Qualifications and Entry Requirements
To meet the Australian study requirement, you must complete secondary school or its equivalent. This is a general requirement for nearly all law schools on offer. In general, students in Australia complete what is, roughly speaking, Year 12, or the Australian equivalent of a high school diploma. However, if you are an international student, that will have to go through an assessment against the Australian standards, which entails comparing every international qualification of high school with Australian standards.
This might make it require you to take an English test, like IELTS, to prove your reading, writing, and conversational proficiency in English. Each university looks for a different entry requirement, though it is very common to ask for high scores both in English and some other subjects.
Undergraduate Law Degrees in Australia
- The most common way to study law in Australia is through an undergraduate law degree. The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is the most popular option, and it usually takes about four years to finish. In some cases, students can also choose to study a combined degree, such as Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts. These combined programs mix law with other subjects, giving students more skills.
- To enter an undergraduate law program, students need to have strong academic records. For domestic students, this usually means meeting a required ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank).
- International students need to meet the equivalent standards based on their high school qualifications. Some universities may also hold interviews or require additional tests to choose students.
- Overall, an undergraduate law degree in Australia is a great starting point if you want to become a lawyer. It’s a solid foundation that will help you build a successful career.
Graduate Entry Law Degrees
Several students already have an undergraduate degree in another subject but want to switch over to law. If this sounds like you, then you can apply for the Juris Doctor (JD), which is a graduate-level law degree. It typically takes three years to complete. The JD is ideal for people who have already finished a degree in another field, say business or science. You do not need any kind of previous background in law in order to apply.
To begin graduate studies in law, however, one must already have a bachelor’s degree with respectable grades. In some cases, some universities request additional tests like the GMAT or GRE. Such tests gauge the students’ capability of succeeding in a law program.
Could this be another chance to launch into the profession, even if the first degree is from something else?
English Language Proficiency
Since Australia speaks English, students must show they can understand and use English well. If English is not your first language, you will need to prove your skills by taking a test. Some of the most common tests are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic. These tests measure how well you can read, write, and speak English.
For Australian study requirements in law, most universities in Australia require a score of at least 6.5 to 7.0 in IELTS. But each university might have different standards. Some universities may offer extra language classes to help students improve their skills. If you don’t pass the English language test on your first try, you can retake it until you meet the required score. Make sure to check each university’s specific rules for English proficiency.
Admission Process for Law Degree Programs
Once you meet the academic and English requirements, you can apply to study law. Most universities in Australia use online applications. You can apply directly through the university’s website or through a central application system like VTAC (for universities in Victoria) or UAC (for universities in New South Wales).
You will need to submit your high school or university transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and sometimes a personal statement or reference letters. Some universities may also hold interviews to understand more about your interest in law. It’s important to carefully read all the admission instructions to avoid missing any steps. Remember, applying for law programs can be competitive, so you should make your application as strong as possible.
Practical Legal Training (PLT)
It may take further six months to one year of PLT to learn the practical skills required in a real job setting. In these, work will include the preparation of legal documents, dealing with clients, and appearing in court.
These programs are offered by universities or in conjunction with law firms. While doing your PLT, you’ll learn a lot about working in a firm, and you will gain the experience and practical skills you’ll need to make great strides in your career as a lawyer. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to apply to get admitted to the legal profession and get started working as one.
Licensing to Practice Law in Australia
You don’t know what requirements your state needs, but usually, once you complete your PLT, you are eligible for admission as a lawyer, and all you need to do is contact your relevant Board or tribunal responsible for legal admissions in your area. Also, some jurisdictions may impose an additional examination or assessment to test your preparedness for admission into practice.
Once appointed, you may then practice law in your state or territory. If you want to practice in other areas of Australia, you might need to satisfy extra admission requirements. Many lawyers choose to specialise in certain areas of the law, such as family law, criminal law, or corporate law. Specializing provides more options for your career.
Career Opportunities for Law Graduates
A law degree in Australia opens up various career opportunities in this beautiful country. You’ll be able to work as a solicitor, barrister, or even a judge. Many law graduates pursue roles in policy formation as legal researchers or corporate consultants. Some Australian lawyers, in fact, work in other countries because their qualifications are recognized all over the world.
There are always enslaving opportunities knocking for the great and creative people in the legal field in Australia. In this respect, a career in law provides you with tools through which you can change the world by trying to assist people in solving problems with the law. You can delve into areas of law that match your interests and talent as you build your career.
The End Note