Juris Doctor FAQ's

What is the difference between the JD and an LLB
How do I apply?
How are applications assessed?
What documentation do I need to apply?
Can I complete this program externally / via distance education / online?
Can I take 1 course per semester as I work full-time?
What results do I need to be made an offer?
Do I need to provide evidence of English language proficiency?
What are the special admission requirements for this program?
Where can I send my supporting statement?
Can I get status for previous study?
What are the fees for this program?
Do you have mid-year intake?
How do I defer my offer?
Is this a professional Doctorate?
What are the postgraduate electives?
Can I fast track my program through undertaking Summer School?
Can I use this degree to practice law in another country?
What is the post-nominal for this degree?
Where can I get further information?

Q. What is the difference between the JD and an LLB
A. JD students have completed a previous degree while LLB students are completing their first degree, therefore LLB students complete non-law electives and the program is 4 years full-time while JD students undertake only law courses and the program is 3 years full-time (or equivalent part-time). JD Students also take a minimum of two electives an approved list of Masters courses.

Q. How do I apply?
A. Australian citizens & Permanent Residents – apply through the Universities Admissions Centre at www.uac.edu.au
International Students – apply directly to the university.
For general information for international students see:
http://info.anu.edu.au/studyat/International_Office
Go to the following link to apply online:
http://students.anu.edu.au/apply_online.asp
or for a hard copy application form see: http://www.anu.edu.au/sas/forms/sas24international.pdf

Q. How are applications assessed?
A. Applicants must have completed a degree equivalent to an Australian Bachelors degree.
Applications are assessed on previous academic results, both tertiary and secondary (with a lesser weighting on the latter).
The ANU College of Law does not require students to sit the LSAT or to provide examples of previous assignments.
International students are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Q. What documentation do I need to apply?
A. If you are applying through UAC and studied in Australia, UAC should be able to source all of your results on your behalf. UAC will contact you if you are required to supply documentation.
International applicants will need to supply official transcripts for all previous study (including secondary), a certified copy of your degree (testamur) and evidence of English language proficiency.

Q. Can I complete this program externally / via distance education / online?
A. No, classes are held on campus in Canberra. Some components may be held after hours or online, but students must be prepared to spend a number of hours each week of semester on campus, during business hours.

Q. Can I take 1 course per semester as I work full-time?
A. Initially no. The first semester contains co-requisites, two courses that must be completed in the same semester. After the first year, you may drop to one course per semester. However please keep in mind that students must complete the program in a maximum of ten years (the program consists of 24 courses).

Q. What results do I need to be made an offer?
A. Criteria changes annually, depending on the number of places available and the quality of applicants. As a general rule, you would need at least a UAI of 95 and a credit average in a previous degree, or equivalent (ie if you have a lower UAI, you will need a higher GPA).

Q. Do I need to provide evidence of English language proficiency?
A. The following website provides information on IELTS and TOEFL requirements:
http://info.anu.edu.au/studyat/International_Office/getting_in/englishreqmts

Q. What are the special admission requirements for this program?
A. Applicants who fall below the cut-off in a particular year may submit a one-page supporting statement directly to the ANU Law School, setting out any other relevant information, which may include a case for disregarding secondary or particular tertiary results.

Q. Where can I send my supporting statement?
A. Your supporting statement can either be emailed to jdadmin.law@anu.edu.au or mailed to:
ANU College of Law
Attn: Admissions Officer
Building 5
ANU ACT 0200
Please ensure that your supporting statement is only 1 page and contains your full name and UAC number (if applicable).

Q. Can I get status for previous study?
A. If you have completed previous studies in law and they have not been used to gain another degree, you may be granted status. Due to the differences in program structure, you may not receive one-for-one.
Status will be preliminarily assessed at the time of enrolment and finalised during your first semester.
NB. To obtain an ANU Law degree at least 50 per cent of the courses must be completed at ANU.
To be eligible to obtain the degree with Honours at least two-thirds of the degree must be completed at ANU.

Q. What are the fees for this program?
A. The following website provides information on tuition fees:
http://www.anu.edu.au/sas/fees/Tuition%20fees.php
In additional to tuition fees, students should budget for course reading materials and text books.

Q. Do you have mid-year intake?
A. Generally the ANU College of Law does have a mid-year intake, however as there are often less places available, it can be more competitive than the January intake.

Q. How do I defer my offer?
A. If you wish to defer, you will need to send an email to jdadmin.law@anu.edu.au prior to 31 March for first semester and 31 August for second semester. Deferrals can be for 6 or 12 months.

Q. Is this a professional Doctorate?
A. No. This is not a research degree. It is a graduate degree leading to admission to practice law in Australia (most students also have to complete a practical legal training course). JD students attend classes with LLB students.
See the following website for information on research degrees (SJD & PhD):
http://law.anu.edu.au/researchStudents/

Q. What are the postgraduate electives?
A. Juris Doctor students must complete at least 2 of their electives from an approved list of courses from the Masters program. These courses will change each year based on the graduate timetable.
The list for each year (with prerequisites) will be listed on the following website:
http://law.anu.edu.au/Postgraduate/Juris_Doctor.asp

Q. Can I fast track my program through undertaking Summer School?
A. While some courses are offered over Summer, the number and the courses offered change each year. Students should not rely on this as an option. A list of the courses offered over Summer is usually published at the beginning of semester 2.

Q. Can I use this degree to practice law in another country?
A. You will need to check will the relevant authority in that country / jurisdiction to determine if they recognise an Australian law degree.

Q. What is the post-nominal for this degree?
A. JD

Q. Where can I get further information?
A. If after reading through this FAQ your query has not been answered, please contact the administration team at jdadmin.law@anu.edu.au