Studying law is a dream for thousands of students around the world. Law graduates often become lawyers, judges, policymakers, or leaders shaping the future of societies. But there’s one problem—law school is expensive. Tuition fees, books, living expenses, and application costs can make law degrees out of reach for many students, especially international applicants.
The good news? There are fully funded and free law scholarships offered by governments, universities, and private foundations that can completely cover the cost of your law degree. Whether you want to pursue an LLB, LLM, or even a PhD in law, these scholarships can help you study without worrying about money.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best free law scholarships available in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia, along with tips on how to apply and increase your chances of success.
🎓 Why Choose Law Scholarships?
Studying law is not just about becoming a lawyer. Law graduates play crucial roles in international organizations, human rights advocacy, politics, business, and academia. However, the costs of legal education can be overwhelming:
- USA: $30,000 – $60,000 per year for LLM programs.
- UK: £20,000 – £40,000 per year.
- Australia: AUD 30,000 – AUD 45,000 per year.
- Canada: CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000 per year.
For many students, the only realistic option is to apply for free or fully funded scholarships. These programs not only pay tuition fees but also provide living allowances, travel costs, health insurance, and sometimes even family support.
🌟 Top Free Law Scholarships Around the World
Here’s a list of some of the most prestigious law scholarships for international students in 2025.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Who funds it? UK Government
- Level: Master’s programs (including LLM)
- Covers: Full tuition, living allowance, airfare, and visa costs
- Why it’s great: Chevening is one of the most respected scholarships in the world. Thousands of law students have studied at top UK universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and King’s College London through this program.
2. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford, UK)
- Who funds it? Rhodes Trust
- Level: Graduate study at Oxford (including law degrees)
- Covers: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, and other expenses
- Why it’s great: One of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in the world, Rhodes Scholars go on to become global leaders. Law students at Oxford gain access to world-class faculty and international networking opportunities.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
- Who funds it? Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Level: Master’s & PhD programs (including LLM, PhD in law)
- Covers: Tuition, maintenance allowance, airfare, family support
- Why it’s great: This scholarship is highly competitive but offers full funding for law students at the University of Cambridge.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
- Who funds it? US Government
- Level: Master’s & PhD (including LLM)
- Covers: Tuition, airfare, living allowance, health insurance
- Why it’s great: Fulbright scholars study at top US universities, gaining global recognition. Many law students use this program to pursue an LLM in the USA.
5. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Who funds it? German Academic Exchange Service
- Level: Master’s & PhD
- Covers: Tuition (most German universities already charge no fees), monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance
- Why it’s great: Germany offers some of the best law programs in Europe at little or no cost, and DAAD provides living support for international students.
6. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
- Who funds it? Australian Government
- Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate degrees (including law)
- Covers: Full tuition, travel costs, living stipend, health coverage
- Why it’s great: Designed for students from developing countries, this scholarship allows law students to study in top Australian universities for free.
7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
- Who funds it? European Union
- Level: Master’s (including joint LLM programs)
- Covers: Tuition, living allowance, travel, insurance
- Why it’s great: Students study in 2–3 European countries during their LLM program, making this a unique international experience.
8. Holland Government Scholarship (Netherlands)
- Who funds it? Dutch Ministry of Education
- Level: Master’s programs (including LLM)
- Covers: Tuition reductions, monthly allowance
- Why it’s great: Dutch universities like Leiden, Groningen, and Utrecht are world-famous for international law programs.
9. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
- Who funds it? Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
- Level: Master’s & PhD (including law degrees)
- Covers: Tuition, airfare, living allowance
- Why it’s great: Available for students from Commonwealth countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and many African nations.
10. University-Specific Law Scholarships
- Harvard Law School (USA): Offers need-based aid, sometimes covering full tuition.
- Yale Law School (USA): Provides generous financial aid packages.
- LSE Law School (UK): Has multiple scholarships for LLM students.
- Melbourne Law School (Australia): Offers Melbourne Law Masters Scholarship.
📌 How to Apply for Free Law Scholarships
Applying for law scholarships can be competitive, but here are steps that increase your chances:
- Research early: Many scholarships open 1 year before the academic session.
- Prepare documents: You’ll need academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a strong statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Highlight leadership & community work: Scholarships like Chevening and Fulbright value leadership and social impact.
- Customize your application: Don’t send the same essay everywhere. Show why you fit the specific scholarship’s mission.
- Apply to multiple programs: Increase your chances by applying to several scholarships at once.
✅ Final Thoughts
Studying law abroad doesn’t have to mean years of debt or financial struggle. With the right preparation, you can secure a fully funded law scholarship and study at some of the best universities in the world—for free.
From the Chevening Scholarship in the UK to the Fulbright in the USA and the DAAD in Germany, there are countless opportunities waiting for ambitious law students.
If your dream is to become a lawyer, human rights advocate, or global leader, these scholarships can open the door to a future without financial barriers.