Visiting International Law Students
Welcome to the UNM School of Law! We are the only law school in the state of New Mexico, which places us at the center of the state's legal community. Our state is home to Santa Fe, the oldest capital city and the third largest art market in the United States.
To this day, evidence of our state’s fascinating history is found in our legal landscape. For example, there are 23 self-governing Indian tribes located entirely or partially in New Mexico and our water law reflects its origins in Spanish law. International law students can explore these legal manifestations of New Mexico’s history in elective courses such as Indian law and water law. Generally speaking, visitors may not enroll in first-year or clinical courses.
A Bit of History
The indigenous peoples encountered by European explorers in the 16th century have resided in New Mexico for thousands of years. The first European settlements in New Mexico were founded in 1598 by a Spanish expedition from Mexico. In 1680, the indigenous Pueblo Indians rose in unison to expel the Spanish colony to an area near El Paso, Texas. In 1692 the Spanish colony returned. New Mexico remained under Spanish rule until Mexican independence in 1821. In 1846, New Mexico became a territory of the United States during the Mexican-American War and in 1912 it was admitted to the union as the 47th state.
The UNM law school community is friendly and welcoming and enjoys opening its doors to international law students, who always enrich classroom discussion with their distinct perspective, and often make enduring friendships.
We strongly encourage applications from law students at UNM’s exchange partner schools, which are listed on the UNM Study Abroad Programs site.
Getting Started
Remember that several months’ lead time will be required to meet all deadlines, obtain or renew a passport and get a student visa.
Minimum TOEFL Score for Law Exchange Students
If English is not your first language or the official language of your country of citizenship, then you are eligible to apply to visit UNM School of Law as an exchange student only if your official TOEFL results demonstrate a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the Internet-based test.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester - April 1
- Spring Semester - October 1
