Frequently asked questions
Application requirements & deadlines
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
- Early September – online application opens
- December 1 – application deadline
- November 2020 – final LSAT score for Individual Consideration and Canadian Indigenous Categories
- January 2021 – final LSAT score for Index Score Category
Fall 2021 applications for Transfer, Advanced Standing and NCA
- June 30 – application deadline
- February 2021 – final LSAT score that will be considered for Fall 2021 admission (transfer & advanced standing)
Online Application
The online application can be found here.
What are the minimum academic requirements to apply?
Admissions policies are under review by the faculty and university and updated information will be posted when the process is finalized.
When does my coursework need to be completed by?
- Index Score (regular category): coursework is to be completed by December 31 in the year of application (i.e. December 31, 2020 for September 2021 admission)
- Individual Consideration Category: coursework is to be completed by September 1 in the year of application (i.e. September 1, 2020 for September 2021 admission)
- Canadian Indigenous Category: coursework is to be completed by December 31 in the year of application (i.e. December 31, 2020 for September 2021 admission)
Do I need to write the TOEFL exam?
If English is not your primary language*, you will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting the criteria for a waiver or presenting one of the following:
- TOEFL (Internet Based): minimum score of 100 with no section lower than 24.
- IELTS (academic model): minimum score of 7.0 in each section, and 7.0 overall.
- CanTEST: minimum score of 5.0 in each section
- CAEL: minimum score of 80 with no subtest below 80
Note: AEPUCE (Academic English Program for University and College Entrance) is not an accepted test for admission to the Faculty of Law.
*Primary language is defined as that language which is most commonly used in homes, communities, and daily commerce in your native country.
Are international students eligible to apply?
- We accept applications from international students. The admission requirements are the same as for domestic applicants.
LSAT and LSAT-flex
Is my highest LSAT score used or an average?
The highest valid LSAT score is used.
What is the last test date you will accept?
- Individual Consideration and Canadian Indigenous Categories: November 2020
- Index Score (regular) category: January 2021. For future LSAT dates, please visit: https://lsac.org/jd/lsat/test-dates-deadlines
Will you accept the LSAT-Flex, and will it be given the same consideration as the LSAT?
- Yes, the LSAT-Flex is accepted for admission. The score will be used in the admissions process identical to the LSAT. The interface for LSAT-Flex is almost identical to the LSAT. The best way for test-takers to experience the ‘look and feel’ is sign into lawhub https://lawhub.lsac.org
Where do I register for the LSAT?
To register for the LSAT, visit www.lsac.org
How long is my LSAT score valid for?
A LSAT score is valid for 5 years. For 2022-23 admission, the oldest test date accepted is June 2017.
I have questions regarding my LSAT test-day administration.
For all questions regarding test administration (test day, admissions ticket, test-accommodation, etc.) please visit: https://www.lsac.org/jd/help/faqs-lsat
For FAQ about the LSAT-Flex, please visit: https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/lsat-flex
Is there a limit to the number of times I may take the LSAT?
Starting with September 2019 test administration, test takers will be permitted to take the LSAT:
- Three times in a single testing year (the testing year is: June 1 to May 31).
- Five times within the current and five past testing years (the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools).
- A total of seven times over a lifetime.
- This policy is forward-looking and not retroactive. Test taken prior to September 2019 will not count against these numerical limits.
Note: Test takes will not be permitted to retake the LSAT if they have already scored a 180 (perfect score) within the current and five past testing years, the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools. This policy will be applied retroactively.
Will my LSAT score be released without a writing sample?
Effective August 2020:
All test takers must have a completed LSAT Writing sample on file before they will receive their score. The writing sample has been a required part of the LSAT for decades, and law schools expect to see the LSAT writing sample when they review a candidate’s application. The writing portion of their test will be open eight (8) days prior to every test administration.
For more information visit: see https://www.lsac.org/lsat/taking-lsat/about-lsat-writing
Submitting applications and documents
What is the application fee?
2021-22 application fees:
Domestic Students: $100
International Students: $120
What are the 3 categories of admission to First Year Law? Applicants must select one category.
- Canadian Indigenous
- Index Score (regular)
- Individual Consideration
Admissions policies are under review by the faculty and university and updated information will be posted when the process is finalized.
My university/college is closed. How do I submit my official transcript?
Applicants who have previously taken post-secondary courses at another university or college are required to submit official transcripts - this usually means a physical document. In the event that you are not able to provide an official transcript (for example, if the issuing office at your university or college is closed due to COVID-19), the University of Manitoba will accept an electronic transcript provided that it has been sent from the email of the office responsible for issuing transcripts. Applicants who submit their documents electronically may be requested to provide original, physical copies at a later date. Electronic transcripts should be submitted to Applicant.Services@umanitoba.ca.
Do I need to send an official transcript with my application?
For assessment purposes, we will accept a web-based transcript (also called a grade summary) which is to be uploaded to your application portal before December 15.
All students are to provide their official transcripts by January 15th. This transcript should have your Fall term grades.
If your official transcript does not have your Fall term grades, a copy of your transcript (unofficial) of your Fall term grades is due February 1 (following the official). This can be uploaded via your application portal.
Offered students registered over the winter term are to provide a second official transcript, due June 30th.
Official transcripts can be emailed directly from the institution to applicant.services@umanitoba.ca or mailed to the Admissions Office at this address:
Admissions Office for the Faculty of Law - University of Manitoba
424 University Centre
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
I am applying under the Individual Consideration or Canadian Indigenous Category, where do I send my personal statement, résumé, and 3 recommendation letters?
By December 1:
- upload your personal statement to the application portal. Be certain your name appears on the personal statement.
- upload your resume to the application portal.
- identify the names and valid email address of 3 individuals that will write a recommendation letter on your behalf. Our system will email your Recommender and provide them with a link where they may upload their letter.
The deadline for uploading letters is December 15.
I am applying under the Individual Consideration category, where do I send my supporting medical documentation?
Supporting documentation may be submitted by email to lawadmissions@umanitoba.ca Please do not send full medical reports. Rather, send letters from your healthcare provider(s) outlining the nature of your situation, how long you have been under their care, and their overall comments, etc.
Supporting documentation will also be accepted by regular mail. Please send to:
Student Services Coordinator
306B Robson Hall, Faculty of Law
224 Dysart Road
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
The deadline to submit is December 15.
I am interested in applying as a Half-Time Student, what is required of me?
The admission requirements are the same as Full-Time studies. If you submit an application under the Individual Consideration or Canadian Indigenous category, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire (found in the application itself). Time to completion for half-time students is 6 years.
How do I apply for Entrance Scholarships?
Application review & consideration
How many students apply? How many students are accepted?
We receive 600-800 applications. Approximately 106 students are admitted to First Year.
What credit hours are used to calculate a GPA? Best two? Most recent two? What about courses completed outside of a degree program?
To begin, an applicant’s entire academic history is considered, whether taken in undergraduate or graduate studies, on a full or part-time basis or in Regular, Evening or Summer Session.
Degree level courses completed outside of a degree program will be included in the calculation.
All attempts of a repeated course are taken into consideration, for both credit hours and grades.
A GPA will be adjusted by dropping lowest credit hours as listed:
- 60-89 credit hours completed, 0 credit hours will be dropped.
- 90-101 credit hours completed, 18 of the lowest are dropped.
- 102-113 credit hours completed, 24 of the lowest are dropped.
- 114+ credit hours completed, 30 of the lowest are dropped.
- 30 credit hours is the maximum to be dropped.
A one-term course is valued at 3 credit hours, a two-term course is valued at 6 credit hours.
When can I expect an answer on my application?
Early Offers will be released in late January/early February. The 2021-22 admissions timeline is broken down by category. If you require further clarification, please email lawadmissions@umanitoba.ca
How do I convert my grades to the 4.50 scale at the University of Manitoba?
When both a letter grade and percentage is presented on a transcript, the percentage will be used. The scale below will not be applied to international transcripts or studies completed through CEGEP.
| A+ | = 4.50 = 90% – 100% |
| A | = 4.00 = 80% – 89% |
| B+ | = 3.50 = 75% – 79% |
| B | = 3.00 = 70% – 74% |
| C+ | = 2.50 = 65% – 69% |
| C | = 2.00 = 60% – 64% |
| D | = 1.00 = 50% – 59% |
| F | = 0.00 = 50% or less |
If I apply under the Index Score category, should I send recommendation letters or a personal statement?
No, only AGPA and LSAT score are considered in the Index Score category. Please do not send supplementary documents; they will not be read.
General information
Do you accept transfer applications from law schools outside of Canada?
Yes. Please see Admission to Upper Years
I have a Law Degree from outside Canada. Am I eligible to practice in Canada?
Please contact the Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) and have the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) evaluate your credentials.
May I defer my studies for a year?
A one year, non-renewable request to defer registration will be accepted from: Early Offer Score recipients, Canadian Indigenous, and Individual Consideration offers. Applicants interested in a deferral are asked to submit their request in writing and outline the circumstances leading to the deferral request. Approval of the deferral will be at the sole discretion of the Faculty. The deadline to request a deferral is May 1. Requests made after this deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Tell me about Scholarships & Bursaries
Entrance Scholarships offers will be emailed to students after Early Offers are made. Be sure to upload a copy of your ‘characteristics statement’ to your application by December 1. The characteristics statement is different than a personal statement. The characteristics statement is a written statement that demonstrates your personal characteristics associated with the highest standards of the profession.
Applications for bursaries are available to students admitted into the Faculty of Law. Approximately $450,000 in need-based funding is available. Deadline to apply is October 1.
Do you have an Exchange Program?
Yes! It is most common for 3L students to participate in exchanges. Have you heard about our Israel and International Law Program?
Are Half-Time studies an option?
Yes. Admission criteria are the same for Full and Half-Time studies. Applications will be accepted from individuals who cannot commit to full-time studies due to health concerns, family commitments, financial necessity or special occupational involvement. Half-Time studies allows for 6 years to completion. Please note, this is not an evening, weekend or distance learning. Half-time students register for courses with the full-time students, just half the number.
Can I speak to a current student? How can I arrange for a tour of the building?
How can I make an appointment with an admissions advisor?
Is preference given to residents of Manitoba?
No specific numbers of seats are reserved for either Manitoba or out of province students. In July, a wait list is set for those holding Manitoba residence.