Strategic Location: Panama is a hub for international business and trade due to the Panama Canal. This provides law students with exposure to international law, maritime law, and trade regulations, making it an ideal place to study if you're interested in these areas.
Diverse Legal System: Panama's legal system is a mix of civil law, common law, and international influences. This diversity gives students a broad understanding of different legal frameworks, which is beneficial for a career in international law.
Bilingual Education: Many law programs in Panama offer courses in both English and Spanish. This bilingual education can be a significant asset in the global legal market, where multilingual lawyers are in high demand.
Emerging Market Opportunities: Panama's growing economy and its role as a financial center offer numerous opportunities for law graduates in corporate law, banking law, and international arbitration.
Focus on International Law: Due to its geopolitical importance, Panama is a center for international law studies, particularly in areas like maritime law, international business law, and human rights law.
Cultural and Educational Exchange: Panama's position as a crossroads of cultures offers students a unique perspective on international and comparative law, with opportunities to interact with legal professionals from around the world.
Affordable Education: Compared to other countries, Panama offers quality legal education at a lower cost, making it an attractive option for international students seeking to minimize expenses without compromising on education quality.
Networking Opportunities: Studying in Panama provides access to a network of legal professionals, including those involved in international trade, maritime law, and global finance, which can be valuable for future career prospects.
University Name |
Course Program |
Specialization |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
General Law, Commercial Law, Labor Law, Environmental Law |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Bachelor of Law and Political Science |
Criminal Law, Civil Law, International Law |
|
Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) |
Bachelor of Law |
Constitutional Law, Human Rights, Corporate Law |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor of Law |
Maritime Law, Business Law, Public Law |
|
Universidad Latina de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Bachelor of Law and Political Science |
Administrative Law, Family Law, Commercial Law |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
Private Law, Public Law, Labor and Social Security Law |
University Name |
Course Program |
Language of Instruction |
Program Duration |
Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
Spanish |
4-5 years |
Offers support for international students, including Spanish language courses. |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Bachelor of Law and Political Science |
Spanish |
4-5 years |
Has exchange programs and supports international students. |
|
Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) |
Bachelor of Law |
Spanish |
4-5 years |
International students receive assistance with integration and language support. |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor of Law |
Spanish |
4-5 years |
Offers programs tailored to international students, with additional Spanish language training. |
|
Universidad Latina de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Bachelor of Law and Political Science |
Spanish |
4-5 years |
Provides resources and support for international students, including cultural integration programs. |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
Spanish |
4-5 years |
International student services include orientation and ongoing support. |
University Name |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
4-5 years |
Spanish |
General Law, Commercial Law, Labor Law, Environmental Law |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Bachelor of Law and Political Science |
4-5 years |
Spanish |
Criminal Law, Civil Law, International Law |
|
Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) |
Bachelor of Law |
4-5 years |
Spanish |
Constitutional Law, Human Rights, Corporate Law |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor of Law |
4-5 years |
Spanish |
Maritime Law, Business Law, Public Law |
|
Universidad Latina de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Bachelor of Law and Political Science |
4-5 years |
Spanish |
Administrative Law, Family Law, Commercial Law |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
4-5 years |
Spanish |
Private Law, Public Law, Labor and Social Security Law |
University Name |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
1.5-2 years |
Spanish |
Commercial Law, Criminal Law, International Law, Labor Law |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
1.5-2 years |
Spanish |
Human Rights Law, Civil Law, Corporate Law |
|
Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) |
Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
1.5-2 years |
Spanish |
Environmental Law, Constitutional Law, Business Law |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
1.5-2 years |
Spanish |
Maritime Law, Administrative Law, Public Law |
|
Universidad Latina de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Master of Law and Political Science (Maestría en Derecho y Ciencias Políticas) |
1.5-2 years |
Spanish |
Family Law, Tax Law, Commercial Law |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
1.5-2 years |
Spanish |
International Law, Human Rights, Public Law |
University Name |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Research Areas/Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
PhD in Law (Doctorado en Derecho) |
3-5 years |
Spanish |
Constitutional Law, Human Rights, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
PhD in Law (Doctorado en Derecho) |
3-5 years |
Spanish |
Criminal Law, Civil Law, International Law |
|
Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) |
PhD in Law (Doctorado en Derecho) |
3-5 years |
Spanish |
Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
PhD in Law (Doctorado en Derecho) |
3-5 years |
Spanish |
Maritime Law, Business Law, Public Law |
University Name |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Diploma in Legal Studies (Diplomado en Estudios Jurídicos) |
6-12 months |
Spanish |
Civil Law, Commercial Law, Labor Law |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Diploma in Criminal Law (Diplomado en Derecho Penal) |
6-12 months |
Spanish |
Criminal Law |
|
Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) |
Diploma in Corporate Law (Diplomado en Derecho Corporativo) |
6-12 months |
Spanish |
Corporate Law, Business Law |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Diploma in Maritime Law (Diplomado en Derecho Marítimo) |
6-12 months |
Spanish |
Maritime Law, International Trade Law |
|
Universidad Latina de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Diploma in Administrative Law (Diplomado en Derecho Administrativo) |
6-12 months |
Spanish |
Administrative Law, Public Law |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Diploma in Family Law (Diplomado en Derecho de Familia) |
6-12 months |
Spanish |
Family Law, Social Law |
University Name |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Focus Areas/Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Certificate in Legal Practices (Certificado en Prácticas Jurídicas) |
3-6 months |
Spanish |
Legal Procedures, Civil Law, Criminal Law |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Short Course in Criminal Law (Curso Corto en Derecho Penal) |
3-6 months |
Spanish |
Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure |
|
Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) |
Intensive Course in Corporate Law (Curso Intensivo en Derecho Corporativo) |
3-6 months |
Spanish |
Corporate Law, Business Law |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Short Course in Maritime Law (Curso Corto en Derecho Marítimo) |
3-6 months |
Spanish |
Maritime Law, International Trade Law |
|
Universidad Latina de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Short Course in Administrative Law (Curso Corto en Derecho Administrativo) |
3-6 months |
Spanish |
Administrative Law, Public Law |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Certificate in Family Law (Certificado en Derecho de Familia) |
3-6 months |
Spanish |
Family Law, Social Law |
University Name |
Course Programs Offered |
Degree Levels |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
- Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma, Short-term |
|
|
- Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
|
|
|
- PhD in Law (Doctorado en Derecho) |
|
|
|
- Diploma in Legal Studies (Diplomado en Estudios Jurídicos) |
|
|
|
- Certificate in Legal Practices (Certificado en Prácticas Jurídicas) |
|
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
- Bachelor of Law and Political Science |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma, Short-term |
|
|
- Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
|
|
|
- PhD in Law (Doctorado en Derecho) |
|
|
|
- Diploma in Criminal Law (Diplomado en Derecho Penal) |
|
|
|
- Short Course in Criminal Law (Curso Corto en Derecho Penal) |
|
|
Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) |
- Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma, Short-term |
|
|
- Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
|
|
|
- PhD in Law (Doctorado en Derecho) |
|
|
|
- Diploma in Corporate Law (Diplomado en Derecho Corporativo) |
|
|
|
- Intensive Course in Corporate Law (Curso Intensivo en Derecho Corporativo) |
|
|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
- Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma, Short-term |
|
|
- Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
|
|
|
- PhD in Law (Doctorado en Derecho) |
|
|
|
- Diploma in Maritime Law (Diplomado en Derecho Marítimo) |
|
|
|
- Short Course in Maritime Law (Curso Corto en Derecho Marítimo) |
|
|
Universidad Latina de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
- Bachelor of Law and Political Science |
Bachelor, Master, Diploma, Short-term |
|
|
- Master of Law and Political Science (Maestría en Derecho y Ciencias Políticas) |
|
|
|
- Diploma in Administrative Law (Diplomado en Derecho Administrativo) |
|
|
|
- Short Course in Administrative Law (Curso Corto en Derecho Administrativo) |
|
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
- Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
Bachelor, Master, Diploma, Short-term |
|
|
- Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
|
|
|
- Diploma in Family Law (Diplomado en Derecho de Familia) |
|
|
|
- Certificate in Family Law (Certificado en Derecho de Familia) |
University Name |
Course Program |
Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma, Short-term Courses |
Typically in March and August |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma, Short-term Courses |
Typically in January and July |
|
Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma, Short-term Courses |
Typically in February and August |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma, Short-term Courses |
Typically in January and July |
|
Universidad Latina de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Bachelor, Master, Diploma, Short-term Courses |
Typically in February and September |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Bachelor, Master, Diploma, Short-term Courses |
Typically in March and August |
University Name |
Course Program |
Degree Level |
Estimated Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Panama (Universidad de Panamá) |
Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
Bachelor |
$1,000 - $2,500 |
|
|
Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
Master |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
|
|
PhD in Law (Doctorado en Derecho) |
PhD |
$2,000 - $4,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Legal Studies |
Diploma |
$500 - $1,500 |
|
|
Short-term Courses |
Short-term |
$300 - $1,000 |
|
Latin University of Panama (Universidad Latina de Panamá) |
Bachelor of Law and Political Science |
Bachelor |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
|
Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
Master |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
PhD in Law (Doctorado en Derecho) |
PhD |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Criminal Law |
Diploma |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
|
Short-term Courses |
Short-term |
$500 - $1,500 |
|
Santa María La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) |
Bachelor of Law |
Bachelor |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
Master of Law |
Master |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
|
PhD in Law |
PhD |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Corporate Law |
Diploma |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
|
Short-term Courses |
Short-term |
$500 - $1,500 |
|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor of Law |
Bachelor |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
|
Master of Law |
Master |
$3,500 - $5,500 |
|
|
PhD in Law |
PhD |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
|
Diploma in Maritime Law |
Diploma |
$1,000 - $2,500 |
|
|
Short-term Courses |
Short-term |
$500 - $1,500 |
|
Universidad Latina de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Bachelor of Law and Political Science |
Bachelor |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
|
Master of Law and Political Science |
Master |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Administrative Law |
Diploma |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
|
Short-term Courses |
Short-term |
$500 - $1,500 |
|
Universidad Americana (UAM) |
Bachelor of Law (Licenciatura en Derecho) |
Bachelor |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
|
Master of Law (Maestría en Derecho) |
Master |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Family Law |
Diploma |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
|
Short-term Courses |
Short-term |
$500 - $1,500 |
Degree Level |
General Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor's Degree |
Educational Qualification: High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., Bachillerato). |
|
|
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Spanish, as most courses are taught in Spanish. Some universities may require a language proficiency test (e.g., DELE). |
|
|
Entrance Exam: Some universities may require an entrance exam or an interview as part of the admission process. |
|
|
Additional Requirements: Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and sometimes an essay or motivation letter. |
|
Master's Degree |
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Law or a related field from a recognized institution. |
|
|
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Spanish, with some universities potentially requiring a language test. |
|
|
Academic Performance: A strong academic record in undergraduate studies. |
|
|
Work Experience: Some programs may prefer or require relevant professional experience in the legal field. |
|
|
Additional Requirements: Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and sometimes an entrance exam or interview. |
|
PhD Degree |
Educational Qualification: Master’s degree in Law or a closely related field from a recognized institution. |
|
|
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Spanish is required. |
|
|
Research Proposal: A well-defined research proposal in the field of law is typically required for admission. |
|
|
Academic Performance: A strong academic record in previous graduate studies. |
|
|
Additional Requirements: Letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae (CV), and an interview or entrance exam. |
|
Diploma/Short-term Courses |
Educational Qualification: Varies depending on the course, but generally requires at least a high school diploma or relevant professional experience. |
|
|
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Spanish may be required, especially for short-term courses. |
|
|
Additional Requirements: Specific to the course, such as work experience in a related field or a basic understanding of legal principles. |
Scholarship Name |
Offered by |
Eligibility Criteria |
Scholarship Coverage |
Applicable Degree Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
IFARHU Scholarships |
Institute for the Training and Use of Human Resources (IFARHU) |
Panamanian students or residents with excellent academic performance |
Full or partial tuition coverage, living expenses, study materials |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
|
Senacyt Scholarships |
National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENACYT) |
Panamanian students with research-oriented studies or projects |
Tuition fees, research funding, living expenses |
Master, PhD |
|
University-Specific Scholarships |
Various universities (e.g., University of Panama, USMA) |
Academic merit, financial need, or specific eligibility criteria set by the university |
Partial or full tuition coverage |
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma |
|
OAS Academic Scholarships |
Organization of American States (OAS) |
Students from OAS member countries, including Panama |
Full or partial tuition, travel expenses, living expenses |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
|
Chevening Scholarships |
UK Government (for studying in Panama under special programs) |
Outstanding academic background and leadership potential |
Full coverage of tuition, living expenses, travel |
Master (special programs in partnership with Panamanian institutions) |
|
Rotary Foundation Global Grants |
Rotary International |
Students with a focus on peace and conflict resolution, law, or public service |
Tuition, living expenses, travel costs |
Master, PhD |
|
Fulbright Program |
U.S. Department of State |
Panamanian students for study in the U.S. or affiliated programs in Panama |
Full tuition, living expenses, travel, research funding |
Master, PhD |
|
UNESCO Scholarships |
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) |
Students with a focus on education, culture, and law |
Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs |
Master, PhD |
Career Path |
Description |
Potential Employers |
Average Salary Range (Annually) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lawyer/Attorney |
Represents clients in legal matters, provides legal advice, and prepares legal documents. |
Law firms, corporations, government agencies, NGOs |
$20,000 - $60,000 |
|
Corporate Lawyer |
Specializes in corporate law, handling mergers, acquisitions, compliance, and corporate governance. |
Corporations, multinational companies, financial institutions |
$30,000 - $70,000 |
|
Judge |
Presides over court proceedings, interprets and applies the law to resolve disputes. |
Judicial system, government |
$35,000 - $80,000 |
|
Legal Consultant |
Provides expert legal advice on specific legal matters, often on a contractual basis. |
Law firms, corporations, government agencies, NGOs |
$25,000 - $60,000 |
|
Public Prosecutor |
Represents the state in prosecuting criminal cases, ensuring justice is served. |
Public prosecution offices, government agencies |
$30,000 - $70,000 |
|
Notary Public |
Authorized to perform legal formalities, especially in drawing up and certifying legal documents. |
Private practice, legal firms, government |
$25,000 - $50,000 |
|
Legal Researcher/Academician |
Conducts legal research, teaches law, and publishes scholarly articles. |
Universities, research institutions, legal think tanks |
$20,000 - $50,000 |
|
Human Rights Advocate |
Works to protect and promote human rights through legal channels, often in challenging environments. |
NGOs, international organizations, government agencies |
$20,000 - $50,000 |
|
Maritime Lawyer |
Specializes in laws related to maritime activities, including shipping, navigation, and marine insurance. |
Shipping companies, law firms, ports, government |
$30,000 - $70,000 |
|
Environmental Lawyer |
Focuses on laws and regulations related to environmental protection and sustainability. |
NGOs, government agencies, corporations, law firms |
$25,000 - $60,000 |
|
Arbitrator/Mediator |
Facilitates negotiations and conflict resolution outside the courts, often in commercial disputes. |
Arbitration centers, law firms, corporations |
$30,000 - $65,000 |
|
Diplomat/International Relations Expert |
Represents the country in international affairs, focusing on legal aspects of treaties and agreements. |
Foreign affairs ministry, international organizations |
$35,000 - $70,000 |
