Top 10 LLB Programs in Europe 2025

Picking the right LLB (Bachelor of Laws) program in Europe is an important step if you want a successful career in law. Europe has many different legal systems and some of the top universities in the world. It’s a great place to study law. Whether you’re interested in international law, human rights, or EU law, this guide will help you explore the best LLB programs in Europe—covering what you’ll study, how well-known the schools are, what student life is like, and how much it costs.

🌟 Why Study LLB in Europe?

Europe isn’t just rich in history and culture—it’s also a hub for high-quality education. Studying law here allows you to:

Gain exposure to civil and common law systems.
Study in multiple languages (many programs are in English).
Access world-class faculty and legal researchers.
Expand your international career prospects.
Experience lower tuition fees compared to the U.S.

Plus, with the Bologna Process, your European degree is recognized across many countries.

🇬🇧 1. University of Oxford – Faculty of Law (UK)

When talking about the best LLB programs in Europe, Oxford leads the pack. The BA in Jurisprudence (Oxford’s version of the LLB) is globally renowned.

🎯 Highlights:

Duration: 3 years
Option for a year abroad (Diploma in Legal Studies)
Focus: Legal reasoning, philosophy of law, constitutional law

💼 Career Outcomes:

Oxford graduates go on to top positions in law firms, government, and international organizations.

🔗 Oxford Law Faculty

🇬🇧 2. University of Cambridge – Faculty of Law (UK)

Another iconic institution, Cambridge offers a challenging and comprehensive law degree.

📚 Curriculum:

Contract Law
Criminal Law
Civil Law
EU Law
Jurisprudence

✅ What Makes It Stand Out?

Its supervision system provides students with one-on-one teaching—ideal for deep legal analysis and debate.

🇳🇱 3. Leiden University – Faculty of Law (Netherlands)

The Leiden Law School offers an English-taught LLB in International and European Law, perfect for students with a global perspective.

🌍 International Vibe:

Courses in public international law, human rights, and EU law
Active legal clinics and moot court competitions

💸 Tuition:

Approx. €10,000/year for non-EU students
Scholarships available

🇩🇪 4. Humboldt University of Berlin—Faculty of Law (Germany)

Located in Germany’s legal and political hub, Humboldt Law School combines tradition with innovation.

🧠 Academic Strengths:

Comparative Law
Legal Theory
European Law

Many courses are in German, but there are exchange programs and English modules.

🇫🇷 5. Sciences Po Law School (France)

Sciences Po offers a dual BA program in law and political science, with international partnerships including Columbia University and UCL.

🌐 International Appeal:

Taught in English
Strong focus on global legal challenges
Internship opportunities with global institutions

🇮🇹 6. Bocconi University – School of Law (Italy)

Bocconi is best known for economics and business, but its law faculty is rising fast.

🔍 Key Features:

LLB in International Politics and Government
Corporate law emphasis
Internship-focused curriculum

🇪🇸 7. IE University – Bachelor of Laws (Spain)

IE’s law program is tech-driven and globalized—ideal for modern law careers.

💡 Innovative Approach:

Hybrid teaching model
Partnerships with global firms
Practical simulations and legal tech focus

🇸🇪 8. Lund University – Faculty of Law (Sweden)

Lund offers a law program in English and excels in EU and environmental law.

🌱 What Makes It Unique?

Scandinavian legal education model
Close links to human rights NGOs and environmental groups

🇧🇪 9. KU Leuven – Faculty of Law (Belgium)

In the heart of the EU, KU Leuven specializes in European law, making it a top choice for EU law enthusiasts.

🎓 Academic Highlights:

Bilingual programs (English and Dutch)
Research-intensive faculty
Access to EU legal institutions

🇨🇭 10. University of Geneva – Faculty of Law (Switzerland)

Switzerland’s legal system is unique—Geneva’s law program offers multilingual and international law training.

🌍 International Law Focus:

Courses in French and English
Close to United Nations and WTO
Ideal for a career in diplomacy or global NGOs

📝 Admission Requirements: What You Need to Get In

Each university has its own process, but here are the typical requirements:

Requirement Common Expectation High School Diploma With strong grades in humanities Language Proficiency IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs Personal Statement Motivation, goals, why law? Letters of Recommendation 1–2 from teachers or employers Entrance Exams LNAT (UK schools), SAT/ACT (some)

💸 Costs and Scholarships

European universities generally offer affordable tuition, especially for EU/EEA students.

Average Annual Tuition:

EU Students: €1,000–€4,000
Non-EU Students: €7,000–€15,000

Scholarship Opportunities:

Erasmus+ grants
University-specific scholarships
Merit-based aid

🏛️ Campus Life and Internships

What’s university life like?

Modern facilities and legal libraries
Access to student law societies
Internship pipelines with law firms, courts, and NGOs

You’ll often have opportunities to participate in moot court competitions, Model UN, and legal clinics.

🌍 Career Prospects with a European LLB

A European LLB opens many doors:

Practicing law in the EU, UK, or abroad (after passing relevant bar exams)
Working in NGOs, corporations, or diplomacy
Further study: LLM or LPC (UK), JD (USA)

Employers highly value international experience, especially from top-tier institutions.

❓FAQs: Best LLB Programs in Europe

1. Can I study law in Europe in English?

Yes, many top schools in the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy offer LLBs fully in English.

2. Do I need to know the local language?

Not necessarily. While it helps for living and internships, most programs in English don’t require fluency in the local language.

3. Is an LLB from Europe valid internationally?

Yes, but you may need to meet local bar requirements (e.g., taking a conversion course in the UK or a JD in the USA).

4. Which European country is best for law school?

It depends on your goals—the UK for prestige, the Netherlands for international law, Belgium for EU law, and Germany for theory.

5. Are European LLB programs affordable?

Yes! Compared to the U.S., tuition is much lower, especially for EU citizens.

6. Can I stay and work in Europe after graduation?

Yes, many countries offer post-study work visas for international graduates.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Which LLB Program Should You Choose?

Choosing the best LLB program in Europe depends on your career goals, language comfort, and desired legal specialization.

Want prestige and academic tradition? Go for Oxford or Cambridge.
Prefer international law in English? Try Leiden or KU Leuven.
Interested in legal innovation? Consider IE University or Bocconi.

Start with your passions—whether it’s human rights, corporate law, or environmental justice—and match them to a university that aligns with your vision.