Discover the possibilities of pursuing a fully funded law degree online. With flexible options and comprehensive funding, aspiring legal minds can achieve their dreams without the burden of debt.
University of Edinburgh (UK) — Online LLMs (e.g., Medical Law & Ethics; Global Environment & Climate Change Law)
Funding: Edinburgh Global Online Learning Masters Scholarships have historically covered full tuition for selected online master’s programs.
Who/When: Competitive, typically open to international applicants; annual cycles for Sept/Jan intakes.
Notes: Covers tuition (not stipends). Strong academic record + statement of purpose required.
University of Dundee (UK) — LLM International Energy Law & Policy (Distance Learning)
Funding: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships (CDLS) have repeatedly listed Dundee’s distance LLMs, providing full tuition to eligible nationals from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
Who/When: Applicants must meet Commonwealth eligibility; list of approved programs is issued each cycle (verify each year).
University of London (UK) — LLM by Distance Learning
Funding: University-administered full-tuition scholarships for refugees/displaced learners and periodic regional full-fee awards (varies by year).
Who/When: Competitive; applicants must meet eligibility (status, location).
Notes: Very flexible, globally recognized distance LLM with multiple specialisms.
Open University (UK) — Online LLM (Master of Laws)
Funding: Full-fee waivers available for specific UK-resident categories (e.g., Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund; some Care-experienced/Carers’ schemes).
Who/When: UK-based, eligibility-restricted; opens annually.
Notes: Fully online, modular; excellent for working professionals.
University of Edinburgh (UK) — Online MSc in Global Crime, Justice & Security (law-adjacent)
Funding: Same Edinburgh Global Online Learning Masters Scholarships route, full tuition if awarded.
Who/When: International applicants; competitive.
Notes: Interdisciplinary program with strong legal content (international/penal policy, security law).
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships (UK scheme) — Approved Online Law Programs (various universities)
Funding: Full tuition for specific online master’s selected annually (often including law or law-adjacent degrees, such as human rights, environmental law, energy law).
Who/When: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries; check the year’s approved courses list and deadlines.
Notes: This is a program-agnostic funding route—follow the annual list to target qualifying law programs.
Syracuse University (USA) — JDinteractive (Hybrid Online J.D.)
Funding: Merit scholarships can reach full tuition for exceptional U.S. candidates (most awards are partial).
Who/When: ABA-accredited hybrid J.D.; requires periodic short on-campus residencies.
Notes: While full tuition is not guaranteed, Syracuse is one of the few hybrid J.D.s that has historically offered very high scholarship awards to top admits.
Southwestern Law School (USA) — Online J.D.
Funding: Competitive scholarships; occasional full-tuition awards have been offered to top candidates (most receive partial).
Who/When: Fully online J.D. delivery permitted; U.S. bar eligibility considerations apply per jurisdiction.
Notes: Verify scholarship bands the year you apply; strong applicants can substantially reduce or eliminate tuition.
University of Essex Online (UK) — LLM International Business Law / LLM International Human Rights Law
Funding: Periodic full-fee scholarships and 100% tuition bursaries have been offered to targeted regions or profiles (many awards are partial; full awards appear in limited numbers).
Who/When: Rolling intakes; check current scholarship calls.
Notes: Long-running online LLM provider; look for region-specific full-fee opportunities each cycle.
University of London — Refugee Protection & Forced Migration Studies (MA, distance; law-heavy)
Funding: Has featured full-tuition awards via Commonwealth Distance Learning and university-run scholarships for refugees/displaced students.
Who/When: Eligibility-restricted; verify the new cycle’s funding list.
Notes: Although this degree is an MA, it is law-centric (international protection/human rights) and often funded like the LLM distance route.
What This Means for You (2025–2026)
If you want 100% tuition covered online, your strongest bets are:
- Edinburgh Global Online Learning Masters Scholarships (several law/justice online programs).
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships (full tuition for approved online law programs; list changes yearly).
- University of London (distance LLM or law-heavy MA) via refugee/displaced or regional full-fee awards.
- Open University LLM for UK-resident applicants meeting specific eligibility (full-fee waivers).
If you need a J.D. (U.S. bar track), consider Syracuse JDi or Southwestern Online J.D. and aim for top-tier merit—it’s possible (though not common) to secure near- or full-tuition packages.
Plan early (6–12 months): full-tuition awards fill quickly; many close late winter–spring for autumn starts.
Quick Application Tips to Maximize Full Funding
- Target the right mechanism: For online programs, Edinburgh Online and Commonwealth Distance Learning are the most consistent full-tuition routes.
- Confirm your eligibility carefully: Full-tuition scholarships often have strict requirements based on country of residence or status (e.g., Commonwealth citizens, refugees, or specific UK classifications).
- Submit a polished application early: Provide a strong academic record and a well-crafted statement of purpose that aligns with the program’s mission, along with concrete evidence of your impact in the field.
- Show program specialization fit: Clearly connect your background and interests to the program’s focus areas (such as energy law, human rights, medical law, or climate law).
- Line up references in advance: Secure academic and professional referees who can speak to your research abilities, writing, and legal reasoning skills.