For Indian students looking to study law abroad, studying Law courses in Australia is an ideal choice as it provides access to globally recognised qualifications, excellent career opportunities and clearly defined pathways to international corporate and legal roles, while living in a multicultural and safe environment. If you are serious about developing a career in law that transcends borders, this guide to studying law in Australia will outline all of the requirements, costs and visas associated with studying law in Australia that apply to Indian students.
Why Study Law in Australia?
- Top Australian law schools consistently appear in global rankings and are known for producing high-quality research, providing practical training, as well as for having strong connections with the profession.
- Law graduates have the possibility of having diverse careers, including commercial contracts, corporate law, compliance, dispute resolution, policy development, human rights and in-house counsel positions with multinational companies.
- Many Indian students also see an opportunity to use their Law courses in Australia to obtain global careers in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond due to the strong alumni networks of Australian law schools and the recognition by employers of their qualifications.
- Consequently, the vast majority of families now believe that a law degree is one of the best courses in Australia for Indian students in Australia, particularly for students who wish to obtain a global advantage in their legal careers.
- There are various types of law courses available throughout Australia, offering different levels of qualification from the Bachelor’s to Master’s.
- The Bachelor of Laws is either a Bachelor of Laws or Bachelors of Law (Honours) degree, designed for students who wish to study law full time. This program typically takes four years to finish, but students can take blended pathways by completing it in conjunction with Business, Arts or Criminology.
- A JD or Juris Doctor is an entry-level graduate degree that allows the student to study law without having to complete the full LLB before being admitted to law school. It is usually three years long, and is appropriate for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in an unrelated subject such as engineering, information technology, etc.
- LLM or Masters of Laws is a one-year postgraduate course, which provides specialised study areas such as Commercial Law, International Law, Intellectual Property, Taxation and Technology Law.
- There are many programs connected to law, including Criminology, Justice, Business Law, International Relations with a law component, which allow students to gain an understanding of law, without committing to practicing law fully.
- Many students from India find that the most popular LLM programs in Australia because they offer greater opportunities for specialisation and for faster advancement within their chosen profession.
- The requirements to apply for an LLB and combined law degree as an Indian student vary somewhat between universities, but follow a quite similar pattern; the student must hold a corresponding Class 12-level qualification with an equivalent percentage as determined by the university. Generally speaking, the equivalent percentage needed for admission will be anywhere from around 60% to 75% or higher, depending upon the state and/or year of study completed in India.
Academic requirements:
To be considered for admission into English programs at Australian universities, students must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the three standardised tests: (IELTS – 6.5 – 7.0 (overall) with minimum band score requirements), TOEFL, or PTE.
Postgraduate qualification (LLM/JD):
The LLB/JD degree must have been obtained from an Australian university, or equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas university, and must have met the minimum GPA, or the percentage as specified by the university.
A few of the top ranked LLM programs require evidence of at least two years’ relevant work experience, good academic performance, and may require an application statement or letter of intent (including reference letters).
English proficiency testing:
Most universities require at least an overall band score of 6.5 -7.0 on the IELTS test or equivalent scores on the TOEFL or PTE tests.
The following is a checklist of the minimum required documents that should accompany your application:
Academic transcript(s), degree certificate(s), passport or visa (if applicable), Curriculum Vitae (CV), Personal Statement (SOP), reference letters, and evidence of English proficiency accreditation.
Tuition Fees/Living Expenses:
Knowing what your expenses will be up front allows you to plan for them with the utmost peace of mind.
International and Indian students will typically pay the following fees for an LLB/JD program (approximately $30,000.00 AUD – $50,000.00 AUD) depending on the city and university they attend; and for LLM programs INR 35,000.00 – INR 54,000.00. While the average fees for LLM programs for Indian students are about $40,000-50,000 AUD, most LLM programs are clustered around the $40,000-50,000 AUD range.
The Costs of Maintaining a Lifestyle in Australia
An international student should expect to pay approximately A$24,000 – A$29,710 a year on accommodation, meals, transportation and other personal expenditures, with prices higher in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
An international student’s cost structure for studying Law is high. However, Indian students have found this is, in fact, an extremely good investment into their future global careers.
Overview: popular law options and fees
Program type | Typical duration | Indicative annual tuition (AUD) | Notes |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB/Honours) | 4 years | 30,000–45,000 | Often available as double degree with Business or Arts. |
| Juris Doctor (JD) | 3 years | 35,000–50,000 | Graduate-entry pathway into legal practice. |
| LLM (Master of Laws) | 1 year | 35,000–54,000 | Wide choice of specialisations for Indian lawyers. |
Scholarship options
- Available scholarships can assist in reducing your financial burden for attending college in Australia. Plan and apply early to get the best possible savings!
- Most Australian Universities provide a fee waiver (discount) ranging from 10% to 30% off tuition fees for students who are applying for postgraduate courses, based on their academic success.
- Some Schools and/or External organizations may have specific scholarships available for International Students from India based upon their academic performance, leadership qualities and/or professional accomplishments.
- You may also combine your early-bird discount, international student scholarships and educational loan support from Indian banks or Other Financial Institutions.
- Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) Overview: If you plan to study within any area of Law at an accredited institution within Australia you will be required to obtain a Subclass 500 Student Visa allowing you to remain in Australia for the time frame of the Course you are enrolled in. In most cases, a Subclass 500 Student Visa will have a maximum duration of 5 years.
To qualify for a Subclass 500 Student Visa as an Indian National there are several requirements which must be met.
- You are required to submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS registered institution in Australia as an evidence of your enrolment.
- You must submit personal documentation as evidence of your genuine student/genuine temporary entrant status that states your intentions to study and your desire to be in Australia after your studies are completed.
- A person must show evidence that they can financially support themselves and their family while studying in Australia as well as covering tuition costs, living costs and travel costs for a specified period during their stay in Australia.
- Health insurance must be obtained by the student while they are in Australia via an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and therefore the student must comply with the Australia’s Health and Character requirements.
Maintenance, like enrolment, satisfactory attendance rates and academic progress, up-to-date address information, and compliance with daily work-hour limitations that correspond to the conditions of your visa [are] essential to maintaining the validity of your visa status.
Requirements for Licensure as a Lawyer in Australia
- The quality of an Australian legal education allows for many career options within Australia and back in India. Opportunities following completion of an LL.B. degree may include positions with law firms, corporate legal departments, legal consultants, governmental agencies, non-government organisations and international organisations.
- Most universities with law programmes also provide internship and clinical experiences and/or the opportunity to work on real-world legal issues through their respective industry project units. This exposure enables students to develop their legal experience locally, as well as the ability to document their proven abilities and experience on an international level (global CV).
- With work experience gained through these avenues, law graduates will likely be well-prepared to transition into consulting positions within these different areas (legal advisory, compliance officers or managers, policy advisers or specialists, in-house legal counsel for multinational corporations based in India and elsewhere).
Thus, motivated Indian students tend to view legal studies as one of the top career pathways in Australia for those aspiring to leadership roles within the legal profession and corporate field.
Time to take action and think about where to go from here
If you’re looking for a best courses in Australia for Indian students that is recognized around the world, this is a great time to look at law courses in Australia and develop your academic, financial, and visa strategy. You will be sure that your money will be well spent for a long time to come, thanks to the combination of quality universities, defined visa pathway, and high levels of employability.
Global Opportunities’ trusted consulting services can assist prospective students in determining the best Programmes for their needs, choosing the right Universities and navigating the application process. As a globally respected Educational Consulting Firm in India, Global Opportunities will work with you to determine your overall cost of education and enhance your application profile to increase your chances of being accepted into the School of Law and Create a Plan on How to Become a Professional within the Field.
