collageThere are four ways to enter the Melbourne JD.
- Standard EntryMost applicants apply under Standard Entry.ELIGIBILITYIn order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
- A tertiary degree in a discipline other than law or a degree in law from an overseas jurisdiction.Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic performance in all tertiary studies.The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.NOTE: For the 2022 intake, the Law Schools Admission Test (LSAT), including the essay component, has been removed as an entry requirement.Graduate Access Melbourne is also applicable.FEE TYPES COVERED
- Commonwealth Supported Place
- Australian fee place with bursary
- Australian fee place
- International fee placeHOW TO APPLYApply through the University of Melbourne.Applicants who are in their final year of their undergraduate degree should only apply once they have at least 2.5 years’ worth of results (or part time equivalent). Results can include exchange studies.Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree can apply at any time.
- Guaranteed Entry – Melbourne Chancellor’s ScholarshipMelbourne Chancellor’s Scholars are guaranteed a place into the graduate degree of their choice following successful completion of their undergraduate degree.ELIGIBILITYApplicants must have an ATAR or equivalent of 99.90 or above with an undergraduate degree from the University of Melbourne.FEE TYPES COVERED
- Commonwealth Supported Place
- International fee placeHOW TO APPLYApply through the University of Melbourne in the final year of your undergraduate degree. Applicants eligible for the Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship Program will not be required to sit the LSAT.
- Guaranteed Entry – Graduate Degree PackagesThe University offers guaranteed entry to high–achieving domestic and international students who have completed an Australian Year 12 or the IB in Australia based on your ATAR.ELIGIBILITYApplicants must have an ATAR or equivalent of 99.80 or above and must commence the JD within 18 months of completing an undergraduate degree.Graduate Degree Packages (GDPs) comprise an undergraduate degree from the University of Melbourne followed by the JD. The following packages are available:
- Bachelor of Agriculture + Juris Doctor
- Bachelor of Arts + Juris Doctor
- Bachelor of Biomedicine + Juris Doctor
- Bachelor of Commerce + Juris Doctor
- Bachelor of Design + Juris Doctor
- Bachelor of Science + Juris DoctorFEE TYPES COVERED
- Commonwealth Supported Place
- International fee placeHOW TO APPLYApply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)Applicants eligible for Graduate Degree Packages will not be required to sit the LSAT. Students must commence the JD within 18 months of completing their undergraduate degree.
- Guaranteed Entry – Fee Place GuaranteeELIGIBILITYApplicants must have an ATAR or equivalent of 99.00 or above and at least a 75 per cent Weighted Average Mark in an undergraduate degree from the University of Melbourne.FEE TYPES COVERED
- Australian fee place
- International fee placeHOW TO APPLYApply through the University of Melbourne in the final year of your undergraduate degree.Applicants may also apply through Standard Entry (and sit the LSAT*) to be considered for a Commonwealth Supported Place or Australian fee place with bursary.*The LSAT does not apply to the JD 2022 intake. Students who apply and are eligible for guaranteed entry will be automatically considered for a Commonwealth Supported Place or Australian fee place with bursary without an LSAT.
The LSAT
Not applicable to the 2022 intake.
As part of the application process for Standard Entry to the Melbourne JD, applicants need to register for, and sit, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) administered by the Law School Admission Council. It is an independent, international written test, designed to measure aptitude for graduate legal study. It focuses on reading and verbal reasoning skills, and no knowledge of law is required.
Applicants are encouraged to sit the LSAT as early as possible and can sit the LSAT again to improve their score. Melbourne Law School will use an applicant’s highest LSAT score when assessing their application. We advise applicants to aim for a result in the top 25 percentile.
There are strict LSAT registration deadlines and fixed test dates. The LSAT can usually be taken in multiple locations around Australia and in many countries around the world. Please visit lsac.org for more information on where you can sit the test. LSAT scores are valid for five years.
What marks do I need to get into the JD?
If you are applying for the JD 2022 intake, please also read our Admissions FAQs.
For those applying through our Standard Entry pathway, the selection committee looks at a wide range of factors in addition to considering your previous tertiary results and LSAT score and essay; for example, whether your marks are on an upward or downward trajectory and whether you have undertaken honours or graduate studies.
If the average mark across your tertiary studies is:
- 80 per cent (or equivalent) or above, you will have a very strong chance of being admitted.
- At least 70 per cent (or equivalent), you will be competitive in the JD selection process.
- Below 70 per cent (or equivalent) and
- You have been affected by health or personal difficulties, or if you are from a rural or Indigenous background or a current holder of a humanitarian visa, you can apply under Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)
or - You have a very high LSAT scorethen you may be competitive in the JD selection process.
- You have been affected by health or personal difficulties, or if you are from a rural or Indigenous background or a current holder of a humanitarian visa, you can apply under Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)
Please note:
- meeting these marks does not guarantee you a place in the JD.
- that if your previous qualifications are not from the University of Melbourne, we may adjust your final Weighted Average Marks (WAM) depending on the accreditation of your university/institution, subject grading/scales and pass marks.
English Language Criteria
All applicants must meet the English language requirements of the University of Melbourne.
Graduate Access
What else can I do to improve my application?
Applying under Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) can enhance your chances of being offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a fee place with a JD bursary.
GAM supports applicants whose circumstances have adversely affected their academic achievement during tertiary study, or recognises an applicant’s membership of a group of people known to be under-represented in higher education. To be eligible, applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident, or holder of a permanent humanitarian visa.
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