Some intending to become lawyers may wonder what the best law schools in Australia are and this is because the universities in Australia are home to advanced legal education and a pleasing cultural environment, which helps every student to study law in Australia, grow into better versions of themselves and achieve their dreams. Hence, exploring the legal education of the most prestigious law schools in this blog is necessary.
Best Law Schools in Australia
In this part, we’ll deliver you the top 10 list of the best law schools in Australia, showing their global ranking and domestic ranking, as well as the locations, which will help the students to select the best one.
| Best Law Schools in Australia | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY | AUSTRALIAN RANKING | QS RANKING | LOCATION |
| The University of Melbourne | 1 | 11 | Melbourne |
| New South Wales University | 2 | 13 | Sydney |
| University of Sydney | 3 | 14 | Sydney |
| National University of Australia | 4 | 17 | Canberra |
| University of Monash | 5 | 40 | Melbourne |
| Queensland University | 6 | 43 | Brisbane |
| University of Western Australia | 7 | 92 | Perth |
| Macquarie University | 8 | 101 | Macquarie |
| Griffith University | 9 | 101-150 | Sydney |
| The University of Adelaide | 10 | 101-150 | Adelaide |
Law School Rankings Australia
In this section, we’ll introduce the best law colleges in Australia in details, where students can have the opportunity to study law in Australia. And the introduction focuses on the rankings, suggested courses, entry criteria and international fees.
The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne has the best law school in Australia. The Melbourne Law School was established in 1857 and was among Australia’s oldest universities. And the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject reveals that the University of Melbourne ranked first in Australia regarding laws. Meanwhile, the university boasts a community of excellent experts, faculty, alumni, mentors, and scholars worldwide. And it also works with other international organizations for further development; it also offers different law programs to help the students explore the fantastic world of law and prepare them for various challenges in the future, such as graduate research degrees, Juris Doctor (JD) programs, and bachelor’s degrees.
- Suggested Course: MLM (Melbourne Law Masters)
- Entry Criteria: LLB/JD or equivalent with professional experience and English language requirements
- International Fees: $51,328
New South Wales University
The University of New South Wales (UNSW), a highly-regarded school, pioneers in law and criminology education and research. The university, which was founded in 1971, ranks 13th in the QS World University Rankings. In addition, UNSW gained an ERA rating of 5 for law in the latest research excellence rankings. The school has law programs featuring a student-centered approach, which means interactive and research-based classes. Moreover, it also provides 3 practice programs, including JD, LLB, and GDLPP for practical legal training. All in all, students can acquire the experience by debating and discussing legal issues, which will enhance their skills in reasoning and research.
- Suggested Course: Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Entry Criteria: excellent academic record, IELTS (6.5 overall) and TOEFL (90 overall)
- International Fees: $885 per credit unit
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney Law School is one of the best law schools in Australia, which was founded in 1855, and has made great contributions to many aspects of Australia, such as judiciary, politics, and people’s daily lives. According to the QS World University Rankings, it ranks 14th. And in terms of disciplines, it designs well-suited lessons for undergraduates and postgraduates, including administrative law and policy, environmental law, health law, taxation, criminology, and so forth. Moreover, the students can have lessons with non-lawyers and have an unparalleled interactive study experience.
- Suggested Course: LLM (Master of Laws)
- Entry Criteria: LLB/JD, IELTS (7.0), TOEFL-IBT (96 overall, including a minimum result of 17 in reading, listening, and speaking, and 19 in writing)
- International Fees: $56,500
National University of Australia
The National University of Australia (ANU) was established in 1960 and is among the best law colleges in Australia. It ranks 17th in the QS World University Rankings. ANU has 3 kinds of degrees, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and research, which help the students to comprehend the latest laws and policies in a better way. If learning at ANU, you will learn a lot because of the positive and student-oriented learning environment. Besides, you will also develop the ability to conduct research analysis, cooperate, and improve communication skills, which are of great importance in many jobs.
- Suggested Course: Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
- Entry Criteria: International Baccalaureate and ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
- International Fees: $48,033
University of Monash
Founded in 1964, the Faculty of Law of Monash University is among the best law schools in Australia and it ranks 40th globally with global recognition. The school boasts a comprehensive education system so studying at Monash University is an unparalleled experience. Furthermore, the legal courses aim to offer students professional training by discussing and interacting, fostering their critical thinking, legal analysis, and persuasive argumentation. In addition, it has a prominent feature that students can handle real cases during their studies. In a nutshell, the school is an excellent option for those seeking double degrees and studying law in Australia.
- Suggested Course: Master of Legal Studies
- Entry Criteria: excellent academic record with IELTS (6.5 overall), PTE (58 overall), and TOEFL (79 overall scores)
- International Fees: $51,500
Queensland University
Established in 1936, the University of Queensland is one of the best law colleges in Australia and ranks 43 globally in the QS World University Rankings. The university is renowned for the strong faculty team and industry connections. With an emphasis on critical thinking and global legal perspectives, the university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. Such tailored courses would meet different needs and provide practical legal training for both domestic and international students. For instance, students can participate in moot courts and internships so as to acquire hands-on experience in real legal scenarios.
- Suggested courses: Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (LLB Hons)
- Entry Criteria: ATAR 98+ (or equivalent IB score), with alternative pathways available
- International Fees: $47,264
University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia, among the best unis for law in Australia, is known for its elite teaching standards. The school was established in 1927 and ranks 92th (QS World University Rankings). Moreover, the universities is praised for its personalized learning. Its law programs integrate theoretical learning with practical opportunities, such as internships, clinical training, and international exchange programs. In this way, all students could have the chance to develop their skills in reasoning and negotiation. The courses of the University of Western Australia make them really competitive in the global job market.
- Suggested Course: Juris Doctor (JD)
- Entry Criteria: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) with a weighted average mark of at least 65%, plus English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall)
- International Fees: $46,500
Macquarie University
Macquarie University is recognized as one of the top law schools in Australia as a result of the innovative education in law. It was founded in 1972 and ranks 101 in the QS Rankings. The learning programs focus on many aspects, including technology law and international human rights. Meanwhile, it provides many opportunities for the students to take part in internships and real casework. The graduates are adaptable to legal difficulties with great ability of analysis.
- Suggested Course: Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Entry Criteria: ATAR 90+ (or equivalent), with alternative entry options
- International Fees: $42,000
Griffith University
Griffith University, established in 1971, is a socially conscious school. It ranks 101-150 in QS Rankings and is among the best law universities in Australia. The school is centered on environmental law and criminal justice, while it combines classroom teaching with moot competitions. Therefore, students can improve their legal skills through real cases, helping them to get ready to work in the future.
- Suggested Course: Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Entry Criteria: ATAR 85+ (or equivalent), with pathway options
- International Fees: $38,500
The University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide is rounding out Australia’s top 10 law schools. It’s a prestigious institution which was founded in 1874. Meanwhile, it has a fabulous reputation for academic excellence and innovative research. Ranked 101-150 in the QS World University Rankings, its law program features incorporate law, international law, and human rights. And beyond classroom, students cam gain hands-on experience through internships and partnerships with leading legal firms, which ensures them to get ready to succeed in the future.
- Suggested Course: Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
- Entry Criteria: ATAR 88+ (or equivalent), with pathway options available
- International Fees: $42,000
Why Study Law in Australia?
Many people may ask such a question: Why should I study law in Australia? So in the following part, we’ll give you the reasons of studying law in Australia from different dimensions and then you can have a comprehensive evaluation.
- High-Quality Legal Education: Australia is renowned for its most prestigious law schools in the world. And the outstanding universities offer high-quality education for students worldwide, including domestic and international laws.
- Bright Career Prospects: Approximately 74% of Australian law graduates are estimated to secure jobs nationwide. And their salaries will increase if they gain experience, with an average starting salary of AUD 60,000.
- Global Recognition: Many countries recognize Australian law degrees and accept Australian qualifications for practicing Law, but sometimes, additional requirements exist.
- Internship Opportunities: Law schools in Australia provide many opportunities for international and domestic internships. They also offer chances for guest lectures, industry events, and alums networks to develop their career prospects.
- Scholarships for International Students: International students pursuing a Master’s in Law have many opportunities to access scholarships which makes it a feasible option for the students who wanna study in Australia.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: Graduates can apply for a work visa for 2 to 4 years, which helps them to live and work after graduation.
Entry Requirements for the Best Law Schools in Australia
In this part, we’ll offer you the information of the entry criteria for the best law schools in Australia to help you learn more about the best unis in Australia for law, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Undergraduate Program Admission Criteria
- Applicants for graduate programs need to fulfill the needs as follows:
- Have the Victorian Certificate of Education or an equivalent secondary qualification.
- Achieve the required grades in prerequisite subjects for the chosen degree.
- Meet the minimum ATAR.
- Satisfy the English language proficiency requirement.
Postgraduate Program Admission Criteria
- Candidates for postgraduate programs need to fulfill the needs as follows:
- Have a Bachelor of Laws or an equivalent qualification.
- Have a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
- Have a recognized law degree with two years of professional experience.
- Provide proof of English proficiency, such as a TOEFL score of at least 79/120 or an IELTS score of 6.5/9.
Do Law Schools Matter?
Your law school is important for employers, but it’s not the only or crucial standard. To be honest, if you are a graduate of top law schools in Australia, you are more likely to attend an interview. Nonetheless, bosses will pay more attention to the applicant’s ability to communicate, solve problems, work values and enthusiasm. Usually, the real-world experience is a key factor for your interview. Supposing they have worked in the field of law for a long time, they will be more likely to get the job.
How to Choose the Best Law School in Australia?
When selecting the best law schools to apply to, the key factors you can take into account are as follows:
- Reputation: Whether the school is recognized by employers.
- Curriculum: Whether the university offers well-rounded courses, such as combined degrees.
- Location: Whether it’s close to you or you have to move house.
- Period: The time it will take to finish the degree.
In addition, if you want to go into the academic field, then you need to pay less attention to the views of employers, and focus more on the views of those in academia. No matter which university you decide, it is significant to know the work ethic matters most.
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Conclusion about Best Law Schools in Australia
With the best law schools in Australia, it’s ideal for every student seeking education abroad. All the universities are known for their prominent academic programs, excellent legal courses and multicultural environments. All the top law schools in Australia are nice picks for the legal students worldwide because of their pursuit of excellence, ground-breaking teaching methods, and global visions.
FAQ about Best Law Schools in Australia
Which is the best law school in Australia?
The University of Melbourne consistently ranks the top, followed by New South Wales University, University of Sydney, and the National University of Australia. All the universities are home to advanced legal education and a pleasing cultural environment.
Does it matter what law school you go to in Australia?
Yes. But it’s not the only or crucial standard. The employers will pay more attention to the applicant’s ability to communicate, solve problems, work values and enthusiasm. Usually, the real-world experience is a key factor for your interview.
What ATAR is needed for law?
90 or higher is needed to gain entry into a Bachelor of Laws program in Australia,. However, specific requirements vary by university and course, so it’s essential to check the individual course page for the most accurate information.
How hard is it to get into law in Australia?
There are 3 requirements to get into law in Australia:
- You’ve completed a law degree or equivalent course (LLB or JD).
- You’ve undertaken a Practical Legal Training (PLT) program, which results in the award of the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
- You’re a fit and proper person.
