University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

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Hawaiʻi Summer Law Program

If you have completed at least one year of study or graduated from an ABA-accredited law school or recognized foreign law program, the Hawaiʻi Summer Law Program offers:

  • An excellent selection of courses, including bar exam subjects, taught by world-class faculty.
  • Evening classes for students who are working or doing internships during the day.
  • The chance to network with students from across the U.S.

(Please note: Some courses are open to current UH law students only. The courses available to visiting students are listed on the application forms).

International applicants:
visit our International Students page for information and application

How to Apply

Current UH Law Students should register for summer courses beginning in March and do not need to submit this application.

International applicants:
visit our International Students page for information and application

U.S. law students & graduates of ABA-accredited law schools:

Summer 2026 application available in early 2026

SUMMER PROGRAM TUITION

Tuition & Fees
  • Summer 2026 Tuition Rate: $971 per credit (same for both Hawaiʻi residents and non-residents).
  • Calculate Total Tuition: $971 × Number of Credits.
  • Course Fees: These vary by class. Please check the Course Catalog for specific fees.
  • Refunds: Refund eligibility is determined by the specific academic calendar for each course.
Payment Deadlines
  • Initial Deadline: May 6, 2025.
  • Late Registration: If you register for a course after May 6, payment is due immediately upon registration.
  • Financial Aid Recipients: If you are receiving summer financial aid, your tuition is not due until your aid is disbursed.

Learn more about summer tuition, deadlines, and specific fees.

FINANCIAL AID

Eligibility Requirements

  • Minimum Credits: You must enroll in at least 4 credits to qualify for financial aid. (A full-time summer load is 8 credits).
  • Non-UH Students: Please check with your home institution to confirm eligibility for aid toward this program.
  • UH Law Students: You are eligible for Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans.
Key Deadlines & Details
  • Application Deadline: April 15, 2025 (Complete the online UH Mānoa Summer Financial Aid Application).
  • School Code: 001610 (William S. Richardson School of Law).
  • Assistance: UH Law students should contact Heather Smith-Lee, Director of Law Student Financial Assistance, for individual support.
Disbursement Schedule

Financial aid is typically released 10 days before you reach half-time enrollment (4 credits).

Delayed Disbursement: If you take fewer than 4 credits in the first session, your aid will not be released until 10 days before you reach the 4-credit minimum.

Standard Disbursement: 10 days before you reach the 4-credit threshold.

SYS or Externship Students: Aid is disbursed at the start of the summer term.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

The Hawai’i Summer Law Program meets all applicable ABA and AALS standards. Credit hours earned are routinely transferred to other ABA-approved law schools in the United States. Interested students should inquire with their home institutions about the amount of residence credit that may be obtained, consistent with ABA Standard 304.

All courses are graded on the standard grading system used at the William S. Richardson School of Law. Acceptance of any credit or grade for any course taken in the program is subject to approval by the student’s home law school. Students transferring credits to other law schools will usually find that grades of 2.0 or higher will be accepted for credit, but that the home law school will not average the Hawai’i grades as part of the student’s overall GPA. Students should consult with their home law school administrations about credit transfer policies.

Externships are generally limited to UH Law students. Non-UH law students must be approved on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the Externship Director. Externships are offered at 2, 4, or 6 credit increments.

CANCELLATION

Students who cancel their enrollment by email or letter postmarked before the last day for tuition refund for their course will receive a full refund. Please refer to the list of important dates and deadlines as there are different deadlines depending on the course.

Refunds for cancellations or withdrawals after that time will not normally be made. The University of Hawai’i School of Law reserves the right to cancel summer law courses should it become necessary for any reason. In the unlikely event this occurs, notices will be sent to all applicants before the course begins; all payments will be completely refunded; and every effort will be made to help students enroll in another summer program.

SUMMER HOUSING & PARKING

Each student is responsible for arranging their accommodations in Hawai‘i. Students should contact housing providers directly for reservations and rates.

On-Campus Housing

Limited on-campus housing is available during the summer to eligible students. To apply for housing, you must be enrolled in a minimum number of credits and submit the Housing Application, which asks for your UH Student I.D. number. UH Student I.D. numbers are provided upon Admission to the Program.

Please review the summer housing application requirements, process, and timeline here.

Application for admission to the Hawai‘i Summer Law Program and applications for University housing are separate procedures. Admission to one does not signify admission to the other.

Off-Campus Housing

If you choose to live off-campus, make housing arrangements well before your arrival.

Parking

Please visit the Commuter Services website to learn about daily parking options for the summer.

The options closest to the Law School campus are the Zone 20 parking structure and the Zone 17 surface lots. See the campus map for their locations.

FAQ

The Summer application for non-UH law students is due on May 1. We will consider late applications if spaces are available.

Current UH law students should register through STAR when registration begins in March.

Non-UH students who are accepted to the program will receive information on how to register.

Yes! Students and graduates of recognized foreign law programs are encouraged to apply to our Hawaiʻi Summer Law Program. Visit our International Students page for information and application details.

CONTACT

For more information or questions, email sumlaw@hawaii.edu.