Benefits of Studying Law in Australia
Australia proudly showcases its strength in the field of law with an impressive achievement: seven of its universities have secured spots in the esteemed list of the top 100 universities worldwide for law. This recognition underscores Australia’s reputation as a hub for legal excellence and positions its universities as leading destinations for students seeking world-class legal education and opportunities.
Job Prospects & Positive Job Growth Rate
Law graduates in Australia can look forward to an abundance of job prospects. From November 2021 to November 2026, the occupation of solicitors in Australia is projected to experience a significant growth rate of 21%.
In parallel, the general field of occupation of judicial and other legal professionals is expected to see a growth rate of 11% during the same period. These forecasts indicate a positive outlook for the legal industry in Australia, with increasing opportunities for solicitors and legal professionals in various roles.
Supportive Legal Community
Another benefit of studying law in Australia is the opportunity to engage with a vibrant and supportive legal community. Australian universities often foster close connections with legal professionals, law firms, and industry experts. This enables students to access internships, networking events, guest lectures, and mentorship programs, providing valuable practical experiences and guidance
Careers with a Law Degree
A law degree from an Australian university opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Here are some common career paths you can pursue with a law degree
Entry Requirements for Law Degrees in Australia
If you’re thinking about studying law in Australia, it’s important to know the entry requirements. While they can vary between universities, there are some common criteria you should keep in mind. Below, we will explore some of the requirements and eligibility criteria for law undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in Australia:
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
For undergraduate degree programs, applicants are typically required to have completed their secondary education or an equivalent qualification recognized by the university.
English language requirements for international students applying to Australian universities may vary slightly between institutions. However, in general, universities typically require proof of English language proficiency through recognized tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Cambridge English exams. For example, an IELTS score ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 overall (min 6.0 to 7.0 in each band) or equivalent results/proof is required.
For combined degree programs, there may be subject prerequisites for admission to the program. For example, the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws at the University of Syndey has a Mathematics prerequisite, where you are required to have studied Mathematics Advanced or higher level in high school.
Postgraduate Degree Requirements
Most universities offering Juris Doctor (JD) programs require applicants to have completed a tertiary degree in a discipline other than law. This means that applicants with an undergraduate degree in a field other than law are eligible to apply for the JD program. However, some universities may also accept applicants who hold a degree in law from an overseas jurisdiction. For more competitive programs, you will need to have around a 60-70% average mark in previous studies to be considered for entry.
As with undergraduate programs, international applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. The specific English language requirements can vary between universities, but a minimum overall score between 6.0 and 7.5 in IELTS is commonly requested.
Some universities, including the University of Melbourne, provide guaranteed entry packages to high-achieving domestic and international students who have completed an Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia. These packages are offered based on the student’s ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) or equivalent academic achievement.
Law Degree Program Structures and Duration
Law degree program structures and durations in Australia can vary depending on the university and the specific program. However, there are some common structures and durations observed across many Australian universities offering law degrees.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Program. The traditional undergraduate law degree in Australia is the Bachelor of Laws (LLB). This program typically has a duration of 3 to 4 years for full-time study. Students cover a range of foundational legal subjects and may have the opportunity to choose elective courses in specialized areas of law.
- Juris Doctor (JD) Program. The Juris Doctor is a postgraduate law degree program offered by many Australian universities. The JD program is typically designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-law field. The duration of the JD program is generally 3 years for full-time study, although some universities offer accelerated options for students with certain qualifications or prior legal study.
- Combined Degree Programs. Many universities also offer combined degree programs that allow students to study law in conjunction with another field of interest, such as business, commerce, arts, or science. These programs typically involve completing both the law degree and the other degree concurrently, and the total duration is typically 5 years full-time but can range depending on the specific combination chosen.
Cost of Law Degrees in Australian Universities
If you’re an international student interested in studying law in Australia, it’s essential to consider the cost factors involved. Tuition fees for law degrees in Australian universities can vary, so it’s a good idea to check the specific university’s website or contact their admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
To give you a clearer picture, we’ve compared the fees for undergraduate and graduate law degrees at the top Australian universities. On average, undergraduate law degrees range from approximately 39,356 AUD to 49,500 AUD per year, while Juris Doctor programs typically range from around 43,900 AUD to 54,000 AUD per year. These figures offer an overview of the expected costs for these programs, but it’s important to note that specific fees may vary between universities and should be verified directly with the institutions.
