Top 10 Universities in Australia for Law: Rank, Fees, Scholarships

Australia's law schools are renowned for their exceptional quality and global outlook. With 19 higher-ed institutions listed among the best law universities in Australia (per QS Subject Rankings 2024), you will find a range of undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees with extensive practical components designed to equip you with modern day legal knowledge.

Read on to embark  on a journey of building a successful legal career through law courses in Australia.

Types of Law Degrees Offered in Australia with Duration of Degree

In Australia, there are various law degrees catering to both professional and non-practicing qualifications.

Eligibility Criteria at Best Universities in Australia for Law

Here are the eligibility criteria for admissions to the best universities in Australia for law: 

• Scores in TOEFL/IELTS. 
• Completion of 12 years of education or equivalent school education certificate. 
• SOP.  
• Letter of Reference. 
• Proof of funds. 

For postgraduate degrees, a bachelor’s degree in Law is required while bachelor’s in other fields are also eligible. Two years of work experience is mandatory at many universities along with the minimum GPA requirement. Other requirements include SOP, resume/CV and health insurance.

Top 10 Law Universities in Australia for International Students in 2024

The best 10 law universities in Australia are as follows:

Source: university websites

Why Study Law in Australia

Some top reasons for choosing Australia to study Law are as follows:

1. Exceptional Student and Faculty Quality: 

   Australia attracts students from around the world for its excellent programs and expert faculty members. With strong connections to the practicing profession, students have the opportunity to learn from experienced barristers, judges, and solicitors.

2. Historical Significance and Impact: 

   Australia's legal institutions have greatly contributed to its judiciary, politics, and public life. Graduates have become notable figures such as Prime Ministers, Presidents of the World Bank, and Chief Justices of the High Court and Supreme Court, showcasing the value of legal education in Australia.

3. International Outlook: 

   Today's lawyers need a global perspective, whether they are solicitors, barristers, or employed in government, industries, or the not-for-profit sector. Australian law schools are part of an elite group of universities that offer international experience through electives, exchange programs, and offshore learning.

4. Numerous Scholarships: 

   Australia provides extensive scholarships for international law students. The University of Melbourne offers scholarships up to AUD 50,000 for high-achieving students, while the University of Sydney covers tuition and living expenses through various scholarships. These opportunities significantly ease the financial burden for aspiring law students.

Acceptance Rate in Australian Law Universities for International Students

The number of international students in Australia has reached 704,931 in 2024, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. 

While specific acceptance rates for international students applying to law programs in Australian universities are not readily available, gaining admission is competitive. Prospective students should ensure their applications are strong to get an edge.

Application Process for Studying Law in Australia 

The application process to apply at the best law colleges in Australia for Indian students is as follows:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility and Prepare Documents

• Eligibility: Before you start your application, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for your desired undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree.
• Documentation: Have the following documents ready:
• Scanned copy of your passport identification page.
• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Any other required documents as specified by the university.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• Choose Your Course: Once you’ve selected a course, click the “Apply” button on the university’s website.
• Commencing Year: Select your starting year and proceed.
• Application Portal:
• If you’ve previously started an application, login with your applicant ID and password.
• New applicants need to create an account by entering their details.
• Application Form:
• Carefully follow the instructions provided.
• Verify the information on the course options page.
• Provide details about any scholarships you’ve received.
• Include qualifications and proof of meeting the language requirements.
• Confirm you’ve read the declaration and submit your application.
• Confirmation: After submission, you’ll receive an email confirming receipt of your application. This email will include your application ID and password.

Step 3: Offer and Acceptance

• Unconditional Offer:
• If your application is successful, you’ll receive an unconditional offer.
• Conditional Offer:
• If you need to meet additional requirements, you’ll receive a conditional offer.
• Follow the instructions to meet these requirements to receive the offer.

Step 4: Accept Your Offer

• Detailed instructions on how to accept your offer will be provided in your offer letter.
• Respond to your offer online via the university’s student portal.

Step 5: Pay Your Fees

• Pay the initial tuition fee specified in your offer letter.
• If you choose, pay for overseas student health coverage as arranged by the university.

Step 6: Apply for Your Visa

• Once your fees are paid, the university will send you an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).
• Use this document to apply for a student visa. Submit your visa application and schedule the appointment if needed.

Cost of Studying Law in Australia for Indian Students

Studying law in Australia is a significant investment, but it offers invaluable returns in terms of quality education and global career opportunities. Here is a brief overview of the tuition fees for law courses in 2024:

• Undergraduate Law Programs: Annual tuition fee: AUD 52,000 - AUD 70,000
• Postgraduate Coursework Programs: Annual tuition fee: AUD 49,500 - AUD 56,500
• Postgraduate Research Programs: Annual tuition fee: AUD 34,080 - AUD 53,500

Related Read: Cost of Study in Australia

Scholarships to Study Law in Australia

Some scholarships to study law in Australia for international students are as follows:

What are Practical Training Components while Studying Law in Australia

Studying law in Australia involves several practical training components designed to prepare you for a legal career. These include:

1. Clinical Component: Engaging in hands-on learning by working with clients and lawyers at Kingsford Legal Centre, a community legal center on campus.
2. Interactive Classes: Participating in small, interactive classes where you can debate and discuss legal ideas.
3. Internships and Clerkships: Taking advantage of internship and clerkship opportunities, supported by resources, workshops, and a jobs board provided by the Law & Justice exclusive Careers Service.
4. Competitions: Competing in moot court, trial advocacy, and client interviewing competitions to hone practical legal skills.
5. Overseas Electives and Exchanges: Participating in overseas electives and student exchange programs for broader exposure.
6. Work Experience: Gaining practical experience in world-leading research centers such as The Allens Hub for Technology, Law & Innovation, Australian Human Rights Institute, Indigenous Law Centre, and Andrew & Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law.
7. Practical Legal Training (PLT): Completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (GDLPP), which includes coursework (a five-day immersive workshop and 19 weeks online) and two 20-day work experience components.

Career Opportunities for Law Graduates in Australia

Law graduates in Australia have diverse career opportunities. They can pursue traditional roles such as solicitors or barristers with average salaries ranging from AUD 80,000 to AUD 115,000 per year. 

Opportunities also exist for corporate lawyers (AUD 118,683 to AUD 170,606 per year) and in legal consultancy (AUD 148,353 to AUD 241,816 per year). 

Additionally, legal consultants can earn between AUD 43 and AUD 45 per hour. Graduates may also work in non-legal fields like business, politics, and human rights, leveraging their legal knowledge and analytical skills.

Top Recruiters in Australia of Law Graduates with Average Salary

Some top recruiters in Australia of Law Graduates with average salary are as follows:

Source: Glassdoor, August 2024

Conclusion

Australia boasts some of the best universities for law, primarily because the programs offered provide a balanced theoretical and practical knowledge exposure. Establishments such as UNSW Law & Justice, one of the best-ranked universities globally, with intensive practical training components, equip graduates to deal with legal issues adequately. 

Law courses at top universities in Australia provide aspiring lawyers with a competitive platform to achieve success in this profession. With solid academic performance, exposure to a variety of practical experiences, and robust career development support, you become well-prepared to meet your professional goals.