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Juris Doctor (JD)

Study and save: Discounted student fees are available through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) when undertaking this course in 2027.

Build the legal knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing legal profession. The program combines accredited legal education with technology, real-world experience and contemporary legal practice. The Juris Doctor (JD) is a professional entry Masters degree that satisfied the academic degree requirements for admission to practice as an Australian Lawyer.

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Juris Doctor (JD)

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Duration

Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*

Next Start Date

01 March 2027

19 July 2027

Closing Date

Campuses

Parramatta South UAC 950071 Campbelltown UAC 950081

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual fee from $11,885

Additional Information

Program Code: 2826

CRICOS Code: 101997

Law at Western

The Juris Doctor is a professionally accredited postgraduate law degree for graduates from any discipline who want to become lawyers or develop advanced legal expertise. Designed for today's legal profession, the program combines rigorous legal foundations with emerging areas including technology, artificial intelligence, global law and contemporary legal practice. You'll learn through collaborative, face-to-face problem solving, authentic case-based learning and practical assessments that mirror real legal work. Throughout the degree you'll develop the critical thinking, research, advocacy and communication skills expected of modern legal professionals. Whether your goal is admission as a lawyer, a leadership role in government or business, or further research, the Juris Doctor provides a flexible pathway to your future.

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Develop practical legal capability through authentic assessments, advocacy, legal practice skills, clinical engagement and opportunities for internships.

Explore how technology, artificial intelligence and global legal developments are transforming legal practice.

Choose from a wide range of elective subjects across commercial law, migration law, international law, family law, medical law, construction law, mediation and many more.

Gain practical insight through industry-connected subjects, professional placements, legal clinics and engagement with experienced legal practitioners. Students can also take part in the Career Transformation Workshop Series, connecting Juris Doctor students with industry partners, alumni and employers to build professional networks ahead of graduation.

Interested in academia or policy? Complete research projects that can provide a pathway towards future PhD study.

The program satisfies the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT) and the requirements of the Legal Profession Admission Board.

What you can expect to study

The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue careers including:

Solicitor
Barrister (following further requirements)
Government lawyer
Corporate counsel
Legal policy adviser
Compliance manager
Regulatory specialist
Human rights adviser
Migration law practitioner
Commercial consultant
Legal researcher
Academic

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Yeukai D - Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)

Alumni

"Having grown up in Western Sydney, I wanted to study at a university that genuinely understood and represented my community. From the moment I joined WSU, I felt a much stronger sense of belonging — the classes were more personal, and I always felt comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance.

Being able to attend evening and online classes meant I could continue working full-time while pursuing my legal education. I also particularly valued being taught by academics who are practising lawyers, whose practical insights brought the law to life.

For me, the WSU JD is more than just a law degree. It is an academically rigorous, accessible and flexible program that is deeply connected to the community it serves."

—Ahmed Yar Khan, Juris Doctor

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for domestic students

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about special requirements here.

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for international students

**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.

Indicative annual fee

PG Direct CSP

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.

You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.

If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.

New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.

However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.

Find out more about HECS-HELP

Find out more about OS-HELP

Apply as a Domestic Student

If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.

Domestic students are:

Australian Citizens
New Zealand Citizens
Australian permanent residents
Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders

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Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.

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PG Direct

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

Apply as an International Student

If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative.

International students are:

Not an Australian citizen;
Not a New Zealand citizen; and
Not a permanent resident of Australia.

Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements. For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page.

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Scholarships

When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.

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B Education (Early Childhood)

FAQs

We've gathered common questions to provide you with quick, clear answers about this program. Whether you're exploring admission requirements, details about the degree or career prospects, you'll find valuable insights here. If you need more information, our support team is ready to assist you on your journey to Western. You can find their details below.

Applicants must hold a completed bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or meet the University's recognised admission requirements.

The Master of Laws is not professionally accredited and it can't lead to admission as a legal practitioner. The Juris Doctor is accredited and graduates can apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission as a legal practitioner after undertaking practical legal training.

Yes. The Juris Doctor satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia. Graduates must also complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) and meet the requirements of the relevant Legal Profession Admission Board.

The curriculum has been designed to prepare graduates for the future of legal practice, with dedicated study in law and technology, artificial intelligence, global law, legal practice skills and industry engagement.

No. The Juris Doctor is designed for graduates from non-law disciplines who wish to qualify as lawyers.

Yes. The program can be completed either full-time or part-time.

Yes. Students undertake authentic legal assessments, legal practice subjects and may choose internship and clinical learning opportunities through elective subjects.

Students can choose electives in areas including artificial intelligence and the law, commercial law, migration law, international law, family law, mediation, construction law, medical law, intellectual property, taxation and research.

Graduates work across private legal practice, government, corporate legal teams, compliance, consulting, policy, advocacy, legal technology, research and academia.

Yes. The program includes global legal perspectives and international law electives, helping prepare graduates for increasingly international legal careers.

Yes. Students may undertake legal research projects and dissertations that provide a pathway towards future PhD study.

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OTHER STUDY OPTIONS

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Bachelor of Laws

Full Time: 4 Years (Available Part Time)*

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Master of Laws

Full Time: 1-2 Years (Available Part Time)*

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As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

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