- 3 years (or part-time equivalent)
- Online
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 33,520
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- Wanting a career in law and already have an undergraduate degree? UniSQ’s Juris Doctor is a graduate entry program designed for non-law graduates who are ready to step into the law profession.
- Opt for the Juris Doctor over the undergraduate Bachelor of Laws for a more advanced and specialised legal education. We know that you come to us with a wealth of previous experience, so the Juris Doctor is pitched at a higher level to challenge and to build your capabilities in a legal workplace.
- Begin your legal career sooner – fast-track your studies and complete your degree in two years full-time over six consecutive semesters.
- Learn from the experts – our lecturers bring a wealth of experience across diverse legal backgrounds, maintain strong connections with legal practice, and possess a deep understanding of the profession. They pride themselves on knowing students individually, both on-campus and online, and are highly accessible for support and guidance.
- Experience industry relevant programs that have been developed with extensive input from experts in the profession.
Accessible for everyone
I chose to study at the University of Southern Queensland because it was a university that offered online education. I appreciate universities that strive to make learning accessible for everyone.
Hayley - Law
Career outcomes
Be prepared for a wide range of career paths within the public service, government, politics, non-government organisations and businesses, with this internationally recognised, highly regarded law degree.
As a graduate, you could work as a:
- barrister
- solicitor
- public prosecutor
- inhouse and corporate lawyer
- lawyer in the community or not-for-profit sectors
- government lawyer
- policy advisor
- management consultant
- merchant banker
- parliamentarian.
Professional accreditation
The Juris Doctor is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board, Queensland, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland as an approved academic qualification under the Supreme Court (Legal Practitioner Admission) Rules 2004 (Qld).
This degree will partially satisfy the requirements to practise as a lawyer in Queensland or elsewhere in Australia. Intending lawyers must also complete an approved practical legal training course in order to become admitted to practise law.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Juris Doctor, you must successfully complete 24 units of study.
Degree structure
A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Other study options
If you have completed UniSQ's Juris Doctor, you will receive 50% specific credit towards particular components of the Master of Laws.
If you’re interested in conducting research, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Master of Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (if you meet all the entry requirements).
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.
- Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in an area other than law.
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
The University accepts applications all year. Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
You can contact one of our approved agents to guide you through the application process. Our agents provide:
- advice on your study plans
- advice on applying to UniSQ
- document certification
- assistance with any pre-departure arrangements
- assistance with your visa requirements.
To support your application, you will need to submit certified copies of:
- identity documents (passport)
- evidence of your English language proficiency
- senior high school (A levels/Year 12) certificate and academic transcripts
- all post-secondary study certificates and academic transcripts (if any)
- evidence of work experience (if required).
Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.
It is important to apply early to allow enough time for your application to be assessed and processed to meet study commencement dates and participation in Orientation activities. You should also factor in visa processing requirements and timeframes, where applicable.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. Please allow up to 14 days for assessment. If further assessment is required for course credits or exemptions, this process may take longer.
Once you have received your letter of offer from UniSQ, you will need to return your signed acceptance of offer form. The UniSQ team will contact you at this time with more information regarding next steps.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Frequently asked questions
If you want to diversify your skillset and career into law, and you have completed an undergraduate degree, a Juris Doctor degree at UniSQ could get you there in only 2 years.
By studying a Juris Doctor online in Australia, you will not only qualify as a legal practitioner, but open up a vast range of career opportunities within public service, government, private sectors and business.
Want to continue your studies? You’ll have the opportunity to advance into further research, such as studying a PhD, and continue to develop your legal expertise.
To study a Juris Doctor at UniSQ you need hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a discipline other than law.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements, we offer a number of bachelor degrees for you to study to help get you into the Juris Doctor.
Please view the entry requirements section of this page for further details.
At UniSQ you can fast-track your Juris Doctor studies and complete your qualification in 2 years full-time over 6 consecutive semesters.
If the fast-track option isn’t for you, it usually takes 3 years to complete a Juris Doctor in Australia. Some students choose to study part-time which increases the time it takes to finish the required courses.
At UniSQ, we understand that many of our students are balancing family, social and work commitments in their lives. Our flexible study options allow you to tailor your study to suit your needs. If required, you can reduce your study-load and choose to study part-time. We also deliver our Juris Doctor online, giving you greater flexibility to choose when and where you study.
Over 75% of UniSQ students choose to study online and benefit from our 40+ years of experience delivering online learning.
- Listen to recorded lectures when it suits you.
- Access the library’s free online learning services
- Connect with peers and lecturers through online discussion forums.
- Benefit from access to various academic support services.
Discover more about online study and all the other ways to study at UniSQ.
The cost of a Juris Doctor in Australia will vary depending on the education provider you choose.
When you study with us, the first year of your studies will cost approximately AUD 34000 (Domestic full fee paying), not including the student services and amenities fees.
Please view the fees and scholarships section of this page for details.
Get a strong start to your career in law:
- UniSQ is rated five stars for postgraduate graduate starting salary (Good Universities Guide, 2025).
- Fast-track your degree and complete your studies in 2 years
- Gain accreditation by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board, Queensland.
- UniSQ law degrees are developed in consultation with senior judges and lawyers who have provided their professional endorsement.
