Law is a highly competitive field in Australia with stringent entry requirements, reflecting the profession's demand for academic rigour. Regardless of your chosen path, achieving a high ATAR for Law is essential for admission to top programs, with minimum scores typically starting at 97.0 and above.

‍

It is essential to note that while these published ATARs represent the competitive selection rank, many universities offer adjustment factors (sometimes referred to as bonus points) based on subject performance, location, or equity schemes. Students should always check these schemes as they may lower the required raw ATAR score.

‍

‍

There are two primary pathways to becoming a lawyer in Australia:

‍

1. Undergraduate Degree (LLB/LLB Hons):
   • Focus: Direct entry after high school.
   • Duration: 4-5 years (often 5-6 years when completed as a combined degree).
   • Best for: Students confident in their career choice who prefer a continuous academic path.
2. Postgraduate Degree (Juris Doctor - JD):
   • Focus: Entry requires a completed undergraduate degree in any discipline.
   • Duration: 3 years (full-time).
   • Best for: Students seeking flexibility, career change, or those who wish to enter law with a more mature, diverse academic background.

‍

This guide reviews some of the most prestigious law degrees offered by top Australian universities, along with their respective ATAR requirements.

‍

What ATAR is required for the Australian National University (ANU) Law Program?

To gain admission to the Australian National University (ANU) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program, you generally need an ATAR score of 97.0.

‍

• Degree: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) - LLB (Hons)
• Duration: 4 years (or 5-6 years in a combined degree).
• ATAR Requirement: 97.0
• Program Focus: ANU emphasises public and international law. The degree provides a robust foundation for various careers, but graduates must complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as a practising barrister or solicitor.

‍

What ATAR is required for Monash University's Law Program?

Monash University requires an ATAR score of 97.1 for entry into its highly regarded undergraduate law program.

‍

• Degree: Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
• Duration: 4 years (or 5-6 years in a combined degree).
• ATAR Requirement: 97.1
• Program Focus: Monash integrates hands-on clinical legal experience, offering a direct and highly regarded pathway to professional practice in Victoria.

‍

‍

What are the entry requirements for the University of Melbourne's Juris Doctor (JD)?

The University of Melbourne primarily offers the Melbourne Juris Doctor (JD) as its professional law qualification, adhering to the "Melbourne Model" structure. This degree is highly competitive and focuses on graduate-level study.

‍

• Degree: Melbourne Juris Doctor (JD) - Postgraduate
• Duration: 3 years
• Prerequisite: A completed tertiary degree in any discipline.
• Minimum Entry Requirement: An ATAR equivalent of 99.0 or above from high school (if applying based on high school results) or a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 75% in a Melbourne University undergraduate degree. Applicants are also required to sit the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

‍

What are the requirements for the University of Sydney Juris Doctor (JD)?

The University of Sydney's Juris Doctor (JD) is a leading graduate program, attracting a diverse cohort of professionals and non-law graduates who wish to become legal practitioners.

‍

• Degree: Juris Doctor (JD) - Postgraduate
• Duration: 3 years
• Prerequisite: A completed undergraduate degree in Australia.
• Minimum Entry Requirement: A high weighted average mark (WAM) from your previous undergraduate degree is mandatory. Admission is based on academic performance, with selection ranks varying year to year. The program also offers an undergraduate LLB combined degree path with an ATAR cut-off of approximately 99.0.

‍

‍

What ATAR is required for the University of Queensland (UQ) Law Program?

The University of Queensland (UQ) maintains a highly selective entry standard for its undergraduate program.

‍

• Degree: Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
• Duration: 4 years (or 5-6 years in a combined degree).
• ATAR Requirement: 98.0
• Program Focus: UQ provides a thorough grounding in the law, preparing students for a wide range of legal careers and offering opportunities for international study and mooting competitions.

‍

What ATAR is required for the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Law Program?

For high school graduates seeking direct entry, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) undergraduate law program is highly competitive and is typically taken as a dual degree.

‍

• Degree: Undergraduate Law Program (almost exclusively combined with another degree)
• Duration: 5-6 years (Combined Degree)
• ATAR Requirement: 97.7
• Alternative Pathway: UNSW also offers a Juris Doctor (JD) postgraduate degree, a flexible option for graduates from other disciplines.

‍

‍

What are the entry requirements for the University of Western Australia (UWA) Law Program?

The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers a JD-focused entry model, meaning the Bachelor of Laws is a professional graduate qualification.

‍

• Degree: Juris Doctor (JD) - Postgraduate
• Duration: 3 years
• Prerequisite: Completion of an undergraduate degree in any discipline.
• Direct-entry ATAR Pathway: UWA offers assured entry into the JD for high school students who achieve an ATAR of 95.0 (or higher for certain combined arts degrees) and complete an appropriate undergraduate degree first.

‍

In Summary

The choice between the LLB and the JD depends heavily on your confidence and academic background. The LLB is the most direct path from high school, requiring exceptional ATAR scores typically above 97.0. The JD path offers greater flexibility, allowing individuals to leverage a degree in another field before committing to a career in law. In both cases, academic excellence remains the critical component for admission to Australia's most prestigious law schools.