KPU and Bond University partner to form law degree pathway
KPU students can pursue a juris doctor or bachelor of laws at the Australian institution
Bond University's established reputation in training Canadian law graduates was among the reasons KPU decided to partner with the Australian school. (Submitted)
A pathway agreement between Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Bond University on Australia’s Gold Coast is bringing new opportunities for students to pursue law education.
The partnership will allow KPU students to pursue a juris doctor (JD) and help them prepare for the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams required in Canada through four Canadian law classes, which can be taken as electives, and another complimentary online course.
In an email statement to The Runner, KPU International Associate Vice-President Carole St. Laurent wrote that the partnership came to be after Bond University approached KPU.
“Building on an existing history of KPU students pursuing legal studies at Bond, both institutions recognized an opportunity to formalize a pathway that would better support students through admissions, academic preparation, and progression toward legal practice in Canada,” St. Laurent wrote.
In addition to a JD, the collaboration allows KPU students to pursue a bachelor of laws or LLB at Bond instead.
Bond University was selected because of its strong track record with KPU students and its established reputation in training Canadian law graduates, St. Laurent wrote, adding the Australian institution offers students a direct and structured pathway into law programs, admissions support dedicated to Canadian students, and scholarship opportunities.
“Together, these factors make Bond a strong and credible partner that aligns well with KPU’s student-centred approach.”
Eligible students may receive a 25-per-cent Canadian Juris Doctor 25th Anniversary Scholarship. LLB applicants with partial university studies at KPU can be considered for a 50-per-cent International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship, St. Laurent wrote.
“Students also benefit from direct access to Bond’s admissions and Canadian Law Program support.”
Other perks of the pathway include no LSAT requirement, free application submission, and accelerated three-semester academic scheduling.
The elective courses students can enrol in include Foundations of Canadian Law and Canadian Constitutional Law, among others, with the Canadian Professional Responsibility class being complimentary.
“These offerings align closely with the NCA’s required subjects, helping students build familiarity and academic readiness before completing the NCA challenge exams upon return to Canada.”
KPU hopes students intending to become lawyers will see the pathway as a viable option to achieve their goal, St. Laurent wrote, especially considering how competitive law school admissions are in the province and across Canada.
“This agreement also strengthens KPU’s ability to attract and support students who intend to begin their undergraduate studies at KPU and later ladder into advanced degrees through established international pathways.”
St. Laurent added that global academic partnerships allow KPU to enrich students’ education, while also giving them valuable intercultural and international learning experiences.
“By partnering with credible institutions like Bond University, KPU can offer smoother transitions, recognized credentials, and scholarship opportunities that support students’ long-term academic and professional goals.”
