Study law in Australia

To study law at RMIT you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)

• TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)

• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50) 

• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

*Please note: This is a guide only. English requirements can vary between courses. You are strongly advised to check the minimum English requirements required for your preferred course. 

There are many diverse career opportunities open to law graduates, across a broad range of industries. Law courses provide in-demand, transferable skills, which can lead to employment in roles such as practising as a solicitor or barrister in the commercial or criminal legal sectors in organisations of all sizes and scales. Legal knowledge is useful in management, industrial relations and policy making professions. Many members of parliament have law degrees.

Alumni work in many fields where knowledge of legal principles and the ability to think deeply and rigorously are essential. These fields include public administration, NGOs, politics and business. Graduates are building a reputation as fully prepared, work-ready legal professionals. 

When thinking about the place that will be your home for the next few years, consider factors such as safety, culture, infrastructure and more. Think about how far away from home you want to live and whether you have a dream university in mind. Additionally, consider the reputation of the city among future employers. For example, Melbourne is widely recognised as Australia’s best city for students and consistently ranks among the Most Liveable Cities in the World.

Academic requirements can vary between different courses, so it’s important to review the specific details of your preferred course before applying. For instance, the Bachelor of Laws degree will have different academic requirements to a Juris Doctor degree, due to the variations in the level of study or equivalent experience required for certain postgraduate courses.  

Tuition fees are also course-specific, so make sure to check the annual fees listed on your preferred course’s page. Most universities display these fees on their course pages, providing the most accurate and up-to-date information. The range of tuition fees can significantly change based on the level of study, making the course pages the most reliable source for tuition fee details.  

A city’s cost of living is another vital factor to consider. Manage your costs by considering factors such as accommodation options (on-campus vs off-campus), transportation expenses and potential work options while studying.

In addition to everyday living expenses, remember study-related costs beyond course fees. This may include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and other fees associated with your course. Conducting thorough research will help you create a realistic budget and make informed financial decisions.

It's important to consider the type of support and resources a university provides to international students. RMIT offers a wide range of support services to help students thrive both academically and personally. The on-campus health clinic and counselling services* ensure students stay healthy and receive necessary mental health support. Pastoral and spiritual support is available for students of all faiths, fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. To aid academic success, one-on-one study consultations are provided for assistance with research, referencing, English language skills, writing, maths and science queries, and effective study techniques.

*Please note: All international students (and their dependents) require Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student and student dependent visas.

Don't forget to consider the importance of having a healthy social life when living in a new country. RMIT offers a wide array of clubs and societies, allowing students to connect with like-minded peers, pursue their interests, and discover new passions. Sport and fitness clubs provide everything needed to stay active and healthy, from gym memberships to organised sports teams and fitness classes. Student events are a regular feature on campus, ranging from cultural festivals to academic workshops, ensuring there is always something exciting happening. The RMIT Kirrip community helps students connect with others through various activities, including experiences around Melbourne, social events, and peer-to-peer wellbeing support. Kirrip staff and volunteers span the social spectrum from introvert to extrovert, ensuring there is something for everyone, whether seeking a supportive community or looking to join groups with shared interests or hobbies.

The RMIT Law Students Society supports undergraduate and postgraduate law students at RMIT by providing career and networking opportunities, competitions, equity and diversity events, educational assistance, and a variety of social activities.

When shortlisting universities, research academic rankings to gain a comprehensive view of a university’s strengths. Influential rankings such as QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings evaluate universities based on criteria like teaching, academic reputation, research impact, student satisfaction and employability. While rankings provide insights, they should be considered alongside other factors such as course offerings, faculty expertise and location.