The Only Program of Its Kind in Canada.

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.

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

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.

Alumni Spotlight

Yanki Gur, a graduate of the Foundations of Canadian Law diploma program.

Yanki Gur

Yanki is an international student from Turkey who completed the Graduate Diploma Program, and moved on to pursue the Canadian Common Law LLM. She describes her journey to become licensed to practise in Canada.

Information Session

Learn About the Program

Interested in our full-time Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law? In this on demand session, you will learn more about course offerings, degree requirements, what to expect during your studies and the steps to apply.

Additional Sessions for Internationally-Trained Lawyers

Drop in Advising Sessions

Sign up to join a virtual office hours session!

Attendees will have a ten minute 1:1 advising session with one of our Advisors. There are no scheduled appointment times for drop-in hours, attendees will be seen on a first come, first served basis. You should expect to wait in a queue (rather than being seen immediately), so make sure to have a comfortable chair and bring something to do while you wait (just like a real waiting room!) To attend this session, you will need a device that is compatible with Zoom, with a microphone/speakers and camera.

Drop-in Advising
Internationally Trained Lawyers

Morning Session

Oct 9 10:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m (ET)

Drop-in Advising
Internationally Trained Lawyers

Morning Session

Oct 16 10:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m (ET)

Course Requirements

Required Courses

GDFC 6201 Canadian Legal Research and Analysis – First Term
GDFC 6203 Introduction to Canadian Public Law – First Term
GDFC 6202 Academic and Applied Legal Writing – Second Term  
GDFC 6204 Introduction to Canadian Private Law – Second Term

What to Expect

The full-time diploma is delivered in in-person, seminar-style classes. Students are required to complete 18 credits of course work, including 12 credits of required courses and then 6 credits of elective courses. Classes are held from January to August at our downtown Toronto location or on the York University Keele Campus.

Course Planning

Course plans are typically provided for the next two calendar years. Specific course schedules are subject to change without notice until the course enrollment process for an upcoming term begins. Please check course schedules immediately before making your enrollment request to ensure you have the most current schedule information. This tool is for planning purposes only. Selecting courses using this tool does not enroll you in the course or reserve a space in the course for you.

Program Start and Application Deadlines

The diploma accepts new students once each calendar year, in the Winter term. 

Winter 2025

Applications Closed

If you would like to be considered for late application, please Contact Us.

Winter 2026

Applications Not Currently Open

Applications will open on February 01, 2025

Tuition and Fees

Full-time students pay in two installments over two terms.

Please note that the tuition/fees displayed here are subject to change, and may vary depending on your entry term.

Domestic

$4,950.00per term for 2 terms

$9,900.00total

$9,823.28per term for 2 terms

$19,646.56total

Students are also subject to supplementary fees including health benefits. Find out more about supplementary fees here.

Admission Requirements

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) 

How to Apply

Create Your OsgoodePD Applicant Profile

Create an applicant profile in our online application portal. This portal allows us to gather your information, transcripts, and other documents electronically. You will receive an email with directions outlining how to create a new password for your application, along with a link to access the application.

Upload Application Documents

The following documents are required:

  • Resume/CV
  • Writing Sample
  • Contact Information for Two References
  • Transcripts
  • Official Proof of Language Proficiency (if applicable)

For more information, see our Application Documents to Upload section.

Pay and Submit

Once your application is completed, you will be required to pay a non-refundable $130 CAD application fee.

Wait for Review

Timelines for decisions vary by program, but we will be in touch if we have questions about your application or need more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Have questions? We’re here to help! Click here to get in touch.