Australia has become a popular destination for educational tourism in recent years, surpassing traditionally popular study-abroad destinations such as the United Kingdom and the United States. This is due to the welcoming nature of the country, which attracts millions of international students seeking higher education. Among these students, a significant number choose to study law in Australia.
The country has 36 accredited law colleges offering degrees at all levels, from diploma to doctorate, with 7 of them ranked within the top 50 law schools in the world by QS. Studying law in Australia offers comprehensive education and promising legal career prospects.
This article will provide information on the best law universities in Australia, the types of courses available, and the advantages of studying law in Australia.
Why Study Law Degree in Australia?
- High-quality education: Australian universities are well-known for offering high-quality legal education. Australian law schools consistently rank among the best in the world, and many have strong international reputations.
- Wide range of career opportunities: A law degree from an Australian university can open many career opportunities in Australia and abroad. Graduates can go on to work in areas such as corporate law, litigation, criminal law, human rights law, and more.
- Solid legal system: Australia has a strong and stable legal system based on the common law tradition. This means that students who study law in Australia will gain a solid understanding of the standard law system used in many countries worldwide.
- Multicultural environment: Australia is multicultural, and its universities reflect this diversity. Studying law in Australia can allow students to learn about different legal systems and perspectives worldwide.
- Lifestyle: Australia is known for its high standard of living, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. Studying law in Australia can be an excellent opportunity to experience this lifestyle while pursuing a challenging and rewarding academic program.
- Dual Degree: Pursuing a law degree in Australia offers various options, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, dual degrees, diploma courses, and PhD programs.
- Post-Study Work: Graduates can also obtain a post-study work visa to work, live, and study in Australia for two to four years. Australia is an attractive destination for international students, with its cosmopolitan culture, easy student visa access, high-quality education, and promising job opportunities.
Top Law Schools in Australia: QS World Ranking 2023
University |
Location |
Rank |
The University of Melbourne |
Parkville |
11 |
The University of New South Wales |
Sydney |
13 |
The University of Sydney |
Sydney |
16 |
The Australian National University |
Canberra |
24 |
Monash University |
Melbourne |
=40 |
The University of Queensland |
Brisbane |
=53 |
The University of Technology Sydney |
Haymarket |
=69 |
Macquarie University |
Sydney |
101-150 |
The University of Adelaide |
Adelaide |
101-150 |
The University of Western Australia |
Perth |
101-150 |
Course Duration
Degree |
Duration |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
4-5 years full-time |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
3 years full-time |
Graduate Diploma in Law |
1 year full-time |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
1-2 years full-time |
|
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for law degree programs in Australia may vary slightly between universities, but generally, they include the following:
- Academic Requirements: Applicants are usually required to have completed high school or an equivalent qualification. In most cases, students must have achieved a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent, usually around 90 or above.
- English Language Proficiency: International students whose first language is not English may need to provide evidence of their English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
- Personal Statement or Interview: Some universities may require a personal statement or interview as part of the application process.
- Additional Tests: Some universities may require students to take additional tests like the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or a similar test.
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Program
- To be eligible for admission to Australian universities, students must have completed 12 years of education or hold equivalent school certificates.
- They must provide proof of their proficiency in the English language, with an average cut-off score of 6.5 for IELTS, 80 for TOEFL, 55-58 for PTE, and 53-58 for CAE.
Master of Laws (LLM) Program
- For admission to Master of Laws (LLM) programs in Australia, applicants must hold a Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor degree.
- However, candidates with undergraduate degrees in other fields may also apply, provided they meet the required Weighted Average Marks (WAM).
- Additionally, applicants from other disciplines must have at least 2 years of work experience.
- They must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language, with an average cut-off score of 6.5 for IELTS, 80-90 for TOEFL iBT, and 58 for PTE. The GPA requirement may vary depending on the individual university's admission criteria.
Doctoral Program
- To be eligible for a doctoral degree in law in Australia, students must have completed a Master of Law (LLM) degree.
- They should possess excellent proficiency in the English language, with an average cut-off score of 7.0 for IELTS, 600 for TOEFL (PBT), and 65 for PTE.
Tuition Fees
Programs |
Total Tuition Costs |
Undergraduate Law Course |
AUD 60,000 - 2,40,000 |
Postgraduate Law Course |
AUD 40,000 - 1,00000 |
Doctoral Law Course |
AUD 90,000 - 1,80,000 |
Career Scope
Australia's robust and reputable legal system has contributed to the growth and demand for law professionals. The country is home to several law schools that offer top-notch legal education, and graduates from these schools have a wide range of career opportunities in various legal fields.
A law degree from an Australian law school can lead to a variety of career paths, including:
- Private Practice: Graduates can work as solicitors or barristers in private law firms and provide legal advice and representation to clients.
- Government Legal Services: Graduates can work as legal counsel in various government departments, such as the Attorney General's Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- In-house Counsel: Graduates can work in legal departments of corporations, providing legal advice and support to the company's management.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Graduates can work in non-profit organizations, providing legal advice and representation to individuals who cannot afford legal services.
- Academia: Graduates can pursue a career in teaching and research by joining a law school as a lecturer or researcher.