AU · Master's
The University of Melbourne (Melbourne Law School)
Juris Doctor (JD)
The University of Melbourne (Melbourne Law School)
Course Overview
Melbourne Law School is ranked the number one law school in Australia and among the top 10 worldwide (QS), and its Juris Doctor is the country's flagship graduate-entry law degree. The JD is a three-year professional qualification open to graduates of any discipline — you do not need a prior law degree — and it satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia.
The curriculum covers the foundational areas required for practice (contracts, torts, constitutional and administrative law, property, criminal law, evidence, and ethics) alongside a wide range of electives, clinics, and moots. Melbourne's location — Australia's legal and corporate capital — and the school's standing give students access to top commercial firms, the courts, government, and international placements.
For Sri Lankan graduates, the JD is a route into the Australian legal profession and into globally portable legal careers. International JD completers can apply for the post-study Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to gain Australian work experience, and Melbourne's JD is also a recognised pathway for those intending to practise internationally or move into corporate, policy, or academic roles.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A completed bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university (a prior law degree is not required).
- check_circle A competitive undergraduate GPA — admission is selective and ranks applicants on academic merit.
- check_circle The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is recommended and strengthens an application, though not mandatory for all applicants.
- check_circle Personal statement and academic transcripts.
- check_circle No prior legal study is needed; the JD assumes you are starting law from the beginning.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall with no band below 6.5 (writing 7.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 94 Overall with strong writing.
- check_circle Pearson PTE Academic: 65 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency: 185 Overall.
- check_circle Waiver path: applicants who completed their bachelor's degree wholly in English (within the accepted recency window) may have the English test waived — Sri Lankan English-medium graduates should ask us to confirm eligibility with a medium-of-instruction (MOI) letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AUD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, 2026 international rate) | AUD 50,016 | Rs. 10,503,360 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Melbourne) | AUD 29,710 | Rs. 6,239,100 |
| Student Visa + Overseas Student Health Cover (per year) | AUD 2,500 | Rs. 525,000 |
| Books & Incidentals (per year) | AUD 1,800 | Rs. 378,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AUD 84,026 | Rs. 17,645,460 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Melbourne JD graduates enter the Australian legal profession and global legal markets — commercial firms, barristers' chambers, government and regulators, in-house counsel, and international organisations. The JD satisfies the academic requirement for admission to practice in Australia, and the post-study Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) provides time to gain Australian legal work experience after graduation.
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