Master of Laws (Research) (CRICOS course code 008408M) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of Sydney over 2 years. This research-intensive program allows international students to deeply explore legal theories, conduct independent research, and contribute original knowledge to the field of law. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00026A), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. The University of Sydney, a prestigious Group of Eight university located in Camperdown, NSW, offers world-class supervision and resources. This page provides an overview of fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and visa pathways to help you decide if this program aligns with your academic and career goals. HeadStart Academy presents this information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to support your study in Australia.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Master of Laws (Research) (CRICOS 008408M) is a Masters Degree (Research) (AQF Level 9) in the field of Society and Culture (0909 Law). It is offered by The University of Sydney (CRICOS 00026A), a government-funded public university. The program is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced legal research, typically as a pathway to a PhD or a career in academia, policy, or specialised legal practice. With a duration of 2 years (104 weeks), the course is delivered in English and does not include a mandatory work component. The indicative tuition fee is A$118,600, plus non-tuition fees of A$752, totalling an estimated A$119,352. Please note that these figures are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026; always confirm with the provider. The University of Sydney’s law faculty is internationally renowned, offering access to extensive legal databases and research centres.
This research degree focuses on advanced legal scholarship within the broad field of Law (n.e.c., code 090999). Students undertake a substantial research project under the supervision of an academic expert, leading to a thesis of up to 50,000 words. The program develops high-level skills in legal analysis, critical thinking, research methodology, and academic writing. While the specific research topic is determined by the student in consultation with their supervisor, typical areas include international law, human rights law, corporate governance, environmental law, and legal theory. Graduates emerge with the ability to produce original research that contributes to legal knowledge and practice. The course is structured to foster independent inquiry, with milestones such as a research proposal, literature review, and progress reports. The University of Sydney provides research training workshops and seminars to support candidates throughout their candidature.
The Master of Laws (Research) is a full-time research degree with a standard duration of 2 years (104 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. Instruction is in English, and the course is a single qualification with no integrated foundation studies or dual awards. Students are expected to be based at the Camperdown campus, engaging in regular supervision meetings and utilising university facilities. The program is not offered part-time for international students due to visa conditions, though extensions may be possible in exceptional circumstances. The research nature means there is no formal coursework component; instead, students dedicate their time to independent research. The University of Sydney’s academic calendar typically includes two semesters, but research degrees often allow flexible start dates (check with the provider). All study must be completed within the visa-valid period.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Laws (Research) is A$118,600 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$752, covering items like student services and amenities fees. The estimated total cost is A$119,352. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by The University of Sydney. They are subject to change, so always verify with the provider. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. In Sydney, estimated living costs for a single student are around A$25,000–A$35,000 per year, including rent (A$350–A$600/week for a room), food, transport, and utilities. The University of Sydney provides a fee calculator on its website (sydney.edu.au) for personalised estimates. HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting for at least A$50,000 per year to cover fees and living costs comfortably.
Entry requirements for the Master of Laws (Research) vary by provider. Typically, applicants need a recognised bachelor’s degree in law or a related field with a strong academic record (e.g., Honours or equivalent). Some universities require a research proposal and evidence of research capability. English language proficiency is essential; most providers require IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (with no band below 6.0) or equivalent. For this course, The University of Sydney may require IELTS 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in each band) or equivalent scores in TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable as this is a research degree. Applicants should check the provider’s website for detailed requirements, including specific academic qualifications and any prerequisite subjects. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive. Always confirm directly with The University of Sydney.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. It is a pure research degree without internships, placements, or work experience requirements. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. While the course itself has no work component, students may seek part-time employment to supplement their income. The University of Sydney’s Careers Centre offers job search support and workshops. It is important to balance work and study to maintain satisfactory academic progress, as required by visa conditions. Research students often find casual roles in legal research assistance, tutoring, or administrative work within the university or externally.
The Master of Laws (Research) is delivered at The University of Sydney — Camperdown, NSW. Camperdown is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, located about 3 kilometres from the central business district. Sydney is Australia’s largest city, with a population of over 5 million, and is home to more than 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. The city is a major hub for international students, with excellent public transport including trains, buses, and light rail. The Camperdown campus is easily accessible and close to cultural attractions like the Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Opera House. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average; indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$300–A$500, groceries around A$80–A$150, and a public transport weekly cap is about A$50. The University of Sydney provides on-campus accommodation and support services for international students.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. The visa requires you to maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements, and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. You must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of April 2026, the minimum financial requirement is approximately A$25,000 per year for living costs (plus tuition and travel). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during breaks. You must maintain satisfactory course attendance and academic progress. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). HeadStart Academy reminds you that visa outcomes are at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs — consult a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
Applying for the Master of Laws (Research) at The University of Sydney involves three key steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers — Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Find the exact course (CRICOS 008408M) and confirm it meets your goals. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution — Check The University of Sydney’s website for application deadlines, entry requirements (including English test scores), and required documents (transcripts, research proposal, references). Submit your application online. Research degrees may have specific closing dates. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) — Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, funds, and meet GTE requirements. For detailed visa guidance, visit homeaffairs.gov.au or consult a MARA-registered agent.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step guide above to start your application to The University of Sydney.
Master of Laws (Research) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Sydney. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.