Searching for the top law schools in Sydney? We have listed the best law schools in Sydney for you in this blog.
But first, we have a few questions. When did you first realize you wanted to become a lawyer? What do you think is the best part about studying law?
For anyone who is considering studying law in Sydney, the first decision they’ll have to make is what kind of law schools in Sydney to choose from. There are all kinds of law schools in Sydney and there’s no one size fits all approach.
When you start researching law schools in Sydney, you will find several different law schools come up – some from very niche sources; others from much more widely read sites like prestigious universities around the world.
The primary selection factor for any potential law student should be focused on the quality of the educational program itself.
Thus, we have based our ranking of the top law schools in Sydney on strictly the quality of their law programs, and how they compare to one another. Interestingly, we have published an article on law schools in Melbourne, in case you are still researching what cities in Australia are best for you.
How Long Does Law School Take in Australia?
Law school in Australia takes three years to complete, as opposed to the two years it takes in the United States.
However, there are some variations in length based on your program and university.
For example, if you choose to attend an undergraduate program at a university like the University of New South Wales (UNSW), which is located in Sydney, then you can complete a Bachelor of Laws degree in two years.
If you’re looking for something more intensive and want to be fully immersed in all aspects of the law, then you might want to consider enrolling in a graduate law program instead.
These programs usually take four years and result in a Master’s degree or Graduate Diploma/Graduate Certificate.
How Long are Law Schools in Sydney?
Law school in Sydney can take between three and five years to complete, depending on the program you choose.
If you’re interested in an accelerated program, you may be able to complete your law degree in only two years.
The most popular law degrees in Sydney are a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Juris Doctorate (JD).
If you’re interested in doing a JD, you must know that many universities require applicants to have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies before being able to apply for the program.
What Do Lawyers Earn in Australia?
The average salary for a lawyer in Australia is AUD 145,363.19 (Australian Dollars) per year, which is about USD 104,269 (US Dollars).
However, this number can vary depending on your location and experience level.
For example, if you are working as a junior lawyer in Sydney or Melbourne, then you can expect an annual salary of about AUD 60,000 or USD 43,038 On the other hand, if you are working as a senior partner at a large law firm then you could expect an annual salary of around AUD 180,000 or USD 129,114 on a high-income average.
Thus, lawyers in Australia are well-paid and live comfortable lives. However, it takes hard work and a lot of money to graduate from law schools in Sydney as you will soon find out.
Job Prospects for Lawyers in Australia
If you’re interested in becoming a lawyer in Australia, it’s important to know what kind of job prospects you can expect.
You might be wondering if there are any downsides to this career path. Well, there are: the average person who graduates from law school in Australia earns around $70,000 per year—and that’s after five years of study and significant debt.
But there are also some pretty cool upsides: for instance, lawyers have a lot of autonomy and flexibility when it comes to their work hours and days off (which can help them balance work with family).
If you’d love to pursue a career as a lawyer in Australia, it’s best to start early on. Law schools in Sydney for example can be very competitive places.
If you don’t already have extensive experience with the legal system (like through working at a law firm) or exceptional grades from your undergraduate degree program (like an LLB or JD), then it may be difficult for you to get into one of these programs.
The List of Law Schools in Sydney
You can study law at any of the following law schools in Sydney.
These are the best law schools in Sydney, and we have ranked them from the top law schools in Sydney to decent law schools in Sydney.
We have included their pros, and cons, tuition information, and other key information that you might want to know.
University of New South Wales
- Location: Kensington, Australia.
- Tuition Information: $925 per unit for domestic students and $945 per unit for international students.
- Degree(s): LL.B., LL.M., J.D, and Ph.D.
University of New South Wales is a great place to go if you’re interested in law. It’s ranked as one of the best law schools in Sydney, and its law program has been ranked as one of the top 20 in the world.
The university offers two different streams for its law degree: professional and academic.
The professional stream is designed for those who want to become lawyers and other professionals who work with the law, like judges.
It’s also meant for students who want to take up postgraduate studies or study abroad at other institutions like Harvard or Yale.
The academic stream is designed for students who want to study law but don’t necessarily want to practice it professionally—it’s also perfect if you want to pursue further studies at another institution or go on an exchange program.
There are many pros and cons when it comes to studying at UNSW, but here are some we thought were important:
Pros:
- Great reputation.
- Bigger campus (with more than 50,000 students).
- Lots of resources available (libraries, labs, etc.).
- High employment rates after graduation.
Cons:
- Expensive tuition fees.
- Due to the high student body, there is no room for individualized attention for students.
University of Sydney
- Location: Sydney, Australia.
- Tuition Information: $38,000 per year for domestic students and $48,000 for international students.
- Degree(s): LL.B., LL.M., J.D, and Ph.D.
The University of Sydney offers a law program that is ranked 2nd in Australia, and 14th worldwide. It is one of the best law schools in Sydney. The program is designed to give students a broad understanding of the legal system, and it emphasizes practical skills.
The program takes five years to complete, and students can choose between an honors degree or an undergraduate degree.
The honors degree is intended for those who want to enter the legal profession, while the undergraduate degree prepares students for careers in other fields.
One of the advantages of this program is that it allows you to study abroad during your final year and earn credits toward your degree. You’ll also have access to some of the best resources in Australia’s legal system, including:
- Lecturers who are involved in research projects at law schools around the world.
- An extensive library with over 100,000 books on legal topics.
- Access to journals and databases around the world.
University of Technology, Sydney
- Location: Ultimo, Australia.
- Tuition Information: $49,500 per year.
- Degree(s): LL.B., LL.M., J.D, and Ph.D.
If you’re looking for a law program with a strong focus on technology, the University of Technology Sydney is the place for you.
The university is one of the best law schools in Sydney, and it’s consistently ranked as one of the top 100 in the world.
It offers classes that are both practical and theoretical, so students are prepared to face the challenges of today’s legal system while also being able to keep up with future developments in technology.
The school is located in the New South Wales territory, which means that students can take advantage of some of Australia’s best beaches and outdoor activities while they’re studying.
This university isn’t cheap, however — tuition costs at least USD 38,000 per year—so be sure to apply if you can afford the program.
Macquarie University
- Location: Sydney, Australia.
- Tuition Information: $28,800 per year.
- Degree(s): LL.B., J.D, and LL.M.
If cost is a motivating factor for you in selecting what law schools in Sydney you want to enroll in, then you will like Macquarie (because you don’t have many options left).
The Law School at Macquarie University is one of the cheapest law schools in Sydney. However, it is not one of the most reputable law schools in Sydney, as it is ranked in QS’s Ranking of 320 Law Schools in the World at 101-150.
But it makes a decent law school for any prospective student who just wants a good law program in Sydney that is also affordable.
Pros:
- Macquarie University is a large, prestigious university with a strong reputation for law.
- The university has been ranked as one of the top universities in Australia, and it’s also highly regarded internationally.
- The law program at Macquarie University is well-regarded in the industry and provides a strong foundation for future careers in law.
- The school offers a wide range of specialized courses within its undergraduate program that allows students to focus on particular areas of interest such as business law or environmental law.
Cons:
- Although Macquarie University has a strong reputation and teaches some high-quality courses, it’s not necessarily the best option if you’re looking for personalized attention from teachers or mentors.
Western Sydney University
- Location: Penrith, Australia.
- Tuition Information: $22,103 per year.
- Degree(s): LL.B. and LL.M.
Western Sydney University has a law program that is reputable in Australia, and it’s also one of the best in the world. Like UTS, Western Sydney University is also one of the cheapest law schools in Sydney to attend, in comparison to the likes of elite schools like the University of New South Wales.
The university has a strong focus on practical skills and training, which means students will be able to apply their knowledge immediately upon graduation.
This is especially useful if you’re interested in becoming a lawyer, but don’t want to take some time off from work before going back to school.
Although this program is ranked highly, it does have its drawbacks as well. For example, the university doesn’t offer many scholarships or financial aid options for law students.
In addition, because Western Sydney University is located in an area that isn’t known for being very safe (especially at night), there are some safety concerns if you plan on studying there full-time.
University of Notre Dame
- Location: Fremantle, Australia.
- Tuition Information: $65,436 per year.
- Degree(s): LL.B.
The University of Notre Dame Australia is a private Catholic university founded in 1997. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
The LLB program at Notre Dame is an intensive three-year course that takes place over three semesters per year.
You’ll study statutory law, common law and equity law, administrative law, international law, criminal law and procedure, and public international law.
You’ll also study constitutional law, family law, commercial law, and legal ethics.
Some pluses include:
- Small class sizes (max 30 students).
- Flexible degree completion options: part-time or full-time study; on-campus or online; accelerated completion option available after two years.
Cons:
- It is a relatively newer law school in Sydney. So, only the LLB program is offered for now.
If you are looking for more options in law (like a Ph.D. program), you should consider other law schools in Sydney on this list.
- The law program at the University of Notre Dame is expensive.
Thomas More Law School, Australian Catholic University
- Location: North Sydney, Australia. It also has campuses in Brisbane and Melbourne.
- Tuition Information: $14,624 for domestic students, and $22,499 for international students.
- Degree(s): LL.B.
The Australian Catholic University is a private university that offers a law program.
It is the newest law school in Sydney as it was established in 2012. The law program at ACU is unique in that it’s taught by lawyers and judges from the Supreme Court of Victoria.
The classes are small, and there is a focus on practical skills.
The program has some pros, but it also has some cons. The pros include:
- Small class sizes mean you get to know your professors well, so they can give you an individualized education to help you achieve your goals.
- The teaching staff comes from the Supreme Court of Victoria, so they know what they’re talking about when it comes to legal practice in Australia.
- You’ll gain skills that will prepare you for becoming a lawyer in Australia or abroad, as well as skills that will help you find work in other industries once you finish your degree.
Wrapping It Up
Overall, there are some excellent law schools in Sydney, and being able to choose between them based on academic reputation and rankings is a really good thing.
If you’re willing to take the next step and get your degree, most of these law schools in Sydney lead the way in providing you with diversity and opportunity.
If you’re considering applying to any of these law schools in Sydney, check out our ranking to determine which one is best suited for your needs.