Indigenous students and the JD Program
About the JD
The Melbourne JD (Juris Doctor) is a graduate law degree. It is available if you already have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than law.
The Melbourne JD equips you with the skills and knowledge to take a leading role in a range of careers including legal practice, business, government and community organisations.
It is a 3 year program (or 4 - 6 years part-time), and is comprised of 24 subjects – 16 compulsory and 8 elective. Melbourne Law School’s elective offering is extensive and continually evolving to reflect current developments and issues in law and legal practice.
Examples of offerings that focus on Indigenous legal issues
MLS’ Clinical programs and internship opportunities will enable you to get real-world experience in community organisations working on cutting edge social justice issues.
Financial support for Indigenous Students studying the JD
All Indigenous students admitted to the JD program will receive a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), where the government pays part of the fees.
Find out more about structure of the JD Program, including to sign up for information sessions.
JD Curriculum review for inclusion of Indigenous content
Melbourne Law School is undertaking a review of the compulsory JD curriculum to increase the representation of Indigenous knowledges and perspectives. This work responds to the recommendations of the Review of Melbourne Law School's Indigenous Studies Programs report and to MLS’ Strategic Priorities on Indigenous Programs. A working group comprised of Eddie Cubillo , Associate Dean (Indigenous Programs), Arlen Duke, Associate Dean (JD), Emeritus Professor Ian Malkin and Professor Kirsty Gover has been established to work with subject coordinators to find and include materials and teaching methods that showcase and support Indigenous law and knowledge.
The first subjects to be part of this ongoing (and necessarily iterative) process are:
Professional Opportunities and external funding
Professional development, scholarship and funding opportunities for Indigenous law students.