Master of Law and Development (CRICOS course code 051271K) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 1 year. This program is designed for international students seeking advanced legal knowledge with a focus on development studies. As a CRICOS-registered course (051271K), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. The University of Melbourne, a Group of Eight university, is a world-class institution located in Parkville, Victoria. In this page, we break down the indicative fees, entry requirements, delivery location, and student visa guidance so you can make an informed decision about pursuing this degree in Australia. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, covering over 26,000 courses across 1,500+ providers. HeadStart Academy is a free resource helping international students navigate study in Australia.
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Master of Law and Development (CRICOS course code 051271K) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 1 year. This course falls under the field of Society and Culture (09) with a focus on Legal Practice (090913). It is a single qualification with no dual or concurrent study options. The language of instruction is English, and the course does not include a mandatory work component. As a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 00116K), The University of Melbourne is authorised to enrol international students. The University is a public government-funded institution and consistently ranks among the top universities globally. Melbourne is a vibrant city with over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of courses in law and development. The course is delivered at the Parkville campus, easily accessible by public transport.
This Masters degree in Law and Development covers the intersection of legal frameworks and development policy. Students typically explore topics such as international law, human rights, governance, and sustainable development. While specific curriculum is set by the provider, graduates at this level (AQF Level 9) develop advanced analytical, research, and communication skills applicable to legal practice, policy analysis, and advocacy. The course is designed for those seeking careers in international organisations, NGOs, government, or private legal practice with a development focus. Note that this is general guidance; for exact subjects and learning outcomes, refer to The University of Melbourne's official course page.
According to the CRICOS register, the Master of Law and Development has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). The standard study mode is full-time on-campus at the Parkville campus. The language of instruction is English. There is no optional part-time mode typically available for international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500), as full-time enrolment is a visa condition. This is a single qualification, not a dual or joint degree. If you are considering extending your stay, note that additional semesters may affect visa conditions.
The indicative fees for the Master of Law and Development as sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) are as follows: tuition fee A$60,992, non-tuition fees A$150, giving an estimated total of A$61,142. Please note that these fees are set by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) and are subject to change. We recommend checking the university's official website for the most current fees. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, food, transport), and the visa application charge. For reference, the Australian Government suggests a living cost of approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student, though actual costs vary by city. In Melbourne, indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$200–$350, groceries A$80–$120, and public transport is capped at A$10 per day with myki.
International students must meet English language proficiency requirements. An overall IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 is commonly expected for Masters-level programs at The University of Melbourne, though specific bands may vary. Additionally, applicants typically hold a bachelor's degree in law or a related field, with a certain grade point average. For exact entry requirements, including any prerequisite subjects or work experience, consult the university's admissions page. There are no foundation studies or pathway options indicated for this specific course, but the provider may offer alternative entry pathways. Always verify with the institution.
The Master of Law and Development has no mandatory work component. This means the course does not include a compulsory internship, placement, or work experience as part of the program. However, students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This can help offset living costs but should not interfere with study commitments.
This course is delivered exclusively at The University of Melbourne's campus in Parkville, Victoria (postcode 3052). Parkville is a suburb close to Melbourne's central business district, with excellent public transport links via trams and trains. Melbourne's Parkville area is also home to several other educational institutions and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Studying in Melbourne means access to a diverse student community of over 250,000 international students from various countries. The city is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities, offering a vibrant cultural scene, safe neighbourhoods, and strong employment opportunities. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$300–$500 AUD.
International students enrolled in the Master of Law and Development will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study at a CRICOS-registered institution. Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, providing evidence of financial capacity, and maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Upon course completion, graduates may be eligible for post-study work rights (Temporary Graduate visa Subclass 485) if they meet certain criteria. Note that HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; we recommend consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised guidance.
Follow these three steps to secure your place: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers — use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Ensure the course (CRICOS 051271K) is still accepting applications. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution — The University of Melbourne. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines, which vary by intake (typically Semester 1 and Semester 2). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once the university issues a CoE, submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to budget for visa fees (around A$650) and OSHC.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a top destination for international students, with over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering diverse courses. The cost of living is generally lower than Sydney but higher than regional areas. Public transport is efficient, with trams, trains, and buses. The city is known for arts, food, and multicultural events. For law students, Melbourne's legal precinct includes the Supreme Court and numerous law firms, offering potential networking opportunities. Always check current travel and visa updates via the Department of Home Affairs.
Ready to apply for Master of Law and Development? Follow the three-step guide above, and use HeadStart Academy to compare other Masters courses in Melbourne.
View the full The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) profile →
Master of Law and Development is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb). 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.