Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law, GDL

Osgoode Professional Development, Canada

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
GDL	Full-time	2 semester	January	CAD 9900 per total	CAD 17820 per total

About Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law, GDL - at Osgoode Professional Development

The Only Program of Its Kind in Canada.

Build solid understanding of the Canadian legal system for your academic and professional goals in law.

The Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law is designed to provide a deep understanding of Canadian law in the key areas of public and private law. It covers foundational aspects of the Canadian legal landscape, including Canada’s legal history and structure; skills-focused topics, such as legal research and writing; and more specialized topics, through elective courses of your choice. Learn from expert faculty and network with professionals across a variety of industries. The Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law opens the doors to better career opportunities in the Canadian legal market and can set the stage for further graduate study.

Learn more about Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law, GDL - at Osgoode Professional Development

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Entry requirements

Who should apply?

Graduates of law degree programs from civil law jurisdictions outside Canada who need to build a strong foundation in common law before pursuing accreditation to practise in Canada.
Internationally trained law graduates looking for academic and career training and support.

The Admissions Committee reviews each applicant’s completed file and takes into consideration criteria such as academic background, professional work experience, and whether the program fits your stated goals. The information below represents the minimum requirements for admission consideration to our diploma program – meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission.

A degree in law from outside Canada with a minimum overall “B” (75%) average (or equivalent)
Applicants without a law degree must have an honours bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall “B” (75%) average or (or equivalent) and at least two years of relevant professional experience involving exposure to legal or regulatory issues
Acceptable English language proficiency (see requirements)

Student reviews of Osgoode Professional Development

Find out what students say about Osgoode Professional Development

Chunlin Nan, LLB, LLM (International Business Law), Junior Legal Consultant, Jones & Co.

"Osgoode’s International Business Law program provided me with an unexpectedly fantastic experience. With the help and encouragement of my professors, I never knew that I could handle such difficult challenges until I really tried."

Perla Smith, LLB, LLM (Canadian Common Law), Lawyer, Bair Family Law

"The LLM in Canadian Common Law is an excellent learning opportunity. The LLM experience is much more valuable than completing the NCA challenge exams alone. You have the opportunity to benefit from your professor’s knowledge and experience and I was repeatedly impressed by the professor’s willingness to connect with students as fellow legal professionals. The LLM program helped me be more confident and it opened many doors for me in my legal career in Canada."

Johann Du Plessis, BComm, LLB, LLM (Taxation Law), Tax Lawyer, Arcus Legal

"[I] decided to take a sabbatical from [my] practice to delve deeper into [my] passion for tax law. The opportunity to be taught by tax industry leaders like Professor Jinyan Li, and to engage in class with other experienced and qualified peers was an opportunity only Osgoode could provide."