UNSW Law
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Life as a law student at UNSW unfolds within the broader context of one of Australia's largest and most diverse universities. The Kensington campus, located approximately seven kilometers from central Sydney, provides modern facilities including the newly renovated law building housing dedicated teaching spaces, student common areas, and the law library. The campus environment combines academic intensity with access to recreational and social opportunities. Housing options include on-campus residential colleges providing community living experiences and apartments in suburbs surrounding the university. Many students live in areas including Kensington, Randwick, Kingsford, and further suburbs with good transport connections. Sydney's rental market is competitive, with students typically budgeting AUD $200-350 weekly for shared accommodation or AUD $350-500 for studio or one-bedroom apartments. The Law Society serves as the primary student organization, coordinating social events, careers activities, mooting competitions, and advocacy on student concerns. Publications including the student law review provide opportunities for scholarly development. Social events throughout the year build connections across cohorts, while study groups form naturally as students collaborate on challenging coursework. Common challenges for law students include managing substantial reading loads, adjusting to the distinctive demands of legal reasoning and writing, and navigating the competitive aspects of seeking employment in a profession with more graduates than training positions. The school provides academic support services and wellbeing resources, though students must proactively access these supports when needed.
Location & Surroundings
Sydney provides a dynamic environment for legal education, with UNSW's location offering access to Australia's largest legal market and most significant courts and legal institutions. The city of approximately five million residents serves as Australia's commercial capital, hosting regional headquarters of major international firms and corporations with substantial legal needs. This concentration creates abundant employment and networking opportunities for law students. The Kensington campus sits in Sydney's eastern suburbs, accessible via light rail and bus from central Sydney and surrounding areas. The journey from central Sydney takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The campus itself provides a self-contained environment with cafes, recreational facilities, and green spaces, while the surrounding suburbs offer additional dining and shopping options. Beaches including Coogee and Maroubra lie within a few kilometers. Sydney's climate features warm summers with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and mild winters rarely dropping below 10 degrees. The city enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with occasional heavy rainfall. The pleasant climate supports outdoor activities and contributes to quality of life for students. The beach culture and harbor setting distinguish Sydney from other legal education destinations. Cost of living in Sydney ranks among the highest in Australia, with students budgeting AUD $1,500-2,500 monthly for total expenses including accommodation. International students face higher costs and more limited work rights, requiring careful financial planning. Part-time work is common among law students, with positions in retail, hospitality, and legal support roles helping offset costs while building experience.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for UNSW Law programs varies by residency status and program level. Commonwealth Supported Places for domestic undergraduate students cost approximately AUD $11,000 annually, while full-fee domestic places and international student fees exceed AUD $45,000 annually. The Juris Doctor for domestic students costs approximately AUD $40,000 annually, with international rates higher. Financial support options include HECS-HELP for eligible domestic students, which defers tuition costs until income reaches threshold levels after graduation. Scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria reduce costs for some students. The school's equity scholarships support students from underrepresented backgrounds. International students typically must demonstrate financial capacity as part of visa requirements. Career outcomes for UNSW Law graduates demonstrate strong employment prospects in a competitive legal market. Graduate employment rates consistently exceed 90%, though competition for preferred positions at top-tier firms remains intense. Starting salaries for graduate lawyers at major commercial firms typically range from AUD $75,000-95,000, with judges' associates and government positions offering somewhat lower starting salaries but valuable experience. Non-traditional legal careers in corporate roles, consulting, and policy positions offer alternative pathways. Top employers of UNSW Law graduates include major Australian firms such as Allens, King & Wood Mallesons, Clayton Utz, and Herbert Smith Freehills, along with government legal offices and international firms with Australian operations. The school's careers service provides extensive support including clerkship application preparation, networking events, and individual counseling. The alumni network spanning decades of graduates facilitates mentorship and career advancement throughout professional life.
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