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Study Law in Australia or New Zealand: What You Need to Know.
Australia and New Zealand both offer world-class legal education, strong international recognition, and clear pathways depending on your goals. Studying Law can lead to careers in legal practice, policy, justice, compliance, government, criminology, law enforcement, corporate advisory and more.
What’s the Difference Between Studying Law and Criminology/Justice?
Although they overlap, these study areas prepare students for different careers:
Law (LLB, JD, LLM)
Focuses on legal systems, rights, obligations, dispute resolution, contracts and legislation.
Best for students wanting to become lawyers, solicitors, barristers, legal advisors, advocates, or work in legal policy.
Criminology / Criminal Justice / Justice Studies
Focuses on crime, policing, investigation, behaviour, justice systems, and community safety.
Ideal for careers in law enforcement, intelligence, investigation, corrections, youth justice, community safety and similar sectors.
Many students study both through double degrees (e.g., Law + Criminology / Law + Business / Law + Arts).
Why Do Students Choose Law?
Students choose Law because it offers:
✔ Internationally recognised qualifications
✔ Strong employability across sectors
✔ Transferable skills: critical thinking, analysis, advocacy, ethics, negotiation
✔ Multiple specialisations
✔ Clear progression from Diploma → LLB/JD → LLM/PhD
✔ Career pathways beyond courtrooms: policy, corporate, advisory, compliance, research
What Specialisations Can You Study in Law?
Law programs in Australia and NZ often offer majors or electives such as:
- Commercial, Business & Banking Law
- Constitutional Law
- Criminology & Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Human Rights Law
- Health Law
- Indigenous Law
- Economics & Competition Law
- International Law
- Legal Practice, Mediation & Dispute Resolution
- Justice Administration
- Police Studies & Intelligence
This allows students to tailor their program to industry, government, or corporate careers.
Can Law Lead to Migration in Australia or NZ?
Australia
Some law-related fields appear on skilled occupation lists (e.g., legal professionals, compliance roles), but rules change frequently.
Students should always check the official Skilled Occupation Lists or speak to an RMA.
New Zealand
Also uses a points-based system.
Some law and justice roles can be recognised depending on labour market needs.
Important:
Students should not choose a course solely for migration.
Always check official government sites for current criteria.
Typical Job Outcomes by Study Level
| Study Level | Typical Job Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Australia VET / New Zealand NZQF L4–6 | Paralegal, legal assistant, admin officer, justice support, community safety worker, youth worker, corrections assistant |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) / Justice Studies | Lawyer-in-training, policy analyst, criminologist, police officer, intelligence analyst, legal researcher, compliance advisor |
| JD / LLM / Masters / PhD | Lawyer/solicitor/barrister, senior analyst, consultant, policy advisor, legal academic, senior compliance/GRC professional, investigator |
Professional Associations Graduates May Engage With
- Law Council of Australia (LCA)
- Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE)
- International Law Students Association (ILSA)
- Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA)
- International Police Association (IPA)
- Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP)
What Are the Law Qualification Levels in Australia & New Zealand?
You’ll find Law at these levels:
Vocational (Australia VET | NZQF Levels 4–6)
- Diploma of Justice
- Diploma of Legal Practice
- Diploma of Justice Administration
- Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice)
Great for students wanting justice, policing or legal administration roles.
Higher Education (University)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) — main pathway to becoming a lawyer
- Bachelor of Arts/Business (Law major)
- Bachelor of Criminology / Criminal Justice / Justice Studies
- Double Degrees (LLB + Commerce, Arts, Psychology, Criminology, Engineering, etc.)
Postgraduate
- Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma in Law
- Juris Doctor (JD — for non-law graduates)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Masters of Applied Law
- Doctor of Juridical Science
- PhD in Law
What Are the Entry Requirements in Australia for Law?
VET / NZQF 4–6 (Australia & NZ)
Year 12 (or international equivalent) + English requirements.
Example: A-Levels (2–3 subjects), STPM, ISC, IB Diploma.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Higher entry requirements than most general degrees.
Requirements vary but typically include:
- Year 12 equivalent
- Strong English results
- Some universities require higher academic averages
Postgraduate
Juris Doctor (JD):
For non-law graduates wanting to practise law. Requires a recognised Bachelor degree.
LLM:
Requires a completed Law degree (LLB or JD).
Justice Studies / Criminology Masters:
Usually open to any Bachelor degree.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Law Degree?
Graduates may pursue careers such as:
Legal Practice
- Lawyer / Solicitor
- Barrister
- Magistrate
- Legal Researcher
- Legal Aid Officer
Corporate & Compliance
- Legal Advisor
- Compliance Officer
- Contract Manager
- Risk & Governance Analyst
Policy & Government
- Policy Advisor
- Legislative Researcher
- Human Rights Advocate
Criminology & Justice
- Criminologist
- Intelligence Analyst
- Police Officer
- Private Investigator
- Youth Justice Worker
Legal Administration
- Paralegal
- Legal Secretary
- Law Clerk
Why Study Law in Australia?
Australia is a popular destination because:
- Globally recognised LLB, JD, LLM qualifications
- Strong practical training – clinics, moots, internships
- Wide choice across large universities
- Industry links with firms, courts, government
- Clear entry options from VET → University (for Justice pathways)
- Strong demand in justice, policing, criminology, governance and compliance
Study Options in Australia
- VET (Justice, Legal Admin)
- LLB / JD
- Double Degrees (Law + Business, Criminology, Arts etc.)
- LLM, Applied Law, Legal Practice programs
- Research degrees
Post-Study Work Rights (Australia)
Graduates of eligible programs can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (485).
Duration depends on degree level and government policy.
Why Study Law in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers an alternative style of legal education:
- Smaller universities = more personalised support
- Strong focus on practical projects, community law centres, real case studies
- Well-established pathways to criminology, policing and justice
- Easy movement between levels (NZQF 4–6 → Bachelor → Postgraduate)
- Highly recognised LLB & JD equivalents
Study Options in New Zealand
- NZQF 4–6 Certificates/Diplomas in Justice or Legal Studies
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Criminology / Criminal Justice
- Double Degrees (Law + Arts/Business/Criminology)
- Graduate Certificates, Diplomas, Masters, PhD
Post-Study Work Rights (NZ)
Eligible graduates may apply for the New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa.
Duration depends on level and place of study.
Contact me today and we’ll create a personalised strategy for you.