The program can be studied full or part-time with two entry points a year.. It is intended to be completed in three years full-time, or on a part time basis; in either case the degree must normally be completed within ten years from the start of study (including any periods of leave or suspension). There are no combined degree options with the JD.

Applicants are ranked for selection in order of academic merit based on performance in previous qualifications including previous secondary and tertiary results. The level of attainment required for entry in a particular year depends on the overall number and standard of applications. Although the primary selection criterion is academic merit, other factors may be taken into account, including wider achievements, work experience, and career aspirations. Given these selection criteria, applicants are required to submit a personal statement of a maximum of 600 words, setting out any factors that they believe will enhance their application.

The JD program consists of 144 units in total, distributed as follows:
• 15 compulsory courses, worth 90 units;
• 9 law elective courses worth 54 units, including at least 2 postgraduate courses (12 units) selected from a nominated list.

Previous law studies and the JD

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 recently enrolled in a combined program with law, whether at ANU or at another institution, no status will be given for law courses that were included in the completion of the other award. 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; where a course is a compulsory part of the ANU JD program, an exemption from that course will normally be granted (ie the student will be required to undertake another course in lieu of the course for which exemption is granted).

Electives in the JD

Students will be able to choose 9 electives from the current list available to LLB students and from an additional list of nominated postgraduate courses.

Research component in the JD

Students must include amongst their electives at least 2 courses from the nominated list of research intensive postgraduate courses. In addition, and subject to satisfaction of the applicable performance requirements in their other coursework, JD students may be allowed to undertake a 12-unit Graduate Research Unit (GRU).

Fees

A small number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available for applicants wishing to enrol in 2012. Such places will be allocated to the most highly qualified applicants, ranked according to the selection criteria noted above. Additional places will be available on a fee-paying basis to applicants of sufficient academic merit.

Domestic fees for 2012 are $2,550 per 6-unit course or $20,400 for one year full-time (48 units). Applicants may be eligible for FEE-HELP assistance. FEE-HELP is a loan scheme from the Australian Government where the loan is repaid through the tax system. For more information about FEE-HELP please check this web site: www.goingtouni.gov.au

Entry requirements

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. The primary selection criterion is academic merit, with primary weighting on previous tertiary results. It should be noted that some weighting may still be placed on secondary results. However, other factors may be taken into account, including wider achievements, work experience, and career aspirations. Given these broad selection criteria, applicants are required to submit a personal statement of a maximum of 600 words, setting out any factors that they believe will enhance their application.

International students apply direct to the ANU online.