Juris Doctor - L6005
Professional entry master's degree
Do you want a career in the law?
No matter your professional or educational background, a Juris Doctor (JD) can help you get there. As one of Australia's leading law schools, Monash recognises the specific needs of JD degree students and helps you expand your skills and knowledge in line with Australian law requirements.
All Juris Doctor classes are taught at the city-based Monash Law Chambers located in the heart of Melbourne's legal precinct, with small class sizes and innovative teaching methods to foster interactive, in-depth learning.
Beyond the classroom, the Monash Law Clinical Guarantee provides JD students with the opportunity to work in one of our community legal centres, mentored by experienced practitioners. You will gain first-hand legal knowledge and provide an invaluable service to the community while earning credit towards your degree.
This three-year full-time (six-year part-time) graduate entry JD degree provides high-quality, graduate-level education in the theory and practice of law. Your studies will not only cover the knowledge and technical skills expected of legal practitioners, but also the ethical implications of legal practice.
Small, seminar-style classes allow for challenging yet stimulating discussions between students from diverse disciplines and experiences. With evening classes and part-time study options, the flexible nature of the Monash JD allows you to tailor your workload to suit your professional and personal commitments.
There are three intakes per year: January, May and August.
At a glance
Course Details
Location |
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Duration |
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Start date |
Trimester 1/ Summer (January), Trimester 2/Winter (April), Trimester 3/Spring (August) |
Qualification |
Juris Doctor |
The Monash Juris Doctor degree offers extraordinary and unique opportunities that you’ll carry with you throughout your career. As a JD student, 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.
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s legal precinct, our professional city premises for JD and masters students are in close proximity to major courts, law firms and barristers’ chambers.
What is a Juris Doctor?
A Juris Doctor or JD is a graduate entry law degree for non-law graduates that equips you with the required skills and knowledge needed to practice law in Australia.
Monash’s Juris Doctor is recognised by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) as satisfying the academic requirements for admission to practice in Victoria. No law degree enables you to practise law immediately. To practise as a lawyer in Victoria, you will also need to complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) or supervised legal training, be admitted by the Supreme Court of Victoria and obtain a practising certificate.
JD Careers
Monash Juris Doctor graduates experience high rates of employment with the diverse skills and knowledge needed to pursue a wide range of careers. Interdisciplinary studies, in-depth research, practical application and clinical placement will help you seamlessly transition into the workplace.
You may choose to pursue a career as a lawyer or barrister, pursue in-house legal counsel, or explore other law-related fields. There are numerous career opportunities available in a wide range of sectors including law, government, corporate business, health/medicine and NGOs.
Learn more about JD career outcomes.
Is a Juris Doctor worth it in Australia?
Yes! If you’re interested in a career in or related to law, a Juris Doctor is most definitely worth it.
In Australia, a Juris Doctor is one of two recognised degrees necessary to practice law. It’s not just beneficial but essential for postgraduate students from non-law backgrounds looking to enter the field.
As a graduate entry professional law degree, a JD is a valuable resource – and as one of Australia’s top law schools, Monash is a great place to start. Whether you’re seeking a professional law career or looking to apply your legal knowledge across another discipline, our Juris Doctor degree will lay the necessary foundation and bolster your career outcomes.
Apply for a JD
Learn more about how to apply for a JD at Monash.
"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." Lovedeep
Entry Requirements
You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.
Minimum Entry Requirements (International students)
Qualifications
An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) with at least credit (60%) average, or
An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) with three years professional work experience and a personal statement, or
An equivalent qualification and experience approved by the faculty.
Applicants who have not completed any formal study in the last eight years are required to submit a current curriculum vitae and a completed Monash JD personal statement.
Further details:
Additional information and advice to applicants can be found on the Juris Doctor webpage.
English entry requirements
Level C
| IELTS (Academic): 7.0 Overall score, with minimum band scores: Listening 6.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5 and Speaking 6.5 | or | Pearson Test of English (Academic): 65 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 58, Reading 58, Speaking 58 and Writing 58 | or | TOEFL iBT: 0 - 120 scale: 1 - 6 scale: | or |
Courses that require English Level A only: Other approved English tests (minimum entry scores apply) Courses with English Level B, C, D, E and F: Other approved English tests (higher entry scores apply than specified) |
University entrance requirements
Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.
Extra Requirements
Applicants will be assessed on their entire academic record.
Applicants who have not completed any formal study in the last eight years are required to submit a current curriculum vitae and a completed Monash JD personal statement.
The personal statement may include your reasons for wanting to study law, why you want to study at Monash Law School, any voluntary work or relevant work experience, any applicable achievements and other relevant aspects that you feel will improve your application.
The course structure and progression map can be viewed in the Handbook.
Making the application
Future students
Apply directly to Monash using course code L6005
Self assess for credit eligibility
Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page
Application steps
- Submit an online application.
- Provide original or original certified supporting documentation.
Application commencement periods are as follows:
- Trimester 1, January intake: "Summer Semester"
- Trimester 2, May intake: "Winter Semester"
- Trimester 3, August intake: "Spring Semester (July-October start, varies by course)"
Fees
Fees are subject to change annually.
International fee
Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:
A$54,100
Fee information specific to this course
Domestic students in this course may apply for Austudy payments from Centrelink / the Department of Human Services. See the Austudy site for details.
*Additional eligibility criteria apply.
Scholarships
We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.
Other costs and fees
For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.
Enrolment Obligations
International students enrolling in a CRICOS-registered course can study no more than one third (33%) of their course by distance and/or online learning. Students must enrol in at least one unit that is not by distance and/or online in each compulsory study period unless the student is completing the last unit of their course. See standard 8.19 and 8.20 of National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
CRICOS code: 094912D
International course guides
If you are an international student and wish to find out more about our courses, entry requirements, studying at Monash and more, please download our international course guides below.
International Study Grants
