Australia has some of the best law schools in the world. They are quite popular for their excellent academic standards, experienced faculty members, and strong global reputation. The country has more than 38 law schools, which makes it a popular destination for legal education.
No matter what your aim is, whether you want to become a corporate lawyer, human rights advocate, or legal researcher, studying law in Australia can give you great opportunities.
The best law schools in Australia offer high-quality programs, practical legal training, and strong industry connections. If you did your graduation from any of these universities, you’ll work in top law firms, government agencies, and international organizations.
However, students often get confused with so many great options. They always wonder which one is the right choice. If you, too, are scratching your head with the same question, don’t worry.
In this article, we’ll explore the best law schools in Australia. Our focus will be on what makes them special, their rankings, and the career opportunities they offer
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne Law School is one of Australia’s top law schools. Founded in 1857, it has a long history of training skilled legal professionals. It offers high-quality education, research opportunities, and a strong professional network. The school is known for its challenging curriculum and focus on practical learning. Students also gain valuable experience through its connections with top law firms and government organizations.
The faculty includes experienced legal experts and professionals. Students can use modern facilities, research centers, and global exchange programs. The law school combines theory with practical training to prepare students for real-world legal challenges. With a high job placement rate, Melbourne Law School is a great choice for future lawyers. It is one of the best law schools in Australia.
Key Features:
- Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top law schools in Australia and globally. It is ranked 8th in the world for Law (QS World University Rankings 2022).
- Available Programs: Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), and research degrees like PhD in Law.
- Staff: The faculty includes renowned legal experts, researchers, and practicing lawyers who bring real-world knowledge to the classroom.
- Fees: The estimated fees for a degree range from 20 to 25 Lakhs per year.
Location: Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
Australian National University (ANU)
The Australian National University (ANU) is one of the most prestigious institutions in Australia. It is located in Canberra, the country’s capital, and is part of the top “Group of Eight” universities. The ANU College of Law is well-known for its high-quality education and has produced 40 Rhodes Scholars and six Nobel Prize winners.
With a strong global reputation, ANU attracts students from all over the world. Its law school offers various programs to help students build successful careers in law. The program at ANU College mainly focuses on critical thinking, research, and professional skills. The university is highly ranked and known for its modern teaching methods. Students can choose from undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-based law programs.
Key Features:
- Ranking: ANU is ranked among the top universities globally, with the QS 2024 Rankings placing it at 30th overall. Its law school is ranked 17th in the world for legal studies.
- Available Programs: ANU offers multiple law programs, including Honors Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and PhD in Law.
- Staff: The law school has a distinguished faculty, including leading legal scholars and experienced professionals. Many professors have international expertise, ensuring students receive a well-rounded legal education.
- Fees: The average cost of studying law at ANU ranges from INR 17-21 lakhs per year, depending on the program.
Location: Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
The University of Sydney is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious law schools. Established in 1855, its Sydney Law School is well-recognized for producing top legal professionals, judges, and policymakers. The UNSW Sydney law school is located in the heart of Sydney. It has a strong focus on academic excellence, research, and hands-on legal training.
With a global reputation, the University of Sydney Law School is ranked among the best in the world. It offers various law programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, keeping up with the changing legal world. The school has strong ties with the legal industry as well. Its graduates are highly valued in Australia and internationally.
Key Features:
- Ranking: The University of Sydney Law School consistently ranks among the top law schools worldwide. In the QS 2024 Rankings, it is placed 16th for law, highlighting its academic excellence.
- Available Programs: The university offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Business Law, and various research-based law degrees. Students can specialize in areas like international law, corporate law, and environmental law.
- Staff: The law faculty consists of highly experienced professors, legal experts, and practicing lawyers. Many are leaders in their fields, contributing to law reform and global research.
- Fees: The average tuition fee ranges from INR 20-25 Lakhs per year, depending on the course and specialization.
Location: Sydney NSW 2033, Australia
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is also one of the best law schools in Australia. As the country’s first public university, it has trained many respected lawyers, judges, and legal experts. Sydney Law School is ranked among the best in the world, offering top-quality legal education to students from Australia and beyond. With a beautiful campus, it provides a great learning environment for future lawyers.
Ranked 19th in the QS World Rankings for 2024, the law school offers programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels. Students can specialize in fields like Administrative Law, Environmental Law, and Labor Law. The university also focuses on research, which gives students a chance to contribute to the legal field. Whether you’re beginning your legal studies or aiming to advance your career, the University of Sydney is a great choice.
Key Features
- Ranking: The Sydney Law School is ranked 19th in the QS World Rankings (2024), maintaining its reputation as one of the best law schools globally.
- Available Programs: The university offers Bachelor of Law, Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Graduate Diploma, and PhD in Law. These programs cover multiple legal fields, ensuring a well-rounded education.
- Staff: The law school has highly qualified professors, legal scholars, and experienced practitioners who guide students through both theoretical and practical aspects of law.
- Fees: The average tuition fee for law programs is approximately INR 19-23 lakhs per year, depending on the course.
Location: Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia
Monash University
Established in 1958, Monash University is the second-oldest university in Victoria and has a reputation for excellence in legal education. The Monash Faculty of Law offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, ensuring students receive a well-rounded legal education. The university also has international campuses in Malaysia and research centers in China, India, and Italy. This gives students a global perspective on law.
Over the years, Monash Law School has been preferred for its flexible programs and many specializations. Students can choose from a Bachelor of Laws (Honors), dual degrees, graduate certificates, diplomas, and research-based studies. With expert teachers, advanced research, and strong industry ties, Monash gives future lawyers a great start.
Key Features
- Ranking: Monash University is consistently ranked among the top law schools globally. In the QS World Rankings 2024, it holds the 42nd position overall, with its law faculty previously ranked 35th in 2020.
- Available Programs: The law school offers a Bachelor of Laws (Honors), Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Graduate Diplomas, and PhD programs. Students can also pursue a dual degree combining law with fields like commerce, arts, and IT.
- Staff: Monash has a team of highly qualified professors, legal experts, and researchers. The faculty is known for its contributions to legal studies, policy development, and international law.
- Fees: The average tuition fee for international students is around INR 18-24 lakhs per year, depending on the program.
Location: Wellington Rd, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
University of Queensland (UQ)
The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s top universities and is ranked among the best in the world. In 2022, it was ranked 2nd in Australia and 42nd globally. UQ’s School of Law is known for its high-quality education, modern teaching methods, and strong industry links.
It offers programs like the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), and postgraduate research degrees, helping students build successful legal careers. The curriculum includes mooting competitions, internships, and hands-on learning for real-world experience. With over 311,000 alumni worldwide, UQ law graduates have strong connections in the legal field.
UQ is also a leader in legal research. It has more than 2,500 academics and researchers working on global challenges, including human rights, environmental law, and corporate governance. The university has strong ties with top law firms, government agencies, and international organizations, giving students valuable networking and career opportunities.
Location: St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
University of Western Australia (UWA)
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is the 6th oldest law school in Australia. It is consistently recognized for its academic excellence and research impact. As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, UWA Law School provides world-class legal education, combining strong theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning experiences.
Established in 1911, UWA is the oldest university in Western Australia and has a long-standing reputation for producing top legal professionals, including High Court justices, government leaders, and influential policymakers.
The Law School offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws (LLM), ensuring students receive specialized training in various legal fields. UWA Law School is known for its advanced research in constitutional, environmental, commercial, and human rights law. Students get hands-on training through moot court competitions, pro bono work, and internships.
Location: 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
Macquarie University
Macquarie Law School, founded in 1972, is one of Sydney’s top institutions for legal studies. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, which allows students to study law alongside business, criminology, and environmental studies.
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program helps students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a strong understanding of Australian and international law. The Juris Doctor (JD) program is for graduates from other fields who want to enter the legal profession. Macquarie also offers postgraduate programs, including a Master of Laws (LLM) with specializations in International Trade and Commercial Law, Environmental Law, and Human Rights Law.
The Macquarie Law Society is very active, offering networking events, workshops, and career support. The university is also known for its commitment to social justice and law reform, with a history of involvement in anti-discrimination movements. Its research in human rights, environmental law, and intellectual property law is highly regarded.
Location: Balaclava Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113, Australia
University of Adelaide
Adelaide Law School, established in 1883, is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected law schools. Known for its strong academic reputation and research, it is a top choice for aspiring lawyers. The school’s curriculum combines theory, practical training, and legal research, giving students a well-rounded education.
With access to top legal scholars and research in areas like constitutional law, international law, and human rights, Adelaide Law School prepares students for successful careers in law. Students at Adelaide Law School gain practical experience through mooting competitions, internships, and connections with top law firms.
The school is based at the North Terrace campus in central Adelaide, close to courts and legal institutions. As a member of the Group of Eight and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, the university is globally recognized for its research.
Location: Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
QUT Law School is one of Australia’s largest and most industry-focused law schools. It offers programs like the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Juris Doctor (JD), and postgraduate studies, serving over 50,000 students. With a focus on practical learning, students gain real-world experience through moot courts, legal clinics, and internships. With over 4,675 staff members, including expert legal teachers, students get top-quality education and guidance.
The QUT Law Society, one of the most active in Australia, organizes networking events, workshops, and competitions to help students connect with legal professionals. The university’s law programs are designed with industry input. This ensures students graduate with the skills needed to thrive in top law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments.
QUT Law School is a leader in legal technology and innovation. It teaches students about digital literacy, cybersecurity law, and AI law, helping them keep up with the changing legal world.
Location: George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Conclusion
Overall, choosing a suitable law school is a big decision for a law student. The reason is simple: the right one can shape their career and open various exciting opportunities.
The best law schools in Australia provide top-quality education, experienced teachers, and strong connections to the legal industry. Whether you want to work in corporate law, human rights, or international law, these universities offer the updated skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Each university has something special to offer, like strong research programs or practical legal training. The important thing is to choose one that fits your goals and interests.
So, take your time, think about every crucial thing, and make an informed choice. A good legal education can help you build a successful and rewarding career.
After Completing my LLB hons, I started writing content about legal concepts and case laws while practicing. I finally started Law Shore in 2024 with an aim to help other students and lawyers.
