Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must:

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent in any discipline other than law.

Or

• Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent in law from an overseas jurisdiction.

The University of Melbourne is committed to maintaining a transparent admissions policy by clearly communicating all entry scores to prospective students. Entry requirements to the University of Melbourne are regularly reviewed to ensure they align with the University's Selection and Admissions Policy. The entry requirements published for this course will apply from the start year 2027 intake onwards.

Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.

Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

About selection

When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance

• Information supplied by eligible Graduate Access Melbourne applicants (domestic only).

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Additional information

Pathway information

The following guaranteed entry pathways to the Juris Doctor are available for school leavers:

• Guaranteed entry for Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholars
• Graduate Degree Packages leading to the Juris Doctor
• Fee place guarantees

Indigenous applicants (domestic only)

Melbourne Law School offers an alternative entry pathway for Indigenous applicants to the JD. The pathway provides an opportunity for applicants to contextualise their prior academic performance by reference to their previous work history, personal circumstances and other relevant experiences.

To be considered for entry into this course via the Indigenous entry pathway, applicants must:

• Have completed a tertiary degree in a discipline other than law or a degree in law from a different legal system, and
• Have completed an interview with a Sub-Committee of the JD Selection Committee
• Establish Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander eligibility.

When assessing and, where relevant, ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• Prior academic performance
• The interview, and
• Any supporting documentation supplied.

Applicants should contact the Program Manager, Indigenous Law and Justice Hub, for further information about the purpose and structure of the interview.

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)

We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.

GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.

Advanced Standing

Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).

For more information, see our dedicated Juris Doctor Advanced Standing arrangements.

For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.