A Griffith Law School student’s scholarship success story
Do Griffith Law School students get scholarships?
Yep, they sure do. Meet Tal S. He’s currently studying at Griffith Law School—well, technically he’s studying his Juris Doctor from home in Ontario. That’s because Griffith has made it so easy for their Canadian students to begin their studies online.
For other Griffith Law students, studying online has been a very happy compromise, and they often note how easy it is to ask questions and get support from Griffith’s Faculty of Law.
But according to Tal, he felt up to the challenge, and decided to begin his law career journey via online studies, and despite his busy schedule, Tal was up for a chat!
Here’s what he has to say about studying law online, being a Griffith Remarkable Scholarship recipient, and choosing Griffith University.
Why did you choose to study at Griffith Law School? Did anything stand out?
Griffith provides a variety of Canadian-focused courses. These courses prepare you if you want to return to Canada to practice law. These courses also focus on the NCA exams you’ll write to have your degree accredited in Canada.
Griffith’s law school is known for its social justice focus. I find this particularly attractive given my interest in ADR and human rights. The school provides an array of experiential learning opportunities with partnered law firms, other universities, and international mooting competitions.
Griffith has a robust administrative structure providing great international support. Given COVID has caused most services and learning to be moved online, this was a major factor in why I chose to study with Griffith.
How are you finding your experience so far? What are the highs and lows?
Studying online takes self-discipline and commitment. Undergraduate studies and law school aren’t nearly the same. If you want to prepare yourself, check out Getting to Maybe by Richard Fischl, The Legal Analyst by Ward Farnsworth, and A Student’s Guide to Law School by Andrew Ayers. I found these three resources indispensable in preparing to study law. They also provide a lot of insight into law school and the broader profession, which is great if you’re generally unsure about a legal career.
Law is turning out to be more intriguing than I imagined. As a clever Australian friend said (C.B.), “law is applicable in so many settings, it isn’t all stereotypical ostentatious corporate firm ladders.” A JD opens many doors, and especially having an international JD makes it more unique.
What interested you about the Griffith Remarkable Scholarship?
Honestly, to alleviate the financial hardships of a graduate program. Student debt is at an all-time high, so any help is always appreciated.
Was there anything you included as part of your statement that you think helped to make your application stand out?
Sometimes it feels like everyone else has done everything. They’ve got the extracurriculars, prime student-athlete, community involvement, perfect grades, etc., but that’s not what makes an application great. Getting caught up about the “facts” hides the essential truth that it’s not what you do but how you do it. How you experience your experiences makes you interesting.
I’m not a perfect applicant. I’ve applied to more scholarships than I can remember and been rejected all too many times. Still, throughout this process, I learned that experiences are carried by the character defining them and defined through them. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you make the story interesting, not the other way around.
Would you encourage other students to apply for the scholarship?
Absolutely! Don’t say no to yourself. There are enough people in the world who will tell you what you cannot or should not do—don’t add yourself to the list and don’t stand in the way of your ambitions and dreams. Don’t let the naysayers decide what you’re worth; that’s for you to decide!
How has receiving the scholarship impacted your studies?
The scholarship is an enormous financial relief. It’s doable, but international student fees can be expensive if you don’t establish a financial plan.
Any words of advice or details you’d like to add about your studies or the scholarship?
Sadly, everyone else remembers your success, but you will never forget every failure. But it’s not failure; it’s experience. And it’s this experience that builds character. I think Joseph Campbell is correct in saying, “It is by going down into the abyss where we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.”
On a final note, OzTREKK’s support staff are invaluable! It’s comparable to having an on-demand encyclopedia with personal support. My personal thanks to the entire team for their unending support and encouragement throughout the whole process!
Griffith Remarkable Scholarship
Griffith offers the Griffith Remarkable Scholarship, which supports students with 50% of tuition fees for the duration of a program.
Upcoming Application Deadlines for Trimester 1, 2022 (March 2022)
- Application deadline: December 2, 2021
- Receive outcome by: December 17, 2021
Apply for the Griffith Remarkable Scholarship.
About the Griffith Law School Juris Doctor Program
If you complete the major in Canadian Law you, will be eligible for entry into the legal profession in Canada’s common law provinces, when accompanied by a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.
The Griffith Canadian Law Students’ Association (GCLSA) is also there to support you and give advice on making the most of studying on the Gold Coast. Whether you want to find a study group, network with graduates, or just enjoy Canadian Thanksgiving (or hockey) with new friends, the GCLSA is run by Canadian students for your benefit and well-being.
As a Griffith Law student, you will also receive support and advice from the Canadian Law Student Association and enjoy regular mentoring meetings with the Deputy Head of School for Learning and Teaching.
Program: Juris Doctor (JD)
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Semester intakes: March, July, November
Duration: 2–3 years
Want to Graduate Sooner? Consider the Canadian Accreditation Accelerated Pathway
Students who choose to enroll in the Canadian Law elective areas will complete these courses over Griffith’s Summer Semester (Trimester 3), allowing them to graduate in 2 years rather than 3. Please contact OzTREKK to learn more about this option.
Ask A Question
Ask us about your program of interest, or if you have a question about our services.
CONTACT US TODAY