Master of Science in Law: International Students

International students are essential to the MSL community; approximately 30% of MSL graduates are from other countries. Students from other countries bring diverse perspectives, varied professional experiences, and interesting global insights that enrich classroom discussions and enhance the learning experience for all. The contributions of international students are central to the collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach that defines the Master of Science in Law program.

The intersection of law, business, and technology is a global phenomenon, and Northwestern’s MSL curriculum focuses on a combination of subjects not available in any other master’s degree program. Many courses have a global focus, covering topics in AI, health, data, ethics, privacy, intellectual property, security, global transactions, product development, human rights, and many others. Students gain practical legal and business insight and skills as they prepare for meaningful roles in today’s global innovation economy.

The MSL program offers a welcoming, collaborative environment where international students feel at home and enjoy being part of the Northwestern Law and MSL communities. While we know that international students may face unique challenges in studying law in the US — moving to a new place, tackling complicated subjects in English, acclimating to life in Chicago — we do everything we can to make sure that the MSL year is rich and rewarding and that students are supported throughout. Our international students greatly enjoy their time studying at Northwestern and become an active part of the worldwide MSL and Northwestern networks.

International Students: Full-Time or Part-Time?

Most international students have been part of the full-time MSL format, choosing to come to the US for in-person study and to fully immerse themselves in the experience of being a law student in the United States. Being residential allows international students to engage deeply with classmates and faculty, get to know other international students, and enjoy everything Chicago has to offer.

Of course, not every international student can commit to nine months in Chicago. The part-time, online format allows students from around the world to participate in the MSL program while maintaining their professional responsibilities and living arrangements at home. Online study requires careful planning, because all courses include both synchronous and asynchronous components, and students are expected to attend classes and keep up with their work throughout each term. Online students must also complete two credits in-person in Chicago during the course of their time in the program; there are a variety of options available for completing the required residence credits.

Financial Aid for International Students

International students may be eligible for a range of funding opportunities, and we encourage them to be proactive in exploring and securing financial support.

Merit-Based Scholarships: The MSL’s scholarship program for residential full-time students and for students with PhDs is fully available to international students. Scholarship awards are competitive and are based on merit as determined by the student’s application. Awards are made at the time of admission to the program and do not require a separate application. These awards typically cover between 20% and 50% of tuition.
Need-Based Awards: Students who do not receive a merit award can apply for a need-based award of up to $10,000; need-based awards require a separate application that documents an applicant’s financial situation.
Employer Funding: Many employers have tuition assistance programs; part-time students are often able to maintain their employment and use tuition funding provided by their employers.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: Some students secure funding from home-country governments, foundations, and international scholarship organizations.
Loan Funding: International students may qualify for private educational loans.

Visa Information for Full-Time Students

International students enrolling in the full-time residential MSL program are eligible to apply for an F-1 student visa. Northwestern University's Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) provides full support throughout the visa process.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

After completing the residential program, students on an F-1 visa are usually eligible for 12 months of OPT, allowing them to gain practical experience in the U.S.

Students who have an undergraduate STEM degree from a U.S. institution may also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension; when combined with the year of OPT from MSL study, these students may qualify for a total of up to 36 months of work authorization.

Moving to Chicago for Full-Time Students

Relocating to the United States is a significant step for international students, and we are committed to supporting students through that transition. From pre-arrival guidance to on-campus resources, the MSL aims to help international students feel prepared and confident as they undertake MSL study.

All MSL students — international students included — are required to attend the MSL’s mandatory orientation program, which takes place in the two-week period before the start of MSL classes and, for residential students, includes both online and in-person components. Orientation includes both academic and administrative content to ensure a smooth academic transition, introduce key resources, help create connections within the MSL community, and acclimate students to the culture of the Law School.

In addition to mandatory orientation, MSL residential students have the option to participate in a pre-law study program: Legal English and Foundations (LEAF), which many international students find especially valuable. LEAF provides additional preparation for studying in a U.S. law school environment and offers the opportunity to connect with international students from other programs.

Housing Options

The Law School is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, where housing options are plentiful and public transportation is convenient. Students live in various neighborhoods — some within walking distance and some accessed via public transit. Often, students connect with each other and choose to live together; sharing an apartment can bring down housing costs.

While there is no campus housing in downtown Chicago, many students choose to live in the Streeterville neighborhood, where the Law School is located. (Campus housing does exist, but is not very convenient for MSL students as it is located 13 miles away from the Law School on Northwestern's Evanston campus.)

StudentSpace is a free service that helps students find housing near the Law School or near transportation that is convenient to the Law School; it is an excellent resource for students. Many MSL students have used this service in the past, and StudentSpace will work with students even if they cannot come to Chicago to search for housing.

Find more information on housing.

Cost of Living

Compared to other major U.S. cities, including New York, San Francisco, and Boston, Chicago offers a much more affordable cost of living. Housing prices vary widely depending on building amenities, neighborhood, and unit size, allowing students to choose options that fit their budget.

The Chicago Financial Aid office has compiled comprehensive information about the cost of attendance.

MSL graduate Chinmeri, Health Insurance Agent at Self-employed — **Chinmeri**
Independent Health Insurance Agent

“I love that everything is within walking distance, and the city itself is beautiful. The energy here is unmatched; you get to experience world-class food, arts, and culture while also being surrounded by a vibrant professional and academic community. Plus, the riverwalk never gets old.”

Careers for International Students

MSL graduates are thriving professionally around the globe; international alumni tend to take on positions where knowledge of law is extremely valuable and where legal and business issues are integrated with technology, strategy, regulation, finance, and innovation. Whether they are working in large global companies, smaller local businesses, government agencies, academic settings, law firms of various sizes, family businesses, or in entrepreneurial settings, alumni from various countries report that they are using their interdisciplinary MSL knowledge on a daily basis. The MSL Program provides robust career services to all students, including advice specifically tailored to the needs of international students. Learn more about our career programming.

Where Are the International Graduates Now?

Location of international MSL graduates: 40% in Asia, 47% in U.S., 13% in other countries

Industries of International MSL Graduates

Academic, educational or research organization
Automotive
Biomedical technology, pharmaceutical and medical devices
Chemical or related manufacturing
Consulting
Consumer goods

Engineering, industrial manufacturing
Energy, natural resources, utilities, oil & gas, waste management
Financial, insurance, and venture capital
Government
IT hardware/software
Law (law firm, legal services)

MSL graduate Yuheng, Sales & Marketing Specialist at Envision AESC — **Yuheng**
Global Marketing & Sales Specialist, Envision AESC

“Working with highly regulated clients, I’ve come to see that most business discussions ultimately become legal ones, where ESG, IT, and commercial considerations converge into binding contracts. The MSL program trained me to operate at this intersection. Courses in contracts, business combinations, and negotiations have been directly applicable in my work, enabling me to review agreements, identify risks, and support deals with a structured approach. The MSL program reshaped how I think, allowing me to address ambiguity and drive decisions.”