Bachelor of Laws Graduate Entry (CRICOS course code 085630M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Swinburne University of Technology over 3 years. This accelerated program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline and wish to qualify as a lawyer in Australia. The course sits within the field of Society and Culture (090900 Law, n.f.d.) and is delivered entirely at Swinburne's Hawthorn Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. As a CRICOS-registered course (CRICOS provider code 00111D), it meets the Australian Government's standards for international education, ensuring ESOS Act protections and student visa eligibility. With a strong focus on work-integrated learning, including a compulsory 12-week industry placement, graduates gain practical legal skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This page provides detailed information on fees, entry requirements, duration, and the application process to help you make an informed decision about studying law in Australia.
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The Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) covers the core areas of legal knowledge required for admission to legal practice in Australia, including contracts, torts, criminal law, property law, constitutional law, and equity. Students develop advanced skills in legal research, critical analysis, oral and written communication, and ethical decision-making. The program emphasizes practical application through moot courts, case studies, and a mandatory work placement. Graduates are prepared to sit for the bar exam (via the Legal Practice Board) after completing Practical Legal Training (PLT). As an AQF Level 7 qualification, it provides a pathway to further study such as a Master of Laws or a PhD in law.
The course is offered on a full-time basis over a duration of 3 years (156 weeks according to the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes on campus at the Hawthorn location. As a graduate entry program, it may be completed in a shorter time than the standard undergraduate law degree due to credit for prior learning. Check with Swinburne for specific study mode options, including part-time availability for domestic students.
The indicative tuition fee for the full program is A$134,910, with no additional non-tuition fees listed. The estimated total cost is A$134,910. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. This amount does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application fee. Living costs in Melbourne for a single student are approximately A$1,500–$2,000 per month, covering rent (shared accommodation $250–$400/week), groceries ($80–$150/week), and public transport ($30–$50/week). Swinburne University of Technology sets the actual fees – please visit the provider’s website for the most current information.
International students must meet English language proficiency requirements: IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.0–6.5, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (other tests such as TOEFL or PTE may also be accepted). As a graduate entry course, applicants must hold a prior bachelor's degree in any discipline. No foundation studies or pathway courses are linked to this program, but students who do not meet direct entry may consider completing a relevant pathway through Swinburne College. Always confirm specific entry requirements, including prerequisite subjects or minimum GPA, directly with the university.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 12 weeks at 37.5 hours per week, totaling approximately 450 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) is designed to give students practical legal experience through placements in law firms, community legal centres, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. The placement helps develop professional skills such as client communication, legal drafting, and case management. It also fulfills a component of the practical legal training requirements for admission to practice in Australia.
The course is delivered at Swinburne University of Technology’s Hawthorn Campus, located at John Street, Hawthorn, Victoria. Hawthorn is a vibrant inner-Melbourne suburb, well-connected by train (Hawthorn Station on the Lilydale/Belgrave lines) and tram (Route 75). Melbourne is home to over 200,000 international students and has a high density of CRICOS-registered providers (over 500 in Victoria). The city offers a diverse cultural scene, excellent public transport, and a moderate cost of living compared to Sydney. The campus features modern law facilities, a moot court, and the Swinburne Legal Centre for pro-bono work.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in a CRICOS-registered course and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited work during scheduled course breaks. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents (if applicable). The visa application fee is AUD 630 (as of April 2026). For detailed guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA).
Follow these three steps to enrol in the Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at Swinburne University of Technology:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to compare law courses, filter by course level (Bachelor Degree), field (Law), and location (Victoria). Ensure the course and provider are listed on the official CRICOS register for student visa eligibility. 2. **Apply directly to Swinburne University of Technology** – Prepare your academic transcripts, English language test results, and any required supporting documents. Check application deadlines (typically two intakes: March and July). Submit your application through Swinburne’s online portal or via a registered education agent. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, Swinburne will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. After visa approval, you can commence your law studies in Melbourne.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, with a strong legal job market and a large international student community. As of April 2026, Victoria has over 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of law-related programs. The cost of living is generally lower than in Sydney, with average weekly rent for a room in shared accommodation around $300. Public transport is affordable and extensive, with a student concession card. Melbourne also offers numerous networking opportunities, legal internships, and a vibrant cultural scene. However, consider the competitive nature of the legal profession and the need for Practical Legal Training (PLT) after graduation. Ensure you have clear career goals and understand the requirements for admission to practice in your home country or internationally.
Ready to start your journey into law? With HeadStart Academy, you can compare CRICOS-registered courses, check entry requirements, and apply directly to Swinburne University of Technology. Begin your study abroad adventure today.
Bachelor of Laws Graduate Entry is a CRICOS-registered programme at Swinburne University of Technology. 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.