International Students

Melbourne Law School is a leading international law school, for both teaching and research. In 2012 it was the top ranked law school in Australia and the eighth ranked internationally according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings. In 2012, the University of Melbourne was ranked 28 in the World by the Times Higher Education World Rankings.

International and outward-looking

The Melbourne Law Masters (MLM) is an international program in every respect.

  • Law School staff are internationally active, teaching and conducting research at leading universities throughout the world.
  • Well over half the Masters subjects are international, transnational or comparative in character.
  • More than 50 international visiting lecturers teach in the MLM each year.

International Student Cohort

The international student cohort comprises more than 100 students from 40 different countries.

Basic facts about the MLM

  • Students must take eight subjects for a Masters degree and four subjects for a Graduate Diploma. Many subjects are taught intensively over the period of a week; some are offered weekly over a 12 week semester. View the timetable for 2013.
  • Most international students take a Masters degree full-time over a period of 12 months (or 6 months for a Graduate Diploma). There are two intakes, in February and July. A student visa is required.
  • Some international students take the MLM part-time over 2-4 years, by coming to Melbourne from time to time to take intensive subjects. A tourist visa is required.
  • Subject selection advice is available. Please contact us!
  • Selection criteria include English language requirements. Apply online and contact us for help if necessary.
  • Fees are the same for international and domestic students.
  • Some international students have access to Australian government scholarships. Students should investigate scholarship opportunities in their own countries. See Melbourne Scholarships for general scholarship information.

Additional features for international MLM students:

  • An Orientation program, in February and July, to assist students to settle into the MLM quickly Orientation Week provides students with a comprehensive overview of the MLM, sessions in legal research and writing and tours of the Parliament and courts. Orientation Week is an opportunity to get to meet other students in the cohort and to make other contacts within the Law School.
  • One-on-one course advice from senior academics, online or in person.
  • A professional mentor program, to assist MLM students to develop a network in Australia in their areas of interest.
  • Legal research and writing support throughout the year, specifically designed for MLM students.
  • Opportunities for international internships.
  • Affiliation with any of the Law School’s specialist research centres and institutes.
  • Assistance and advice from the Law School Careers Office.

University resources for international students

The University of Melbourne recognises the specific needs of international students and provides a useful range of programs and activities:

Living in Melbourne

Melbourne Law School is close to the heart of the city, within walking distance of the CBD and legal precinct. It is located in the cosmopolitan suburb of Carlton, close to the Victoria Market and major parks, sporting and cultural facilities. Melbourne is a sprawling city and it is helpful not to live too far away.