How to get into the University of New South Wales’ Law School

Excerpt

The university application process can be time-consuming and complex, especially for highly sought-after programs like Law at top-tier institutions such as the University of New South Wales in Australia. Our dedicated team at Icon Education is here to support and guide you through every step of this challenging process.

What does the University of New South Wales’ Law & Justice Department look for?

Undergraduate route

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers a robust Bachelor of Laws (LLB) double degree programme, where admitted students will be able to choose to study a second degree, graduating with two qualifications. It is a highly competitive programme, with a small class size of approximately 300 students.

The academic profiles usually presented by applicants are as follows:

Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)

While the cut-off has not been published, students typically score 95.50 and above.

International Baccalaureate

Minimally 38 points total.

Singapore GCE A-Levels

Minimally 16 points total.

The point system is as follows: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1.

If an English proficiency test is required, the following scores must be achieved to be considered for admission.

IELTS	Overall score of minimally 6.5, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
TOEFL iBT	Overall score of minimally 94, with scores that do not fall below 23 in the Reading, Listening and Speaking components, and 25 in the Writing component.
Pearson Test of English (Academic)	Overall score of minimally 64, with scores that do not fall below 46 in each subtest, and a minimum writing score of 54.

Law Admission Test

In addition to academic merit, all applicants must sit for the Law Admission Test (LAT). The LAT is a computer-based selection test specially developed to evaluate the kinds of skills and aptitude necessary for your suitability in the tertiary law programmes. It includes questions designed to assess your ability to think critically, analyse complex information, and articulate your ideas clearly and effectively.

Undergraduate route

If you are a graduate applicant, you can opt for the Juris Doctor (JD) and Masters of Laws (LLM) programmes offered by UNSW. The JD is a three-year postgraduate degree that allows applicants from non-law backgrounds and those with international LLBs to become legal practitioners.

The LLM is similarly offered to both law and non-law graduates. To be eligible, applicants must hold either a LLB or a JD degree, a bachelor’s degree in the social sciences or humanities, or other bachelor’s degrees with at least two years of professional experience in the legal field.

Admission is competitive and while UNSW has not published any official cut-off scores for their postgraduate law programmes, applicants should generally aim for an overall average score of 70% or higher in their undergraduate programmes.

Applicants without English as their first language will have to provide additional English proficiency test scores:

IELTS	Overall score of minimally 6.5, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
TOEFL iBT	Overall score of minimally 94, with scores that do not fall below 23 in the Reading, Listening and Speaking components, and 25 in the Writing component.
Pearson Test of English (Academic)	Overall score of minimally 64, with scores that do not fall below 46 in each subtest, and a minimum writing score of 54.

Tips to enhance your application

Given the intense competition and limited availability of places, especially for international students, it is imperative for applicants to set themselves apart from the rest to enhance their prospects of admission. Here are some strategies to consider incorporating into your application:

Given that UNSW Law School doesn't require interviews for admission, having a strong and consistent academic record is crucial and shows that you are prepared for the academic rigors of the course. To prepare for undergraduate law school, prospective students should consider high school courses in English, History, Government and Politics. Additionally, undergraduate degrees in political science and sociology can provide relevant foundational knowledge for the graduate pathway.
Start your preparation early and remember to include buffer time for the entire application process. The LAT covers topics that are significantly different from the usual school curriculum. Therefore, don't underestimate the effort and practice needed to become familiar with the question types and to achieve a competitive score.
Last but certainly not least, it is critical to explore opportunities that can help you determine if law is the right career path for you. Consider internships or short courses that can help you gain a better understanding of legal concepts and terminology, and whether this field is right for you.

We hope that these suggestions are helpful as you organise your law school application. Please don't hesitate to contact our team at Icon Education for more personalised advice and support as you navigate this process. We are rooting for you!