When embarking on the journey to become a lawyer, prospective students are often faced with a common question: What is the best law school to attend? If you’re one of the people asking this question, then this article is for you.
Australia is home to some of the best law schools in the world, offering students a high-quality legal education and the opportunity to learn from some of the leading legal scholars and practitioners. With so many great options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start when deciding where to study law in Australia.
This article will provide you with an overview of the best law schools in Australia, based on a range of factors, including academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, and internationalization. We will also discuss the factors to consider when choosing a law school in Australia and how to apply to a law school.
Whether you are an Australian student or an international student, this article will help you find the best law school for your needs and aspirations. Without further ado, let’s get right into it.
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Table of Contents
List of the Best Law Schools in Australia
Here is a list of the top 15 best law schools in Australia:
- University of Sydney – Sydney Law School
- University of Melbourne – Melbourne Law School
- University of New South Wales (UNSW): UNSW Law
- Australian National University (ANU)—ANU College of Law
- University of Queensland – TC Beirne School of Law
- University of Western Australia (UWA)—UWA Law School
- Monash University – Monash Law School
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Faculty of Law
- University of Adelaide – Adelaide Law School
- Griffith University – Griffith Law School
- University of Wollongong – UOW School of Law
- University of Newcastle – Newcastle Law School
- Bond University – Faculty of Law
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT)—Faculty of Law
- Curtin University – Curtin Law School
Now, let’s take a deeper look at each of these institutions and see what makes them stand out from the crowd.
1. University of Sydney (Sydney Law School)
Address: New Law Building, 3 Law School, Eastern Ave, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia
The University of Sydney Law School is one of the most highly respected law schools in Australia, with a global reputation for excellence. It is consistently ranked among the top law schools in Australia and in the world at large.
Sydney Law School is known for its strong research output, industry relevance, and international engagement. The school’s research is recognized as “well above world standard” by the Australian Research Council.
Sydney Law School is committed to providing students with the opportunity to gain international experience. The school has exchange partnerships with law schools across North America, Europe, and Asia, and it offers a comprehensive offshore program with overseas intensive units of study.
Sydney Law School is also part of a highly regarded group of international law schools, and it offers unique pathways to Oxford and Cambridge universities for students from China.
2. University of Melbourne (Melbourne Law School)
Address: 185 Pelham St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Melbourne Law School is one of the world’s leading law schools, consistently ranking among the top 10 law schools in Australia. The school is known for its strong research output, industry relevance, and international engagement.
Melbourne Law School is committed to generating transformational public benefit through legal education and research. The school offers students a rich and engaging range of educational opportunities, and its research endeavors have an extraordinary breadth and depth, as reflected in its numerous research hubs, partnerships, and initiatives.
Melbourne Law School has a strong commitment to the ongoing work of recognizing Indigenous laws and Indigenous perspectives on settler law. The school also maintains a range of international partnerships that connect students and staff to leading law schools around the world, in Asia, North America, Europe, and other places.
3. University of New South Wales (UNSW): UNSW Law
Address: Law Building (F8), University Mall, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
UNSW Law & Justice is a top-ranking faculty and a global leader in law and criminology education and research. The faculty is ranked 13th globally for law in the 2023 QS World University Rankings and 24th in the Employer Reputation category by subject.
UNSW climbed in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, placing 20th worldwide for law.
UNSW Law & Justice is committed to social justice, human rights, and making a difference in this world. The faculty offers a comprehensive and innovative range of degrees, including traditional areas of law as well as new and emerging fields.
UNSW Law & Justice is known for its student-centered and research-based teaching. Its graduates have flexible skills, critical perspectives, and broad horizons to help them thrive in an ever-changing world.
The faculty’s research is interdisciplinary and collaborative and leads to real change in public policy development, the justice system, and the law.
4. Australian National University (ANU)—ANU College of Law
Address: 5 Fellows Rd., Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
The ANU College of Law is a world-renowned law school, ranked in the top 20 in the world for the study of law (Times Higher Education Rankings by Subject 2023). The college has a long-standing reputation for excellence in legal education, research, and community outreach.
The ANU College of Law is committed to shaping and influencing public policy, using its position to help understand and address the major legal, social, and political challenges of the 21st century, and remains a leader in legal education and research.
The college offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees, providing students with a unique understanding of current law and policy. ANU Law alumni work not only as lawyers but as agents for social change, improving public policy, and enhancing global diplomacy.
ANU College of Law has an enviable research profile, holding particular expertise in constitutional and administrative law, international law, and environmental law. The college has a continued commitment to increasing the representation of women and Indigenous Australians in law and legal practice.
5. University of Queensland (TC Beirne School of Law)
Address: Forgan Smith Building, West Wing, University Dr, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
The TC Beirne School of Law at the University of Queensland (UQ) is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in Australia. It is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the country and is known for its strong research output, industry relevance, and international engagement.
The TC Beirne School of Law offers a wide range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees as well as research degrees.
The school’s teaching programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the legal profession, and its research programs are focused on addressing the major legal challenges of the 21st century.
The TC Beirne School of Law has a strong commitment to international engagement. The school has partnerships with law schools around the world and offers students a range of opportunities to gain international experience, such as exchange programs and offshore study.
6. University of Western Australia (UWA)—UWA Law School
Address: 35, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
The UWA Law School is one of the leading law schools in Western Australia and is consistently ranked among the top law schools in Australia. The school has a strong reputation for its teaching excellence, research output, and international engagement.
The UWA Law School offers a wide range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees as well as research degrees.
The school’s teaching programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the legal profession, and its research programs are focused on addressing the major legal challenges of the 21st century.
The UWA Law School has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The school is committed to attracting and retaining students and staff from diverse backgrounds and to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
7. Monash University (Monash Law School)
Address: 555 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Monash Law School is a renowned institution recognized for its commitment to providing an exceptional legal education and conducting groundbreaking research. With a rich history and a focus on producing innovative legal thinkers, Monash Law School stands as a top choice for students seeking to embark on a legal career.
Monash Law School offers a wide range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees, as well as research degrees. They also have a strong clinical legal education program, which provides students with the opportunity to gain practical legal experience.
The school’s teaching programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the legal profession, and its research programs are focused on addressing the major legal challenges of the 21st century.
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8. University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Faculty of Law
Address: 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
The UTS Faculty of Law is a leading law school in Australia with a strong reputation for its rigorous academic curriculum, practical skills, and commitment to social justice.
The faculty is known for its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the legal landscape, and its curriculum and co-curricular activities are designed to prepare students for the future legal environment.
The faculty has a strong research output, and its research is focused on achieving positive social change in areas of contemporary relevance and need. The faculty’s commitment to social justice is reflected in its teaching, research, and engagement with the community.
9. University of Adelaide (Adelaide Law School)
Address: The University of Adelaide, Ligertwood Building, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
The Adelaide Law School is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in Australia, founded in 1883. It is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the country and is known for its strong research output, industry relevance, and international engagement.
The Adelaide Law School offers a wide range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees as well as research degrees. The school’s teaching programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the legal profession, and its research programs are focused on addressing major legal challenges.
The Adelaide Law School has a strong commitment to international engagement. The school has partnerships with law schools around the world and offers students a range of opportunities to gain international experience, such as exchange programs and offshore study.
10. Griffith University (Griffith Law School)
Address: Griffith University, Parklands Dr, Southport, QLD 4215, Australia
Griffith Law School is a prominent law school in Australia, renowned for its unwavering commitment to social justice, international law, and legal reform. The school is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the country and is known for its strong research output, industry relevance, and international engagement.
Griffith Law School is committed to social justice and human rights. The school’s teaching, research, and engagement with the community are all focused on promoting social justice and equality.
Griffith Law School is a pioneer in clinical legal education. The school’s clinical programs provide students with the opportunity to gain practical legal experience under the supervision of experienced legal practitioners.
11. University of Wollongong (UOW School of Law)
Address: Northfields Ave, Wollongong NSW 2522, Australia
The UOW School of Law is one of the leading law schools in Australia, known for its strong commitment to teaching excellence, research excellence, and social justice.
The school is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the country and is known for its innovative teaching methods and its focus on practical legal education.
The UOW School of Law offers a wide range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees as well as research degrees. The UOW School of Law is committed to providing students with a challenging and rewarding legal education.
The school’s teaching programs are designed to produce graduates who are informed, independent, effective, and responsible problem solvers and communicators.
UOW Law also has a strong commitment to social justice. The school’s teaching, research, and engagement with the community are all focused on promoting social justice and equality.
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12. University of Newcastle (Newcastle Law School)
Address: Law School, University, 19–24 Windsor Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HQ, United Kingdom
Newcastle Law School is a globally connected, locally based, and compassionate community dedicated to solving social injustices and addressing current and future challenges via research, legal education, and collaboration with community and business partners.
The school’s courses and collaboration with partners aim to improve understanding of the law and its relationship to society and politics, as well as to best investigate contemporary issues.
Newcastle Law School is an excellent option for those seeking a challenging and satisfying legal education. The school provides students with the chance to learn from world-renowned legal scholars and practitioners, as well as to obtain the skills and information required to succeed in the legal profession.
13. Bond University, Faculty of Law
Address: 14 University Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Australia
With over two decades of recognition for providing an exceptional student experience, the Bond University Faculty of Law is hailed as one of the top law schools in Australia.
Renowned nationally and internationally, the school consistently challenges norms and cultivates forward-thinking lawyers. Its exceptional academics and career-focused programs redefine legal education, resulting in graduates who are highly skilled, reflective, and passionate professionals.
Beyond the classroom, the faculty is dedicated to driving change through research and groundbreaking initiatives like climate law and legal transformation. Also, over 85% of Bond Law alumni secure legal careers within four months of graduation.
Offering a range of programs, from foundational undergraduate to specialized postgraduate opportunities, the Faculty of Law at Bond University is where brilliant law careers are crafted.
14. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – QUT Faculty of Law
Address: 2 George St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia
The QUT Faculty of Law is one of the best law schools in Australia, known for its future-focused programs, focus on ethical and practical legal issues, and strong student outcomes.
The school is the only law school in Queensland that offers the complete educational prerequisites for admission to law, taking its students from the beginning of their undergraduate degree through to Practical Legal Training (PLT).
The faculty adopts a comprehensive approach to legal issues, merging ethics and practicality to empower students in crafting a sustainable and positive future.
QUT graduates are renowned for their seamless transition into the workforce, thanks to award-winning work-integrated learning experiences. The school has also birthed some of the most experienced brains, like;
- The Honourable Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG: Former Justice of the High Court of Australia
- The Honourable Justice Susan Kiefel AC: Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia
- Professor Marcia Neave AM: Former Dean of the UTS Faculty of Law
- Professor George Williams AO: Former Dean of the UTS Faculty of Law
- Ms Margaret Cunneen SC: is a barrister and former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission
15. Curtin University – Curtin Law School
Address: 57 Murray St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
The last institution on our list of law schools in Australia is Curtin Law School at Curtin University. Curtin Law School is a leading law school in Australia with a strong reputation for its teaching excellence, research output, and industry engagement.
The school is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the country and is known for its innovative programs, experienced academic staff, and strong student outcomes.
The school offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees, as well as research degrees. The school’s undergraduate programs are accredited by the Legal Admissions Consultative Committee (LACC), which means that graduates are eligible for admission to practice law in Australia.
Curtin Law School has strong ties to the legal profession. The school’s faculty members are actively involved in practice, and its students have the opportunity to network with lawyers and other legal professionals through internships, externships, and clinical legal education programs.
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FAQs
Can a foreigner become a lawyer in Australia?
Yes. However, if you have been admitted to a foreign jurisdiction (outside Australia), you must have your practical legal training (PLT) assessed by the board before you apply for admission.
How many years is law school in Australia?
Australian law schools confer the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and, in rarer cases, the Juris Doctor (JD). The LLB is a four-year course of study, while the JD is a three-year curriculum. Both degrees are recognized for the practice of law in Australia, in addition to several other countries as well.
Which university is best for law in Australia?
The University of Melbourne
This university has been ranked one of the best law schools in Australia because of its academic curriculum, affordable tuition fees, research excellence, industry relevance, international engagement, and several other features.
Can international students study law in Australia?
Yes. At the moment, there are several foreign students enrolled in several law schools in Australia. So, if you’re thinking location is a barrier, then there’s a way out.
How much is law school in Australia?
Law studies in Australia can cost anywhere from $14,000 to $37,000 AUD, depending on the level of study and the institution.
- Undergraduate studies typically cost between $15,000 and $33,000 AUD.
- Master’s degrees typically cost between $20,000 and $37,000 AUD.
- Doctoral degrees typically cost between $14,000 and $37,000 AUD.
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Conclusion
Australian law schools are known for their innovative and rigorous teaching methods, and their graduates are highly sought-after by employers in Australia and around the world.
The top 15 law schools in Australia listed in this article are all highly regarded for their academic excellence, research output, and industry engagement.
When choosing a law school in Australia, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Factors to consider include the school’s reputation, location, cost, programs, and specializations.
Whether you aspire to be a legal scholar, a corporate attorney, a human rights advocate, or an agent of change, the top law schools in Australia in this article will offer a solid foundation for a rewarding and impactful legal career.