Juris Doctor (JD)

Monash Juris Doctor (JD)

The Monash Juris Doctor (JD) offers you extraordinary and unique opportunities. You will be joining a world-class law school with a proud history and a demonstrated commitment to provide the best experiential legal education in Australia.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS How to apply.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS How to apply.

We offer tremendous travel opportunities. You have the option to study at our Prato campus in Italy and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, or to undertake student exchanges and visits to other leading partner universities overseas.

A Monash JD is recognised internationally, and our graduates hold distinguished roles within and beyond the legal profession, both in Australia and overseas.

The possibilities are endless with a Monash JD. Where you end up is entirely up to you. We will help you get there.

The Monash Juris Doctor program holds information sessions throughout the year for people who are still considering the Monash JD. These sessions are a valuable way to learn more about the Monash JD.
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Please feel free to send an enquiry to us at law-engagement@monash.edu.
Trimester 2 2026
Application Deadline 20 April 2026
Orientation 29 April 2026
Classes Commence 4 May 2026
Trimester 3 2026
Application Deadline 10 August 2026
Orientation 19 August 2026
Classes Commence 24 August 2026
Madeleine

"The Monash JD is the start of an exciting and rewarding career in the law. My studies in the Monash JD connected me with fantastic practitioners, teachers, alumni, and staff members. These connections helped me develop an understanding of different fields, and whether they would suit me career-wise. And being a student at a reputable university has also enabled me to pursue my career goals with confidence. If you want a challenging, self-directed, collaborative, and life-changing learning experience at law school, choose the Monash JD."
Lovedeep

"I chose to study the Monash JD because I really wanted to become a practising lawyer. I actually discovered my passion for the law while I was doing my undergraduate degree. Even though I was studying another discipline, I knew I wanted to make my career in law. Studying the Monash JD has provided me with a strong foundation in legal principles and practices. It’s also improved my critical thinking, research and analytical skills which are essential skills for lawyers. My advice to anyone considering the Monash JD is to give it a go! You’ll be surprised by the number of doors that a Monash JD can open." .
Jonathan

"Before I started the Monash JD I had a career in the British civil service. In that career, I found it difficult to align my values and abilities with my work. By studying the Monash JD, my goal was to channel my skills and values into my work and become a barrister. I believe I can now make a positive impact in the world, both as an individual and as part of a professional community."
Natalia

"In my final year of the Monash JD, I held the role of JD Director with the Monash Law Students' Society. This experience was invaluable to me. The most exciting part of my role was connecting with students from all year levels and acting as an interface between faculty, industry professionals and the student body. Not only did I develop incredible leadership skills, but I also learned how to communicate professionally and negotiate. While I was JD Director, I had to balance my studies, clerkships, work and personal life. I am now armed with great time management and wellbeing skills which help me balance working life and manage competing interests."
Simone

"While I’ve been studying the Monash JD it’s been easy to make friends. We support each other and together we chip away at completing the degree. Being at Monash University Law Chambers in the city, surrounded by the courts and walking among barristers and solicitors really motivates me. The JD is challenging, to say the least. It’s a lot of work, but you get the hang of it quickly and get into the study groove, no matter how many years since you studied. But mostly, when you love what you are doing and feel passionate about why you are doing it, you’ll have the motivation that you need to get it done!"
What can I do with my law degree?
Studies show that Monash Law graduates enjoy a higher rate of employment on graduation than graduates from most other disciplines. A Law degree provides a sound general education, equipping graduates with excellent analytical, drafting and problem solving skills. As a result, our graduates have been successful in a range of careers.
Careers In Law
There are many career destinations for law graduates. Our graduates:
- Work in leading national and international law firms, smaller city and suburban firms or legal practices in regional centres
- Work as a barrister
- The government sector, in areas such as the Office of Public Prosecution, the Department of Justice, the Attorney-General's Department or the Victorian Solicitor-General's Office
- Large companies as corporate in-house legal counsel
- Specialist legal firms, practising in particular areas of the law
- Legal recruitment and consultancy
- Academic or legal research
Careers outside the law
The possible career destinations for law graduates outside the legal industry are endless. Monash Law graduates have found employment in a huge range of areas, including:
- Publishing, media, film and the arts
- Marketing and communications
- Government and politics
- Business Management
- Science and engineering
- Environmental protection and development
- Project management
- Banking and finance
- International organisations, e.g the UN
- Non-governmental organisations e.g the Red Cross, Amnesty International
Life After Law School Podcast
Your law degree can unlock so many exciting career paths. Did you know that around 50 per cent of all law graduates choose to work in areas other than law?
On Life After Law School you'll meet amazing people who are using their law degrees in fascinating ways.
Get the very best tips and tricks from law graduates at various stages of their careers so you can take charge of your own journey. Click here to learn more
Listen to all episodes
Produced by: Monash Law School
Hosts: Isabel Melles Taberner and James Pattison
Becoming a lawyer
Requirements for Practicing Law
The Monash JD is specifically designed for graduates from non-law backgrounds. Monash JD graduates are equipped with the knowledge and academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner.
The Monash JD is recognised by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB), satisfying the requirements for admission.
Once you have completed your Monash JD, you need to complete either practical legal training or supervised legal training.
Practical legal training can be completed by undertaking a training course which is delivered by a provider that has been accredited by VLAB.
Supervised legal training involves participating in the workforce for 12 months or more under a training plan which has been approved by VLAB.

Students are then able to apply for admission.
Requirements for Practicing Law for Overseas Practitioners
Overseas practitioners wanting to be admitted to practice law in Australia, should contact the governing body in the state in which they intend to practise to determine the requirements for admission.
In the State of Victoria, the governing body is known as the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). For applicants admitted to practice in their home country, VLAB will assess their qualifications and determine which areas of study need to be undertaken in order to qualify for practice in the State of Victoria.
Single unit enrolment through Monash JD program allows admissions in State of Victoria
Monash Law School offers single unit subject enrolment through our Monash JD program, primarily for admissions in the State of Victoria. Core Monash JD units are endorsed by VLAB, meeting the areas of knowledge required for admission in Victoria.
Further details of Monash JD units available at the Juris Doctor class timetable.
Some student may be eligible for FEE-HELP under the following provision: "Bridging courses for overseas-trained professionals". Information about FEE-HELP can be found at www.studyassist.gov.au
In addition to the single unit application form, the following documents must be provided:
- original or certified original copy of the VLAB assessment letter
- original or certified original copy of your law degree transcripts and evidence of completion
- certified original evidence of you citizenship status including a copy of your subclass visa number.
Browse available scholarships
Benefits:
Transfer from a domestic full-fee place to a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for the remainder of your Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Number offered:
Variable depending on the availability of Commonwealth Supported Places.
Selection Criteria:
This award is based on academic achievement. You must have:
- Achieved a minimum of a High Distinction (HD) Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 80 per cent.
- 48 credit points or less to complete your Juris Doctor.
Eligibility:
- An Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, a holder of an Australian permanent resident visa or a holder of a permanent humanitarian visa.
- A continuing full-time or part-time postgraduate student (coursework) enrolled in a full-fee place in the Juris Doctor at the Monash Campus in Australia.
Application and other information:
- This award cannot be deferred.
- No application is necessary. Students are automatically assessed and awarded the Law Achievement Recognition Award by the Faculty of Law.