Master of Laws (LLM) Program FAQ
William S. Richardson School of Law is recognized for its excellence in legal education, with an established reputation for its particular strengths in Environmental Law, Native Hawaiian Law, Pacific-Asian Legal Studies, and International Law.
As one of the smaller law schools in the United States, we provide a more personalized learning experience, level of academic support, and engagement with our students, thereby ensuring an exceptional opportunity for our students to learn in an environment where they are empowered to excel and achieve.
Yes! Our U.S. JDs come from a variety of legal backgrounds and have used their LLM degree to advance their careers and/or to gain the expertise to move into a new field of law.
Yes! Beginning Fall 2026, we will have an Online LLM Program available for students interested in a General LLM and select specializations. For more information or to attend a Zoom Information Session, please reach out to lawllm@hawaii.edu
Applications open in September and we accept applications on a rolling basis until June 1. Applications received after June 1 will be considered if space is available and applications received by February 5 will be give priority consideration for scholarships.
Those interested in starting in the Spring should contact lawllm@hawaii.edu directly.
Yes! Our in-person LLM Program is available in a part-time format for those whose status in the United States allows part-time study (U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, etc), and our Online LLM Program is available in a part-time format for all students.
See our Law School Tuition web page for current tuition information.
Yes! We encourage students to explore funding as early as possible and have provided below direct links to funding opportunities as well as links to pages with additional opportunities. We keep this page as updated as we can with any opportunities for which our graduate and international students may be eligible. Each opportunity will have its own requirements and application process as well as direct contact for inquiries.
The Frank Boas Scholarship
Open to:
- International AJD and LLM students
- International Visiting Students
- AJD and LLM students who completed their legal education outside the U.S.
- AJD and LLM students in the Pacific Asia Legal Studies (PALS) Program
- AJD and LLM students involved in/planning to take courses in international law
Application and instructions can be found in the funding section of our AJD, LLM, and International Visiting Student applications.
The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship
UH Foundation Scholarships
UH Mānoa Scholarships
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- open to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens
- WSRSL federal school code: 001610
- For questions, contact Law School Financial Aid: lawfnaid@hawaii.edu
VA education benefits, including GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon funding
Fulbright Scholar Program
International Education Financial Aid
External Scholarships
Additional External Funding Options for International Students
For additional funding sources and information please visit our Financial Aid page.
Yes! For information and eligibility, please visit:
East-West Center Housing
Many of our graduate and international students apply for student housing through the East-West Center (EWC). EWC is a 5-minute walk from the Law School and offers affordable, dormitory-style housing for UHM students. Rates are set by EWC and EWC housing applications go directly through EWC. Priority is given to EWC and Fulbright scholars and participants of the EWC Student Affiliate Program.
University Student Housing Services
- On-Campus housing – On-campus student housing is very limited. Students interested in applying for on-campus housing are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
- UH Affiliated housing
- Off-Campus housing
- UHM Housing Help & Support for students
- Popular Neighborhoods for UHM Students
Yes! LLMs may apply to the Advanced JD Program without taking the LSAT. Credits from previous legal studies, including some LLM classes taken at Richardson, may be transferred. For more information, visit our AJD Program page
Eligible F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which allows students to work in the U.S. for a limited time. Graduates are able to get real-world work experience related to their field of study. While on OPT, students will remain in F-1 status.
U.S. Bar Exam Foreign Eligibility Varies State-By-State
Depending on previous legal training and experience, international LLM graduates may be eligible to take a bar examination depending on the state. Our curriculum fulfills the LLM education requirements to be eligible for the New York and California bar exams, two of the most popular jurisdictions for international LLMs. We also offer additional advising, course planning, and support through our LLM Faculty Advisor, our Director of Bar Success, and our Graduate & International Programs staff and faculty. For international lawyers and law graduates interested in taking a bar exam, our Director of Bar Success can help guide students in understanding the requirements, and select the jurisdiction that is best suited for them.
Special note for online programs: based on current guidelines, online programs do not meet the bar admission requirements for some states. We recommend all students check with their respective state’s bar to confirm current requirements.
Visit our Bar Requirements for LLMs page for more information.
There are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Bar preparation courses and support are available for LLM students, and our LLM Advisors and Director of Bar Success are available to assist with course planning and bar preparation.
You can reach out to our LLM Program directly at lawllm@hawaii.edu.