Top 5 universities to pursue law in Australia

About law courses in Australia

According to QS and THE rankings, Australia is the 3rd best country to study law due to its many course options. The country has 22 universities that offer law programs, with 4 ranking in the top 50 globally as per THE rankings 2024. Every year, around 400,000 international students apply for law courses in Australia. Australian universities providing law courses allow students to participate in internships and on-campus placements. Additionally, Australian National University and other universities offer exchange programs to students in places such as the UK and Asia Pacific. Hence, many students aspire to pursue law in Australia.

Why study law in Australia?

Here’s why Australia is the best choice for students-

Innovative thinking

Universities, colleges, and institutions in Australia are dedicated to providing you with the adequate skills and knowledge you need to prosper in the field of your choice. As the worldwide demand for entrepreneurial and innovative thinkers grows, Australian education providers have redesigned their teaching and learning methods to stimulate thought-leading innovation in students across all disciplines.

Globally ranked institutions

Australia is setting international norms for educational achievement.

The Australian education sector includes world-class institutions, first-rate training facilities, exceptional professors, and excellent student support services.

Independent worldwide rankings such as Times Higher Education, QS, and Shanghai Rankings provide unbiased verification. These agencies place Australian institutions among the world’s top 100 universities year after year.

Work experience

If you study in Australia, you will obtain numerous essential skills and experiences.

Education in Australia helps you excel in the international workforce. A degree from Australia will make you a competitive candidate for potential employers in Australia, at home, and worldwide.

Various degrees and vocational courses in Australia offer work experience programs and internships. These opportunities provide you with practical experience in your chosen industry and enable you to expand your professional network. After finishing your degree, you can stay and work in Australia.

Safety at its best

Cities in Australia boast some of the world’s lowest crime rates, and their streets and public areas are open and safe. Numerous housing alternatives are available, including purpose-built student communities, homestays, private rentals, share-houses, and boarding schools.

Top law universities in Australia for international students

University of Melbourne

The Melbourne JD degree is the only law school program that enables graduates to practice law in all Australian jurisdictions. This degree can be helpful in various legal systems worldwide. In addition, you can pursue the internationally recognized Melbourne Law Masters or a graduate research degree.

Melbourne Law School dedicates to public engagement and conducts various activities such as conferences, lectures, and workshops that allow students to interact with the local community. The Centre for AI and Digital Ethics Summer Research Academy was one of the school’s most recent programs.

More than 20,000 active graduates from Melbourne Law School are in at least 90 countries. Alfred Deakin, Harold Holt, Julia Gillard, and Robert Menzies are among the notable alumni. Governor-Generals Sir Ninian Stephen, Sir Zelman Cowen, and Sir Owen Dixon, one of Australia’s best jurists, are all law school graduates.

The programs include-

• Melbourne Juris Doctor
• Masters of Law
• Graduate Diploma
• Master of Philosophy- Law (MPhil)
• Doctor of Philosophy – Law (Ph.D.)

Australian National University (ANU)

Established in 1960, the College of Law at ANU inspires many students to join the institution.

Administrative law, constitutional law, international law, international security law, environmental law, and government and regulation are among the primary research fields at ANU College of Law. They are conducting this research at the college’s five research centers.

It also holds public engagement events. They give the Phillipa Weeks Lecture on Labour Law yearly in remembrance of late ANU professor Philippa Weeks. The university conducts the National Law Reform Conference annually. It attracts some of Australia’s finest policy experts, legal practitioners, and researchers to discuss significant areas of the law that require reform and is one of the best universities in Australia for law.

The programs include-

• Bachelors of Law(Honours)
• Graduate Certificate
• Graduate Diploma
• Juris Doctor
• Masters of Law
• Masters of Philosophy- Law (MPhil)
• Doctor of Philosophy – Law (Ph.D.)

University Of New South Wales (UNSW)

Undergraduate students at UNSW Sydney study law as part of a double degree, earning a Bachelor of Law and another non-legal degree. 

The institution has established an academic exchange plan with over 80 law schools from 40 nations. This is one of Australia’s most prominent student exchange schemes. Students can study abroad for one, two, or three terms during their fourth or fifth year of an undergraduate degree.

UNSW Law conducts research on human rights, international finance, technology and law, environmental protection, contracts, and Indigenous peoples’ justice. The Allens Hub for Technology, Law, and Innovation and the Andrew & Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law are two of the faculty’s ten research centers and institutes.

The programs include-

• Bachelor of Law
• UNSW Juris Doctor
• Practical Legal Training
• Masters of Law
• Masters of Law by Research
• Masters of Philosophy- Law (MPhil)
• Doctor of Philosophy- Law (Ph.D.)

University of Sydney

Established in 1855, law, the arts, and medicine were among the first disciplines taught at the University of Sydney.

The institution has created Industry and Community Project Units, which allow students to work with industry partners to tackle real-world legal problems. The law school has also established two legal clinics- the public interest law clinic and the law and social justice clinic. This feature enables students to utilize their academic knowledge to solve real-life problems and University of Sydney is one of the best university for law in Australia.

The programs include-

• Bachelor of Law
• Juris Doctor
• Masters of Law
• Masters of Law(Research)
• Graduate Diploma
• Doctor of Philosophy – Law (Ph.D.)

Monash University

Established in 1963, Monash Law School holds a lot of importance.

Undergraduate students can tailor their course to their interests by selecting electives such as animal law, media law, and negotiation & conflict resolution.

Students can also gain clinical legal experience at the university by working in real-life situations.

The Monash University Law Review is the primary academic journal of the law faculty. The students run it, and faculty mentors oversee it.

The university has an international campus in Malaysia and national campuses throughout Australia. 

The programs include-

• Bachelor of Law (Honours)
• Bachelor of Law (Dual Degree)
• Graduate Certificate
• Graduate Diploma
• Masters of Law
• Master of Philosophy- Law (MPhil)
• Doctor of Philosophy – Law (Ph.D.)

Key takeaways

• Australia offers excellent opportunities for pursuing a law degree, known as an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) or JD (Juris Doctor).
• Australian law schools are famous for their high academic standards and practical approach to legal education.
• Australian law degrees are recognized globally, providing graduates with a strong foundation for pursuing legal careers in various jurisdictions.
• Law students in Australia benefit from a diverse and multicultural environment, fostering a global perspective and networking opportunities.
• The Australian legal system is based on the common law tradition, allowing students to study and understand this clear legal framework.
• They emphasize practical experience through internships, clinical programs, and moot court competitions, enhancing practical skills and employability.

Australia is a top destination for international students, offering a range of benefits and opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re interested in studying abroad and want information on Pursue Law in Australia.

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FAQs

Q1. Are lawyers in high demand in Australia?

Answer- Lawyers are in high demand in Australia and are needed in various industries, business sectors, commercial sectors, etc. Top-tier lawyers are in high demand in Perth and Brisbane.

Q2. How many years does it take to become a lawyer in Australia? 

Answer- A Bachelor of Laws study typically takes four years to complete in Australia. Students who have completed Year 12 or an equivalent certificate can enroll in either a single degree course or a combined degree course. The joint degree program lasts about five years.

Q3. What are the entry requirements for studying law in Australia as an international student?

Answer- The entry requirements for studying law in Australia, for international students vary among universities. Generally, you must meet academic criteria, including satisfactory completion of secondary education or an equivalent qualification. Also, English language proficiency is usually required, as demonstrated through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.