About the LSAT (and Why Australian Law Schools Skip It!)

Learn about the LSAT (and Why Australian law schools skip it!)

For many North American students, preparing for law school comes with the assumption that sitting the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a non-negotiable rite of passage; however, when applying to law programs in Australia, that standard North American rule does not apply.

The LSAT is not required for OzTREKK’s featured Australian Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programs.

 

Why Australian Law Schools Skip the LSAT

Standardized testing like the LSAT evaluates logical reasoning and reading comprehension under strict, timed conditions. Australian law schools take a different approach, evaluating your academic readiness based on your proven track record over years of study.

Because admissions are grounded in your actual coursework, you can skip months of standardized test prep, expensive study guides, and retakes—allowing you to stay focused on maintaining a strong GPA.

Law School Pathways: JD vs. LLB
Whether you are finishing high school, completing a university degree, or changing careers, Australian law schools offer two main pathways without the hurdle of LSAT preparation.

Feature	Juris Doctor (JD)	Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Level	Graduate-entry (Postgraduate)	Undergraduate
Prerequisites	Completed bachelor’s degree (any discipline)	High school diploma or partial university studies
LSAT Required?	No	No
Primary Criteria	Undergraduate cGPA (approx. 2.7 – 3.1)	70% – 90%; varies by university
Duration	3 years (accelerated 2-year options available)	2 years 8 months to 4 years

Jumping Straight into Law After High School
Within Canada, the option to jump straight into a Bachelor of Laws program is unavailable, requiring applicants to complete an undergraduate degree first.

Australia allows you to start directly from high school and complete your Bachelor of Laws program in as little as 2 years and 8 months to 4 years!

 

Using Your Australian Law Degree in North America

Australia and Canada share a common law legal system. Upon graduating from an accredited Australian JD or LLB program, you can use your law degree in Canada by first applying to the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) to begin your accreditation pathway. Some Australian law schools provide Canadian electives, such as Bond University, Griffith University, and University of Western Australia.

 

How to Apply to an Australian Law School

OzTREKK assists North Americans throughout the entire application process—from assessing your GPA and selecting the right JD or LLB program to submitting your documentation and helping you prepare for your transition overseas.

Since admissions are rolling and deadlines vary across Australian institutions, submitting your transcript(s) early gives you the best advantage for securing an offer. Plus, with multiple program intakes throughout the year, some Australian law schools issue offers quickly—meaning you could be studying Down Under before you know it!

Ready to explore your Australian law school options?

Do you have questions about your GPA eligibility for OzTREKK’s featured Australian law programs? Please contact OzTREKK’s Law Admissions Team at law@oztrekk.com or call us toll-free at 1-866-698-7355.