Internationally Trained Lawyer program

The University of Manitoba Faculty of Law has worked closely with the NCA as we developed two micro-diploma programs to meet the needs of internationally trained lawyers and those with a Canadian civil law degree. 

Based on their learning needs and goals, students may choose to undertake the Canadian Public Law Micro-Diploma or the Canadian Private Law Micro-Diploma. Students may also combine one of our micro-diploma programs with a Master of Laws or Master of Human Rights program (separate application and admission required).

Students will have access to support and experiential learning opportunities which foster meaningful inclusion in Manitoba’s legal profession.

Both micro-diploma programs allow students to take additional courses which may be required by the NCA or which may enhance their legal education and provide:

• A high-quality legal education which fosters excellence;
• Optional clinical and experiential learning opportunities;
• Wrap-around supports, including career services and an introductory course, Preparation for the Study of Law in Canada to enable success;
• Greater opportunities for professional inclusion in Manitoba’s legal community;
• Rich elective educational offerings.

Study in Winnipeg

The University of Manitoba Faculty of Law is located in Winnipeg, a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With affordable living costs, a thriving job market, rich cultural scene and exciting sports offerings, Winnipeg is a great place to call home.

• Learn why you should make Winnipeg home

Customizable learning paths

Both micro-diplomas are modular programs, designed to be completed in one year.  Students may also simultaneously pursue a Master of Laws or Master of Human Rights at the Faculty of Law while completing a micro-diploma program. 

The Master of Laws and Master of Human Rights programs each have their own application process and requirements.

• LLM program
• LLM admissions
• LLM course streams
• MHR program
• MHR admission
• MHR program cost, content and course listing

Introducing students to Canadian Law

To support the strongest start in either micro-diploma program, the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law uniquely offers a required introductory course, Preparation for the Study of Law in Canada. This course takes place over two weeks in August, prior to the commencement of the regular school term.

Preparation for the Study of Law in Canada provides students with an important introduction to skills required to successfully study law in Canada, including:

• Cultural literacy: working effectively with clients from marginalized communities to maximize access to justice and minimize harm;
• Canadian Legal Systems: introduction to Canadian legal histories and legal systems, including Indigenous Legal Orders;
• Legal Research, Analysis and Writing: practical skill-building to meet expectations in the workplace.

The Micro-Diploma in Canadian Public Law will each help ensure lawyers educated outside Canada get a strong start to their legal careers. The program provides legal education to meet the NCA’s required competencies, while offering rich elective options and opportunities to make connections within the Manitoba legal community.

The Micro-Diploma in Canadian Public Law is a modular program, which requires students to take 13 credit hours of core coursework related to public law in Canada:

• LAW 1002: Preparation for the Study of Law in Canada;
• LAW 1140: Criminal Law and Procedure;
• LAW 1460: Constitutional Law; and 
• LAW 3530: Administrative Law.

In addition, students may take up to 5 additional credit hours in Law Courses from the Juris Doctor (JD) Program. Additional courses may also be taken to meet the requirements of the student’s NCA Assessment Report or for additional interest.
 

The Micro-Diploma in Canadian Private Law is also a modular program designed to help ensure lawyers holding a Canadian civil law degree and internationally trained lawyers whose NCA assessment report permits them to pursue a Certificate of Qualification by meeting the NCA’s required competencies, while also offering elective options and the same opportunities to make connections within the Manitoba legal community.

The Micro-Diploma in Private Law requires students to take 15 credit hours of core coursework related to private law in Canada:

• LAW 1002: Preparation for the Study of Law in Canada;
• LAW 1102: Contracts;
• LAW 1480: Torts and Compensation Systems; and
• LAW 1500: Property.

In addition, students may take 3 additional credit hours in Law Courses from the Juris Doctor (JD) Program.  Additional courses may also be taken to meet the requirements of the student’s NCA Assessment Report or for additional interest.
 

The Internationally Trained Lawyer Program has been designed to allow students the opportunity to provide legal services and information in a supervised and supportive setting for course credit.  

Internships in business law, criminal law, family law, international human rights law, and French language legal information services which are specifically designed to be compatible with either micro-diploma program’s course of study are anticipated offerings.

• L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic
• UM Community Law Centre
• Legal Help Centre
• Rights Clinic at Robson Hall

Applications to the Internationally Trained Lawyer Program may be submitted commencing November 1, 2024. Deadline to apply: March 31, 2025. Documents may be submitted until April 30, 2025 to qualify for the Fall 2025-26 cohort.

• Admission Requirements for Micro-diploma in Canadian Public Law
• Admission Requirements for Micro-diploma in Canadian Private Law

Once educational credentials have been met, each student (as do all persons seeking admission to a law society in Canada) must engage in a period of articles, working under the supervision of a lawyer, together with the Pre-call Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) which is delivered by the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education. Most articling students are paid a salary; articles may be pursued part time in some circumstances.

In the absence of a Juris Doctor degree from a Canadian common law jurisdiction, a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) is needed to apply to become an articling student.

Internationally trained lawyers and lawyers holding Canadian civil law degrees who wish to practice in a Canadian common law jurisdiction must first submit their academic credentials to the NCA for assessment.  Once complete, the NCA will provide an Assessment Report which outlines the courses or exams which the student must successfully complete to obtain their Certificate of Qualification.

Internationally trained lawyers may engage in self-study and take NCA examinations or complete coursework at an accredited law school in the subjects required as assessed by the NCA.

Upon receipt of their Certificate of Qualification, lawyers educated outside of Canada may apply to the law society of their choice to be admitted as an articling student.

Requirements

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they are able to secure a student visa prior to the commencement of the 2025-26 academic year if one is required.  Due to the federal government’s restrictions in the provision of student visas, we recommend seeking the advice of a qualified immigration professional at the earliest possible time.
To be considered for admission, the following requirements must be met and all supporting documents must be submitted no later than April 30, 2025 to be considered for the 2025-26 cohort.
 

Ready to Apply? 

Applications will be accepted commencing November 1, 2025. 
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025.

STEP 1: Request an assessment of your credentials from NCA as soon as possible. An application to the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law is not required to proceed with an NCA skills assessment, however, if not received prior to the deadline to provide documents to us, we will not be able to assess your application for the next cohort.

STEP 2: Apply to University of Manitoba’s ITL Program.

STEP 3: (Optional) Apply to the University of Manitoba’s Master of Human Rights or Master of Laws programs.

STEP 4: Ensure your documents are submitted prior to April 30, 2025 to be considered for the 2025-2026 cohort.

 

• Career and Professional Development
• Manitoba Bar Association Internationally Trained Lawyers Section
• Master of Laws program
• Master of Human Rights program