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Applying to the LL.M. Program
Study at the LL.M. program ranked among the top two in Texas, according to Texas Lawyer. Applications for the LL.M. program are accepted through the LSAC portal. This method is recommended for those applicants who intend to sit for a state bar exam.
You may still apply by submitting your materials directly to the School of Law. All international transcripts must be translated and professionally evaluated.
How to Apply
LL.M. application deadlines
Spring 2025
Priority Deadline: November 1, 2024
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
Fall 2025
Priority Deadline: June 1, 2025
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
Apply Today
International student LL.M. admission
LL.M. applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) prior to their admission to the LL.M. programs. English proficiency is the key for LL.M. students to meet the rigorous reading and writing requirements at the St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Cut-off scores are: 80 points on the internet-based TOEFL or 6 points on the IELTS test. The TOFEL code for St. Mary’s University is 6637. Only current TOEFL and IELTS scores will be considered. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to interview candidates via telephone or Skype to verify English proficiency. International applicants who have successfully completed a high school, secondary or post-secondary program of study in English are exempt from the English proficiency test requirement.
International LL.M. candidates who have language scores below the threshold are encouraged to participate in the Intensive English Program through International Student and Scholar Services, and to reapply to the LL.M. program once they have demonstrated English proficiency.
Foreign student visas are processed through International Student and Scholar Services once a letter of admission has been issued to a prospect. The following materials are required:
- A valid passport
- The visa application payment
- The School of Law’s official letter of admission to the LL.M. degree program
- The completed I-20 form issued by the International Student and Scholar Services at St. Mary’s University
- A bank statement of financial responsibility to pay tuition and all other related LL.M. program costs
St. Mary’s International Student and Scholar Services has more details on acclimating to life as an American student.
Application Checklist
- Official transcripts: Transcripts must be sent directly from all schools that an applicant has attended. “Official” means a copy of your original document certified by an officer of your school and stamped with official seals. Faxed copies and photocopies of academic records will not be accepted. Transcripts must be written in the native language of the school. Applicants with a foreign law degree will need to register for the International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service through LSAC or have their credentials independently translated and verified through the vendors listed below.
- All international transcripts must be professionally evaluated. Please find below a list of acceptable vendors:
- Professional résumé
- Personal statement (within 800 words)
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from law professors, employers or other persons familiar with their academic and professional qualifications. All letters must be submitted on official letterhead.
- English language requirement: LL.M. applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) prior to their admission to the LL.M. programs.
- There is no application fee, unless applying through LSAC.
Learn more about the LL.M.
Get academic program information for:
LL.M. in General Law – Concentrations
Learn more about the LL.M. Program
Please submit your request for additional information here.