Accelerated J.D. Program for International Law Graduates Admissions

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Why Choose Syracuse Law’s Accelerated J.D. Program for International Law Graduates?

The students enrolled in our A.J.D. program have obtained a first degree in law (i.e., Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), etc.) from abroad. They are practicing lawyers, academics, and judges. Many of our students have already obtained an LL.M. degree from a U.S. law school. 

Accelerated J.D. Academic Info Apply Now

Start Your Application

Candidates must create a profile on the Law School Admission Council website to apply.

Applications Open

Sept 1

Application Deadline

June 1

Application Materials

  • All prior educational transcripts (from Undergraduate/LL.B., LL.M., and SJD degrees)
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Copy of Passport Face-Page
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS Score Report*
  • An admissions interview may be required

Application Details

  • The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is not required, but the Admissions Committee will take into consideration the "whole applicant", inclusive of any test scores that are provided in the admissions file.
  • Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proof of English-language proficiency. The College of Law recommends a TOEFL score in the range of 4.5+ on the TOEFL iBT exam, or 90+ (exam taken prior to January 21, 2026), or an IELTS score in the range of 7.0; and will consider additional factors when assessing English proficiency. Use our TOEFL School Code 2823 to have your electronic scores directly submitted. 
  • Applicants must use the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) to submit all transcripts and at least two letters of recommendation. Documents submitted directly to the Admissions Office will not be accepted. 

Admissions Review Process and Eligibility Criteria

The College of Law follows a multi-layer admissions review process. The first layer requires a credential evaluation of the applicant's foreign first-degree-in-law by the Law School Admissions Council's (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The CAS report will indicate degree level, number of years required to the complete the degree, grade conversions scales, and cumulative GPA. Following an Admissions interview, if selected, an independent review of the admissions file is performed by the Faculty Chair of the College of Law Admissions Committee. 

Upon a favorable admissions review by the Faculty Chair, the admissions file is reviewed to identify those courses which would be substantively comparable to those offered by the Syracuse Law's J.D. Program and, therefore, constitute credits which are permissible to transfer in towards satisfaction of the J.D. Program.

Syracuse Law will not transfer in credits from courses it would not normally offer (i.e. Sharia Law) and it will not transfer in credits from courses where a grade of B- or lower was received (on a letter-based grading scale). All foreign coursework must have been completed “in residence” in a live classroom setting. No online or distance-learning course credits may be transferred to the Accelerated J.D. Program. 

Cost of Attendance & Merit Scholarships

Students in the Accelerated J.D. Program for International Law Graduates will be charged tuition and fees consistent with the fees for the modality in which they are admitted: 

Syracuse Law will consider each applicant for a merit scholarship award when the application is reviewed for admission.