Everything you need to know about the 2025 UNSW LAT exam: Key dates and information

UNSW boasts one of the most recognised Law degrees, but there is an extra pre-requisite to enter: the LAT exam. What exactly is the LAT, and what are the changes being made in 2025? This article will break down the important information and key dates for you, so get your notebooks ready!

20 hours ago   •   5 min read

By Manoj Arachige
Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm / Unsplash

The Law Admission Test (LAT) is a requirement for domestic students seeking entry into the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) double degree at UNSW Sydney in 2026. However, it is important to note that 2025 is the final year the LAT will be offered for entry into UNSW Law.

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🤨 Hold up, what does that mean?

The LAT is being phased out from 2027 onwards.

Based on feedback received from students, career advisers and educators over the years, UNSW is phasing out the LAT Exam. This means that from next year onwards, students do not have to take the LAT in order to apply to study Law.

However, the 2025 LAT Exam is still occurring.

UNSW will still continue with the LAT in 2025 to avoid an abrupt change to the cohort of students seeking admission next year. This means that:

  • Year 11 students who sat the LAT in 2024 can still use their 2024 result for 2026 entry
  • Year 12 students still need to take the LAT in 2025 to apply for 2026 entry

The LAT will only cease to be included in the entry requirements for students seeking entry in 2027 and beyond.

📆 Key Date and Information about UNSW LAT 2025

 Since the LAT will still be a requirement for admission into UNSW Bachelor of Law in 2026, students will still have to take the LAT. So here are the important dates and information that you should know to help you prepare for the test:

EventDate
Registrations openMonday 12 May 2025, 9 am AEST
Standard registrations closeMonday 11 August 2025, 5 pm AEST
Late registrations closeMonday 8 September 2025, 5 pm AEST
Reasonable adjustment applications closeMonday 8 September 2025, 5 pm AEST
Refund requests closeMonday 8 September 2025, 5 pm AEST
Admission Tickets releasedTuesday 16 September 2025, by 5 pm AEST
Test dateTuesday 30 September 2025
Results availableFriday 21 November 2025, by 5pm AEDT

Information from LAT website.

What is in the test?

LAT is a computer-based test that lasts for 2 hours, including 10 minutes of reading and planning time per writing task. There are two tasks in the LAT:

TaskFocusWhat You Do
Task ACritical analysis of arguments in provided materialWrite a response evaluating strengths and weaknesses of the given argument
Task BDevelopment of your own argument using a mix of provided texts and/or graphicsWrite a persuasive essay, integrating and referencing the supplied materials

You can find a sample paper here: https://lat.acer.edu.au/practice-material

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How are you scored?

You’ll receive a percentile rank and LAT score on your statement of results. Your percentile rank indicates how you performed in relation to all other candidates who sat the LAT in the same year. Your LAT score is the mark you received on the test.Your LAT score is the score that will be used, combined with your academic results, in the selection process.

There’s no pass or fail mark for the LAT. The entry requirements into the Bachelor of Laws fluctuate slightly year-to-year. For 2025 admission, the median LAT score was 77. So do not be disheartened if your LAT score is around the 60-70 range.

📌 Tips to Prepare for the LAT

  • Familiarise yourself with the test by at least viewing the sample paper. ACER and UNSW do not recommend or endorse courses for LAT preparation, but knowing what the test looks like can help you be more mentally prepared.
  • Practice writing. The LAT tests your ability to think critically, analyse and construct arguments, interpret information, and communicate ideas clearly in writing. Time yourself while writing some persuasive essays, and have your peers or teachers review them for feedback.
  • Build up your stamina. Two hours is a very long time to stay focused, so practice writing essays under timed conditions to build up your endurance.
  • Have sufficient rest and nutrition, especially the night before the test. A well rested body is the best tool for an important exam. It is also recommended that you have a light meal before your exam itself, as food is not allowed in the test centre unless prior permission was granted.
  • Pack your bag the day before, and make sure you have all the important things you have to bring, such as: LAT Admission Ticket, current photo-bearing ID, a blue/black pen and/or pencil, an eraser, sharpener and clear bottle/glass of water (optional). Find out more here.
  • Be punctual for the test. You must report to the test centre at the time stated on your Admission Ticket. UNSW advices to not arrive at the test centre more than 5 minutes early, as it causes congestion in the lobby.

Conclusion

The LAT test will still be required for 2026 admission, so it is still important to have these key dates marked on your calendar, and be prepared for the test. Writing clear and strong persuasive essays can be difficult, so if you need some extra guidance, there are many amazing tutors at KIS Academics who can help you achieve your goals.

FAQs

Do I need to sit the LAT exam?

If you are looking to enter UNSW Bachelor of Law in 2026, then yes, you still have to sit the LAT exam. If you had taken the LAT in 2024, your results are still valid and can be used for admission in 2026.

Will I need to sit the LAT for 2027 Admission?

No, you will not! The LAT will be phased out after 2025; so this is the last year students will have to take the LAT for UNSW Bachelor of Law admissions.

Are there practice papers for the LAT?

There may be some around, but those are not endorsed by ACER or UNSW. Since the LAT is meant to test candidates' ability to think critically, analyse and construct arguments, interpret information, and communicate ideas clearly in writing, it is more prudent to work on your persuasive writing. A tutor can help you improve your writing!


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