International Admissions at VLGS

Application Deadlines

Residential Fall Start (August)

Early Decision: November 15

Regular Decision: April 15

JD and LLM Applicants

International JD and LLM applicants are required to apply through LSAC.org. JD applicants should access the JD application through their JD LSAC account. LLM applicants should access the LLM application though their LLM LSAC account.

Required Documents For JD Programs

• Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Required Essay
• Official LSAT Score
• Official Transcript Evaluation from all schools attended
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Character and Fitness Information
• Official English Language score report (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE)

Required Documents For LLM Programs

• Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Required Essay
• Official Transcript Evaluation from all schools attended
• Two letters of Recommendation
• Character and Fitness Information
• Official English Language Score Report (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE)

Master’s Applicants

Master’s applicants must use the VLGS Web Application.

Required Documents For Master Programs

• Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Required Essay
• Official Transcript Evaluation from all schools attended
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Character and Fitness Information
• Official English Language Score Report (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE)

English Proficiency

Demonstrating English language proficiency is crucial for success at a U.S. higher education institution. Vermont Law and Graduate School requires English proficiency testing for all students for whom English is not the primary language. We accept the following tests to provide sufficient evidence of English language proficiency.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language

Minimum score required: 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, 100 Internet-based

IELTS: International English Language Testing System
Minimum score required: 6.5

PTE: Pearson Test of English
Minimum score required: 68

Duolingo English Test
Minimum score required: 125

When requesting your electronic scores to be sent to Vermont Law and Graduate School use the code 3946.

All Official Score Reports should be mailed in the original sealed envelope to:

Vermont Law and Graduate School
Office of Admissions
164 Chelsea Street PO Box 96
South Royalton, VT 05068

For any inquiries regarding English language proficiency, contact us at admiss@vermontlaw.edu.

English Proficiency Waiver

The English language proficiency requirement is not required for applicants who have completed at least two years of study at a higher education institution where English is the dominant and official language, or if their country of citizenship is an English-speaking country. Vermont Law and Graduate School reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency for any applicant.

Applicants may request an English language proficiency waiver. The waiver process requires a virtual interview with a member of the admissions team. The granting of a waiver is at the discretion of the Office of Admissions and additional proof of language proficiency may be required.

Official Transcripts Evaluation

An official transcript evaluation is a crucial component of the admission process for international students planning to attend VLGS. This evaluation must include the courses you have completed, the grades you received, and an overall evaluation of your cumulative coursework. Official transcript evaluations should come directly from the evaluation service. The evaluation service must be accredited by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Listed below are examples of transcript evaluation services.

• TEC
• WES
• ECE

All Official Score Reports should be mailed in the original sealed envelope to:

Vermont Law and Graduate School
Office of Admissions
164 Chelsea Street PO Box 96
South Royalton, VT 05068

NOTE: Tuition, fees, and cost of attendance are subject to change each year.

Scholarship and Fellowship Information

Vermont Law and Graduate School offers merit-based, and opportunity-based scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on academic abilities, achievements, community service, and other considerations. See what potential scholarships are available here.

Vermont Law and Graduate School also offers a variety of fellowship opportunities. Current openings are made available here.

All nonimmigrant visitors, except Canadians, are required to have a valid visa in their passport to be allowed entry into the United States. A Student Visa is a non-immigrant visa status that allows you to study full-time at a SEVIS-approved institution. Admitted international students should therefore apply for an F-1 Student Visa.

Step 1: Complete your I-20 application

As an incoming F-1 Student and before your I-20 can be created, it is required of you to provide proof of funds for tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of your program of study. Vermont Law and Graduate Schools requires the completion and submission of an I-20 Application to document that you have sufficient financial resources to pay for and attend Vermont Law and Graduate School. You can submit your I-20 Application before or after acceptance.

Along with your I-20 Application, you must include the following supporting documents: bank statements and/or a letter from your bank with the total amount of available funds designated for your graduate program.

Your I-20 Application and supporting document should be emailed directly to international@vermontlaw.edu.

Step 2: Finalize your visa application process

• Pay your SEVIS (I-901) fee;
• Complete your Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160);
• Schedule an appointment with your embassy or consulate as soon as the previous steps are completed, as the wait time can be significant. If your appointment is scheduled too close to your departure date, you should check regularly for any cancellations or newly available appointments.

Step 3: Appointment with an embassy or consulate in your country

Before receiving your F1 visa, you must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. This interview is crucial for evaluating your eligibility. It assesses your reasons for studying in the U.S., your financial status, and your intent to return to your home country after completing your studies. Prepare thoroughly, stay calm, and present yourself confidently.

Preparing for the interview

Practice your English and be prepared to discuss your academic background, financial situation, and future plans. Below is the list of the most frequently asked questions.

About your school in the United States:

• Why did you choose this particular school?
• How did you find out about this school/program?
• What is your intended major or field of study?
• Why did you choose to study in the United States rather than in your home country?
• Have you applied for any other schools or programs? Which ones, and what were their responses?
• Can you provide details about your academic background (GPA/achievements)?
• Why do you want to study in the United States?
• For how long do you intend to stay in the United States?
• What are your plans after completing your studies in the United States?
• How do you plan to adjust to life in the United States?
• What are your career goals and how will this program help you achieve them?

About your finances:

• How will you be financing your education and living expenses?
• Who is funding your education, and what is their source of income/professional background?
• Do you have a student loan or any large deposits in your bank account?
• Please show us your current bank account statement.

About your work/study experience:

• What is your current employment or study situation?
• Can you explain any gaps in your academic or professional history?
• Why are you leaving your current job to study in the United States?
• What is your current salary, and what are your savings?
• Please show us your current bank account statement.

About your personal background:

• Have you ever been to the United States before?
• Do you have any family or friends in the United States?
• What is your marital status, and do you have children? If yes, who will take care of their education during your stay?

What to bring for the interview

You are required to bring the following forms and documents in support of your visa application:

• Passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the proposed stay in the United States;
• Passport containing the most recently issues U.S. visa (if applicable);
• One 2” by 2” (5 x 5 cm) color photograph taken within the last six months;
• Form I-20 if you are applying for a F-1 visa or Form DS-2019 if you are applying for a J-1 visa;
• Receipt for payment of SEVIS Fee and visa application fee;
• Confirmation page of the application form DS-160;
• Financial support documents proving that you can cover the expenses for the duration of the program as indicated in your Form I-20 (i.e., bank statements, award letters, or loan approval letters);
• Your acceptance letter from the school.

In most instances, if your visa application is approved during your appointment, you should be able to retrieve your passport approximately one week later.

Step 4: Arrival in the United States

You can arrive as early as 30 before the start date listed on your I-20. Upon arrival, you will be required to present your:

• Passport,
• Entry visa,
• Original I-20, and
• Any document relevant to your status.

To confirm your arrival and your status as an F-1 student in good standing, you will then need to have the travel endorsement page of your I-20 signed by your Designated School Official.

To be considered for admission you need to complete the following procedure:

1. Ensure that your home institution has an established partnership with Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS)

2. Complete home institution’s exchange process

3. Your nomination will be reviewed by the International and Comparative Law Program

4. If accepted, you will be required to complete VLGS’s Visiting and Exchange Application

Visiting and Exchange Application Required Documents

Please contact your home institution for specific application requirements. Generally, VLGS will require:

• Current transcript translated in English
• Professional Resume
• Short essay describing your interest in VLGS
• Letter of good standing/permission to attend VLGS

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, established under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hays Act) of 1961, fosters international collaboration through educational and cultural exchanges. The program enables foreign nationals to participate in short-term opportunities in the United States before returning home to share their experiences.

Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) is authorized to host J-1 Exchange Visitors in the categories of Students, Professors, Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars, and Specialists. Sponsoring departments support visiting scholars by assisting with housing, mentorship, and office space.

The regulations governing J-1 scholars are complex, and only a brief summary is offered here. For specific questions, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Categories

Student

To qualify, students must gain admission to Vermont Law and Graduate School, enroll in full-time study, and pay all required tuition and fees.

The program duration is limited to the time necessary to complete the course of study, with reasonable extensions permitted.

Professor

This category applies to individuals primarily engaged in teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. While they may also conduct research, they cannot be hired for tenure-track positions. Professors may be employed as temporary visiting faculty or adjunct faculty.

Program extensions are allowed for up to five years, with a minimum participation period of three weeks.

Once a professor completes their program, regardless of duration, they are ineligible to return to the U.S. under the Research Scholar or Professor category for two years.

Short-Term Scholar

Designed for professors, research scholars, specialists, and individuals with equivalent education or expertise (including students from foreign universities), this category allows for short-term visits to the U.S. for lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating specialized skills.

The maximum stay is six months, with no extensions permitted.

Research Scholar

This category fosters the exchange of ideas, research, and academic collaboration between institutions in the United States and foreign countries. It aims to promote mutual enrichment and strengthen academic linkages.

Specialist

This category is for experts in specialized fields who come to the U.S. to observe, consult, or demonstrate their expertise.

The maximum stay is 12 months, and individuals in this category are not eligible for permanent positions.

Admission Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Visitors must possess sufficient proficiency in English language to participate in their programs. Sponsors are required to use one of the following objective measurements to determine an applicant’s language proficiency:

• A recognized English language test
• Signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school
• A documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in person or by video conference, or by telephone if video is not a viable option

This evidence must be submitted with the DS-2019 request form, as the Department of State requires this information to be made available upon their request.

Health Insurance

The United States Department of State requires all J-1 visa holders and any accompanying dependents to obtain health and accident insurance, which includes the following minimum coverage:

1. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per person per accident or illness;

2. repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000; and

3. expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000.

How to Apply

All individuals requesting a J-1 Visa are required to complete this application.

Fees

J-1 visiting scholars will pay a Vermont Law and Graduate School one-time program fee of $1,500. An additional semester fee of $2,500 is assessed to non-tuition-paying designations for each semester they are on campus. Partial waiver of fees may be available to eligible scholars.

J-1 Scholars should be prepared to pay these fees upon their arrival at Vermont Law and Graduate School. These fees must be paid by credit card, no cash or checks will be accepted.

Post Admission – Visa Process

All nonimmigrant visitors, except Canadians, must possess a valid visa to enter the United States. The J-1 Visa is designed for individuals participating in approved exchange programs, which can include study, research, or internships.

Step 1: Be accepted in an exchange visitor program

You must apply to and be accepted by an approved exchange visitor program.

Step 2: Proceed with your visa application

After securing acceptance into an exchange program, you will receive the DS-2019 form from your program sponsor. This document, known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, is essential for applying for your J-1 visa. It verifies that you meet the eligibility criteria for the exchange program.

You will be automatically registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks your status throughout your stay in the U.S. Once your SEVIS registration is active, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website.

Step 3: Appointment with an embassy or consulate in your country

Before receiving your J-1 visa, you must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. This interview is crucial for evaluating your eligibility.

J-1 visa applications are typically processed in six to eight weeks. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible as wait and processing times may vary by country. Visit Travel.State.gov website for specific details on visa interview timelines.

At Vermont Law and Graduate School, we understand the unique challenges faced by international students. That is why we offer a range of online programs that provide a flexible and accessible way to pursue your legal education from anywhere in the world.

One of the key benefits of studying online is that you do not need to apply for a visa to attend classes. This opens the door for students from around the globe to pursue their education without the complexities of immigration processes.

With our online programs, you can access course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments from the comfort of your home.

Our Master’s Degrees Available Online

Master of Public Policy (MPP): the MPP degree is a 40-credit interdisciplinary degree designed to provide students the tools necessary to understand and solve complex issues related to public policy. This program will help students develop knowledge in foundational elements of public policy coupled with concentrations in animal protection policy, food and agricultural policy, energy regulation, or justice reform policy. MPP courses are offered online and in person during our summer session.

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Master of Climate and Environmental Policy (MCEP): the MCEP degree is a robust applied public policy degree dedicated to the environment. Degree-seekers will receive the tools needed to make change–finding and implementing solutions to the greatest challenges of our day at the intersection of climate change and environmental justice. MCEP students may specialize in a range of areas within the field of environmental policy, including Climate Change, Environmental Justice, or Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). All MCEP students choose between a “research track” to write a thesis, or a “practice track” to pursue an externship. MCEP students gain the core skills needed to shape environmental policy and integrate issues of racial and economic justice into practice and policy making—including environmental research and writing, policy design, climate justice, structural inequality, public participation, and consensus-building.

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Master of Energy Regulation and Law (MERL): the MERL degree is focused on law and policy governing energy use, production, and transmission. You’ll develop a broad-based understanding of the intersection of energy and law, regulation, policy, and economic analysis. The MERL offers practical training in public advocacy and writing for a legal and policy audience, opportunities for independent research with support from faculty, and externships at organizations around the country.

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Master of Restorative Justice (MARJ): the MARJ degree was created for students who want to address deficiencies in our justice system and become the next generation of justice leaders. The curriculum combines traditional law courses with restorative justice courses, simulations, and experiential learning opportunities to prepare and train graduates for careers that develop new approaches to criminal justice.

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Executive Master of Environmental Policy (EMEP): the EMEP degree is a public policy degree created for mid-level professionals seeking advanced credentials or a career change. It is designed to be completed on a part-time basis through an accelerated 7-week course structure to complement a professional’s busy work schedule. Students are afforded many opportunities to connect with a wide range of like-minded peers and instructors who are leaders in their field.

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Our LLM degrees Available Online

LLM Program in Animal Law: the LLM in Animal Law is designed for students who want to focus their career on animal law and policy issues including advancing legal protections for companion animals, wildlife, farmed animals, or animals used for entertainment and experimentation. Degree work includes completion of a thesis, research project, teaching practicum, or externship.

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LLM Program in Energy Law: the LLM in Energy Law at Vermont Law and Graduate School prepares you to specialize in law and policy relating to energy use, production, and transmission. Taught and guided by faculty affiliated with the law school’s highly respected Institute for Energy and the Environment, you’ll engage in real energy law and policy work while meeting and learning from energy experts who collaborate on institute projects. You’ll also complete independent research, writing, or an externship and participate in a seminar focused on advanced topics.

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LLM Program in Environmental Law: the LLM in Environmental Law is designed for Juris Doctor graduates who want to focus their career on environmental law and issues including climate change, land use, natural resources, water resources, or environmental tax policy. Students pursue a general education in environmental law or concentrate in a particular area. You’ll design an intensive, practical curriculum that matches your objectives. Degree work includes completion of a thesis, research projects, teaching practicum, or externship. You’ll participate in a graduate seminar that explores advanced research topics through discussions and lectures by environmental law scholars.

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LLM Program in Food and Agriculture Law: the LLM in Food and Agriculture Law prepares you to specialize in law and policy relating to sustainable food and agriculture systems. Taught and guided by faculty affiliated with the law school’s Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, you will build an individual academic plan that matches your objectives.

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Other degrees available online

Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice (PCRJ): VLGS offers a Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice, a unique 9-credit program for students who wish to develop a career focusing on restorative justice or gain skills in restorative practices. Students pursuing the Professional Certificate can take courses that cover topics such as critical issues in restorative justice, adversity, trauma, and victimization, and new approaches to domestic and sexual violence.

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