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 who want to sharpen their legal English and communication skills.
Whether you’re preparing for graduate legal studies or aiming to practice law in Canada, this program helps you build the confidence and language skills you need to succeed—in the classroom, the courtroom, and beyond.
Coming in Spring 2026: We’re currently working on re-designing this program and plan to re-launch in Spring 2026 to coincide with the Fall 2026 LLM/Graduate Diploma Start.
Why Choose this IALE?
Language Learning in Context: This isn’t just language learning—it’s legal training. 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 means you’ve met the English language requirement for admission to Osgoode’s Professional LLM and Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law—no additional language test needed.
Earn a Graduate Bursary: When you complete the IALE program and continue into one of Osgoode’s graduate programs, we’ll support you with a bursary: $3,000 for domestic students or $6,000 for international students. It’s our investment in your future.
Program Information
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.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum requirement 6.5 IELTS or equivalent
- Law degree from outside of Canada
IALE Graduate Bursary – Eligibility Requirements and Process
Eligibility: The IALE Graduate Bursary is for Professional LLM and Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law students who have completed the Intensive Advanced Legal English Program (IALE).
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.
Amounts: Domestic students will receive $3,000 and international students will receive $6,000. Domestic/international status is determined based on your current status. You can only get the bursary once, and you need to apply in your second term. If you do another LLM/Diploma program, you can’t get a second bursary.