University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

Eligibility: Students who have completed at least one year at a recognized foreign law school and graduates of recognized foreign law schools are encouraged to apply for our Hawaiʻi Summer Law Program. International applicants will complete the online application and submit current law school transcripts or proof of graduation from a recognized foreign law school. English proficiency requirements vary depending on the course (see online application). It’s free to apply, no LSAT required!

International students pay
Hawaiʻi resident rates for Summer courses

Introduction to U.S. Law

  • Designed for International Students and Graduates
  • Variable credit (3-4 credits) and flexible credit/no credit grading
  • In-person
    • June 16 – July 3, 2025
  • Housing available through East-West Center (a 5-minute walk from the Law School) for eligible students
  • See our Course Flyer for tuition and housing rates
  • Application deadline: April 1, 2025

Legal Oral Communication

Develop your legal English listening & speaking skills and improve your confidence communicating in a US legal setting. Designed for non-native English speakers and open to law school students and graduates.

  • Variable credit (2-4 credits) and flexible credit/no credit grading
  • Online synchronous classes
    • July 7 – July 25, 2025 (2 credits)
    • July 7 – August 14, 2025 (3 – 4 credits)
  • Certificate awarded upon completion
  • Application deadline: July1, 2025
  • Apply online for free!

Summer 2025 deadlines

Summer Housing

Housing is available for eligible students during Introduction to US Law when applying by April 1, 2025. Otherwise, each student is responsible for arranging their accommodations in Hawai‘i.

Reach out to intlaw@hawaii.edu for more information!

International students who have completed at least one year at a recognized law school may apply to attend Richardson for one semester or for one year.

  • Hoakipa Visiting Student Program: The University of Hawaiʻi has agreements with more than 90 international schools to welcome a limited number of visiting international students each semester. See the Mānoa International Exchange (MIX) website for information, deadlines, and application.
  • Independent Visiting Students (‘free movers’): Students from universities that don’t have a formal Hoakipa agreement with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa may apply as an Independent Visiting Student. Applicants can apply directly through the Law School or through the Mānoa International Exchange (MIX) with the assistance of their home university.

Housing for International Visiting Students

  • East-West Center (EWC) housing
    • Housing for Fall and Spring is available through their Student Affiliate Program which is open to students from any country. Application period is March 1 to May 15.
    • EWC Summer housing varies and is based on availability. Contact intlaw@hawaii.edu for more information.
  • UHM Student Housing Services
    • Find information about on-campus and off-campus housing here. On-campus housing is limited and applications are first come, first serve.

Reach out to intlaw@hawaii.edu for more information!

  • Students enjoy the flexibility to customize their LLM Program.
  • Students may start in Fall, Spring, or Summer
  • Our LLM students take classes with our JD students.
  • Optional Specialization available in the following areas:
    • International & Comparative Law
    • Human Rights
    • Environmental Law/Ocean Law & Policy
    • Business & Commercial Law
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Criminal Law & Justice

      Click here to learn more!

  • Qualified students with a foreign law degree may transfer in up to 29 credits from previous law study, allowing them to finish in a little as two years.
  • AJD and JD students earn the same JD Degree

    Click here to learn more!

We offer short courses and preparatory courses designed for International students including:

  • Legal Oral Communication
  • Introduction to U.S. Law
  • U.S. Legal Research and Writing

Resources for International Students

Advising

English Language Support

  • Center for Academic Spoken English (CASE): provides free oral communication support for members of the UH Mānoa community who speak English as an additional language.
  • The Writing Center at Mānoa: is a collaborative environment which offers writing consultations free of charge to anyone affiliated with UH – undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and visiting scholars. 
  • East-West Toastmasters: organizes monthly meetings of students, faculty, and staff of UH Mānoa, as well as people from the community to develop public speaking skills.

Funding Opportunities for International Students

Master of Laws (LLM) Program Advanced Juris Doctor (AJD)
Hawai’i Summer Law Program How to Apply

I-20 and Visa Assistance

The International Programs Office works with the UH International Student Services (ISS) and the UH Faculty & Scholar Immigration Services (FSIS) to assist international students, scholars, and visitors.

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