Double LLM Programme
University of Waikato Te Piringa Faculty of Law and
University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law
How it works:
In simple terms, if a student possesses a LLB degree [from Waikato or elsewhere] and is admitted to
our LLM, then she or he must successfully complete at least 75% of the requirements for the Waikato
LLM. Having completed a minimum of 75% of our requirements, the student is then eligible to receive
advanced standing (i.e., 6-8 credits) towards the requirements for the Arizona LLM. This enables these
students to complete 2 LLMs in two internationally highly regarded Faculties of Law in significantly
less time and in 2 different countries! This special arrangement for superior students also reduces the
costs considerably in comparison to pursuing 2 LLM degrees without this special consideration.
Let us explain:
Waikato then Arizona
Applicants with an LLB degree who meet the conditions for enrolment in the LLM degree at Waikato
(B aggregate minimum and English language requirements) and who are extended an offer of
admission must enrol in the Waikato LLM. The LLM at Waikato is composed of four 30 points papers
usually taken full time over two semesters. Students accepted into the LLM by Waikato who wish
initially, or at a later time, to be considered for admission into the Double LLM with Arizona will make
a 2nd simple application for this added opportunity to the Associate Dean of Postgraduate Studies in
the Faculty of Law. Our Faculty will then consider the suitability of the applicant in light of performance
within our LLM courses and determine whether to nominate her/him to Arizona. If nominated by
Waikato, the student will then apply to Arizona for admission to this special Double LLM Program. The
final decision for this second step will be made solely by Arizona, however, it will give careful
consideration to Waikato’s nomination and any supporting letters that it provides.
The LLM in Arizona is composed of 24 credit hours (Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy) or 26 credit
hours (International Trade and Business Law). A student who has successfully completed 90 points of
the LLM at Waikato will receive a credit of 6 hours to the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy LLM or 8
hours to the International Trade and Business Law LLM at Arizona. This will leave them with just 18
credit hours to complete the Arizona LLM in either of these 2 specialised LLMs.
For example
Waikato Semester A
Waikato Semester C (July)
Arizona (September – May)
(February – June)
( taught as intensive course)
Paper A 30 points
Paper C 30 points
18 credit hours
Paper B 30 points
A similar scheme would be available for students who start in the Waikato B Semester, which begins
in mid-July, as they could complete by December before moving to Arizona to start in their Winter
Semester.
Arizona then Waikato
Applicants with a JD degree who meet the conditions for enrolment in the LLM degree at Arizona enrol
in and successfully complete 18 credits of either the LLM in Indigenous Peoples and Policy (normally
24 credit hours) or the LLM in International Trade and Business Law (normally 26 credit hours) will be
eligible to be considered by Waikato to participate in the Double LLM. Again the student will express
interest in pursuing the Double LLM at Waikato to the Associate Dean of Programs and Global
Initiatives at Arizona. If approved, the Associate Dean will nominate the student to Waikato for its
consideration and the student would complete the normal online application form for admission to
the Waikato LLM. If admitted by Waikato, the student would receive advanced standing of 25% of the
course requirements for the Waikato LLM once 18 credits at Arizona had been successfully completed.
The LLM at Waikato is composed of four 30 point papers usually taken full time over two semesters.
A student who has successfully completed 18 credit hours of either of the 2 LLMs at Arizona will
receive a credit of 30 points (25%) towards the LLM at Waikato. This will leave the individual with
having to complete only 90 points (3 papers) in order to qualify for the Waikato LLM.
For example
Arizona Fall Semester
(September – December
9 credit hours
Arizona Winter Semester
(January – May)
9 credit hours
Waikato (July – December)
90 points
A similar scheme would be available for students who start in the Arizona Winter Semester, who would
move to Waikato in the following February after concluding the Arizona Fall Semester.
How to participate:
During the course of studying for the Waikato LLM a student must approach the Law Faculty with the
intention of applying to get advanced standing at Arizona. The Waikato Law Faculty will then nominate
them as candidates for the double LLM programme. The candidates must meet all of the requirements
for admission to the Arizona LLM, including a satisfactory Grade Point Average in their Waikato LLM.
Tuition and Related Costs:
1) The candidate pays the particular University for those portions of the Program delivered by
that University.
2) The fees are the same as those charged to domestic or international students in that particular
year.
3) The candidate is responsible for their own costs associated with travel, visas, accommodation,
books and other course materials, health insurance, living expenses and other incidental
expenses.
4) Waikato law students when enrolling for the LLM in Arizona may be required to participate in
the student health plan offered or approved by the University of Arizona.
5) Arizona law students when enrolling for the LLM in Waikato will be required to participate in
a student health plan offered or approved by the University of Waikato – see
<http://www.waikato.ac.nz/international/insurance/studentsafe.shtml>
6) Scholarships may be available through the scholarships programs offered by each University.
Immigration Requirements
1) Candidates are responsible for meeting all immigration requirements including relevant
passport and visa requirements to enter and study in the United States. The Faculty of Law at
the University of Waikato cannot guarantee students entry in the United States.
2) Candidates are equally responsible for meeting all immigration requirements including
relevant passport and visa requirements to enter and study in New Zealand. The University of
Arizona cannot guarantee students entry into New Zealand.
Contact Person at University of Waikato
Anna MacGillivray
Post Graduate Administrator
amacgill@waikato.ac.nz