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LLM (Master of Law) in the USA is available in several specialized fields such as social justice, commercial law, taxation, human rights, and environmental law, among others. The duration of the course is generally between 9 months to 2 years. However, studying this course in the USA can be expensive. For this reason, scholarships are extremely useful. International scholarships cover expenses such as full/partial tuition fees, travel expenses, and accommodation expenses, among others. Keep reading to learn more about LLM scholarships in USA.
This Blog Includes:
- Overview of LLM Institutions in the USA
- Why Study LLM in USA?
- Types of LLM Scholarships in USA
- Top 5 LLM Scholarships in USA
- 6 LLM Scholarships in USA for Indians
- LLM Scholarships in USA (For Indians) Available to Specific Categories
- LLM Courses in the USA for International Students
- Cost of Studying LLM in the USA for Indian Students
- Application Process for LLM Scholarships in USA
- Career Opportunities After Pursuing LLM in the USA
- FAQs
Overview of LLM Institutions in the USA
The USA is home to prestigious law schools, some of these prominent universities are
| Name of the University | World QS Rankings 2025 |
| Stanford University | 6 |
| New York University | 43 |
| University of California, Berkeley Law | 12 |
| Harvard University | 4 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 42 |
Why Study LLM in USA?
There are plenty of reasons why a student should opt for an LLM in the USA. These are as follows:
- The USA has some of the best law schools in the world. In the USA, legal studies teaching helps students to improve their argumentative dialogue among students.
- From 2000-2020 the lawyer’s salary increased faster than the rate of inflation. That is the salary of a lawyer increased to 63% and the rate of inflation was approximately 53%.
- US legal firms’ entry-level salaries range between 60,000 USD and 90,000 USD.
- US Universities offer students the opportunity to work on pro bono cases due to an increase in requirements in the legal profession
Also Read: Top Universities in USA
Types of LLM Scholarships in USA
Basically, there are 3 types of LLM scholarships in the USA that international students can apply for. These are as follows. Do note that each scholarship has a different application process, eligibility criteria, benefits, and deadline.
- Need-based scholarships granted on the basis of financial need
- Merit-based scholarships are granted on the basis of the merit of the student
- Merit cum need-based scholarships are granted to meritorious students on the basis of financial need.
Top 5 LLM Scholarships in USA
Here is a list of the top LLM scholarships in the USA offered by the government and other organizations. Like all scholarships, each of these scholarships has different eligibility criteria, benefits, and deadlines.
| Scholarship Name | Meant for | Benefit |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Those wanting to pursue International legal studies, etc | J-1 visa support, round-trip economy class plane travel from the fellow’s home city to the host institution in the United States, financing for tuition and fees, housing and associated costs, and accident and illness coverage |
| New York University (NYU) Scholarships | Freshman students | Full/partial tuition fees |
| Columbia Law School (CLS) scholarships | For LLM students | Full/ partial tuition fees |
| UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Program | Meritorious students | Covers full tuition fees |
| Hauser Global Scholars Program | 10 best students applying for LLM | Tuition fees/living stipend |
Also Read: List of LLM Scholarships in USA 2024
6 LLM Scholarships in USA for Indians
There are several scholarships available for Indians. These scholarships can be used to study LLM in the USA. Some of these popular scholarships and their benefits are provided below.
| Scholarship | Benefit |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship | up to INR 2 million |
| Aditya Birla Scholarships | INR 1,80,000 per year |
| Education Grants offered by Tata Trusts | INR 10 lakh |
| National Law School of India Bangalore LL.M. Scholarship Award | INR 24.98 lakh |
| The Kapila & Nirmal Hingorani Postgraduate Scholarships | Full tuition fee waiver |
| R.D. Sethna Loan Scholarships | Loan scholarships |
LLM Scholarships in USA (For Indians) Available to Specific Categories
Indian scholarships are available for students to study LLM in the USA. However, the scholarships listed below are only meant for students from specific categories. Those who come under the category and meet the eligibility requirements are only eligible for the scholarship.
| Scholarship | Category | Benefit |
| Vishwa Konkani Study Abroad Scholarship | Students who have Konkani as their 1st language | INR 1 lakh per student every year |
| National Overseas Scholarship for SCs | Low income SC student | Not specified |
| Merit-Cum-Means based Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses for Minority students | Minority students | INR 10,000-INR 20,000 per annum towards tuition fees |
| Government of Andhra Pradesh’s NTR Videshi Vidyadharana for BC & SC/ST Students | SC/ST | INR 15 lakh |
| Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies for OBCs | Low-income SC student | Not specified |
LLM Courses in the USA for International Students
The LLM courses in the USA curriculum are mentioned below:
| Course | Description |
| Criminal Justice | Focus on the criminal justice system and its principles |
| Fundamentals of US Law | Core concepts and principles of the US legal system |
| Legal Research & Writing | Develop skills in legal research and effective writing |
| Social Justice and Human Rights | Explore issues related to social justice and human rights |
| Constitutional Law, Regulations, and Public Policy | Study the US Constitution and related legal frameworks |
| Litigation and Dispute Resolution | Examination of legal procedures and dispute resolution |
| Legal History and Legal Theory | Explore the historical and theoretical aspects of law |
Cost of Studying LLM in the USA for Indian Students
LLM costs in the USA for Indian students vary by university, averaging between 66,924 USD and 75,572 USD annually. Living expenses may reach 30,000 USD monthly. Pre-arrival expenses like application, visa, and SEVIS fees are additional considerations.
Application Process for LLM Scholarships in USA
The application process for LLM Scholarships in the USA is as follows :
- Visit the official website of the scholarship provider
- Choose the course you want to take, make sure it meets the requirements and then submit an application.
- A student ID will be given once the student fills out the application. The same can be used by the student to apply for that program’s scholarship.
- Visit the university website for information on undergraduate and graduate scholarships to apply for the award.
- Verify the student’s eligibility and submit an application for the scholars’ program.
Career Opportunities After Pursuing LLM in the USA
After completing an LLM in the USA, Indian students can pursue various career paths, including roles as Attorneys, Associate Attorneys, Law Firm Partners, and Judges overseeing legal cases. Foreign law degree holders can practice in states like New York and California, with opportunities to work as Private Bankers offering customized financial services.
The average salary in the legal field ranges from USD 94,000 to USD 400,000 per annum, depending on job profiles and experience. Passing the state’s Bar Examination is crucial for practising law in many jurisdictions.
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FAQs
Yes. It is possible to get a scholarship to study in USA. Several law schools offer scholarships for International students. The government also provides scholarships for students to study in the US. For example, the Fulbright Nehru Scholarship.
Some of the best countries for LLM with scholarships are the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia. Interested students can check out scholarships available in these countries.
Yes. It is possible to pursue an LLM in the USA after pursuing an LLB in India. However, students must meet the eligibility requirements of the selected universities.
Yes, the students can get a 100% scholarship for studying in the USA. However, the amount of money will vary by institution and organisation. Some will offer a full tuition waiver, while others offer a partial waiver. Therefore, it is expected that the student must visit the official website of the scholarships to check for the same.
LLM can be worth it in the USA depending on which institute or college the student has studied from. LLM graduates in the US can earn higher salaries than those without the degree.
Top countries which offer the LLM scholarship to Indian students are the USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, and Australia.These countries offer excellent legal education, diverse specializations, and strong career support.
Although the CGPA cutoff varies each school and scholarship program, it often falls between 3.0 and 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
You have sixty days from the time you finish your LLM to depart the United States. You will need to seek to change your visa status or enrol in a higher program if you want to stay in the United States. Temporary work that is closely relevant to your major—in our instance, law—is known as OPT.
This was all about the LLM Scholarship in the USA. If you are interested in reading more such content, consult the study abroad experts and follow the Leverage Edu website.
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