What Are the Best Law Schools in Australia for Canadian Students in 2025?
Topics covered
- 5 min
- Published: 13 August 2025
- Updated: 12 August 2025
Are you a Canadian student interested in studying law in Australia? Here are the best law schools in Australia for international students, with information on associated costs, admission requirements, and how to choose the right program for you.
Is Australia a good country to study law?
Yes, Australia has global appeal and is a popular destination for Canadians interested in studying law because of benefits such as:
Global Recognition and Legal Career Portability
Australian legal programs prepare students for practicing on a global level. They offer internships, clerkships, networking opportunities, and more. With the right accreditation, you will also be able to practice in other countries.
No LSAT Required for Many Programs
Some programs do not require you to complete the LSAT to be admitted to the program. This may mean you will need additional training after graduation.
Similar Legal Tradition to Canada
Canada has a bijural legal system and shares a predominant legal tradition with Australia, which is common law. This means many programs offer a clear Canadian student pathway to legal practice.
Accelerated programs
Some Australian law schools offer two-year JD programs, which can mean a faster entry into the workforce.
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How long does it take to complete a law degree in Australia?
In Australia, an undergraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) will take 4 years on average to complete. A postgraduate Juris Doctor (JD) program will take 3 years. Integrated dual degrees can take 5 years to complete.
What is the difference between an LLB and a JD in Australia?
Both are considered professional degrees that prepare you for the legal field. However, an LLB is a direct entry from high school, while a JD is a direct entry from an undergraduate program. To practice in Canada or other countries, you may need to complete additional qualifications, exams, or courses.
Do lawyers make more in Canada or Australia?
On average, annual salaries for lawyers in Australia are between $CAD $89,000 - $107,000. In comparison, Canadian lawyers have higher earning potential, with their income landing between CAD $80,000 - $163,000 every year.
Can You Practice Law in Canada with an Australian Degree?
Yes, but only after an assessment from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). The steps are as follows:
Self-assess if you qualify.
Complete the NCA self-assessment to determine if you’re eligible.
Submit your application.
If you are approved, submit your application online with necessary documentation.
Complete any further requirements.
Based on your assessment, you may need to complete exams or courses to address any gaps in your education.
Receive your certification.
You will receive a certificate of qualification once all requirements are complete.
The 10 Best Law Schools in Australia for Canadians in 2025
According to the 2025 QS University Global Rankings, here are the top 10 Australian law programs for international students, including which law degree types they offer, their global ranking, and what they’re best known for.
1. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Category | Details |
QS University Global Ranking for Law: | 12 |
Location | Sydney |
Available Programs | |
Key Strengths | Ranked 1st in Australia. For their law program and the employer reputation of graduates, according to 2025 QS University Rankings. Research excellence. Rated “well above standard” by Excellence in Research for Australia Initiative (ERA). |
Scholarship opportunities | |
Internship opportunities | UNSW offers a diverse range of internships, giving students the chance to put theory into practice, providing training, practical experience and insights into future career paths in law and criminology. Find out more. |
2. University of Melbourne – Melbourne Law School
Category | Details |
QS University Global Ranking: | 13 |
Times Higher Education World University Rankings for Law, 2025 | 1 in Australia, 11 globally |
Location | Melbourne |
Available Programs | |
Key Strengths | International connections. Strong network and faculty that prepares students for careers on a global scale. Notable reputation. Consistently ranks as one of the top schools in Australia year after year. Alumni include Australian chief justices, prime ministers, and governor generals. |
Scholarship opportunities | Melbourne Law School and the University of Melbourne offer a range of scholarships, prizes and awards to support students. Find out more. |
Internship opportunities | Students have a choice of applying for an MLS Clinic-led internship or finding their own internship independently. Find out more. |
3. University of Sydney – Sydney Law School
Category | Details |
QS University Global Ranking for Law: | 18 |
Location | Sydney |
Available Programs | |
Key Strengths | Australia’s oldest law school. Founded in 1855 and holds historical significance in the country’s legal history. International reputation. Recognized for research excellence, international engagement, and promotion of social justice. |
Scholarship opportunities | The school offers more than $1 million worth of scholarships to new students about to enrol, current students, and upon graduation. Find out more. |
Internship opportunities | The Legal Internship Program allows students to complete an internship for course credit towards their degree. Internships are in areas of public service, public interest and public law. Find out more. |
4. Australian National University (ANU)
Category | Details |
QS University Global Ranking: | 30 |
Location | Canberra |
Available Programs | |
Key Strengths | Research focus. Member of the Group of 8, the leading coalition of research-intensive universities in Australia. Known for public law, international law, and legal theory. Contributions to the government. Known for its impact on policy, legal, regulatory, and governance challenges in Australia. |
Scholarship opportunities | The ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship offers an opportunity for international students to access one of multiple scholarships available to undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is designed to attract a diverse range of high calibre international students. Find out more. |
Internship opportunities | Internships are organised by the College with partners at Commonwealth and ACT Government departments, statutory bodies, community legal centres and other non-government organisations. Find out more. |
5. Monash University – Faculty of Law
Category | Details |
QS University Global Ranking: | 39 |
Times Higher Education ranking for law in Australia: | 6 |
Location | Melbourne |
Available Programs | |
Key Strengths | Progressive program. Their innovative program addresses contemporary issues with a keen eye on meaningful impact. Hands-on experience. Includes the Monash Law Clinics, social justice initiatives, and legal profession partnerships. |
Scholarship opportunities | Monash Law graduate research students intending to enrol in either the Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy programs can apply for a range of graduate research scholarships to support their studies. Find out more. |
Internship opportunities | At Monash Law international study opportunities are part of the degree – for internships, on an exchange, or through a pathway program with partner universities. Find out more. |
6. University of Queensland (UQ)
Category | Details |
QS University Global Ranking: | 61 |
QS World University Rankings by subject 2023: | 55 |
Location | Brisbane City |
Available Programs | |
Key Strengths | Comprehensive program. Focused on international perspective through a collaborative and innovative learning environment. University of Queensland Pro Bono Centre. Offers opportunities to volunteer that can build meaningful experience for future legal careers. |
Scholarship opportunities | The university has one of the most generous offerings in the state, with scholarships that can help with financial support, tuition, accommodation, mentoring and industry experience. Find out more. |
Internship opportunities | Find out about online law internships, get reading resources, and more. |
7. University of Technology Sydney
Category | Details |
QS University Global Ranking: | 79 |
Times Higher Education 2025 ranking for law: | 125 |
Location | Sydney |
Available Programs | |
Key Strengths | Graduate employability. Ranked in the top 10 for employability in Australia according to Times Higher Education 2025. Practical focus over theory. Emphasis on development of practical skills and applications in the real world. |
Scholarship opportunities | The Law Equity Scholarship aims to support a commencing UTS undergraduate Law student that demonstrates financial need and support them during their study. Find out more. |
Internship opportunities | UTS Law's practical approach to learning whilst building strong industry links has led to the development of experiential local and international learning opportunities for students. Find out more. |
8. University of Adelaide – Adelaide Law School
Category | Details |
QS University Global Ranking: | 101-150 |
Times Higher Education ranking for law in Australia, 2025: | 13 |
Location | Adelaide |
Available Programs | |
Key Strengths | Excellence in research and teaching. A Group of Eight university that consistently ranks high in South Australia for its law program. Offers practical legal training. Offers a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice as an optional degree extension. |
Scholarship opportunities | The school's financial aid and scholarship assistance offerings aim to make study financially accessible to all and recognise high achievers. Find out more. |
Internship opportunities |
9. University of Western Australia (UWA)
Category | Details |
QS University Global Ranking: | 101-150 |
Location | Perth |
Available Programs | |
Key Strengths | Award-winning faculty. National and international experts in corporate purpose, health law, public law, and criminology who are known for their research impact. Long-standing history. The program has over 90 years of law education experience. |
Scholarship opportunities | Find out more about all scholarship opportunities. |
Internship opportunities | The LAWS5174 Legal Internship is a dedicated clinical program in the Juris Doctor (JD) course. Students have the opportunity to work in a legal environment for academic credit for one day per week over second semester. Find out more. |
10. Griffith University
Category | Details |
QS University Global Ranking: | 101-150 |
Location | Nathan |
Available Programs | Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters, Juris Doctor |
Key Strengths | Canadian law courses. Offers a program with a focus on Canadian law that can apply as credits to your degree while preparing you for NCA accreditation. Social justice focus. Law courses are taught within a social context with a focus on equitable, transformative legal practice. |
Scholarship opportunities | Find out about scholarships and the application process. |
Internship opportunities | Offers a range of flexible and innovative international field trips, study tours and global internships that get students out of the classroom and into the field. Find out more. |
Admission Requirements for Canadians to Study Law in Australia
If you want to study law in Australia, you will need the following as a Canadian student:
Academic Prerequisites
For undergraduate degree entry:
High school diploma with a 65-75% average
For graduate degree entry:
Bachelor’s degree with an 80-82% average
Entry exams (the LSAT)
The LSAT is not a mandatory requirement for admission to all law schools in Australia. Check with your specific school for the most accurate information.
Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
IELTS: Overall score of 7.0 with no score lower than 6.0 in any area
TOEFL: Score of 94
Required Application Documents (Resume, SOP, LORs)
You will be required to supply documents as part of your application that can include:
Academic transcripts
A statement of purpose
Your resume or CV
Letters of recommendation
These documents may vary depending on your school, so verify always with the admissions page for your program.
Cost Overview for Studying Law in Australia
While your expenses can vary depending on your school, type of law degree, location, and lifestyle, here are the typical costs you can expect as a Canadian student:
Tuition for Undergraduate vs Graduate entry
Depending on your school, if you intend to study law in Australia as an international student, you can expect the average annual tuition for a bachelors of law to be between CAD $26,000 - $40,000, with a master’s of law falling between CAD $23,000 - $67,000. These are relative figures, so always check your school’s tuition and fee schedule for the most accurate information.
Cost of Living
Depending on your location and lifestyle, the cost of living for international students in Australia on a monthly basis are typically as follows:
Accommodation: CAD $500 - $1,800
Food and groceries: CAD $698
Utilities: CAD $134 - $223
Books and study materials: CAD $447 - $895
For a detailed breakdown of typical study costs, check out our Cost of Studying in Australia blog.
Looking for more tailored costs? IDP Education has a custom tool to help you budget for your international studies. Start calculating here.
Choosing the Right Australian Law School for Your Goals
If you’re ready to find your dream program and study in Australia, there are several factors to consider. Here’s how to select the best law school for you.
Compare LLB vs JD Options
Consider factors like your prior education, costs, career goals, and if you want to practice on a global level.
Review Faculty Expertise and Global Rankings
Depending on your area of interest, some schools may be a better fit based on their faculty, opportunities, and program focus.
Consider City and Cost
While some law schools are ranked higher, this may come with a heftier tuition cost. Consider the program’s location, as it can influence your cost of living and your overall experience. You may also consider your eligibility to scholarships offered by your school.
Look for NCA Alignment for Canada
Check for accredited law schools in Australia recognized by the NCA or if they offer programs or coursework in Canadian law that can prepare you for the NCA assessment.
Streamline Your Law School Application Process with IDP Education Canada
Want your law school application to stand out? IDP Education Canada offers comprehensive guidance and expertise to add ease to your application process and increase your competitiveness, so you have a better chance at getting into your top school. Plus, our services are completely free. Book a call now.
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