Leiden University

General Information

Melbourne Juris Doctor (JD) + Leiden University Master of Laws (LLM)

Leiden University’s LLM programs offer a wide range of specialisations, including Public International Law, European Law, and International Civil and Commercial Law. Each specialisation equips students with a strong foundation in comparative and international legal principles while addressing contemporary global challenges. With its close ties to international courts and organisations in The Hague, Leiden provides students with exceptional opportunities for practical experience and professional development in the field of law.

Successful applicants will depart in their sixth and final semester of the Melbourne JD to complete the one-year program abroad (beginning in September). For exact dates, consult the Leiden University school calender.

For further information, please visit Leiden Law School website.

Eligibility

All applicants must:

  • complete all core subjects and all except 3 elective subjects (37.5 points) of the Melbourne JD prior to departing for this Degree Partnership,
  • adhere to the admissions policies, procedures and standards of Leiden University, and will be assessed on four semesters of academic results, and
  • have (and maintain) an overall weighted average mark of at least 75%.

Students are advised to seek appropriate course planning advice if they are considering a Degree Partnership as early as possible (ideally in the first year of their studies, or as soon as they decide to pursue this opportunity).

Application Process

Students must consult with the Global Engagement Coordinator via email at law-global@unimelb.edu.au or by booking a consultation here, and complete the Qualtrics form to indicate their expression of interest in applying to the program. Students are advised to submit the form at least four weeks prior to their intended application submission to ensure that their academic results are as up to date as possible.

The Coordinator will provide each applicant with a Letter of Nomination before they apply directly to Leiden Law School.

  • Application deadlines change year-to-year; however, students are advised to confirm directly with Leiden University.
  • Students must adhere to the admissions policies, procedures and standards of Leiden University, and will provisionally assessed on three semesters of academic results, however may need to provide transcripts at the completion of their fourth semester.
  • Students are liable for all non-refundable application fees.

A maximum of two students may be accepted in the Leiden Law School Degree Partnership per Melbourne Law School academic year.

For successful applicants, the Global Engagement Coordinator will enrol the student in a generic study abroad subject equivalent to three (3) elective subjects, which will appear on their student record and count towards their enrolment at the University of Melbourne. Students are advised to seek appropriate course planning advice to ensure they have sufficient space on their Melbourne Law School study plan prior to applying.

Course Requirements

Students will be awarded the LLM upon completion of the two (2) academic semesters.

Study Costs

Students are required to pay the fees for their program directly to the partner university and will be fee exempt for the equivalent component(s) at the University of Melbourne.

  • Students are liable for all remaining travel/transportation, living expenses, textbooks, passport, visa and personal expenses associated with the Degree Partnership during the academic semester abroad.
  • Students may estimate their minimum annual financial commitment using the online guidelines, however must take their personal circumstances in to account.

Scholarships and Funding

Opportunities may be available from any of the following:

Students requiring a letter for Centrelink confirming their participation in the overseas program must contact the Academic Programs Coordinator at law-global@unimelb.edu.au no less than 3 weeks before departure. Failure to do so may result in loss of payments such as Austudy, Youth Allowance and Disability Support Pension.

Insurance

Participating students may be eligible for free University of Melbourne travel insurance.

Awarding Credit Upon Completion

Upon completion of the overseas program, students must ensure their overseas transcript is sent to the Academic Programs Coordinator (law-global@unimelb.edu.au), so credit from the program can be applied as Advanced Standing to the student's Melbourne Law School program. The generic study abroad subject will then be removed as a placeholder from the student's record.

The result(s) gained at the host institution will not be recorded on the student's University of Melbourne transcript and will not affect the student's Weighted Average Mark (WAM). Students are advised to retain a copy of their overseas transcripts to demonstrate the obtained result(s).

Graduation and Final Rankings

Melbourne Law School students who undertake international opportunities in the final semester of their course will often have to delay their graduation. Melbourne Law School advises students not to make any plans to attend a graduation ceremony until they have received a formal invitation to graduate.

Final rankings can only be calculated after all transcripts have been received and the student has graduated from their Melbourne Law School program.

Please note, however, Advanced Standing received from undertaking an overseas program is not included in final rankings.

Admission to Practice

Students seeking Admission to Practice in Victoria are required by the Board of Examiners to provide a Student Conduct Report (SCR) from each university in which they have been enrolled, including those based overseas, for each completed course.

Students should firstly approach their host institution's program contact to request the SCR. If the host institution is unsure of the wording to use in the SCR, students may provide them with a template (DOC).

  • In the event an SCR request has been made and rejected (for whatever reason) students will need to provide evidence of the original request and the host institution's response.
  • In the event an SCR request has been made to which no response has been received, students will need to provide evidence of the original request and a follow-up request.

Enquiries

For enquiries regarding international opportunities at Melbourne Law School, please contact the Global Engagement Coordinator via law-global@unimelb.edu.au or book a consultation.