Savanna Hoffman
Australia is a popular destination for international students due to its sophisticated and culturally diverse nature, world-class education system, and the fact that it's an English-speaking country. Studying law in Australia will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles that underpin many societies and will equip you with a broad set of skills that are highly valued in many different fields. Australian law schools offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, with the option to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or, in rarer cases, a Juris Doctor (JD). The LLB is a four-year course, while the JD is a three-year curriculum. Tuition fees vary depending on the course, and international students will need to obtain a student visa and demonstrate English language proficiency. Australia's law schools are located in capital cities as well as many regional cities, and you can expect a combination of professional practice and intellectual exploration of the theories and principles that underpin the legal system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree Types | Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), LLM programs, and postgraduate degrees |
| Degree Duration | Bachelor of Laws: 4 years, Juris Doctor: 3 years, Most students: 5 years and gain two degrees |
| Curriculum | Basic concepts, tort, criminal law, property law, international law, jurisprudence, comparative trade law, etc. |
| Language | English |
| Academic Calendar | March to October |
| Costs | Tuition fees, living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and other course-related fees |
| Employment Prospects | In 2021, 54% of international graduates with an undergraduate law degree were employed within four months. 68.3% of international graduates with a postgraduate qualification gained employment after their course. |
| Work Visa Requirements | International students need a student visa to study in Australia. Many job positions require PR or citizenship. |
| Law Practice Requirements | Admission to practice by the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory and a practicing certificate from the local legal professional body. Practical Legal Training or a Bar Practice Course is also required. |
| International Recognition | Australian law degrees are recognized in several other countries, but the degree of recognition varies depending on the country. |
| Additional Considerations | Location, climate, size of the law school, international student demographics, safety, culture, infrastructure, distance from home, and the reputation of the city among future employers. |
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What You'll Learn
Bachelor of Laws vs Juris Doctor
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Juris Doctor (JD) are both law degrees, but they have some differences in terms of their structure, focus, and intended audience.
The LLB is an undergraduate degree in law that is primarily offered in countries that follow the British legal system, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and India. The LLB degree focuses on legal theory and principles and provides students with a broad understanding of the law. LLB programs are typically three to four years in length and are intended for students who want to pursue a career in law or other related fields straight from high school.
The JD, on the other hand, is a postgraduate degree in law that is primarily offered in countries that follow the American legal system, such as the United States and Canada. The JD is designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree in another field and want to shift into law. The JD degree focuses on legal practice and provides students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to become practicing lawyers. The course duration is typically three years.
Both the LLB and JD lead to professional accreditation to practise law in Australia. However, it is important to note that in addition to the academic qualification, individuals intending to practise law in Australia must also complete Practical Legal Training (PLT).
The main advantage of a JD over an LLB is that the programs are designed to suit graduate students. The main disadvantage is that it normally costs more. Apart from generally higher tuition fees, postgraduate status means students miss out on government financial concessions for undergraduate study.
In terms of content, the LLB and JD cover the same concepts, including core law subjects like administrative law, contracts, and criminal law and procedures. The main difference is that the lecturers in the Juris Doctor program will expect your work to be of a higher standard since you’ll be studying at a postgraduate level.
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English language proficiency
To study law in Australia as an international student, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency. This is because all Australian law schools teach in English, and applicants must satisfy a language requirement to meet the proficiency expectation.
Each law school has different requirements for English language proficiency, so it is important to check the specific requirements of your chosen law school. You can find this information on the law school's website, which will also provide contact details for further enquiries.
There are various English language proficiency tests that you can take, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). These tests assess your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in English. It is important to prepare for these tests adequately and ensure that you meet the required standards set by your chosen law school.
In addition to language proficiency, you should also consider the financial aspects of studying in Australia as an international student. Tuition fees for international students can be significantly higher than for local students, and you may also need to budget for living expenses, health insurance, and other study-related costs.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that simply obtaining an Australian law degree may not be sufficient to practise law in Australia. Additional steps, such as practical legal training or a Bar Practice Course, are usually required. Therefore, it is essential to research the specific requirements for becoming a practising lawyer in Australia, including admission to practice by the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory and obtaining a practising certificate from the local legal professional body.
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Student visa requirements
International students need a student visa to study in Australia. The visa requirements are not limited to the following:
English Language Proficiency
English language proficiency is a requirement for international students intending to study law in Australia. Each law school's website will outline the specific language requirements and who to contact for further information.
Academic Requirements
The academic requirements for law degrees in Australia vary between courses. For example, the Bachelor of Laws degree will have different requirements to a Juris Doctor degree. It is important to review the specific details of your preferred course before applying.
Tuition Fees
International students often pay significantly higher tuition fees than local students. It is important to consider the financial costs of studying in Australia, including everyday living expenses and study-related costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Practical Legal Training
To practise law in Australia, it is mandatory to complete practical legal training. This can be done through a law firm or, in rare cases, through a traineeship.
Admission to Practice
To practise as a lawyer in Australia, admission to practice by the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory is required, followed by the obtaining of a practising certificate from the local legal professional body.
It is important to note that the visa requirements for international students intending to study law in Australia may be subject to change and updates. It is recommended to refer to the official Australian government websites and the websites of the specific law schools for the most current and comprehensive information.
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Course fees and living expenses
Course Fees
The tuition fees for studying law in Australia vary depending on the university, the degree level, and the specific course. For example, the fees for a Bachelor of Laws degree can range from AUD 9,000 to AUD 50,000 per year, while a Juris Doctor degree, a postgraduate qualification, will cost around AUD 7,200. The fees for a Master's degree can range from AUD 9,000 to AUD 54,000 per year. These fees are typically higher for specialised degrees like medicine or engineering.
Living Expenses
The cost of living for international students in Australia can vary depending on their city of residence and lifestyle choices. The monthly expenses can range from AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,500, including food, travel, social activities, and accommodation. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are among the most expensive cities, with higher living costs than Adelaide and Perth. The type of accommodation chosen can also impact expenses, with options including on-campus residences, off-campus shared housing, or homestays with local families. Groceries typically cost around AUD 500 to AUD 1,000 per month, and dining out can range from AUD 18 for an inexpensive meal to AUD 80 for a three-course meal for two.
Additional Costs
There are several additional costs that international students should consider when budgeting for their studies in Australia. These include pre-arrival expenses, such as airfare, exam fees, application fees, and visa charges, which can amount to approximately AUD 3,000. Health insurance is another significant expense, ranging from AUD 609 to AUD 3,438 per year, and students must also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The cost of OSHC varies based on the coverage needed, with prices ranging from AUD 500 for singles to AUD 4,200 for families.
Financial Aid
To assist with the financial burden, international students can explore scholarship opportunities, such as the Australia Awards, which cover full tuition fees, travel expenses, and part of the monthly living costs. Additionally, students can apply for education loans from banks and non-bank financial institutions to help manage their expenses.
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Career prospects
Australia is a popular destination for international students due to its sophisticated culture, diversity, and world-class education system. The country's legal system is derived from British influence and follows a common law tradition. Australian law schools offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and the Juris Doctor (JD). These degrees are recognised not only in Australia but also in several other countries.
Pursuing a law degree in Australia can lead to various career paths, both within and beyond traditional legal settings. Here are some career prospects to consider:
Legal Careers:
- Lawyer: A law degree is typically the first step towards becoming a lawyer, including specialisations such as a barrister, solicitor, or judge. To practise law in Australia, additional steps are required, such as admission to practice by the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory and obtaining a practising certificate from a local legal professional body.
- Paralegal: Paralegals assist lawyers and can work in various legal settings, providing support and expertise.
- Specialist Law Careers: You can pursue a diverse range of specialisations within the legal field, including international law, civil law, criminal law, public law, property law, business law, environmental law, human rights law, and more.
- Law Enforcement: A law degree can open doors to careers in law enforcement agencies, such as the police force, customs, and border security.
- Government and Policy Work: With a law degree, you can advise governments and other groups on creating or modifying policies and laws. You can work in community legal centres, legal aid organisations, or directly with disadvantaged groups.
Non-Legal Careers:
- Business and Entrepreneurship: The skills gained from a law degree, such as critical thinking and communication, are highly valued in the business world. Many law graduates pursue careers in startups, corporations, or their own ventures.
- Media and Journalism: Law graduates can excel in media-related fields, such as journalism, where analytical skills and a broad understanding of legal principles can be advantageous.
- Education: With a strong foundation in teaching international students, Australian law schools prepare graduates to become educators themselves, whether in academic or professional development settings.
- Politics: The skills and knowledge gained from a law degree can be a stepping stone to a career in politics, where understanding policies, legislation, and governance is crucial.
It is important to note that the job market for law graduates in Australia can be competitive, and employment rates vary for international graduates. Additionally, the recognition of your law degree outside of Australia may depend on the country you wish to practise in. Therefore, it is essential to research the specific requirements and prospects for your desired career path and location.
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Frequently asked questions
To study law in Australia, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency and secure a student visa. International students pay higher fees, with costs beyond tuition, including Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Australian law schools offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is a four-year course, while the Juris Doctor (JD) is a three-year curriculum. Academic requirements vary between courses, so it's important to review the specific details of your preferred course before applying.
In 2021, 54% of international graduates with an undergraduate law degree were employed within four months of graduating, while 68.3% of those with a postgraduate qualification gained employment. However, it's worth noting that the market is competitive, with many domestic graduates also seeking jobs. Practical legal training is mandatory for those wishing to practise law in Australia.
Australian law degrees are highly regarded worldwide, and the country's legal system is known for its maturity and rich history. Studying law in Australia will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and a broad set of skills applicable to various careers. Australia's diverse student population also offers an excellent opportunity to broaden your worldview and legal perspectives.
