Australian law schools are some of the bests in the world, and studying there can lead to an excellent career in legal practice or other areas of law. However, Australia’s very different culture and the complex application process can make it difficult to know how to study law in Australia. That’s why we’ve put together this definitive guide to studying law in Australia, which includes all the information you need on how to study law at one of the country’s prestigious universities as well as tips on succeeding in your chosen field once you graduate.
There are a few main reasons why you might want to study law: curiosity, interest or call. Whatever your reason, understanding how studying law works is important. It’s one thing to know that you have a good opportunity of landing a well-paid job; it’s another thing altogether when you find out exactly what kind of education and experiences are required for you to enter that career path. In other words, if you want to become a lawyer, what do you need?
There are several ways to enter into law. The most popular route is via an undergraduate degree followed by a graduate qualification, but there are also specialist courses available. If you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree, then you’ll typically be enrolled in either an arts or science program at university. This can take anywhere from three years (for a combined course) up to five years (for a double major). If you decide on a legal studies bachelor’s degree, then you’ll be taking classes such as Criminal Law, Torts and Contract Law as part of your curriculum. Some universities offer joint degrees with business programs so that students can receive both qualifications at once.
Requirements For Studying Law In AU
Although a degree is not compulsory for law, most schools require their students to have completed at least two years of university study or three years of TAFE prior to entry. Often, a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) will be required as a minimum entry requirement; however, some institutions may accept other degrees as well. Of course, if you already hold a degree in another subject area, you’ll be exempt from these requirements. The following are the requirements for studying law in AU
- A bachelor’s degree with an average mark of 70%+ over your final year and good grades in English and mathematics.
- Three references including your school principal or head teacher and one academic reference who can comment on your academic performance (at least one referee must be a member of staff).
- Your personal statement should address why you want to study law, what motivates you, how your interests align with legal studies and why you would make a good lawyer.
- A copy of your resume outlining any work experience or extracurricular activities that relate to law (e.g., debating).
- If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall (with no less than 5.5 in any section) or equivalent qualification accepted by your preferred institution(s). 6. If you are under 18 years old, a letter from your parent/guardian confirming that they support your decision to study law and attend university and sign a statutory declaration that they have read and understood all relevant information about studying law at university.
- An ATAR score or rank is not required for entry into most universities; however, some institutions may require it as part of their selection criteria so check with them directly before applying!
What Are the Best Law Colleges in Australia?
The number of law schools available for students interested in a legal career varies from state to state, and often from city to city. While some Australian cities boast up to ten universities offering law degrees, others have only two or three. In order to help you narrow down your list of potential study destinations, we’ve listed below some of Australia’s best law colleges.
1. Queensland University of Technology
Central Queensland University Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is one of the largest universities in Australia, with over 50,000 students. It has campuses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The School of Law at QUT is one of the most highly regarded in Australia, and is consistently ranked among the top ten.
2. Bond University
Bond University, located on Australia’s Gold Coast, is a small, private university with a strong focus on law and business. Bond offers a three-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, as well as a range of postgraduate programs. The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.
3. University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading research universities, and is ranked among the top 50 in the world. The UQ Law School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and is consistently ranked as one of the best in Australia.
4. Griffith University
Griffith University is a large, multi-campus university located in South-East Queensland. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including law, business, and health sciences. The Griffith Law School is one of the largest in Australia, and offers a range of programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
5. University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is one of Australia’s leading research universities, and is consistently ranked among the top 50 in the world. The Sydney Law School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and is consistently ranked as one of the best in Australia.
6. University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a large, multi-campus university located in Sydney. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including law, business, and engineering. The UNSW Law School is one of the largest in Australia, and offers a range of programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
7. Macquarie University
Macquarie University is a large, multi-campus university located in Sydney. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including law, business, and health sciences. The Macquarie Law School is one of the largest in Australia, and offers a range of programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
8. Australian National University
The Australian National University (ANU) is a research-intensive university located in Canberra. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including law, business, and the humanities. The ANU College of Law is one of the most highly regarded in Australia, and is consistently ranked among the top ten.
9. Monash University
Monash University is a large, multi-campus university located in Melbourne. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including law, business, and engineering. The Monash Law School is one of the largest in Australia, and offers a range of programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
10. Melbourne University
The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s leading research universities, and is consistently ranked among the top 50 in the world. The Melbourne Law School offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and is consistently ranked as one of the best in Australia.
About Studying Law at University
Study law at university is an excellent way to help you develop your practical and analytical skills, as well as providing a wide range of exciting opportunities for specialised study. It may also be a good way to prepare for a career as a lawyer. You can study law at almost all universities in Australia, although you will need some form of tertiary entrance score to be accepted into most courses.
Most universities require you to have a minimum ATAR score of between 65 and 75 (or equivalent) before they will allow you entry into a law degree. However, some do require higher scores and entry into a law degree is usually quite competitive.
Most universities offer law degrees that are part of a broader degree. This means you will need to complete other subject areas alongside your law studies, for example Bachelor of Arts (Law) or Bachelor of Commerce (Legal Studies). In addition, most courses include compulsory subjects such as Legal Practice and Professional Skills and Practical Legal Training. A smaller number of universities also offer their own standalone laws degrees, but these are generally only offered at postgraduate level.
The good news is that you don’t need any pre-existing legal qualifications before you begin a law degree. It will teach you everything you need to know about becoming a lawyer or judge, as well as equipping you with valuable communication and problem-solving skills.
How Much Does It Cost?
Compared to most other professions, law is a bit of an expensive degree to undertake. The average tuition at a private college for law is about $15,000 per year, and that doesn’t include books or living expenses. In general, you can expect it to cost around $50,000 per year if you go out-of-state and study at one of America’s best colleges for law. In AU, it will be less than half that price. This isn’t to say that studying law isn’t worth it—the job market for lawyers is still very good (especially in big cities), but there are cheaper ways to do it. If you have no interest in becoming a lawyer, then consider taking some classes as an elective while working on your bachelor’s degree; many universities offer night classes or online courses on different aspects of legal studies.
In most parts of AU, you can study law at a public university for less than $20,000 per year. Some schools offer tuition-free programs, but these are usually reserved for local students or those who have completed a certain number of undergraduate credits at that school. You can also study law at private colleges and universities; expect to pay about $30,000 per year if you go out-of-state and about $10,000 if you stay in state.
The cost of living in AU can be quite high, especially in the larger cities. If you’re planning on studying law in AU, you should expect to pay around $1,000 per month for rent, food, and other necessities. This number will go up if you live in a more expensive city, such as Sydney or Melbourne.
It will take you three years to complete a law degree in AU. After you graduate, you will need to pass the bar exam in order to practice law. The bar exam is a two-day exam that tests your knowledge of AU law. The exam is offered twice a year, in February and July. You will need to register for the exam and pay a fee of $600.
Once you pass the bar exam, you will be a licensed lawyer in AU. You can then start working at a law firm, a government job, or in private practice. Lawyers in AU make an average salary of $85,000 per year.
How Does the Legal System Work?
In a nutshell, Australian law is based on three main sources: statutes (legislated laws passed by Parliament), common law (developed by courts over time) and equity (which is developed in Commonwealth matters). The separation of legislative and judicial powers means that courts can interpret legislation as it applies to individual cases before them. But as well as applying general legal principles, judges may also declare an Act of Parliament invalid if it conflicts with other parts of our constitution.
There are two categories of legislation that make up our law: federal and state. Federal statutes apply across all states and territories, while state laws will vary depending on where you live. In most cases, these Acts are drafted by lawyers and reviewed by a Parliamentary committee before becoming laws of their respective jurisdictions. All Australian governments publish an annual list of new legislation on their websites. Some may also be available on other sources such as Westlaw AU or LexisNexis AU.
Australian law is also based on three main sources: the common law, equity, and statutes. The common law is law that has been developed by the courts over time. Equity is a body of law that is developed in Commonwealth matters. Statutes are laws that have been passed by Parliament. The separation of legislative and judicial powers means that courts can interpret legislation as it applies to individual cases before them. But as well as applying general legal principles, judges may also declare an Act of Parliament invalid if it conflicts with other parts of our constitution.
15 Types of Legal Specialties You Can Pursue in AU
There are many different types of legal specialties that you can pursue in Australia. Here are a few of the most common:
1. Administrative Law
Administrative law is the area of law that deals with the operations and procedures of government agencies. It includes such things as government regulations, government contracts, and Freedom of Information requests.
2. Banking and Finance Law
Banking and finance law deals with the regulation of banks and financial institutions. It covers such things as loans, investments, and banking regulations.
3. Business Law
Business law deals with the legal aspects of running a business. This includes such things as business formation, business contracts, employment law, and intellectual property law.
4. Criminal Law
Criminal law deals with the prosecution of people who have been accused of committing a crime. It includes such things as murder, rape, and robbery.
5. Employment Law
Employment law deals with the legal rights of employees and employers. It covers such things as employment contracts, discrimination, and workplace safety.
6. Family Law
Family law deals with the legal aspects of family relationships. It includes such things as divorce, child custody, and spousal support.
7. Immigration Law
Immigration law deals with the legal aspects of immigration. It includes such things as visa applications, citizenship, and refugee status.
8. Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property law deals with the legal protection of intellectual property. This includes such things as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
9. International Law
International law deals with the legal aspects of interactions between different countries. It includes such things as treaties, trade agreements, and war.
10. Media Law
Media law deals with the legal aspects of the media. This includes such things as freedom of the press, defamation, and privacy.
11. Property Law
Property law deals with the legal aspects of owning and using property. It includes such things as landlord-tenant law, real estate transactions, and zoning regulations.
12. Public Law
Public law deals with the legal aspects of the government. This includes such things as constitutional law, administrative law, and taxation.
13. Tort Law
Tort law deals with the legal protection of people from harm. This includes such things as personal injury, defamation, and product liability.
14. Trusts and Estates Law
Trusts and estates law deals with the legal aspects of trusts and estates. This includes such things as wills, trusts, and probate.
15. White Collar Crime
White collar crime deals with the legal aspects of crimes committed by business and government professionals. This includes such things as embezzlement, fraud, and insider trading.
Types of Lawyers
There are many different types of lawyers, each with their own area of specialization. Here are a few of the most common:
Bankruptcy Lawyers: Bankruptcy lawyers help people file for bankruptcy. They also help creditors collect debts from debtors.
Criminal Lawyers: Criminal lawyers represent people who have been accused of committing a crime. They may also represent victims of crime.
Divorce Lawyers: Divorce lawyers help couples divorce. They also help with child custody and spousal support issues.
Employment Lawyers: Employment lawyers help people with employment law issues. This includes such things as discrimination, workplace safety, and employment contracts.
Environmental Lawyers: Environmental lawyers help people with environmental law issues. This includes such things as air pollution, water pollution, and toxic waste.
Family Lawyers: Family lawyers help people with family law issues. This includes such things as child custody, divorce, and adoption.
Immigration Lawyers: Immigration lawyers help people with immigration law issues. This includes such things as visas, citizenship, and refugee status.
Intellectual Property Lawyers: Intellectual property lawyers help people with intellectual property law issues. This includes such things as patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
Landlord-Tenant Lawyers: Landlord-tenant lawyers help people with landlord-tenant law issues. This includes such things as eviction, rent control, and security deposits.
Malpractice Lawyers: Malpractice lawyers help people who have been harmed by the negligence of a professional. This includes such things as medical malpractice, legal malpractice, and accounting malpractice.
Personal Injury Lawyers: Personal injury lawyers help people who have been injured by the negligence of another person. This includes such things as car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and medical malpractice.
Product Liability Lawyers: Product liability lawyers help people who have been injured by a defective product. This includes such things as car accidents, defective products, and medical devices.
Real Estate Lawyers: Real estate lawyers help people with real estate law issues. This includes such things as landlord-tenant law, real estate transactions, and zoning regulations.
Social Security Lawyers: Social security lawyers help people with social security law issues. This includes such things as disability benefits, retirement benefits, and survivors’ benefits.
Tax Lawyers: Tax lawyers help people with tax law issues. This includes such things as tax planning, tax audits, and tax appeals.
What Sort of Job Can I Get with A Law Degree?
There are many different types of jobs that you can get with a law degree. Some examples include: working as a lawyer, a law professor, a legal researcher, or a legal aid.
1. Lawyers
As a lawyer, you will be responsible for representing clients in court and advising them on legal matters. You will need to be able to argue convincingly in front of a judge and jury, as well as conduct extensive research on complex legal cases.
2. Judges
As a judge, you will preside over court proceedings and ensure that the law is being followed. You will need to be able to make impartial decisions, as well as hear both sides of every case.
3. Paralegals
As a paralegal, you will work closely with lawyers to research cases and prepare for trial. You will need to have strong research and writing skills, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with clients and lawyers.
4. Law Professors
As a law professor, you will teach at a law school and prepare students for their future careers as lawyers. You will need to have a strong knowledge of the law, as well as the ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to students.
Further Study After Graduation
After you’ve finished your law degree, you can either choose to join a law firm or become a solicitor. To become a solicitor, you must first complete 12 months of practical training and work under a qualified lawyer for 2 years. You will then need to pass an exam before being admitted as a practicing lawyer. If you want to join a law firm, however, there are no formal requirements—you simply need to find a job. It is also possible to pursue further study after graduation by completing an LLM (Master of Laws) or PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy). However, these degrees are only available at selected universities and may not be offered every year.
Aspiring lawyers should note that there are few entry-level positions available for recent graduates; most start out as associates at large firms. This means they will have to work long hours and spend a lot of time away from home—and they won’t earn much money until their third year or later. It is also important to remember that law is a highly competitive field, and many students with top grades may not find employment after graduation. This can be disheartening, but it shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dream of becoming a lawyer!
There are many different career paths that a student can take after completing law studies at AU. Some students may choose to pursue a career in the legal field, while others may use their degree to pursue a career in politics, business, or another area. Additionally, some students may choose to continue their education and pursue a higher degree in law.
No matter what path a student chooses to take after completing their law studies at AU, they will be prepared for a successful career.
1. Private Practice
The most common career path for students who complete law studies at AU is to pursue a career in the legal field. Students who choose this path typically go on to work as lawyers, either in private practice or in the public sector. Additionally, many students who pursue careers in the legal field choose to specialize in a specific area of law, such as criminal law, family law, or business law.
2. Politics
Another popular career path for students who complete law studies at AU is to pursue a career in politics. Many students who choose this path go on to work as lobbyists, political consultants, or government officials. Additionally, some students who pursue careers in politics may choose to run for office themselves.
3. Business
Another common career path for students who complete law studies at AU is to pursue a career in business. Many students who choose this path go on to work in the corporate world, either in a legal or business capacity. Additionally, many students who pursue careers in business choose to specialize in a specific area, such as marketing, finance, or human resources.
4. Higher Degree
Finally, some students who complete law studies at AU choose to continue their education and pursue a higher degree in law. Students who choose this path typically go on to work as law professors, legal researchers, or law school administrators. Additionally, many students who pursue a higher degree in law choose to specialize in a specific area of law, such as constitutional law, international law, or tax law.
5. Variety Of Other Fields
Other students who complete law studies at AU may choose to pursue careers in a variety of other fields, such as education, media, or the non-profit sector.
7 Most Lucrative Law Career Paths In AU
Law is a lucrative career path, but it’s not right for everyone. You need to love working with people and have a desire to help others. If you’re thinking about becoming a lawyer, here are the most lucrative law careers in Australia. The legal field has always been a lucrative one. It is one of the most sought-after careers by students and professionals alike. However, if you plan on joining the industry, there are some things you need to consider before making a move.
1. Corporate Lawyer
Corporate lawyers work in companies or organisations, advising them on how best to avoid legal problems and disputes, as well as helping them make sound decisions regarding their business practices, finances and investments. They may also be involved in mergers and acquisitions (M&As), corporate restructuring or financing deals and other commercial matters.
Corporate lawyers work for big businesses and corporations, advising them on how to best operate within the law. They are involved in the drafting and reviewing of contracts, advising on mergers and acquisitions, providing advice on corporate governance issues and representing companies in disputes with their shareholders or other stakeholders. They also help companies comply with regulations such as anti-bribery laws or environmental regulations. Corporate lawyers are among the highest paid professionals in Australia with an average salary of $133,000 per year.
2. Litigation Lawyer
Litigation lawyers are involved in court cases that deal with civil disputes over contracts or other legal issues such as negligence or property damage claims. They represent parties involved in both criminal cases and civil lawsuits and often specialise in one area such as personal injury claims, real estate law disputes or product liability cases (where someone sues for injury caused by a defective product). Litigation lawyers often work for law firms but can also be self-employed solicitors who represent clients directly in courtrooms instead of dealing with cases from behind desks at firm offices.
3. Solicitors
Solicitors provide advice on disputes over money or property and can represent clients in court proceedings. They’re similar to barristers but specialise in civil matters rather than criminal cases.
Solicitors’ fees vary depending on whether they work for themselves or for a firm (the latter being more common). The average starting salary is $60,000 per year but it can go up to $120,000+ if you’ve been working for at least five years.
4. Employment law
Employment lawyers handle disputes between employers and employees such as wrongful termination cases or discrimination claims. Employment law is an expanding field since there is an increasing demand for employment lawyers in Australia due to the country’s growing economy and population growth rate. Employment lawyers typically have at least five years’ experience practicing employment law before they can qualify for specializations such as industrial relations or human resources management.
5. Tax Lawyer
Tax lawyers have all the best perks – high pay and flexible hours! Tax lawyers work with clients on tax planning and compliance issues, which means they get paid well to do their thing while working at their own pace. They don’t have to be in the office every day or even every week if they don’t want to be! Tax lawyers also work closely with accountants, so they get to learn more about business practices as well as tax laws. This makes them valuable assets for any firm or organization looking for someone who knows how both sides of accounting work together.
6. Criminal Lawyer
Criminal law is the practice of law, especially as it relates to crime and the criminal process. Criminal lawyers are the legal professionals who represent persons accused of a crime. Although most criminal lawyers in Australia are barristers, in other countries there are also criminal lawyers who conduct their practice at the trial level as well as before and during trials.
A career in criminal law requires a person to be passionate about justice and human rights, while also being able to work with victims of crime and understand what they have gone through. A criminal lawyer must have excellent communication skills and be able to clearly explain legal matters to people with limited knowledge of the law.
Some people choose this career path because they have been victims themselves or know someone who has been victimized by another person’s actions. Some people choose this career path because they want to help others who have been wronged by another person’s actions. Others choose this career path because they want to make sure that people who commit crimes are punished according to the law and not let off lightly due to lack of evidence or other factors that may hinder prosecution of their case.
7. Real Estate Lawyers
Real estate is one of the most lucrative career paths in Australia. It’s also one of the most competitive industries, with many people trying to get into it. There are many different types of real estate careers. If you’re looking to work in real estate as a lawyer, then you can choose between being an agent or a solicitor.
Agency is generally easier but less profitable than being a solicitor. An agent will typically earn a commission from the sale of property on behalf of their principal (the seller). A solicitor acts for both parties and has more responsibility for the transaction.
If you want to become an agent, then you’ll need a licence from your state government and some training courses before you can start working in real estate. You’ll also need some office space and equipment such as computers and phones.
Conclusion
Australia’s legal education industry is booming, and this trend doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. For those who are serious about studying law in Australia on a student visa, it can be hard to decide which course to choose and how to find the right program for your needs. This guide will help you identify the qualities you should look for in a law school, compare different programs based on the criteria you need most, and finally, suggest some law schools that meet your requirements.
In conclusion, we have taken a look at all your questions about studying law in Australia. We have discussed what it takes to get into law school and how much time you need to dedicate yourself to becoming a lawyer. We hope that after reading our guide you will feel confident about studying law in Australia and be ready for whatever else may come your way! So do not be afraid, go forth and fight for justice (as long as it’s legal)! Good luck!
The good news is that you can study law at an undergraduate level in Australia, even if you don’t have a previous degree. You’ll need to select a university which offers the right course for you and there are some specific things you’ll need to do before starting your course. Other than that, there’s nothing keeping you from fulfilling your dreams of studying law here in Australia.
FAQs
1. What type of law degree is right for me?
There are many different types of law degree available in Australia. If you want to study criminal law, then studying criminology or criminological studies might be the best option for you as it will allow you to understand how criminals operate within society and how they can be stopped from committing crimes again.
2. What’s the difference between an LLB and LLM?
The acronym LLB stands for Bachelor of Laws, while the acronym LLM stands for Master of Laws. Both degrees are undergraduate degrees in law and require previous tertiary studies before enrolling in these programs. However, they differ significantly in their structure and content — while an LLB focuses on legal theory and procedure, an LLM focuses on specialized areas within the law such as criminal law or commercial litigation.
3. How much does it cost to study law in Australia?
The cost of studying law at university will vary depending on whether you are studying full-time or part-time, how long you wish to study for and which university you choose. You can expect to pay anywhere from A$10,000 – A$20,000 per year at some universities.
4. Is studying law in Australia expensive? Do I need to pay extra fees?
Studying law at an Australian university cost about $15,000 per year on average (including tuition fees and living expenses). However, unlike some other countries, there is no additional fee for enrolling in courses related to law—it’s all included in one flat rate.
5. What’s the difference between a legal degree and a law degree?
A legal degree is awarded by a university or college, while a law degree is awarded by an institution such as the University of Queensland or Monash University. You can’t get a legal degree without first completing an undergraduate course, and you can’t get a law degree without first completing an undergraduate course.