It’s not just language training. It’s legal training.
If you’re an internationally trained lawyer, you already know there’s a difference between English and legal English. Even if you’re confident in everyday conversations, legal terminology, courtroom language, and academic writing can feel like a different language altogether. That’s where Osgoode’s Intensive Advanced Legal English (IALE) Program comes in.
Designed specifically for internationally trained lawyers, the program goes beyond general English training to focus on the communication skills that matter most in Canadian legal contexts. Whether you’re preparing for graduate legal studies or aiming to practise law in Canada, IALE helps you build the confidence and language skills you need to succeed in the classroom, the courtroom, and beyond.
Why Choose this IALE?
Language Learning in Context: This program immerses you in real legal scenarios so you can build a strong command of legal vocabulary, case law analysis, and the communication skills required to draft, argue, and advise like a Canadian legal professional.
Real-World Legal Insight: You’ll learn from both experienced language instructors and practicing lawyers. This means you’re not just studying English; you’re seeing how legal language works in real cases and Canadian legal settings.
Join a Global Legal Community: Learn alongside lawyers from around the world who share your goals. You’ll form a supportive, professional network that extends beyond the classroom as you prepare for the next step in your legal journey.
Satisfy Language Requirements for Graduate Study: Successfully completing the IALE program can satisfy the English language requirement for admission to Osgoode’s Professional LLM or Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law, meaning no additional language test is required. To meet this requirement, applicants to the Professional LLM must earn a final grade of With Distinction in the IALE program, while applicants to the Graduate Diploma must earn a final grade of Honours.
Earn a Graduate Bursary: When you complete the 2025 intake of Osgoode’s Intensive Advanced Legal English, and enter Osgoode’s Professional LLM or Graduate Diploma Program, you’ll be entitled to request a $2,000 tuition bursary. It’s our investment in your future.
Program Structure
Enrollment is open to all eligible candidates, but the program has been designed to align with the Fall intake of Osgoode’s Professional LLM and Graduate Diploma programs. It offers flexibility to meet the needs of both working professionals and full-time students preparing for graduate legal study by offering both a full-time and a part-time stream.
Program Schedule for Spring 2026 will be available in October 2025.
Full-Time Studies:
| Module | Format | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Core Module: Legal English Foundations | Online (Live) Evening and Weekends | Early May – Mid/Late July Designed for Fall 2026 LLM Start |
| Applied Module: Legal English in Practice | In-Person | August Integrated with GNRL 6514: Introduction to Canadian LLM Studies |
Part-time Studies:
| Module | Format | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Core Module: Legal English Foundations | Online (Live) Evening and Weekends | Early May – Mid/Late July Designed for Fall 2026 LLM Start |
All students complete the Core Module: Legal English Foundations. Delivered live via video conferencing, this evening (Toronto time) and weekend course focuses on building your core legal English skills in a format that fits your schedule, whether you’re working or preparing for full-time studies.
Full-time students complete a second module,Applied Module: Legal English in Practice. Held in person on campus in August, this stage offers immersive, daytime instruction that runs alongside Professional LLM courses. You’ll receive tailored feedback to help you prepare for graduate-level assignments and discussions.
Important Note for Students with GNRL 6514 as a Program Condition:
If GNRL 6514: Introduction to Canadian LLM Studies is a condition of your admission, you must enroll in the full-time stream of the Osgoode’s Intensive Legal English. This stream includes the Applied Module: Legal English in Practice, which is integrated with GNRL 6514 and delivered in person in August. The part-time stream does not include this module and will not satisfy the condition.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum requirement 6.5 IELTS or equivalent
- Law degree from outside of Canada
How to Apply
If you’re applying to join the LLM in Fall 2026 – Once you’ve submitted your LLM application, simply let our admissions team know you’d like to enroll in Osgoode’s Intensive Legal English no later than April 8, 2026.
If you’re not applying to join the LLM in Fall 2026 – Contact us and we’ll assist you with getting an application set up.
Tuition
Tuition is due in full upon registration.
| Tuition | |
|---|---|
| Part-Time Core Module Only – online studies only | $4,000 |
| Full-Time Core Module Only – online studies + Applied Module – in-person studies | $4,500 |
Osgoode’s Intensive Legal English Graduate Bursary
If you’ve completed the 2026 section of Osgoode’s Intensive Advanced Legal English (IALE) Program, you’re eligible for a $2,000 IALE Graduate Bursary to support your continued studies in the Professional LLM or Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law.
Eligibility: The IALE Graduate Bursary is for Professional LLM and Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law students who have completed the 2026 Section of Osgoode’s Intensive Advanced Legal English Program (IALE) are eligible to receive a $2,000 bursary.
Application Required: To apply, use the Osgoode Professional Development Bursary application in your second term of your LLM/Diploma program. Proof of successful completion of IALE will be required. You cannot apply for the bursary in advance.
Contact Us
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