Tuition and Expenses Information

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Tuition and Fees

For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition and fees are estimated $65,879.* All students must have valid health insurance and are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) at an additional annual cost of $7,992*. The health care coverage may be waived with proof of comparable health care coverage.

Fee payment is due in the Cashier's Office, Dutton Hall, by 4:00 p.m. on September 15 for fall semester and January 15 for spring semester. You are responsible for paying your account balance by the deadline. You will not receive a paper bill.

You can send your payment via wire transfer, a check in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank account, or an international money order in U.S. dollars. Cash is not accepted. For a bank wire transfer, please refer to the UC Davis bank routing information provided in the LL.M. registration materials. Please make sure that your bank sends the full amount due plus an amount sufficient to cover any bank wire transfer fee.

Scholarships

UC Davis Law has a limited number of scholarships available to highly qualified LL.M. students. All applicants are considered for scholarship funding; there is no separate application process for scholarships. Students will be notified about any scholarship offer as part of their letter of acceptance.

For financial assistance or financial aid, you may wish to contact international education funding groups, such as the Institute of International Education, which administers Fulbright Scholarships. You can also inquire about travel grants and other scholarship opportunities from the United States Embassy or Consulate in your home country, as well as private businesses or religious organizations.

Scroll to the bottom of this page for a selection of helpful links to funding organizations.

If you are a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, you may qualify for FAFSA (Federal Student Aid). Please contact our office at llm@ucdavis.edu if you are a permanent resident or U.S. citizen and are planning to apply for FAFSA.

Health Insurance

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The SHIP insurance doesn't cover student's dependents (which are usually family members). Students must purchase separate health insurance for their dependents. UC Davis offers separate insurance packages. Please consult with the LL.M. Admissions Office at llm@ucdavis.edu if you need more information about purchasing insurance for your dependents.

Estimated Expenses

To help you with your plans and decisions, we have estimated the costs for the LL.M. program. Every student is expected to have sufficient funds to cover their expenses.

These estimated costs include University tuition and fees and the estimated costs of housing, food and incidentals for an unmarried student with no dependents in Davis. They do not include the cost of transportation to and from the United States.

TUITION & FEES:

Tuition: $65,879*

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES:

Health Insurance (if applicable): $7,992*

Books and Supplies: $2,273*

LIVING EXPENSES:

Housing, food, incidentals, personal, transportation: approximately $24,007*

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMINISTRATIVE FEE

All International students who are either sponsored by UC Davis for F-1 or J-1 status or would be sponsored by UC Davis for F-1 or J-1 status if physically present in the United States, will be charged the International Student Administrative Fee. The fees will be assessed in the fall, winter, and spring terms only ($207 per semester); the fees will not be assessed during summer terms. For more information about the International Student Administrative Fee please visit the SISS website. 

*Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved or proposed amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented. Some or all instruction for all or part of the academic year may be delivered remotely. Tuition and fees have been set regardless of the method of instruction and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the academic year. Campus-Based fees are estimates subject to UCOP and/or campus processes and actions during Spring 2025. Accordingly, final figures are subject to change and may differ from the amount shown. Books and Supplies figure is provided by School of Law. All other non-fee figures are calculated by applying Office of the President(OP) provided CPI to to the data of “Findings from the Graduate and Professional Student Cost of Attendance Survey Report” issued by OP in September.

ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL MINIMUM COSTS FOR MARRIED STUDENTS:

SPOUSE: budget an additional $8,000 for the ten-month period.

CHILD: budget $4,000 for each child for the ten-month period. 

In addition to the costs estimated above for an LL.M. student, married students will need to have health insurance for family members. This can cost several hundred dollars a month per family member. Full-time child-care may cost $800 – $1,500 per month or more. Please consider this additional expense when deciding whether or not to bring your family.

Cancellations, Withdrawals and Planned Educational Leave (PELP) Return of Title IV Funds and Refund Policies

The Planned Educational Leave Program (PELP) allows any continuing registered student-undergraduate or graduate-to temporarily suspend academic work at UC Davis.

Law students who wish to withdraw from school or apply for Planned Educational Leave must obtain official approval from the Dean. For students who paid fees and cancel, withdraw, or PELP with official approval from the Dean before the end of any semester, fees are refunded according to UC Davis campus-wide refund policies.

Contact the LL.M. Admissions Office at llm@ucdavis.edu for more information about any of the above programs and services.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Following is a partial list of funding opportunities. This list is for informational purposes and does not imply any connection with, or endorsement by, the UC Davis School of Law. Information below is kept as current as possible; please contact each organization for the most current information and requirements.

For Students from Specific Regions Or Countries

  • Latin America

  • Organization of American States Rowe Fund Loans

    The Rowe Fund is an educational loan program of the Organization of American States (OAS) that helps citizens from Latin America and Caribbean OAS Member States finance their studies or research in accredited universities across the United States by awarding interest-free loans of up to US$15,000 dollars.

    CONACYT – Mexico

    CONACYT offers funding opportunities to Mexican professionals who wish to or are already doing graduate studies in foreign institutions of high international quality, preferably within the areas set out in the Special Program of Science, Technology and Innovation (PECITI): Natural Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, biotechnology and Agricultural Sciences, Health Sciences, Energy.

    CONICYT – Chile

    Scholarships awarded to citizens of Chile and other nationalities who have permanent residence in Chile. Applicants can apply for these scholarships to either start or continue studies leading to a master’s or PhD degree at leading institutions abroad.

    Colfuturo – Colombia

    Colofuturo facilitates access for Colombian students to more and better study opportunities and enables them to contribute with their experiences of studying abroad to the economic and social development of Colombia. Once students have graduated from their programs abroad, they must return to Colombia within one year of finishing their programs in order to qualify for a scholarship comprising a 50% waiver of the loan.  

    Fundacao Estudar – Brazil

    This program offers young students scholarships to support them in studies in undergraduate, graduate exchange, graduate and executive education.

  • Europe and Eurasia

  • American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) - Scandinavia

    ASF offers funding to citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden to pursue study or research programs (typically at the graduate level) in the U.S. for up to one year.

    DAAD Scholarships for German Citizens - Germany

    The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a publicly-funded independent organization of higher education institutions in Germany. Each year DAAD, its Regional Branch Offices, its Information Centers, and DAAD Professors around the globe provide information and financial support to over 67,000 highly-qualified students and faculty for international research and study.

    Finlandia Foundation National P.J.C. Lindfors Legal Studies Fund

    Awards for citizens of Finland who have applied to, been accepted to or are enrolled in an ABA-approved U.S. law school.

    Fundación Rafael del Pino

    Scholarships for Spanish graduate students who plan to pursue graduate-level study in Spain or abroad.

    NORAM Scholarships  

    The Norway-America Association offers stipends to Norwegian citizens for graduate study and research in the U.S. in the amount of $2,000 - $20,000. Preference will be given to those residing in Norway and planning to return to Norway to continue their academic/professional work.

  • Developing Countries

  • Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

    The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year. The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master’s level courses of any field of study. The Foundation accepts applications from nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda.. Applications for the next cycle, 2025-2026, will open in early January 2025.

For Women 

  • Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) International
  • The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund provides scholarships up to $10,000 for women from other countries for full-time graduate study in the U.S. and Canada.
  • The American Association of University Women
  • The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women who want to earn a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women who can demonstrate commitment to the advancement of women and girls, and the scholarship may be reapplied every year of the program.

Other Funding Resources for International Students

  • Arthur C. Helton Fellowship Program
  • Arthur C. Helton Fellowships provide financial assistance in the form of "micro-grants" for law students and young professionals to pursue field work and research on significant issues involving international law, human rights, humanitarian affairs, and related areas. The fellowships are intended to help cover travel, housing, living expenses and other costs related to the Fellow’s fieldwork and research. Due date is January 17, 2025.
  • Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
  • The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students who are active and emerging organizers in progressive movements for liberation, self-determination and social and economic justice in their communities. These need-based scholarships are awarded to students who are enrolled at a college or university or in a trade or technical program.
  • International Student Organization of America (ISOA)
  • ISOA provides a detailed list of organizations which offer scholarships and grants to international students based upon factors such as background and area of interest.
  • Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship for LGBTQ+
  • The Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship empowers LGBTQ+ and ally students who are earning their undergraduate, graduate, & doctoral degrees at accredited colleges in the United States by offering financial support, community resources, and professional development.
  • Postgrad Solutions Global LL.M. Study Bursary
  • Postgrad Solutions offers two global and U.S. LL.M. study bursaries per year of £500 each to international and UK students who have been accepted to an LL.M. Program in the U.S. or abroad. Eligible candidates must have already accepted an offer at the chosen institution where they intend to pursue the LL.M.
  • Ford Foundation Global Fellowships Program
  • The Ford Foundation Global Fellowship is a program that identifies and connects emerging leaders from across the globe who are advancing innovative ideas and solutions to combat inequality—and gives them the support to work better, faster, and deeper. The Ford Foundation Global Fellowship seeks a diverse array of committed leaders who have demonstrated meaningful impact, but whose full potential has yet to be fully realized because of a lack of resources or access to a global network. They are particularly interested in people who are examining and addressing the root causes of inequality. Candidates should be ethical individuals, lead with visible integrity, and be profoundly curious to expand their perspectives beyond their current sphere of concern. Fellows for the upcoming cohort will be selected from: United States; Brazil; Andean Region; Mexico and Central America; India, Sri Lanka and Nepal;  Eastern Africa; West Africa; Southern Africa; Middle East and North Africa; Indonesia; and China.
  • Rotary Grants
  • Rotary members contribute their skills, expertise, and resources to help solve some of the world’s toughest problems. From providing clean water to promoting peace worldwide, Rotary Foundation grants bring service project ideas to life.
  • World Bank Scholarships Program
  • The World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC) provides scholarships to students and young researchers, contributing to the World Bank’s mission of forging new dynamic approaches to capacity development and knowledge sharing in the developing world.

Private Loans

About

Private loans offer a solution for students who need additional financial assistance beyond what scholarships or personal savings can provide. This page is designed to help you understand the options available, so you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. 

The lender list provided here is intended as a starting point for your research. The choice of a private education lender is ultimately yours, and it is crucial to carefully and thoroughly evaluate each option.

PLEASE NOTE: The University cannot act as a co-signer or sponsor for international students. UC Davis does not prefer, recommend, promote, endorse, or suggest any of these lenders on the list. Please be aware that loan programs are subject to change at any time.

Terminology

Before diving into the loan options, it's important to understand some key terms:

  • Cosigner: A cosigner is someone, often a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, who agrees to take on the responsibility of repaying the loan if you are unable to do so. Having a cosigner can sometimes help you secure a loan with more favorable terms.
  • No Cosigner Loan: These are loans that do not require a cosigner. They are typically harder to obtain and may come with higher interest rates or more stringent repayment terms.
  • Interest Rate: The percentage of the loan that you pay in addition to the borrowed amount. It can be fixed or variable.
  • Repayment Terms: The conditions under which you agree to repay the loan, including the time frame and monthly payment amounts.

Considerations before applying

Before applying for a private loan, it is important to ensure that you have reviewed all your federal loan options and eligibility. Please note that application fees, if charged by a lender, are not refundable. Please plan accordingly. Loan processing times could take 3-4 weeks, or longer.

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Lender:

  1. When will I enter repayment, and are interest-only payments required while I'm still enrolled?
  2. How often is interest capitalized? (Frequent capitalization increases the total loan amount, as interest is charged on a higher principal.)
  3. How will the interest and fees (rate formula) change once repayment begins?
  4. What will my monthly payment be based on the loan amount when I enter repayment?
  5. Does the lender offer any borrower benefits? (e.g., interest rate reductions with automatic payments, principal reduction after a certain number of on-time payments)

Fixed vs Variable Rates

Why Choose Variable Rates?

If you prefer a lower initial interest rate and are comfortable with fluctuating monthly payments over time, a variable rate loan might be a good option for you.

Why Choose Fixed Rates?

If you value stability and want your interest rate and monthly payments to remain consistent over time, a fixed rate loan is likely the better choice.

Loans

We’ve gathered a list of lenders that offer private loans for international students. Each lender has different features, so it’s important to review them carefully to find the best match for your financial needs. Please note that most lenders require you to be residing in the United States at the time of disbursement. Additionally, some lenders may require an I-20 for the application process, which could limit availability for new students. Be sure to check with individual lenders regarding their specific policies. The loan programs and lenders listed here are meant to assist you in your research, but you are not restricted to these options.

Cosigner Loans