Program Overview

Introduction to the General LL.M. Program

The master of laws (LL.M.) degree at Cornell Law School is a one-year program designed for practicing attorneys and recent law school graduates who have earned a first professional degree in law outside the United States. Through the General LL.M. program, students increase their understanding of American legal principles and can further develop a legal specialization.

How to Apply

To be considered for admission to the General LL.M. program, applicants must have:

• Earned a first degree of law outside the United States prior to the start of the program.
• Proficiency in English as demonstrated by all aspects of the application and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if required.

English Language Proficiency

A high level of English proficiency is needed to complete the General LL.M. program. While all applications will be reviewed regardless of ESL scores, successful applicants typically have a minimum TOEFL overall score of 100 or a minimum IELTS overall band score of 7.0.

Application Deadline

All applications must be received by December 15 and decisions are typically released by April. Applications received after December 15 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Required Materials

A complete application file contains the following:

1. The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Law School Report including:

• Official certification of each degree you have earned
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official TOEFL or IELTS score

2. The completed Cornell Law School LL.M. Application form and supporting documents including:

• Statement of interest
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Character & fitness addendum (if required)
• Optional addendum (if needed)
• ESL waiver request (if applicable)
• Payment of the nonrefundable application fee

Tuition and Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Tuition for the 2025–26 academic year is US$84,722. Total expenses, including tuition, are estimated to be US$111,318.

Financial Aid and Fellowships

General LL.M applicants wishing to be considered for financial aid should indicate their interest on their admissions application. We provide a limited number of financial awards to General LL.M. candidates based on merit.

Information for Admitted Applicants

Admitted students can visit the LL.M. Admitted Applicants Portal for more information. Visa information and application instructions are also provided by the Office of Global Learning.

Additional Resources

• Academic Calendar
• Housing
• Check Application Status

Re-applicants, Deferred Admission, Transfer Students, and Special Student Status

Re-applicants

If you are denied admission, you may reapply to Cornell Law in a subsequent year. The Admissions Committee will review your entire application but will also focus on any significant changes since your prior application.

Deferring Admissions

Deferral of admissions decisions is rarely granted. If an admitted applicant wishes to defer, they must submit a petition detailing the deferral request.

Transferring to J.D.

Only current Cornell Law School General LL.M. students may apply to transfer to the J.D. program at Cornell Law. The transfer application must be received by the J.D. admissions office by April 1.

Special Student Status

Students currently enrolled in the General LL.M. program who wish to continue taking courses during the next academic year after completing current degree requirements must apply to the Dean of Students office by April 1.