Extenuating Circumstances letter). Students who receive offers of admission are also asked to complete a short questionnaire where they can provide additional information such as race, ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status. Any information shared will be used solely to assist with scholarship allocation in a manner consistent with the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid

Applicants undertaking University studies for the first time are eligible to apply for McGill University Entrance Scholarships. CEGEP and French Baccalaureate candidates applying to the Faculty of Law are strongly encouraged to apply for University Entrance Scholarships if they meet the academic and other relevant criteria. For more information, see McGill Scholarships on the Scholarships & Student Aid website.

McGill also offers a need-based Entrance Financial Aid program. This program is offered to students admitted to McGill who are entering the first year of full time undergraduate studies in the Fall term. This program offers financial aid to students from modest income families who require assistance to enable them to attend McGill. Since financial need is the primary criterion in the selection of award recipients, it is expected that applicants of this program will apply to the government student aid programs for which they may be eligible. Please consult McGill’s Entrance Financial Aid Program on the Scholarships & Student Aid website.

Entrance Scholarships from the Faculty of Law

Margaret “Peggy” Godsy Entrance Scholarship: Established in 2022 by Mark Andrew Godsy, LLB 1982 and Isabelle Godsy in loving memory of Mark’s mother, Margaret “Peggy” Godsy. Awarded on the basis of academic and extracurricular achievement to one or more students entering the BCL/JD Program in the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated compassion through their extracurricular activities, their service to the community, or their role as caregivers.

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP: Established in 2022 by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP with the goal of removing barriers to law school and supporting diversity within Quebec's legal community. This scholarship is created in honour of Frederick Phillips, BA'51, BCL'56, who became the first Black lawyer admitted to the Barreau du Québec. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic achievement to one Black student entering the BCL/JD Program.

Brian MacFarlane Memorial Entrance Scholarship: Established in 2022 in loving memory of Brian MacFarlane, BCL’90, LLB’90, former prosecutor at the Vancouver Crown Counsel Office. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic and extracurricular merit to a student or students entering the BCL/JD program on a full-time basis. First preference will be given to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to public or community service. Second preference will be given to a student interested in criminal law advocacy.

125th Anniversary Entrance Scholarships: $1,000 - $2,000. For a student with a distinguished record in pre-law studies. Established by graduates of the Faculty to mark its 125th Anniversary.

Julie Bédard Entrance Scholarship: Value: $5,000. Established in 2019 by Julie Bédard, BCL 1996, LLB 1996, for one outstanding full-time student entering the BCL/JD program in the Faculty of Law. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit.

Blaine Baker Entrance Scholarship: Estimated value: $3,400. Established in 2013 by former students, friends, family and colleagues of Professor Blaine Baker, in honour of his 30 years of service in the Faculty of Law. Awarded by the Faculty of Law for one or more outstanding undergraduate students entering the BCL/JD program on the basis of high academic standing. Preference will be given to students having pursued graduate studies prior to entering the Faculty of Law.

Blake's Entrance Scholarships: Amount varies. Established in 2019 by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and their McGill Law alumni, for up to five outstanding full-time students entering the BCL/JD program in the Faculty of Law. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic and extracurricular merit. Preference will be given to students who have displayed interest in entrepreneurship and/or who have experienced systemic barriers to education, including racialized minorities and minorities from diverse backgrounds. 

B. Robert Benson, Q.C. Entrance Scholarship: Amount varies. Established in 2015 in loving memory of Robert Benson, BCL 1958, Q.C., by his family. Awarded by the Faculty of Law to an outstanding student entering the BCL/JD program. 

Richard M. Bogoroch Entrance Scholarship: Amount varies. Established in 2019 by Richard M. Bogoroch, BCL 1978, LLB 1979, and Bogoroch & Associates LLP, for one outstanding full-time student entering the BCL/JD program. Awarded by the Faculty of Law Scholarships Committee on the basis of academic merit. Preference given to a student who is part of an underrepresented group in the incoming class, such as a student who is among the first generation in their family to pursue a postsecondary education.

Lindsay and Gordon Cruess Entrance Scholarship. Value: approximately $5,000. Established in 2019 by Lindsay Monkman Cruess, BA 2004, and Gordon Cruess, BCL/LLB 2007, for one outstanding full-time student entering the BCL/JD program. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit. Preference wlli be given to a non-Quebec new or first generation Canadian who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity in a range of pursuits and who has shown a commitment to their community.

Bobby Katz & Tina Otto Entrance Scholarship: Amount varies. Awarded by the Faculty of Law to one or more BCL/JD students entering the Faculty of Law, with preference to Canadian Indigenous students.

Yves Caron Memorial Award: Value: approximately $2,000. Preference to a student proceeding to the notarial profession. Established in 1978 by the family, friends, former students and colleagues of Yves-Armand Caron, BA, LLL (Montr.), LLM (Col.), DPhil (Oxon.)

Class of 1959 Entrance Scholarships: Amount varies. Established in 2019 by the Class of Law 1959, for one outstanding full-time student entering the BCL/JD program in the Faculty of Law. Awarded by the Faculty of Law Scholarships Committee on the basis of academic merit.

Class of 1962 Professor John W. Durnford Bursary: Value: approximately $2,000. For meritorious entering BCL/JD students who demonstrate financial need. Established in 1987 by the Class of 1962 to mark the 25th anniversary of graduation.

Class of 1964 Entrance Scholarships: $800 scholarships, renewable. For students with distinguished pre-law academic records demonstrating financial need. Established by members of the Class of 1964 on the 25th anniversary of graduation.

Class of 1966 Entrance Scholarships: Amount varies. Established by the Class of Law 1966, for one outstanding full-time student entering the BCL/JD program in the Faculty of Law. Awarded by the Faculty of Law Scholarships Committee on the basis of academic merit.

Class of 1989 Entrance Scholarship. Amount varies. Established in 2020 by the Class of 1989 in honour of their 30th reunion. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit to one outstanding full-time student entering the BCL/JD program in the Faculty of Law who has experienced systemic barriers to education.

Class of 1991 20th Anniversary Entrance Scholarships: Established in 2014 by the Law Class of 1991 in honour of their 20th anniversary, for outstanding students entering the B.C.L/L.L.B. program in the Faculty of Law. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit. Value: Varies.

Chief Justice R.A.E. Greenshields Memorial Scholarships and Bursaries: $2,000 scholarships, renewable. For students with distinguished records in pre-law studies. Bequeathed by Mrs. R.A.E. Greenshields in memory of her husband.

David L. Johnston Scholarship: Estimated value: $4,500. Established in 1998 by a generous gift from a Chemical Engineering graduate (Class of 1959) in honour of David L. Johnston, CC, former Principal of McGill University and Professor in the Faculty of Law. Awarded by the Faculty to an outstanding student entering the first year of the BCL/JD program.

E. Leo Kolber Scholarship: $1,800. Awarded to a meritorious Law student who is in financial need. Founded in 1979 by the friends and colleagues of E. Leo Kolber, BA'49, BCL'52, to mark his 50th birthday.

Environmental Champion Entrance Scholarship: Established in 2021 by Éric St-Pierre, BCL/LLB 2010. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit to one or more students entering the BCL/JD program in the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to students demonstrating a commitment to combatting climate change or other environmental issues, whether through work, academic, or volunteer experience. Value: varies.

Esther Taranto Rosenberg Scholarship: Amount varies. Established in 2017 by Ariel J. Deckelbaum, BA 1993, BCL 1998, LLB 1998 in honour of his mother, Esther Taranto Rosenberg. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit to one or more outstanding BCL/JD students entering the Faculty of Law. First preference will be given to students with a previous degree in music. Second preference will be given to students who have been displaced due to political, social or religious turmoil, such as occupation, civil war, widespread violence, or population displacement.

Fasken Scholarship for Excellence: Approximately $2,500, renewable. Established in 2009 by Fasken Martineau Dumoulin LLP, a leading international business law firm based in Canada. Awarded by the Faculty of Law to one or more outstanding student(s) entering the BCL/JD program who attained academic distinction, top marks, and volunteer experience or community involvement.

I. R. Hart Memorial Scholarship: Approximately $1,700. Preference to students intending to proceed to the notarial profession. Established in 1989 by the family of the late Isidor Raymond Hart, BA'32, BCL'35.

John Fisher Burns and Jane Scott-Long Scholarship. An Entrance Scholarship, awarded at the discretion of the Faculty of Law to an outstanding candidate. Preference will be given to one whose work or experience in places or circumstances of conflict, violence, or repression – as a journalist or otherwise – bespeaks courage, conscience, and vision, or who has in such circumstances surmounted special challenges. In honour of John Fisher Burns, BA 1966, for over fifty years a journalist, first with the Globe and Mail and then with the New York Times, serving for over four decades as a foreign correspondent of great distinction in many countries and winning two Pulitzer Prizes. Established by Stephen Scott (BA 1961, BCL 1966) in tribute to John Burns’ exceptional personal qualities and career, and as an express ion of friendship and esteem. And in honour of the late Jane Scott-Long, John Burns’ wife and partner of four decades, who with skill and courage managed press bureaus in zones of conflict, in the face of danger and difficulty supplying the bureaus and providing for the needs, the safety and the security of staff – with consistent kindness, generosity, and wit.

Samuel Haberkorn Memorial Entrance Scholarship: Approximately $1,750. To a student with a distinguished pre-law academic record and who needs financial aid. Established in 1997 by Max Haberkorn, BCL‘71, LLB‘72, in memory of his father Samuel Haberkorn, a decorated resistance fighter of the Second World War, in recognition of the sacrifices he made for his children's education.

Paul Harris Memorial Scholarship: Amount varies. Established in 2020 in memory of Paul Harris, BCL 1976, LLB 1978, by friends, colleagues and family. Awarded on basis of academic and extracurricular merit to one or more outstanding full-time undergraduate students entering the BCL/JD program in the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in mentorship, community engagement, or helping others.

Pierre Hébert Memorial Entrance Scholarship by Norton Rose Fulbright: Established in 2021 by Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP in loving memory of Pierre Hébert, BCL 1969, former partner and national chair for employment and labour. A warded on the basis of academic achievement to one or more undergraduate students entering the BCUJD Program in the Faculty of Law. First preference will be given to students interested in labor and employment law. Second preference will be given to students interested in corporate law. Value: varies. Nonrenewable.

Everett Klippert Scholarship: amount varies. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit to one or more outstanding undergraduate or graduate students entering the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to students having demonstrated a commitment to working on issues facing marginalized members of LGBT communities.

Kugler Kandestin LLP Entrance Scholarship: Established in 2021 by Kugler Kandestin LLP. Awarded on the basis of academic achievement to one or more undergraduate students entering the BCL/JD Program in the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to students with a demonstrated commitment to social justice. Value: varies. Non-renewable.

Leon Levinson Award: Value: varies. For a journalist or broadcaster, preferably from Quebec, who wishes to study Law full or part-time. Established in 1977 by the associates and friends of Leon Levinson, esq., to mark his 75th birthday.

Anna Loparco Best in the West Entrance Scholarship: Established in 2022 by Anna Loparco, BCL/LLB 2002, MBA 2003. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic achievement to one or more Indigenous students entering the BCL/JD Program in the Faculty of Law. First preference will be given to Indigenous students from Alberta. Second preference will be given to Indigenous students from the other Prairie Provinces (Manitoba and Saskatchewan). Third preference will be given to any Indigenous student from the rest of Canada. Value: varies. Non-renewable.

L. Yves Fortier Entrance Scholarship: approx. $10,000. Established in 2008 by L. Yves Fortier, CC, 00, QC, BCL'58, LLD'05 to support the presence and vitality of bilingualism in legal education at McGill University. Awarded by the Faculty of law to an outstanding student entering a full-time BCL/JD  program at the Faculty.

The Hon. Melvin L. Rothman BA’51, BCL’54 Entrance scholarship in Law: Estimated value: $5,000, renewable. Established in 2007 by friends and family of Melvin L. Rothman, upon the initiative of Ms. Claire Rothman BA’81, BCL’84; James Robb BA’52, BCL’54; Herb Siblin Bcom’50; and the Dean of Law, Nicholas Kasirer, in honour of a great father, friend and judge, Melvin L. Rothman. Awarded by the Faculty of Law to an outstanding student entering a full time BCL/JD program.

Merle Wertheimer and Sam Hornstein Entrance Scholarship: Established in 2022 by Sam Hornstein (BA’78, MBA’80, BCL’83, LLB’84) and Merle Wertheimer (BA’77, BCL’81, LLB’81). Endowed as well in recognition of the academic achievement of Merle and Sam’s children, Julia Hornstein (BCL/JD ’23) and Daniel Hornstein, (MA'21). Awarded to one or more students who are entering the BCL/JD Program in the Faculty of Law and who have shown academic and extracurricular achievement, who can benefit from financial support. Amount approximately equivalent to tuition and fees for Quebec residents. Non-renewable.

National Programme Scholarships: Value: Varies. For Law students with distinguished pre-law records.

Norton Rose Fulbright Scholarship: Value: approximately $2,000. For a student with a distinguished academic record. Established in 1980 to mark the firm's centenary in 1979. (Formerly called the Ogilvy Renault scholarship).

Pierre Péladeau-Quebecor Law Entrance Scholarship: Variable amount. The Pierre Péladeau-Quebecor Law Entrance Scholarship was established by Quebecor in 2015 in honour of the memory of Pierre Péladeau, C.M., O.Q., BCL 1950, the founder of Quebecor, a Québec company recognized as a Canadian leader in telecommunications, news media, entertainment and culture. It is awarded by a committee of the Faculty of Law to a French-mother-tongue student residing in Québec who is entering a full time BCL/JD program, on the basis of academic merit, with consideration given to the students’ involvement in the community. Preference is given to candidates from outside Montréal.

Romek Hornstein Entrance Scholarship: Established in 2022 by Sam Hornstein (BA’78, MBA’80, BCL’83, LLB’84) and Merle Wertheimer (BA’77, BCL’81, LLB’81) in loving memory of Sam's father, Romek Hornstein, a man who succeeded in overcoming historic obstacles and for whom higher education was of paramount importance. Endowed as well in recognition of the academic achievement of Merle and Sam’s children, Julia Hornstein (BCL/JD ’23) and Daniel Hornstein, MA'21. Awarded to one or more students who are entering the BCL/JD Program in the Faculty of Law and who have shown academic and extracurricular achievement, who can benefit from financial support. Amount approximately equivalent to tuition and fees for Quebec residents. Renewable for up to four years.

Nathan Schipper Entrance Scholarship: Value: Varies. Established in 2018 by the Class of Law 1992, in memory of their classmate, Nathan Schipper, BCL 1992, LLB 1992. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit to one or more outstanding undergraduate students entering the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to students coming from a multidisciplinary background.

The Scotiabank Scholarship for Law Students
Established in 2020 by Scotiabank. Awarded on the basis of academic merit to a student entering the BCL/JD program in the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to students who self-identify as a member of the Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour community. Students must have demonstrated work or voluntary experience supporting BIPOC, marginalized or disadvantaged groups, and are asked to submit a one-page essay describing their plan to positively impact the University and underrepresented groups by combatting racism and furthering inclusivity. Value: $10,000. Renewable.

Scott-Rappaport Family Entrance Scholarship: Estimated value: $5,000. Established by Professor Stephen Scott, BA'61, BCL'66, for many years a member of the teaching staff of the Faculty of Law, in memory of his mother, Thelma Scott Rappaport (née Vaintrub; 1915-2003), who imbued her sons from childhood with a love of learning; of his father, Irving H. Scott (1909-1965), a businessman of Montreal, a man of quiet generosity; and of his stepfather Nathaniel Leonard Rappaport, QC (1905-1995). For nearly 70 years a member of the Bar of Quebec and sometime President of the Montreal Board of Trade, he rose from modest circumstances to play a significant role in the professional and business life of the City, and in its charitable and benevolent organizations, which he supported generously. He worked actively against discrimination in public life, and declined several honours and offices in favour of others. Awarded by the Faculty of Law to a student entering the BCL/JD program full-time. The award is based on academic merit; preference will be given to a student who has demonstrated a financial need in his or her application to the program. Consideration will also be given to the student’s involvement in the community and in extra-curricular activities.

S. Frances Norych Memorial Scholarships: Approximately $3,000 scholarships, renewable. Awarded by the Faculty of Law to students entering a full-time BCL/JD program who have distinguished academic records. Established in 1991 by family, friends, and colleagues of Frances Norych, BCL'74, LLB'75.

Steve and Rob Michelin Entrance Scholarships:  Approximately $3,000 each. Established in 2002 in memory of Steve Michelin, BA'86, BCL'90, LLB'90, and re-designated in 2004 to commemorate the life of Robert Michelin, BA'86, MA'88, BCL'92, LLB'92, in recognition of both of their commitments to student life. The scholarships were established by Steve and Rob’s family and friends, and by the Classes of 1990 and 1992, the former on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of their graduation from the Faculty of Law. Awarded by the Faculty of Law to deserving students entering a full-time BCL/JD program. The awards are based on academic merit, with consideration being given to the students’ involvement in the community and in extra-curricular activities.

Stuart H. (Kip) Cobbett Entrance Scholarships: Amount varies. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit to one or two outstanding BCL/JD students entering the Faculty of Law. Established in 2017 by McGill University in honour of Stuart H. (Kip) Cobbett, BA 1969, BCL 1972, former Chairman of the Board of Governors, to commemorate his extraordinary service to the Faculty of Law and the University.

Toronto Law Alumni 150th Anniversary Scholarship: Approximately $1,750. Established in 1998 by Faculty of Law graduates in the Toronto area to mark the Faculty's 150th anniversary: Awarded by the Faculty to a student with a distinguished academic record entering an BCL/JD program in the Faculty of Law.

Wainwright Scholarships and Bursaries: Approximately $4,000. Awarded to BCL/JD students having distinguished scholastic records. Established by the estate of Arnold Wainwright, QC, BA 1899, BCL 1902, DCL honoris causa 1963.

Waxman Difference Makers' Scholarship: Amount varies. Established in 2020 by Caren and Jordan H. Waxman, BA'86, LLB'91, BCL'92, Scarlet Key 1992, for outstanding next generation leaders entering the BCL/JD program full time in the Faculty of Law. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit to one or more students who have demonstrated leadership in extracurricular and community activities.

Jordan H. Waxman Entrance Scholarship: Value varies. Established in 2010 by Jordan H. Waxman, BA'86, LLB'91, BCL'92, Scarlet Key 1992, for outstanding students entering the BCL/JD program full time in the Faculty of Law. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of academic merit to students who have demonstrated leadership in extracurricular and community activities.

Alex Woo Prestige Entrance Scholarship: Value varies. Established in 2013 by Alex Woo, BEng'80, a strong supporter of McGill University and advocate of lifelong learning, for one or more outstanding students entering the BCL/JD program in the Faculty of Law. Alex Woo is passionate about legal studies and believes it touches every aspect of our lives. Awarded by the Faculty of Law on the basis of high academic standing.

Please note that the monetary value of scholarships may vary, based on endowment performance.

Law Society Scholarships

Various provincial law societies and law foundations sponsor scholarships for residents of their respective provinces. The following scholarships are awarded directly by the organizations listed.

Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship: Up to three entrance scholarships valued at $10,000 each awarded to residents of the province of Newfoundland (and Labrador).

Law Society of Prince Edward Island Scholarship: Three scholarships valued at $2,000 each awarded to residents of the province of Prince Edward Island.

McCall MacBain Scholars - Professional Programs

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is a full graduate scholarship for second-entry professional undergraduate studies. Applications open from June to September 2022 for an expected program start of Fall 2023. McCall MacBain Scholars will have a track record of community engagement, informed by a sense of duty, empathy, intellectual curiosity, grit, and a willingness to take risks. They aim to create meaningful and lasting change, while improving the lives of others.

In the selection process, the selection committees will look for: 

  • Exceptional character
  • Community engagement
  • Leadership potential
  • Entrepreneurial spirit
  • Academic strength and intellectual curiosity

Please visit the McCall MacBain website for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

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