How to get into Law School?

The path to Law isn’t just about exams and getting the perfect ATAR; it’s a mix of ambition, confidence and extracurriculars as well. Keep reading to find out how to nail your Law School application!

Table of Content:

• Top 5 Law Schools in Australia
• How to apply to Law School?
• Are there Alternative Pathways to Law School?
• FAQs

Top 5 Law Schools in Australia

When deciding which Law school is best for you, it’s important to keep your strengths and likes in mind. Each school can offer something different, and just because a school has a great reputation, it doesn’t mean it’s the one for you. Think about what you prefer:

• traditional textbook or hands-on learning;
• exchange, or staying in one city;
• human rights, or corporate.

Below are Australia’s top 5 Law schools ranked in 2025 based on the likeliness that graduates will be hired and their international recognition.

5. Queensland University of Technology

Ranked fifth in Australia, QUT's Law degree includes detailed theory and real-world learning to provide insight into contemporary legal issues. Learn from award-winning staff and gain industry connections through placement opportunities. QUT is the best law school in Queensland, and offers guaranteed entry for students who achieve an ATAR of 87.0 and above.

4. University of Sydney

Coming in fourth place is the University of Sydney. To study a Bachelor of Laws, students will require an ATAR of 99.50. There are adjustment ranks offered for students who are eligible. The degree is 4 years long, and has a community project unit, giving students the opportunity to solve real legal problems with industry partners.

3. UNSW Sydney

In third place is UNSW Sydney. The university estimates that students will require an ATAR of 90+, however, all prospective Law students will need to sit a Law Admissions test. This is exclusive to UNSW and helps the university select those with legal and analytical skills, not just a high ATAR.

The degree is 4 years long, and there is an academic exchange program where the university has partnered with more than 80 Law schools across 40 countries!!

2. Australian National University

Second place goes to the Australian National University (ANU), located in Canberra. The university requires students to have an ATAR of 97.00, and the degree is 4 years long. There are many networking events that ANU hosts, and being located in the epicentre of Australia’s policymakers definitely gives Law students a boost.

1. University of Melbourne

And, in first place is the University of Melbourne. You will need a 99.00+ to study to be a Juris Doctor, which is a 3-year-long degree. The university regularly hosts forward-thinking workshops, conferences and lectures, which give students the opportunity to engage with the local community

How to apply to Law School?

It’s no lie you need a high ATAR to get into Law school. Most schools ask for an ATAR of 95.00+, and there are a few that will accept the high 80s. In such a competitive landscape, there has to be something that helps you stand out right?

Recommendation Letter

Well, that’s where a recommendation letter can come in handy. A recommendation letter written by your school principal, or a trusted teacher will most definitely help with the process.

These letters show the board who you are as a person beyond just your school marks. Your principal/teacher will talk about your involvement with the school, your engagement with others, and how awesome you are as a person. So definitely don’t miss out on the chance to submit a recommendation letter when applying for Law.

Extra-curriculars

Also, extracurriculars will give you that vibrant edge over other students. Engaging in meaningful extracurriculars shows you have the ability to balance your responsibilities and show your involvement in the community. They don’t have to be law-related, such as debating or public speaking. These extra-curricular activities can be sports, volunteer work and leadership positions. Anything to show that you are an active and passionate individual.

Are there Alternative Pathways to Law School?

If you don’t get your desired ATAR to get into Law school, it’s okay. There are so many other ways to study Law.

Most universities offer a Bachelor of Criminology or a Bachelor of Justice, which are similar to Law. It’s possible to complete a year of this, and then transfer to a Law degree so long as your grades are satisfactory. Or, you may even find that you love these degrees, and stick with them, maybe even deciding to do both as a double degree, pairing Law with a Bachelor of Justice.

You can also study to be a Juris Doctor, which is a post-graduate study that allows you to be a lawyer. You will have to have completed an undergraduate degree (does need to be Law) to apply for post-graduate studies.

Either way, there are definitely alternative ways to get into Law school, so do not give up!

Conclusion

Studying Law requires a lot of analytical thinking. You are expected to do a lot of reading to build foundational knowledge, and you can expect lots of essays. Make sure you brush up on those essay skills in high school, as this will be a crucial skill you will need to harness. But, aside from the academics, Law school is an awesome opportunity to build your confidence in public speaking and networking and to professionally develop in ways that will apply to any discipline. It has been such a rewarding experience for me and I can't recommend it enough!

For more study tips, check out these articles:

FAQs

Written by Tiana Rukavina who completed a Bachelor of Laws & Business.

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