Study Law in Australia

The Australian Law Degree

Australian law schools confer the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and, in rarer cases, the Juris Doctor (JD). The LLB is a four year course of study, while the JD is a three year curriculum. Both degrees are recognized for the practice of law in Australia in addition to several other countries, as well. Nearly all of Australia’s law students pursue a second degree before or during their law studies. Australia also offers a range of LLM programs, which offer specialization options, and can ultimately yield a more comprehensive and international understanding of the law.

Australian law degrees typically complete or largely meet the requirements to practice law. A significant number of international students pursue Australian law degrees because of their high quality and internationally prized status. The degree to which your Australian degree will be recognized outside the country, however, varies according to country.

Law Education in Australia

Australia's law schools and law faculties in universities offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Each law institution has its own program of study, although many have a core curriculum including introduction to basic concepts, tort, criminal law, property law and several others. Students also select from a range of elective subjects, such as international law, jurisprudence, and comparative trade law. Most Australian jurisdictions mandate a period of additional study or practical training following the law degree.

All Australian law schools teach in English, and applicants must satisfy a language requirement in order to meet the proficiency expectation. The academic calendar begins in March and concludes in October.

Factors involved with choosing a law school include curriculum and reputation, as well as others, such as location, climate, size and international student demographics. The cost of law studies in Australia varies depending on the institution as well as the degree. Undergraduate studies range between $15,000 and $33,000 AUD; masters degrees range between $20,000 and $37,000 AUD and doctoral degrees can fall anywhere between $14,000 and $37,000 AUD.

Many law students go into law careers as either barristers or solicitors working in private practice or for the government. Others seek employment with large corporations ranging from preparing bank mortgages to negotiating commercial transactions. Public interest organizations, such as welfare and legal aid, also offer career paths to Australia’s law graduates.

A full third of Australian law degree recipients don't go on to practice law. Because of its focus on broad interdisciplinary skills, such as critical thinking and communications, the field of study is viewed as a foundation for a wide variety of of non-legal careers, including technology, business, journalism and more.

About Australia

Australia, located in the southern hemisphere is a sophisticated and culturally diverse nation with a world-class education system. These qualities, combined with the fact that it's an English speaking country, make Australia an extremely popular destination for international students.

Most of the population lives along the south and east coasts. Australia is a highly developed country with the world’s fifth-highest per capita income. Major industries focus on Australia’s abundant natural resources, including agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, forestry, and minerals.

Australia's Legal System

Derived from British influence, Australia follow a common law system consisting of court-enforced statutes. Australian states and territories are governed by their own court systems with an overseeing federal body. Australia’s legal system is known for its maturity and rich history.