Master of Laws (LL.M.)
International & Comparative Law Track - Egypt
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Fall 2008 cohort is 31 August 2008.
I have all of my application materials ready except I haven’t yet taken the TOEFL/IELTS. What should I do?
You should send in your application now, and certainly prior to the 31 August 08 deadline. Indicate on your application when you will take the TOEFL/IELTS. Provided we receive your official score report by 12 September and there are no other issues with your application, we should be able to process your application and make an admission determination.
What institution’s name will be on my diploma?
Indiana University School of Law diplomas will be issued.
What tracks of the LL.M. Program are offered in Egypt?
Currently, only the International and Comparative Law track is offered.
What is the minimum required TOEFL/IELTS score?
Applicants for whom English is a second language must have a score of at least 575 on the paper-based TOEFL, a score of at least 230 on the computer-based TOEFL, a score of at least 89 on the internet-based TOEFL, or a score of at least 6.5 on the academic IELTS.
Where do I find information about available TOEFL/IELTS test dates?
Please visit their websites: www.ets.org (TOEFL) and www.ielts.org (IELTS).
I took local/institutional TOEFL. Will that suffice?
No. Institutional TOEFLs will not be accepted. Please visit www.ets.org to find the testing sites.
Should I take the General IELTS or the Academic IELTS?
Applicants are required to submit the academic module of the IELTS exam. General module is not acceptable.
Can I get a TOEFL waiver?
The TOEFL/IELTS score report is required for application to any graduate degree program from our university. The Egypt Program Office does not have the authority to grant TOEFL/IETLS waivers.
Can I send a copy of my TOEFL/IELTS score report to you to satisfy the English language competency requirement?
No. We require an official copy of the score report. The score must be reported to Institution Code 1325, Department 03. In the case of IELTS, the official score report must be received directly from the British Council.
I do not have the diploma certificate for my degree. Can I send the transcript of grades only and not the diploma certificate?
No. Applicants are required to submit both the official diploma certificate and the official transcript of grades.
I do not have the transcript of grades for my degree. Can I send the diploma certificate only and not the transcript of grades?
No. Applicants are required to submit both the official diploma certificate and the official transcript of grades.
My university does not issue transcript of grades and/or diploma certificates in English. What should I do?
If the issuing university does not issue transcripts and/or diplomas in English, these native language documents from the university AND certified English translations from the university must be submitted.
Can I send identical letters of reference signed by different reference writers?
No. Duplicate letters of reference provide no insight into an applicant’s ability to complete the Master of Laws degree. The letters should be unique, written on an official institution or business letterhead, signed and sealed by the referee.
Can I take the bar examination in the United States?
Eligibility to sit for the bar exam in any given state in the US rests with the Board of Law Examiners in that state. Eligibility for IU-Indianapolis LL.M. graduates to sit for any given state bar examination depends on that state’s regulations and upon each graduate’s individual credentials. We recommend that students interested in a bar examination check with the Board of Law Examiners of the state where they wish to take the bar to see if they are eligible.
Importantly, some states allow post-J.D.’s to sit for the bar, while others only allow J.D.’s who meet all of their requirements to sit for the bar. Detailed information on this matter can be found at the American Bar Association website: www.abanet.org/legaled/postjdprograms/postjd.html.
How much does the program cost?
The program fee Egyptians accepted for the Fall 2008 cohort is the equivalent of $6,500USD (paid in Egyptian pounds). The program fee for non-Egyptians for Fall 2008 is $27,477USD (the current program fee for LL.M. students admitted to the Indianapolis campus).
What is included in the program cost?
The program cost includes the fee the 24 credit hours required to complete the degree, all books and materials, and the cost of the required ESL courses.
How and where do I pay my program fees?
Payment options will be explained during orientation. However, for specific information now, please contact the program manager in either Alexandria or Cairo (rtawfik@iupui.edu or sbeltagy@iupui.edu).
When do classes start?
For the Fall 2008 semester, in Alexandria: orientation 11 October, classes start 12; and in Cairo: orientation 18 October, classes start 19 October
. There will be a mandatory orientation in each location prior to the start of classes. More information will be sent to admitted students closer to the start of classes.
What classes will I take?
The focus of the classes is on commercial and business law. More information on the curriculum can be found on the website.
Who teaches the courses?
Courses are taught in English by full-time and adjunct Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis law faculty.
I can’t attend all of the classes due to my work schedule. What should I do?
Indiana University School of Law –Indianapolis has an attendance policy that must be followed. This policy states that no more than 10% of a class can be missed. In a class that meets 10 times for a two week course, even 2 absences will exceed this policy. Accordingly, only students who meet this attendance policy should apply.
I don’t hold a first degree in law. Can I still apply?
If you hold an academic degree in a subject other than law AND you are licensed to practice law in a jurisdiction outside the U.S., you may apply.
Is student housing available?
Unfortunately, student housing is not available. Securing housing is the responsibility of each individual student.
I won’t graduate in time to start classes in October 2008. Can I apply to start later?
We currently have funding to start a cohort in the Fall 2009 as well. The tentative application cutoff for the Fall 2009 cohort is August 31, 2009.
Updated: 6/28/08
