How to Apply and Selection Criteria
The Melbourne Law School encourages diversity within the student body, and welcomes applications from graduates of different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, from a range of academic disciplines, geographical locations, careers and life experiences. Selection of applicants for admission to the Melbourne JD is based on three criteria, no single one of which is determinative.
Key dates for admission
Details of key dates for applications for admission to the Melbourne JD and the LSAT.
Selection criteria
The three criteria for selection are:
- Academic results from previous tertiary studies
- Score in the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
- A personal statement (up to 850 words)
Additional considerations may be relevant for applicants eligible for Graduate Access Melbourne.
Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
Register for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and sit the test. | Write your personal statement. | Submit your application, including official transcripts for all tertiary study already taken. |
The LSAT is a half-day written test, designed to measure aptitude for legal study. It focuses on reading and verbal reasoning skills; no knowledge of law is required. It is an international test, administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), which sends results directly to Melbourne Law School. Applicants must register to sit the LSAT before applying for the Melbourne JD. The LSAT may be sat in Melbourne, in other Australian capital cities and in various parts of the world. Please note that there are strict registration deadlines and fixed test dates. If you have already taken the test within the last two years , you may choose to use those results in your application for the Melbourne JD. Make sure you thoroughly read About the LSAT for more information. If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact us. | Your application must include a personal statement of up to 850 words. It should emphasise any aspect of your personal history that may enhance your application, including information such as extra-curricular activities, community involvement, work experience, caregiver responsibilities, relevant personal characteristics and any outstanding achievements. Statements should be typewritten, the pages should be numbered and your name and date of birth should appear on each page. | Local applicants (Australian citizens and permanent residents or New Zealand citizens) can download the Melbourne JD Application Form. The Melbourne JD application form (and Graduate Access Melbourne application form, if applicable) can be submitted by mail to: Melbourne Law School Student Centre Or in person at the Melbourne Law School Student Centre, Mezzanine Level, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton. These forms are for local applicants only. Information for international students is available here. |