The School of Law welcomes students from Canada each year. In addition, a number of Irish students also chose to practice in Canada on graduation. The National Committee on Accreditation (the NCA) is the body tasked with assessing the legal education credentials of individuals trained outside of Canada who intend to apply for admission to a law society in a Canadian common law jurisdiction.

The NCA applies a uniform standard on a national basis so that applicants with common law qualifications obtained outside of Canada do not need to satisfy different entrance standards to practise law in the different common law provinces and territories of Canada. When the NCA assessment is complete, a letter is sent to each applicant describing any further legal education that may be required. Most applicants are required to demonstrate competence in a number of subjects. Applicants may demonstrate competence by applying to a law school in Canada to complete the remaining courses or they can complete self-study using the syllabus provided by the NCA. The tests are organized 4 times a year on a pass/fail basis.

Every Law graduate who has studied outside of Canada must complete the 5 exams of Canadian content: Foundations of Canadian Law; Canadian Constitutional Law; Canadian Criminal Law; Canadian Administrative Law; Canadian Professional Responsibility.

Subject to limited qualifications, the following general guidelines apply:

  • If a student completes the 2 year Graduate Entry LLB programme at the University of Limerick and achieves a 2:2 degree, they will have to complete the 5 mandatory exams listed above, plus another 2 assigned by the NCA.
  • If a student completes one of our 4 year law programmes (Law Plus or Law and Accounting) and achieves a 2:2 degree and
    • they already had at least 2 years at university before entering Law School, they will only have to do the 5 mandatory exams; or
    • they have less than 2 years at university before entering Law School, they will have to do the 5 mandatory exams, plus another 2 assigned by the NCA.

Once the applicant has successfully completed the assigned requirements, the NCA issues a Certificate of Qualification. Students are advised to contact the NCA for the most up to date information.

If you require any assistance in making an application to practice in any of the above jurisdictions, the School of Law, University of Limerick, is happy to help.