Pursuing a law degree in Australia can be an exciting and fulfilling journey. If you’re eager to begin your legal studies right after high school, it’s crucial to understand the available pathways and requirements. Broadly, there are two main routes to law school: direct entry as a high school leaver and graduate entry after completing another degree. Here’s what you need to consider if you want to start law school immediately after high school.
1. What’s the Difference Between Direct Entry and Graduate Entry to Australian Law Schools?
🏃♂️ Direct Entry
- Time efficiency: Direct entry allows you to become a lawyer in the shortest time possible. Typically, this involves a double major law degree, which takes about five years to complete.
- Early career start: Starting your career sooner can increase your lifetime earning potential and reduce overall student debt.
- Securing a place: If you are confident in your academic performance and want to secure a place in law school immediately, direct entry is a smart choice.
🎓 Graduate Entry
- Broader experience: This route involves completing an undergraduate degree in another discipline (usually three years) before pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD), which takes another three years.
- Versatility: Gaining exposure to another field before starting law can be beneficial if you are unsure about committing to law immediately.
- Flexibility: For students who need more time to decide on their career path or want to explore other interests, graduate entry provides that flexibility.
2. What are the Entry Requirements for Australian Law Schools? 📜
Entry requirements for law schools in Australia can vary significantly. Top law schools, particularly those within the Group of Eight (G8), often require a very high Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
High ATARs: For instance, Monash University’s Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program typically requires a median ATAR + adjustment factors of around 99.00. This demonstrates the competitive nature of entry into top-tier programs.
Lower ATARs: Universities outside the G8 may have more accessible entry requirements, making them viable options for students with lower ATARs. For example, Curtin University has a guaranteed ATAR threshold of 90.00.
3. What are Double Degrees? 🎓🎓
When applying to law school, many students choose to pursue a double degree. This involves combining law with another field of study, such as:
- Commerce
- Criminology
- Global Studies
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Arts
- Politics, Philosophy, and Economics
Choosing a double degree can align with your career aspirations and provide a more well-rounded education, although it is not mandatory for all legal careers.
4. Do I Need to Sit an Admissions Exam? 📚
As of July 2024, no undergraduate law programs in Australia require an admissions exam. This simplifies the application process, focusing primarily on your ATAR and other adjustment factors.
5. Can I Do Another Degree First, but with a Guaranteed Spot in Law School? 🔒
For students who want to secure a place in law but are interested in pursuing another degree first, assured pathways are an excellent option. These pathways allow high-performing students to progress to a law degree after completing an undergraduate program at the same university, provided they meet the minimum GPA requirements. E.g. University of Western Australia
6. What if My ATAR is Low? 🤔
If your ATAR is lower than the required threshold, there are still several pathways to law school:
- Entry Schemes: Some universities offer entry schemes for rural, Indigenous, and/or socioeconomically disadvantaged students. E.g. Monash University
- Internal Transfer: After enrolling in a different program, you can aim to transfer internally to a law degree based on your university performance.
- External Transfer: You may also consider transferring from another institution after demonstrating academic success in a different field.
In a Nutshell 🐿️
There are multiple pathways and considerations when aiming to enter law school in Australia directly after high school. By understanding the options and requirements, you can make informed decisions that align with your career aspirations and academic strengths.
