The dual law degree, offered jointly by the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law and Aix-Marseille University, is an exceptional opportunity for immersion at the heart of two distinct legal cultures. Designed specifically for candidates enrolled in the general LL.M. with research paper, this prestigious path lets you study in France and then in Canada, all within a single academic year.
Dual Degree with Aix-Marseille University
Program Overview
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Why Choose This Program?
Studying law on two continents in twelve months is more than a stay abroad: it is learning to think about law through two legal traditions, the French and the Canadian. You experience each system from the inside, in its own setting, alongside its professors.
The program rests on a solid agreement between the two faculties, which grant mutual recognition of the credits earned on each side. You retake no courses: every course counts in both institutions, and you earn two degrees at the end of a single path.
The result is a real asset on the legal market, namely a dual affiliation, two alumni networks and an ease in moving between legal cultures. For anyone heading toward international, comparative or European law, few programs offer so complete an immersion.
Program Options and Structure
The dual degree leads to two complementary diplomas, the Master 2 from Aix-Marseille University and in the general LL.M. with research paper from the University of Ottawa. The structure of the path varies according to the stream chosen.
Three streams to choose from
You choose one of the three streams offered under the agreement:
- environmental transition law
- international law
- electronic communications law
Each stream continues on both campuses.
If you come from Aix-Marseille University
You take the first semester in Aix-en-Provence, then the winter term in Ottawa to fulfill the LL.M. requirements. In the spring-summer term, you are free to remain at the university of your choice to write the research paper, which is joint to both faculties. You do, however, remain registered at the University of Ottawa for that term and pay the corresponding tuition fees, regardless of where you write.
If you come from the University of Ottawa
You take the fall term in Aix-en-Provence, then the winter term in Ottawa to fulfill the LL.M. requirements. In the spring-summer term, you write the research paper, which counts toward both degrees.
Please note: the research paper is single and recognized by both institutions. Passing it, like passing all the coursework, is required to obtain both degrees.
Admission Requirements
The dual degree rests on a dual admission: to enter a stream provided for under the reciprocity protocol, you must be accepted at both institutions, that is, in the LL.M. at the University of Ottawa and in the Master II at the partner institution.
If the University of Ottawa is your home institution
- Submit a complete application to the general LL.M. with research paper, without concentration. First make sure you meet the admission requirements of that program.
- Include with your file a cover letter specifying the stream of study you are aiming for.
- The Faculty of Law then forwards up to ten files to Aix-Marseille University.
- The AMU admissions committee selects, from among these applications, those it retains for its Master II program.
If Aix-Marseille University is your home institution
- Prepare an application to the Master II within the applicable deadlines.
- After assessment, AMU forwards to the University of Ottawa the files of up to ten selected students.
- The University of Ottawa admissions committee then selects, from among these applications, those it admits to its LL.M.
Please note: selection by your home institution opens the door, but final admission rests with the partner institution. Prepare a strong file on both sides.
Alouss Willy Doumbia
Taking the joint LL.M. between the University of Ottawa and Aix-Marseille University means studying in direct contact with professors and classmates from varied backgrounds. Its grounding in research makes the path intellectually demanding and exciting; it is what strengthened my desire to do research and gave me the impetus to stay in Ottawa to pursue my doctorate.
Alouss Willy Doumbia (2023)
Faustine Maurel
The joint LL.M. between the University of Ottawa and Aix-Marseille University let me grow in an international environment where professors and students work closely together. Its strong research orientation gave me a particularly rewarding academic experience, allowing me to be published as part of one of the courses I took.
Faustine Maurel (2025)
Tuition Fees
If you come from Aix-Marseille University
You are required to pay your tuition and related fees directly to the University of Ottawa for the equivalent of two full-time terms (the winter and spring-summer terms).
A significant financial advantage: by taking part in this program, you automatically receive a partial fee exemption scholarship. This means your tuition and incidental fees (including the universal transit pass and health and dental insurance) are reduced to the same rate as those of Canadian students.
If you come from the University of Ottawa
You are required to pay your tuition and related fees directly to Aix-Marseille University, on the same conditions as a French student.
Please note: registration for the two terms corresponds to registration for the research paper, recognized by both universities.
Other expenses to plan for
As with any international mobility, living and settling-in costs remain the student's responsibility. You will need to budget for housing, travel (international flights and local transit), immigration steps (visas), the purchase of course materials, and your health expenses. On that point, please note that the University of Ottawa requires its international student population to enroll in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).
Contact us
Office of Graduate Studies
57 Louis-Pasteur st.,
room 301
Ottawa, On K1N 6N5
Tel.: 613-562-5774
[email protected]