This is a distinctive program for graduates of non-law disciplines (or non-Australian law degrees).  It allows students access to nominated postgraduate law courses.  The program can be studied full or part-time with entry points in first and second semester.

The program consists of compulsory and elective courses.  The compulsory courses are designed to ensure that every student gains a sufficient grounding in the fundamental branches of the law, and the elective courses provide an opportunity to develop particular interests and to deepen understandings.

Applicants are ranked for selection in order of academic merit based on performance in previous qualifications.  The level of attainment required for entry in a particular year depends on the overall number and standard of applications.  It should be noted, however, that some weighting is still placed on secondary results. 

Previous law studies

A student who enrols in the ANU JD degree after completing law studies at another university may only be granted status for up to half of the courses prescribed for the ANU degree.  Where a student was previously enrolled in a combined program with law, and law courses were included in the completion of the other award, status will only be given so that overall the student will have passed the equivalent of six years of full-time study.  A student may not repeat in the JD program a course, the syllabus of which is substantially similar to that of a subject passed for the award of another degree or diploma.

Eligible students undertaking the Juris Doctor at ANU are able to access Youth Allowance, Austudy and/or the Pensioner Education Supplement from 1 January 2008. For full details, please visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website

The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.