How to Apply and Selection Criteria
Application information for international students
If you are unsure about the type of student you will be, click here.
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)
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 undertaken. |
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. | International applications are made directly to the University or through one of our Overseas Representatives. International applicants may apply through a variety of ways:
Note that whilst a fee will apply to sit the LSAT, no additional $100 University application assessment fee is required for Melbourne JD applicants. |
English requirements
All applicants must meet the English requirements of the University of Melbourne.
Applicants who have not obtained a university degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction and assessment may meet these English requirements in a variety of ways:
- IELTS (academic English only)
Overall: 7.0
Minimum score in Academic Writing: 7.0 and no band less than 6 - TOEFL (paper based)
610 + TWE 5.0 - TOEFL (computer based)
253 + Essay Rating 5.0 - TOEFL (internet based)
102 + written score of 24 and no band less than 21
The required score must be achieved at the one test sitting. Further information on the University’s English language requirements.
Guaranteed pathway to the Melbourne JD
If you completed high school in Australia, you may be eligible for a guaranteed pathway to the Melbourne JD.
Information on guaranteed pathways.
Visit Future Students for information on Key Dates for Admission, Fees and Scholarships, the Melbourne JD Credit Policy, and upcoming Melbourne JD Information Sessions.