Europe is a continent known for its prestigious universities and a world-renowned educational system. For students aspiring to pursue a career in law, European universities offer some of the best opportunities to acquire top-notch legal education. In this guide, we have compiled a list of the best law schools in Europe, based on global rankings, Times Education Rankings, and QS Rankings. Let’s explore these institutions, their brief summaries, and their locations to help you make an informed decision about studying law in Europe.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Location: Greece
Founded in 1929, the Law School of Aristotle University is highly respected in Greece and among the top 200 law schools globally.
Belarusian Institute of Law Location: Belarus
Established in 1990, this private institution is renowned for training highly qualified professionals in law, psychology, economics, and political science.
Bratislava School of Law Location: Slovakia
Founded in 2004, this private institute offers various law programs, including Bachelor of Law, Master of Law in different specializations, and a Ph.D. in Civil Law.
Catholic University of Portugal Location: Portugal
The Católica Global School of Law, part of the Catholic University of Portugal, offers innovative Master’s degree programs in law, emphasizing global law education.
Central European University (CEU) Location: Hungary
CEU’s Department of Legal Studies offers advanced legal education and specializes in human rights, comparative constitutional law, and international business law.
Charles University Location: Czech Republic
Charles University in Prague, established in 1348, offers fully accredited Master’s programs in law, including LLM courses taught in English.
Hanken School of Economics Location: Finland
Hanken School of Economics, a leading business school in the Nordic countries, offers programs in intellectual property law and commercial law at the master’s and Ph.D. levels.
Jagiellonian University Location: Poland
Founded in 1364, Jagiellonian University boasts the best law faculty in Poland and one of the finest in Central Europe.
KU Leuven – Faculty of Law Location: Belgium
KU Leuven’s Faculty of Law, one of the first four faculties at the university, offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees, taught in Dutch or English.
Lomonosov Moscow State University Location: Russia
This institution offers a comprehensive law education, including Bachelor of Jurisprudence, Master of Jurisprudence, and various Ph.D. programs.
Lund University Location: Sweden
Lund University provides a range of law programs, including international Master’s programs and a Swedish Professional Law Degree.
New Bulgarian University Location: Bulgaria
Founded in 1991, this university offers a Master’s program in law.
Reykjavik University Location: Iceland
Reykjavik University’s Department of Law offers law studies at the undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. levels, with some courses available in English.
Robert Kennedy College Location: Switzerland
This private academic institution offers Master’s degrees in International Commercial Law and Corporate Law.
Tallinn University Location: Estonia
Tallinn University’s Bachelor’s program in European and International Law is taught in English and focuses on a well-balanced mix of theoretical and practical aspects of law.
The University of Barcelona Location: Spain
The Faculty of Law at the University of Barcelona, established in 1450, offers undergraduate degree programs and numerous Master’s degrees.
The University of Vienna Location: Austria
The Faculty of Law at the University of Vienna, founded in 1365, is the oldest and largest law faculty in the German-speaking world.
Trinity College Location: Ireland
Trinity’s School of Law, founded in 1592, is consistently ranked among the top 100 law schools globally and is the oldest Law School in Ireland.
University of Belgrade Location: Serbia
The Law School at the University of Belgrade offers both undergraduate and Master’s programs, with specializations in judicial-administrative, business law, and legal theory.
University of Bergen Location: Norway
The University of Bergen’s Faculty of Law offers Master’s Degree programs and a doctoral program, providing students with a strong legal foundation.
University of Bologna Location: Italy
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna offers a wide range of law programs, including first cycle and single cycle degree programs.
University of Copenhagen Location: Denmark
As the largest and oldest educational institution in Denmark, the University of Copenhagen focuses on research-based education and offers a variety of law courses in English.
University of Kyiv – Faculty of Law Location: Ukraine
The University of Kyiv’s Faculty of Law, established in 1834, offers a range of law programs, including LL.B., LL.M., and Ph.D. degrees.
University of Malta Location: Malta
The University of Malta’s Faculty of Law offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research degrees, combining traditional and modern teaching methods.
University of Nicosia Location: Cyprus
The University of Nicosia’s School of Law was the first to award officially recognized law degrees in Cyprus, offering innovative courses and legal programs.
University of Oxford Location: United Kingdom
Founded in 1096, the University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with the largest doctoral program in law.
University of Tirana Location: Albania
The Faculty of Law at the University of Tirana conducts undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, raising legal professionals in the field of law.
University of Zagreb Location: Croatia
The Zagreb Faculty of Law offers various degrees in law, social work, social policy, public administration, and taxation.
Université Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne Location: France
Established in 1971, this public research university’s Faculty of Law and Economics is one of the oldest law faculties in the world.
Utrecht University Location: The Netherlands
Founded in 1636, Utrecht University’s School of Law conducts exclusive research in various legal fields and collaborates intensively with foreign partners.
By exploring these top law schools in Europe, you can make a well-informed decision about your legal education and future career in law. Each of these institutions offers unique programs and opportunities, so choose the one that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Which European country is best for studying law?
Several European countries offer excellent options for studying law. Some of the top destinations for legal education in Europe include the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Institutions like King’s College London (UK), Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (France), Leiden University (Netherlands), KU Leuven (Belgium), and several universities in Germany have renowned law programs. The choice of the best country largely depends on your personal preferences, language proficiency, and specific legal interests.
What degree is best for international law?
For a career in international law, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Studies or a B.A. in International Relations is a common starting point. These degrees provide a strong foundation for understanding international issues and relations. However, to specialize in international law, you’ll typically need to pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree after completing your undergraduate studies.
Can you study international law in the UK?
Yes, the UK offers numerous universities that provide international law programs. Some well-regarded institutions for international law studies in the UK include King’s College London, the University of Edinburgh, and Queen Mary University of London, among others.
Can you study international law in Germany?
Germany also offers excellent opportunities to study international law. Universities like SRH University Heidelberg, Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences, and Leuphana University of Luneburg have strong international law programs.
Which country is cheapest to study law?
The cost of studying law can vary significantly between countries. Generally, Germany, China, and Sweden are considered more affordable destinations for international students pursuing a legal education, while the United States tends to be the most expensive.
Which country teaches law the best?
Several countries are known for their outstanding legal education. New York University (USA), the University of Oxford (UK), the University of Melbourne (Australia), and UCL (UK) are among the institutions with highly regarded law programs. The choice of the best country for legal studies may depend on your specific interests and career goals.
How many years is international law?
The duration of international law studies can vary. For a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Studies or International Relations, it typically takes three years to complete. Specializing in international law often requires pursuing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which takes an additional three years after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Do international lawyers go to law school?
Yes, becoming an international lawyer typically involves attending law school. To practice international law, you need to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which is the standard legal education in many countries. Additionally, pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree can provide further specialization in international law.
Do UK law firms hire international students?
Yes, UK law firms do hire international students and overseas applicants. International students can secure training contracts at UK law firms, but they often need to find a firm willing to sponsor their visa. Many international students successfully pursue legal careers in England and Wales.
Who can be subject to international law?
In international law, states are the primary subjects, meaning they have rights and responsibilities under international legal norms. Individuals and non-state entities are generally regarded as objects or recipients of international law, meaning they benefit from and are subject to the rights and obligations established by states and international agreements.
How many years to study law in the UK for international students?
Studying law in the UK can vary in duration. Law students typically study for a total of five years, which includes the LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree, which usually takes three years, and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), which take an additional year. International students may have additional requirements, so the duration may vary based on individual circumstances.
Can I study international law in France?
Yes, you can study international law in France. Some universities in France offer international law programs, including Master’s degrees in International Law, which are taught in English and are fully recognized in Europe. One example is the University of Toulouse, which provides a one-year program in International and European Law.