| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-02-16 | - |
| 2026-06-01 | - |
| 2026-09-14 | - |
Program Overview
Overview of the Juris Doctor Program
The Juris Doctor is a graduate entry program designed for non-law graduates who are ready to step into the law profession. This program is a more advanced and specialized legal education, challenging and building capabilities in a legal workplace. Students can fast-track their studies and complete their degree in two years full-time over six consecutive semesters.
Career Outcomes
As a graduate of the Juris Doctor program, students can expect a wide range of career paths within the public service, government, politics, non-government organizations, and businesses. Possible career outcomes include:
- Barrister
- Solicitor
- Public prosecutor
- In-house 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).
Why Study Law at UniSQ?
Students can feel secure in their future with UniSQ's 5/5 star rating for graduate starting salary. The program allows students to fast-track their law degree and graduate with a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor in two years. Additionally, UniSQ has a 5/5 star rating for postgraduate student-to-teacher ratio.
What You'll Study
To graduate from the Juris Doctor, students must successfully complete 24 units of study. The degree structure includes:
Core Courses
- 16 units of core courses, including:
- Advanced Australian Legal System
- Advanced Legal History
- Advanced Contract
- Advanced Criminal Law and Procedure
- Advanced Torts
- Advanced Equity and Trusts
- Advanced Constitutional Law
- Advanced Property
- Advanced Administrative Law
- Advanced Public International Law
- Advanced Theories of Law
- Advanced Company Law
- Advanced Lawyers' Ethics
- Advanced Evidence
- Advanced Civil Procedure
- Legal Research Methodology
Approved Postgraduate Law Electives
- 8 units of approved postgraduate law electives, including:
- Advanced Criminology
- Advanced Environmental Law
- Advanced Family Law
- Advanced Family Violence and Child Protection Law
- Advanced Succession
- Advanced Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Law
- Advanced Taxation Law
- Advanced Property Conveyancing
- Advanced Employment Law
- Advanced Competition and Consumer Law
- Advanced International Business Law
- Advanced Advocacy
- Advanced Health Law
- Advanced Data, Communication and Technology Law
- Advanced Philip C Jessup International Law Moot
- Advanced Native Title Law
- Advanced Law and Justice Placement
- Advanced Mooting Competition
- Advanced Media Law
- Advanced European Union Law
- Advanced Government Accountability
- Advanced Intellectual Property Law
- Advanced Sentencing and Murri Court
- Advanced Public Speaking for Lawyers
- Advanced International Environmental Law
- Advanced Sports Law
- Advanced Cross-Border Litigation
- Advanced Comparative Law
- Advanced Specialised Criminal Law and Procedure
- Advanced Construction Law
- Advanced Law and Religion
- Advanced Insolvency and Restructuring Law
- Advanced Local Government Law
Entry Requirements
To be considered for entry into the Juris Doctor program, students must satisfy the following requirements:
- Completion of an approved 3-year bachelor degree, or postgraduate qualification such as a master's degree, or equivalent, in an area other than law.
- English language requirements:
- 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.
Entry Pathways
There are multiple pathways to enter the university, and students can discuss their options with the university.
Fees and Scholarships
The estimated annual fee for the Juris Doctor program is AUD 34,200. Students may be eligible for FEE-HELP, a government loan scheme that allows students to defer payment until their income reaches a certain threshold. The university also offers scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need.
How to Apply
Students can apply online directly to the university. The application process involves:
- Checking the entry requirements
- Organizing supporting documents
- Checking application closing dates
- Applying online
- Accepting the offer
Study Dates
Students can select to start their study in Trimester 1, 2, or 3. The study period, application closing date, orientation, and start date are as follows:
- Trimester 1, 2026: Application closing date - Monday, 16 February; Orientation - Monday, 9 February; Start date - Monday, 16 February
- Trimester 2, 2026: Application closing date - Monday, 1 June; Orientation - Monday, 25 May; Start date - Monday, 1 June
- Trimester 3, 2026: Application closing date - Monday, 14 September; Orientation - Monday, 7 September; Start date - Monday, 14 September
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Juris Doctor in Australia? A Juris Doctor is a postgraduate degree for those who have an undergraduate qualification unrelated to law but wish to move into the field of law.
- Why study a Juris Doctor? Studying a Juris Doctor can lead to employment in legal practice and function within government and business sectors.
- What are the entry requirements for a Juris Doctor? To study a Juris Doctor, students need to hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a discipline other than law.
- How long does it take? At UniSQ, students can fast-track their Juris Doctor studies and complete their qualification in 2 years full-time over 6 consecutive semesters.
- Are flexible study options available? Yes, UniSQ offers flexible study options, allowing students to tailor their study to suit their needs. Students can reduce their study load and choose to study part-time, and the program is also delivered online.