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Cost of Studying Law in Australia: A Complete Guide for International Students

International Students reviewing the cost of studying law in Australia on a university campus


Australia is one of the most popular destinations for law students from Malaysia and across Asia. Its law degrees are globally recognised, and many graduates go on to practise in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and beyond.

However, before you apply, you need a clear picture of the cost of studying law in Australia. This guide breaks down tuition fees, living expenses, Visa charges and other hidden costs. As a result, you can plan your budget with confidence.

Why This Matters

Law is one of the more expensive degrees in Australia. Tuition fees for International Students often sit above those for arts, science or business courses. In addition, law programmes tend to run for four to five years. Therefore, small yearly differences can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over the full course.

Understanding the total cost also helps you compare universities fairly. For example, a cheaper city may offset higher tuition fees. Similarly, a scholarship at one university may make it more affordable than a lower-fee course elsewhere. In short, knowing the numbers puts you in control of your decision.

Tuition Fees for Law Degrees in Australia

Tuition is the largest part of the cost of studying law in Australia. Fees vary by university, degree type and study length. The table below shows typical annual fees for International Students in 2026.

Degree TypeTypical DurationAnnual FeeEstimated Total
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)4 nămA$ 40,000 – A$ 55,000A$ 160,000 – A$ 220,000
Combined degree (e.g. Arts/Law, Commerce/Law)5 nămA$ 40,000 – A$ 55,000A$ 200,000 – A$ 275,000
Juris Doctor (JD)3 nămA$ 45,000 – A$ 60,000A$ 135,000 – A$ 180,000
Thạc sĩ Luật (LLM)1 – 2 yearsA$ 40,000 – A$ 55,000A$ 40,000 – A$ 110,000

Fees at Nhóm 8 trường đại học, such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney and UNSW, sit at the higher end. In contrast, universities such as Deakin, Griffith, La Trobe and Western Sydney University usually charge less. These universities still offer accredited law degrees that lead to admission to practice.

Keep in mind that most universities raise fees by 3% to 5% each year. Consequently, you should budget for increases across the full length of your course.

International Students comparing law degree tuition fees in Australia

Living and Other Costs

Tuition is only one part of the picture. Your living costs, Lệ phí thị thực and health cover also add to the total cost of studying law in Australia.

Living Expenses

The Australian Department of Home Affairs currently requires students to show at least A$ 29,710 per year for living costs. In practice, real spending depends on your city and lifestyle. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive. Meanwhile, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and regional cities are noticeably cheaper.

ExpenseMonthly Estimate
Accommodation (shared or student housing)A$ 800 – A$ 1,800
Food and groceriesA$ 400 – A$ 600
TransportA$ 100 – A$ 200
Utilities and phoneA$ 150 – A$ 250
Textbooks and study materialsA$ 100 – A$ 200
Entertainment and personalA$ 200 – A$ 400
Tổng cộngA$ 1,750 – A$ 3,450

Visa and Insurance

Student Visa (subclass 500): A$ 2,000 from 1 July 2025.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): around A$ 600 to A$ 900 per year for a single student.
English test (IELTS or PTE): roughly A$ 400 to A$ 450.

Costs After Graduation

Graduating with a law degree does not automatically qualify you to practise. To become a lawyer in Australia, you must complete Practical Legal Training (PLT). This course usually costs A$ 9,000 to A$ 13,000. After that, you apply for admission, which involves a further fee of around A$ 900 to A$ 1,000.

Planning living and study costs for a law degree in Australia

Tips to Consider When Choosing a Law School

Every student has a different budget and goal. Nevertheless, a few principles apply to almost everyone considering the cost of studying law in Australia.

1
Look at the total, not the yearly fee. A five-year combined degree can cost far more than a three-year JD, even if the yearly fee looks lower.
2
Factor in the city. Living in Adelaide or Perth may save you A$ 8,000 to A$ 12,000 per year compared with Sydney.
3
Apply for scholarships early. Many awards are automatic for high achievers, but some require a separate application before a deadline.
4
Check accreditation. Make sure the degree is recognised by the admitting authority in the state where you plan to practise. If you intend to return to Malaysia, confirm recognition with the Legal Profession Qualifying Board.
5
Consider pathway options. Some students complete part of their degree at a partner institution before transferring. This can lower the overall cost.
6
Read the fee policy. Understand how fees increase each year and what refund rules apply if you withdraw.

Cost of studying law in Australia fees and expenses guide

FAQ: Cost of Studying Law in Australia

How much does it cost to study law in Australia for International Students?
Expect A$ 40,000 to A$ 60,000 per year in tuition. Including living costs, the total is usually A$ 70,000 to A$ 95,000 per year.
Is a JD cheaper than an LLB?
Per year, the JD is often more expensive. However, it takes only three years, so the total cost can be lower than a four- or five-year LLB.
Can I work while studying law in Australia?
Yes. Student Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during official breaks.
Are scholarships available for law students?
Yes. Most universities offer international merit scholarships. These typically cover 10% to 50% of tuition and are renewed each year if you maintain your grades.
Can I practise in Malaysia with an Australian law degree?
Several Australian law degrees are recognised by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board of Malaysia. Graduates then sit the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) before admission. Always confirm the current list before enrolling.

Summary

The cost of studying law in Australia is significant, but it is also predictable. Tuition ranges from A$ 40,000 to A$ 60,000 per year, depending on the university and degree type. Living costs add another A$ 20,000 to A$ 35,000 per year, with Sydney and Melbourne at the top of the scale. Visa fees, health cover and Practical Legal Training round out the budget. Above all, comparing the total cost across degree length, city and scholarship options will help you find the right fit.

Need help comparing law schools or estimating your budget? The Dịch vụ Sinh viên AUG team offers free consultation on course selection, applications and scholarships. Get in touch with AUG to start planning your law degree in Australia.