Osgoode seeks “a diverse and outstanding group of students whose academic abilities, varied achievements and sustained engagement will positively contribute to the Law School, legal profession and community,” and actively encourages applicants to identify barriers they face in entering the profession.
The Admissions Committee is composed of faculty, staff, and students, and sets the assessment guidelines that shape final decisions.
Who it's forApplicants who can document their identification with and connection to an Indigenous community.
Documentation can include a demonstration of service, involvement, or leadership within the community, on Indigenous issues, or within Indigenous circles.
If the Admissions Committee determines that insufficient documentation has been provided, the file is reviewed as a General category application instead.
Who it's forEveryone who does not qualify to apply in the Indigenous category.
Assessed against the same holistic criteria and eligibility requirements described on this page.
Complete a minimum of three years of study (90 credits) at a recognised university, in a program leading to a degree, by June of the year of admission.
Applicants with fewer than three years of university are welcome to apply if their non-academic experience demonstrates an ability to complete the JD. To be eligible, as of September of the admission year you must be at least 26 years old and have at least five years of non-academic experience.
Proof is required unless English is your first language, or you have completed one of:
Discuss topics such as community leadership and involvement, academic leadership and involvement, advanced academic work, and athletic activities. You are also asked to elaborate on your interest in legal education and how you may use your law degree.
Covers one or more of four factors, where they apply. Osgoode publishes detailed guidance on each — summarised below.
Who it's forSystemic barriers to equal access to educational opportunities.
Most often substantial discrimination on grounds recognised in the Ontario Human Rights Code or Osgoode’s Equality Resolution — race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, political orientation, family status, or disability. Economic disadvantage may also create a barrier.
The committee assesses how well you demonstrate that you overcame challenges such as financial difficulty, illness, family conflict, social or cultural prejudice, or language barriers. Examples include growing up in a low-income household or in family circumstances not conducive to educational achievement, living with a disability, working substantial hours while a full-time student, facing barriers due to recent immigrant status, or carrying caregiving responsibilities.
Who it's forApplicants for whom work or life experience, rather than academic achievement, is the best indicator of capacity for legal education.
Aimed at candidates who did not pursue post-secondary education or have been out of an academic environment for years.
The committee assesses how you demonstrate that your non-academic achievements were demanding and important, and led to skills or personal development such as leadership, courage, or confidence — for example leadership roles at work, managing full-time parenting, overcoming personal adversity, or significant paid or unpaid contributions.
Who it's forCircumstances or non-academic commitments that negatively affected part of your academic record.
The committee assesses explanations of anomalies in your academic record or LSAT performance — significant involvement in student government or high-level sports, significant health issues, lack of accommodation for a disability that impeded LSAT performance, or the illness or death of a close family member.
Who it's forPerspectives and experiences under-represented in the Osgoode student body or the legal profession.
Diversity factors may include and extend beyond equity factors: place of residence, languages understood and spoken, cultural background, religious or conscientious beliefs, age, and other skills, talents, or experiences producing a distinct intellectual perspective.
Osgoode looks for explicit connections between your diversity and your intention to contribute meaningfully — not a theoretical case for supporting diversity.
Osgoode waives a portion of the application fee for students who can demonstrate financial hardship. Contact admissions@osgoode.yorku.ca to receive a waiver application.
Only waiver requests received two weeks before the November 1 deadline will be considered, so the process does not delay submission of your applications.
All information on this page is drawn from York University’s official admissions pages. Requirements and deadlines change — always confirm with the school before applying.