The Melbourne JD Scholarships
Each year, Melbourne Law School offers a range of scholarships that recognise outstanding academic achievement and provide financial assistance to future students who might otherwise be excluded due to disadvantaged circumstances.
Eligibility and how to apply
Most scholarships for students commencing the Melbourne JD do not require a separate application, with applicants being automatically considered based on their application for admission to the Melbourne JD.
All applicants must:
- Have been offered a place in the Melbourne JD to commence in the upcoming intake, and
- Meet the selection criteria of the scholarship.
Demonstrated financial need
Domestic applicants who have applied to the Melbourne JD under the disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances category of the Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) scheme will automatically be considered for financial need scholarships.
Scholarships requiring a separate application
A small number of Melbourne JD scholarships require a separate application. Reasons for non-selection and feedback on individual applications will not be provided.
Applications are required for these scholarships:
Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Value (AUD, approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Alan Goldberg Scholarship | Open to domestic students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need (Demonstrated via a GAM Application). | $15,000* |
| Argyle Scholarship in Law | Open to students about to commence the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need. Students must satisfy the eligibility criteria for GAM rural or isolated area. Not available in 2025. | $30,000* |
| The Alastair Nicholson Memorial Scholarship | Open to students of Indigenous Australian descent commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit. The Committee may also consider the applicant's demonstrated commitment and contribution to the Indigenous community. | $4,400 |
| Ashurst First Nations JD Scholarship | Open to domestic students of Indigenous Australian descent undertaking the Melbourne JD and experiencing disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances. | $30,000* |
| The Beach-McGauran Scholarship | Open to domestic students commencing the Melbourne JD. This Scholarship is awarded to an applicant who has completed a tertiary degree in science or other technical field (including engineering), with consideration of both academic merit and financial need. | $15,000 |
| Brian John Shaw Scholarship | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need (demonstrated via a GAM application). | $30,000* |
| Cheryl Saunders Scholarship | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need (demonstrated via a GAM application). | $15,000* |
| Corrs Westgarth Chambers Indigenous Scholarship | Open to high-achieving domestic students of Indigenous Australian descent undertaking the Juris Doctor and experiencing disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances. Not available in 2025. | $30,000 |
| Cybec Foundation Melbourne Law School Indigenous Scholarship | Open to domestic students of Indigenous Australian descent undertaking the Juris Doctor and experiencing disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances. Not available in 2025. | $30,000* |
| Crutchfield Family Juris Doctor Scholarship | Open to domestic students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need (demonstrated via GAM application). Students must also satisfy the eligibility criteria for rural or isolated area. | $10,000 |
| The Dean A Cinque Scholarship | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. (demonstrated via a GAM application) | $1,750 |
| de Wijn JD Student Scholarship | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need (demonstrated via a GAM application). | $10,000 |
| The Donovan-Johnston Memorial Scholarship – Law | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need. | $5,000* |
| Elizabeth Gray Scholarship | Open to high-achieving domestic students of Indigenous Australian descent or refugee background undertaking the Melbourne JD and experiencing disadvantaged circumstances. Not available in 2025. | $15,000* |
| Frank and Nicole Azzopardi Scholarship | Open to high-achieving domestic students of Indigenous Australian descent undertaking the Melbourne JD. Not available in 2025. | $30,000 |
| Gilbrak Scholarship | Open to domestic students of Indigenous Australian descent undertaking the Melbourne JD and experiencing disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances. | $10,000 |
| The Hecht Trust Juris Doctor Scholarship | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. (Demonstrated via a GAM application). | $30,000* |
| The John C Walker Scholarship | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. (demonstrated via a GAM application). Not available in 2025. | $5,000 |
| John Middleton Scholarship | Open to domestic students undertaking the Juris Doctor and experiencing disadvantaged circumstances. Read more. | $30,000* |
| The Malcolm D H Smith Memorial Scholarship | By application only. Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD who have completed either an undergraduate degree majoring in Asian studies at a tertiary institution in Australia or Asia, or an undergraduate law degree at a tertiary institution in Asia. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit and the applicant’s commitment to understanding one or more Asian societies. The ability to speak an Asian language is desirable. | $6,000 |
| The Melbourne JD Harold Ford Scholarship | Open to students about commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. (demonstrated via a GAM application) | $30,000* |
| Melbourne Law School Indigenous Scholarship | Open to students of Indigenous Australian descent commencing the Melbourne JD, and experiencing disadvantaged Socio-economic circumstances. | $15,000* |
| Merralls Scholarship | Open to high-achieving domestic students of Indigenous Australian descent undertaking the Melbourne JD and experiencing disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances. Not available in 2025. | $30,000* |
| MinterEllison Indigenous JD Scholarship | Open to students of Indigenous Australian descent commencing the Melbourne JD, and experiencing disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances. Not available in 2025. | $30,000* |
| Norma Jenkins Scholarship | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need (demonstrated via a GAM application). | $30,000* |
| The Norman M. O'Bryan Scholarship | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need. (demonstrated via a GAM application). | $30,000* |
(Major) | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need. (demonstrated via a GAM application). Students must also satisfy the eligibility criteria for rural or isolated area. | $60,000 |
| Robert Richter Scholarship | Open to domestic students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need (demonstrated via a GAM application). | $8,000 |
| Rusk JD Scholarship | By application only. Open to domestic students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need (demonstrated via a GAM application) and a demonstrated interest in and commitment to furthering mutual understanding and connections between Australia and the USA. | $10,000 |
| Terry Murphy KC and Margaret Lodge Scholarship | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need. Not available in 2025. | $30,000* |
| The Valerie and Lawrence Kennedy Scholarship Fund | Open to mature-age domestic and international students (25 years or older) commencing the Melbourne JD. | $10,000 |
| The W John Collins Scholarship | Open to students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. (Demonstrated via a GAM application). | $30,000* |
| Whan Family Access Scholarship | Open to domestic students commencing the Melbourne JD. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need (demonstrated via a GAM application). | $10,000 |
| Zelman Cowen Scholarship | Open to domestic and international students commencing the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit. | $5,000 |
* 3-year scholarship – The total amount will be paid in three equal installments and paid annually provided the recipient remains enrolled.
Melbourne Law School reserves the right to change the number of scholarships awarded, and the value of the award, without notice.
Outcomes
Domestic applicants will be advised if they have been offered a scholarship, following the Melbourne JD Selection Committee meeting in November. The scholarship offer letter will include information on anticipated payment dates.
Unless a scholarship is by application, only successful applicants are advised (usually in late November), if they have been offered a scholarship.
Awards Terms and Conditions
Scholarship applicants and recipients are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Melbourne Law School Awards Terms and Conditions.
Note: Bursaries or scholarships may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Dean if the recipient commits academic or general misconduct while a Melbourne JD student.
Melbourne Law School Supported Place scholarship
The Melbourne Law School Supported Place scholarship is awarded to select Australian Fee students on admission to the Melbourne JD. This scholarship will provide a discount on tuition fees – there is no cash component.
Eligible applicants will be automatically considered for a Melbourne Law School Supported Place scholarship and will be notified if they have been awarded one following the selection committee meeting round in November.
Additional opportunities
Melbourne JD students may also be interested in additional opportunities including scholarships offered by the University and residential colleges, financial aid and government assistance.
Scholarships for current students
Melbourne Law School offers a range of scholarships and bursaries that recognise outstanding academic achievement and provide support to current students while studying the Melbourne JD.
Prizes
Melbourne Law School has a long-standing tradition of awarding prizes in recognition of students’ outstanding academic achievement.
Eligibility and how to apply
Melbourne Law School Scholarships for current students are all awarded based on application.
All applicants must:
- be a currently enrolled Melbourne JD student
- meet the eligibility requirements of the scholarship
- submit an application within the stipulated application period (see below).
Application process
Only one application is required - applicants do not need to submit individual applications for each available scholarship, excluding the following:
Follow the link to the relevant scholarships as outlined in the tables below to access the application form.
Demonstrated financial need
Students who wish to be eligible for scholarships that consider financial need must submit the University of Melbourne’s Student Financial Assessment form for each round of scholarships for which they are applying.
Application dates
A primary round of applications (Round 1) will be held at the beginning of Semester 1 each year (usually February/March).
If there are no eligible candidates for any given scholarship in Round 1, a scholarship may be offered in a second round of applications (Round 2) at the beginning of Semester 2 of the same year (usually July/August).
Application dates are announced on the Melbourne JD Community (LMS).
The Round 2 application for 2025 is now open and will close on August 2.
General Scholarships
Current Melbourne JD students may apply for a variety of scholarships which are assessed against a range of selection criteria.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Total value | Application dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law First in Family Travel Grant | Open to current Melbourne Law School students who are first in their family to access tertiary education and are undertaking approved overseas study. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. | $5,000 | Open |
| Law Travel Grant | Open to final-year JD students who are participating in overseas study, attending a conference, field trips, or other engagements that require travel. This scholarship is awarded based on financial need. | $2,500 | Open |
| Law Success Bursary | Open to final-year Juris Doctor students experiencing financial difficulties completing their studies. | $2,500 | Open |
| Melbourne Law School Mobility Scholarship | Open to current Melbourne Law School students, who wish to undertake international study or to focus on global legal practice as part of their degree may seek financial assistance from the Law School. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. | at least $1,500 | Open |
| MLS Indigenous-Practical Legal Training(PLT) Grant | Open to Indigenous students who are in the final year of JD and are enrolled in Practical Legal Training (PLT). | $12,000 | Open |
| The Ian Malkin Internship Scholarship | Open to current Melbourne Law SchoolJD students, this scholarship is awarded to students undertaking an internship with not-for-profit organisations or government organisations on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Preference is given to students undertaking their internship for subject credit, through Melbourne Law School Clinics. | $2,100 | Open |
| The Tom Zucker Scholarship in Labour Relations | Open to students who are enrolled in Melbourne Law School's Employment and Labour Relations Law courses and who are employed by, or who are officials of, an Australian trade union or peak union organisation. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need. The Tom Zucker Scholarship in Labour Relations | $10,000 | Open |
| Allens First Nations JD Award | Open to enrolled Melbourne Law School Juris Doctor Indigenous students experiencing immediate disadvantaged circumstances. This award is awarded based on financial need. | $15,000 | Closed |
| Andrew Peacock International Travel Scholarship | Open to current Melbourne Law School Juris Doctor students who are undertaking overseas exchange or study and are seeking financial assistance to help meet travel (and accommodation) expenses, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. | $5,000 | Closed |
| Daniel B Wright Scholarship | Open to enrolled Melbourne Law School Juris Doctor students demonstrating high academic achievement in the field of public law. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit | $3,000 | Closed |
| John G Chrisp Law Bursary | Open to current Melbourne Law School JD students, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. | $1,000 | Closed |
| Law First in Family Bursary | Open to current Melbourne Law school students who are first in their family to access tertiary education. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. | $5,000 | Closed |
| Melbourne Law School Excellence Grant | Open to all Melbourne Law School students, this grant is awarded on the basis of financial need. | $7,500 | Closed |
| Nathan and Pamela Jacobson Bursary | Open to current Melbourne Law School JD students, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. | $10,000 | Closed |
| Robin Chan Memorial Grant | Open to enrolled Melbourne Law School Juris Doctor students who are experiencing immediate disadvantaged circumstances, can demonstrate community involvement with a minimum weighted average mark of 65. Preference is given to students who have one or more of the following attributes: are an Indigenous Australian; are culturally or linguistically diverse; and/or have a refugee/new migrant background. | $3,000 | Closed |
| The Daniel McCluskey Social Justice Prize | pen to current Melbourne Law School JD students with demonstrated involvement in social justice, human rights, equality, or a related area, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit. | $2,000 | Closed |
| The Philip Solomon KC Bursary | Open to current Melbourne Law School Juris Doctor students who have completed between 87.5pts and 112.5pts of study, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need, academic merit and to students who aspire to become Victorian barristers, as demonstrated through a commitment to Mooting at Melbourne Law School. | $10,000 | Closed |
| The Victorian Bar Justice Kenneth Hayne Scholarship | Open to current Melbourne law School students, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need. | $6,500 | Closed |
| Law Young Alumni Scholarship | Open to first-year JD students who are experiencing an impairment or disability and disadvantaged circumstances. | $30,000 | Closed |
| Rusk JD Scholarship | Open to enrolled domestic students of the Melbourne JD, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need and demonstrate commitment in furthering the mutual understanding and connections between Australia and the United States of America | $10,000 | Closed |
| The Malcolm D H Smith Memorial Scholarship | Open to first-year JD students who have completed either an undergraduate degree majoring in Asian studies at a tertiary institution in Australia or Asia, or an undergraduate law degree at a tertiary institution in Asia. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit and the applicant’s commitment to understanding one or more Asian societies. The ability to speak an Asian language is desirable. | $6,000 | Closed |
| Law Final Year Bursary | Open to final-year JD students who are experiencing immediate disadvantaged circumstances. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need. | 1 or 2 subjects Fee Remission | Closed |
| Robin Chan Memorial Grant | Open to enrolled Melbourne Law School Juris Doctor students who are experiencing immediate disadvantaged circumstances, can demonstrate community involvement with a minimum weighted average mark of 65. Preference is given to students who have one or more of the following attributes: are an Indigenous Australian; are culturally or linguistically diverse; and/or have a refugee/new migrant background. | $3,000 | Closed |
| The Danny Sandor Scholarship | Open to Melbourne Law School students, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. | $1,000 | Closed |
| Law Practical Legal Training Grant | Open to final year JD students who are enrolled in Practical Legal Training (PLT). | $12,000 | Closed |
| Melbourne University Law Students’ Society Scholarship | Open to current Melbourne Law School JD students enrolled in their penultimate or final year, with a full-fee paying place and who have not previously received a JD Bursary or Melbourne Law School scholarship, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need. | $5,000 | Closed |
Scheme
Students can seek financial assistance for the cost of textbooks via the MULSS Book Fairy program. Please refer to the MULSS Book Fairy for application information and to apply.
Scholarships supporting Global Learning Opportunities
Students are encouraged to view the latest advice and support relating to Study Overseas.
Melbourne Law School has limited funding available for those students who wish to undertake global learning opportunities as a part of their degree.
Eligibility
The primary criterion to award Scholarships supporting global learning opportunities is demonstrated financial need.
Only the following global learning opportunities are eligible for funding:
- JD Global Subjects
- JD Degree Partnerships
- MLM Study Abroad at Oxford
- MLM and JD Study Overseas
- Approved and accredited MLM international legal internships and JD legal internships undertaken overseas
Note: Students undertaking Non-Partner Programs are not eligible to apply for this funding.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Total value | Application dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allan Myers Oxford Scholars Scholarship | Eligible students are automatically considered for this scholarship. Open to current Melbourne JD students participating in the degree partnership program at the University of Oxford, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit. | up to £20,000 | N/A |
| Federal Court of Australia - Trinity Hall Scholarship | Eligible students are automatically considered for this scholarship. Melbourne Law School and Trinity Hall jointly offer an annual scholarship to an LLM student at Trinity Hall to assist with the cost of tuition. This scholarship is awarded based on both academic merit and financial need. | up to £20,000 | N/A |
| Women in Tax Law Travel Scholarship | Open to current, female, Melbourne Law School students and alumn seeking financial support to undertake studies or research overseas in the area of Tax Law. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit. Demonstrated leadership experience/potential is desired. | $7,000 | Closed |
Special Conditions
- Students applying for Mobility Scholarships must ensure:
- Travel is arranged within six (6) months of receiving the scholarship
- Travel is approved for credit at Melbourne Law School and reflected on the student’s study plan
- Travel is completed within 12 months of receiving the scholarship.
- Students can only receive Melbourne Law School Mobility Funding once during each University of Melbourne degree.
Outcomes
Applicants will be advised if they have been offered a scholarship within eight weeks of application closing dates. The offer will include information on when payments are due to occur.
Melbourne Law School reserves the right to withhold a scholarship from being awarded in either Round, as well as the number of scholarships awarded, and amount awarded, without notice.
Reasons for non-selection and feedback on individual applications will not be provided.
Awards Terms and Conditions
Scholarship applicants and recipients are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Melbourne Law School Awards Terms and Conditions.
Need assistance with your Melbourne Law School scholarship or prize?
Whether you're applying for a scholarship, seeking information about academic prizes, or require support as a current recipient, we're here to help.
Additional Opportunities
Melbourne JD students may also be interested in additional opportunities including scholarships offered by the University and residential colleges, financial aid and government assistance.
Prizes
Melbourne Law School has a long-standing tradition of awarding prizes in recognition of students’ outstanding academic achievement.
Additional scholarships
- The University of Melbourne Scholarships
- Jopling Family Rowing Scholarship
- Residential College Scholarships
- Good Universities Guide
Government assistance
Other financial assistance
For Indigenous students
- GO Foundation
- Murrup Barak, Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development
- John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Scholarship
Global scholarships and fellowships
The world's leading research organisations and trusts provide unique opportunities to work with colleagues, institutions and alumni in Australia and around the world. Explore the potential for a global experience with academic communities at the forefront of research, funded by major sponsors and donors.
For International students
Scholarships may also be provided by government and non-government organisations in a student’s home country. Please contact the relevant organisation in your country for specific details.
Prizes
Melbourne Law School has a long-standing tradition of awarding prizes in recognition of students’ outstanding academic achievement.