International Master of Chinese Law (taught in English)

I. Introduction

The International Master of Chinese Law (IMCL) is a graduate law programme (LL.M.) offered by China-EU School of Law (CESL) at the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL).

CESL is the first law school which was approved by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the People's Republic of China under the "Sino-Foreign Schools Agreement." Former Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his hope that "CESL will educate a great cohort of talented legal professionals equipped with knowledge spanning both Chinese and Western law".

The IMCL programme will mainly focus on Chinese law, especially on Chinese civil and commercial laws. It is open to international students and the language of instruction is English. IMCL exposes international students to the historical background, transitional nature and developmental trajectory of Chinese law. Courses aim to provide students with general knowledge of Chinese law as well as a comparative approach to legal studies. Successful participants will receive a Master of Law (LL.M.) degree conferred by the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL).

Every autumn CESL offers the Chinese Law Taught in English programme(CLTE) to international students. Since 2011 there have been 134 international CLTE alumni. Starting in 2019, CESL expanded the CLTE programme to a full degree IMCL (LL.M.) programme. Globalisation and China’s rise to an economic world power are increasing the demand for legal professionals with a special expertise in Chinese legal matters. Thus, the programme prepares students for a wide variety of international careers working for multinational law firms, companies, organisations or government authorities.

In addition to courses, students have the opportunity to visit law firms and attend both civil and criminal trials. All classes are taught in English by experienced professors specialised in their respective field. The programme also offers assistance to students in seeking internship opportunities at law firms or companies both in Beijing and Europe. The school supports students who opt to learn Chinese in cooperation with CUPL School of International Studies.

The programme at a glance

II. Admissions

1. Admission Requirements:

(1) Be a citizen of a country other than the P.R. China

(2) Have obtained or be expected to obtain a law degree (Bachelor of Laws, State Examination or equivalent) prior to enrolment at CESL.

(3) Be proficient in English, demonstrated by being a native English speaker, having completed undergraduate studies in English, or by holding a valid TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 or an IELTS 7.0 or a Cambridge Test for Advanced English (CAE) certificate.

2. Application deadline

The “early bird” application deadline for the 2024-25 IMCL programme is 15 March 2024. In case of still available places applications are welcome until 30 April 2024.

1. Documents required

   Applications should be submitted to: imcl_cesl@cupl.edu.cn. The following documents are required for the application:

2. Copy of passport and one-inch identification photo

3. Completed application forms (2024 IMCL Application Form and CUPL APPLICATION FORM FOR ADMISSION)

4. English CV

   (4) Letter of recommendation, written in English by a professor from a university where the applicant studied

   (5) Copy of degree certificate and an English translation (if already obtained)

   (6) Academic transcript (including the grading scheme) demonstrating the applicant's legal studies and an English translation

   (7) Copy of TOEFL, IELTS, CEFR or CAE certificate, or equivalent

   (8) Completed financial statement (2024 IMCL Financial Statement)

   (9) Physical examination results or report (This document is to be submitted at the latest upon enrollment)

   All students enrolling must bring originals of these documents bearing their signature to registration. All the candidates must buy insurance if accepted.

5. Admissions policy

   The China-EU School of Law carefully evaluates each applicant based on the application materials submitted. Admission is based on merit. Thus, it is recommended that all applicants provide the School with any materials that can demonstrate their achievements. The School considers geographical, cultural and ethnic diversity of students as one of its greatest assets. CESL does not hold an entrance examination for international students. However, CESL may conduct interviews by telephone, with alumni, or use other ways seen as valuable to assess potential candidates.

   III. Period of Study

   The program is normally for two years. An extension of time may be available upon the request by the relevant candidate, and the maximum period of study is four years from the date of admission.

   IV. Fees and Scholarship

   1. Tuition fee is 50,000 yuan per academic year and two-year programme in total 100,000 yuan for international students.

   All students must pay the tuition fee of 50,000 yuan at the time of registration of each academic year.

   2. Accommodation Fee: Depends on accommodation condition

   3. Application Fee: RMB 800 yuan

   The application fee is only accepted for bank transfers to CUPL’s account. The Chinese yuan can be accepted only.Please note that the application fee is not refundable.

   Account holder: China University of Political Science and Law

   Account number: 020000 2909 088 104 759

   Name of bank: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Beijing Municipal branch, Xijiekou Sub-branch

   Address of Bank: No. 143 Xizhimennei Street, Xicheng District, Beijing , China, 100035

   Swift Code: ICBKCNBJBJM       Bank number：1021 0000 0290

   Bank transfers must be accompanied by "CESL’s International Master of Chinese Law” Application Fee + Applicant's passport name"

   4. Scholarships

   Applicants may apply for a scholarship with the China Scholarship Council (deadline 15 January 2024). Please find more information here: http://sis.cupl.edu.cn/info/1069/2888.htm

   Scholarship application: http://sis.cupl.edu.cn/info/1069/2883.htm

   Students from CESL’s European partner universities will be awarded scholarship of RMB 37,000 yuan to cover tuition fees.

    

   V. Contact

   Ms Ma Anna, China-EU School of Law at the China University of Political Science and Law, Tel. +86-10-5991-5792, imcl_cesl@cupl.edu.cn