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.

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 our LLM Program directly.

Yes, attending part-time is possible, depending on students’ residency status.

See our Law School Tuition web page for current tuition information.

Yes!

The Frank Boas Scholarship

• Limited funding open to international students, students in the Pacific Asia Legal Studies (PALS) Program, and students involved in international law. The application for the Boas Scholarship is included in the LLM application.

The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship

• Open to graduate students from Asia, including Russia, the Pacific, and the United States: see complete list of countries here
• Applicants will complete a Law School application and an EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship application
• Eligible participants can apply to the Fellowship before receiving admission to WSRSL

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

Fulbright Scholar Program

International Education Financial Aid

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:

• Office of Veteran Student Services
• VA Education Services

For on-campus and off-campus housing information, please visit the following websites:

UH Student Housing Services
Off-Campus Housing Options
East-West Center Housing
RISE Housing
UH Housing Resources

Yes! Up to six (6) credits outside the Law School may be counted towards the 24 credits required to obtain an LLM degree, pending approval by the LLM Faculty Advisor. Courses must be 600 level or higher.

University of Hawaii at Manoa • Class Availability

Yes! LLM graduates may apply to our JD or Advanced JD program, often without taking the LSAT. In some cases, credits from previous legal studies, including LLM classes taken at Richardson, may be transferred.

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, LLM graduates may be eligible to take a bar examination depending on the state. For the Hawaiʻi State Bar Exam, a JD degree is generally. However, applicants from a common law country where English is the language of instruction and practice may be eligible to take the Hawai‘i Bar if they have practiced law in that jurisdiction for five out of the six years preceding their application. Those wishing to sit for the bar exam should contact the appropriate state board of examiners.

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 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.