The Melbourne JD Scholarships
Melbourne Law School Scholarships
Melbourne Law School offers a range of scholarships that recognise outstanding academic achievement and provide support to future students who might otherwise be excluded due to disadvantaged circumstances.
Melbourne Law School reserves the right to change the number of scholarships awarded, or the amount dispersed, without notice.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Have been offered a place in the Melbourne JD and
- Meet the eligibility requirements of the scholarship.
How to apply
Students offered a place in the Melbourne JD will automatically be considered for all of these scholarships except for the Asia Leaders Scholarships and Harold Ford Scholarship, and selection is based on their application for the Melbourne JD. With the exception of the Asia Leaders Scholarships, only those who have applied under the disadvantaged socio-economic category of the Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) scheme will automatically be considered for financial need scholarships.
Asia Leaders Scholarship
Applications are required for these scholarships:
Harold Ford Scholarship
International students interested in the Harold Ford Scholarship must also complete a disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances – supplementary form (PDF) by 1 November prior to the year of commencement. As part of this form, you need to provide a statement explaining financial hardship you have suffered and a supporting statement from a relevant independent third party such as an accountant or financial counsellor, and any other supporting documentation that provides evidence of your financial need. Please submit your form and relevant documents by the deadline to law-admissions@unimelb.edu.au.
Special conditions
- Students who withdraw from study before the end of the first semester of the Melbourne JD will be required to repay the scholarship in full.
- If a recipient elects to defer their enrolment in the Melbourne JD program, the recipient will forfeit the bursary or scholarship. The recipient will be reconsidered in the year prior to commencing the program.
- If the recipient withdraws from the JD course, the uncredited balance of the bursary or scholarship will be cancelled.
- The bursaries or scholarships may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Dean if the recipient commits academic or general misconduct while a JD student.
| Scholarship | Eligiblity | Value (AUD, approximate) |
|---|---|---|
Argyle Scholarship
| Open to students on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need, with a preference given to students from rural or regional Australia. | $5,000 |
Alastair Nicholson Law ScholarshipThis scholarship celebrates His Honour's distinguished career and his commitment to social justice, including advancing the interests of Indigenous Australians. The scholarship recognises Indigenous Australian students' academic achievement. | Open to students of Indigenous Australian background about to commence or currently studying the Melbourne JD. Awarded on the basis of academic results. | $2,000 |
| Open to students on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need. | $15,000* | |
Beach-McGauran ScholarshipLaw School alumni the Hon Justice Jonathan Beach and Daria McGauran established this scholarship through a generous gift. Following Justice Beach and Ms McGauran's interests, the scholarship is awarded to students holding a tertiary degree in a scientific or technical field and showing academic merit and financial need. | Open to students who have previously completed a tertiary degree in science or a technical field, including engineering. Awarded on the basis of academic results with consideration of financial need. | $10,000 |
Brian John Shaw ScholarshipEstablished in memory of Brian Shaw QC by friends of Mr Shaw, this scholarship supports students in financial need. | Open to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $24,000* |
Charles-Lim Capital Asia Leaders ScholarshipEstablished by Charles-Lim Capital Limited to support students commencing the three-year Juris Doctor (JD) degree at Melbourne Law School. | Open to students who are citizens of the following countries/regions: Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Mainland China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia are not eligible. | $25,000 per year for three years, for a total of $75,000 |
Cheryl Saunders ScholarshipNamed for Laureate Professor Emeritus Cheryl Saunders AO (BA 1966 Arts, LLB(Hons) 1966, PhD Law 1976), the Cheryl Saunders Scholarship supports Melbourne Law School students demonstrating financial need and academic merit. Giving to the Cheryl Saunders Scholarship helps these talented students flourish while celebrating Professor Saunders’ magnificent contributions to legal education and constitutional law. | Open to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $15,000* |
Corrs Chambers Westgarth Indigenous ScholarshipCorrs Chambers Westgarth takes a particular interest in students with the potential to become to the commercial lawyers of tomorrow. The scholarship supports an Indigenous Australian student showing academic merit and financial need. | Open to students of Indigenous Australian background about to commence or currently studying the Melbourne JD. Awarded on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need. | $5,000 |
Dean A Cinque ScholarshipThis scholarship was established through a generous gift from Dean Cinque, principal in the firm Cinque Oakley Senior Lawyers and the first member of his family to attend university. The scholarship supports students in financial need. | Open to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $1,200 |
Donaghue-Evans Indigenous ScholarshipMelbourne Law School Dean Professor Carolyn Evans and her husband Dr Stephen Donaghue QC established this scholarship in support of Indigenous Australian students in financial need. Student applicants may be commencing students in either the JD or a PhD. | Open to students of Indigenous Australian background. Awarded on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need. | $15,000* |
Donaghue-Evans ScholarshipLaw School Dean Professor Carolyn Evans and her husband Dr Stephen Donaghue QC established this scholarship in support of commencing JD students in financial need. | Open to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $15,000* |
Elizabeth Gray ScholarshipEstablished in memory of Elizabeth Gray (BA(Hons)/LLB 1979) by her sister, Natalie Gray, along with family and friends, the Elizabeth Gray Scholarship supports Indigenous Australian students or students with a refugee background. | Open to students of Indigenous Australian or refugee background. Awarded on the basis of academic results. | $5,000 |
Gilbert + Tobin ScholarshipEstablished thanks to the generous support of Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers, this scholarship is awarded to an Indigenous student about to commence or currently studying the JD on the basis of academic results and financial need. | Open to students of Indigenous Australian background. Awarded on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need. | $10,000 |
Harold Ford ScholarshipThe Melbourne JD Harold Ford Scholarship is an initiative between the Melbourne Law School, alumni and leading members of the legal profession who shared the vision that law school should be open for all capable students regardless of their financial situation. Named in honour of Professor Emeritus Harold Ford, former Dean of Melbourne Law School, this scholarship provides a number of selected students with financial support during their JD. | Open to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $15,000* |
Helen and Bori Liberman ScholarshipThis scholarship provides support for an Indigenous Australian student undertaking the Melbourne JD and is named for Helen Liberman and Bori Liberman (LLB 1968). | Open to students of Indigenous Australian background about to commence or currently studying the Melbourne JD. Awarded on the basis of financial need. | $5,000 |
John C Walker ScholarshipKristen Walker QC established this scholarship to celebrate the the immense contributions John Walker QC has added to the areas of commercial and criminal law. Mr Walker, family and friends have also contributed generously to the scholarship, which supports a commencing student in financial need. | Open to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $2,000 |
Nathan and Pamela Jacobson ScholarshipThis scholarship was established thanks to a generous gift from Nathan Jacobson OBE and Pamela Jacobson. Mr Jacobson is a Law School alumnus with a decorated career in commercial, tax and property law and a long history of community service. The scholarship supports students displaying academic merit and financial need. | Open to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $15,000* |
Norma Jenkins ScholarshipThis scholarship was established through a generous bequest from Norma Riley (Nee Jenkins, LLB 1947). Norma received a bursary as a student, and wanted others to benefit from this same opportunty regardless of their financial position. | Open to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $15,000* |
Norman M O'Bryan ScholarshipFamily, friends and former colleagues of The Honourable Justice Norman M O'Bryan have committed to working with Melbourne Law School to memorialise Justice O'Bryan by raising funds for the purpose of establising one or more scholarships for students enrolled in the Melbourne JD. Justice O'Bryan studied law at the University, served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria from 1977-1992 and contributed enormously to the law, especially in the area of commecial discputes, throughout a magnificent career. | Open to students on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need. | $15,000* |
Price ScholarshipNamed thanks to a gift from Malcolm and Catherine Price, the scholarship includes one major and two minor scholarships each year. These are awarded to commencing JD students from rural or regional Australia showing academic merit and financial need. | Open to students on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need, with a preference given to students from rural or regional Australia. | $15,000* and $5,000 |
Shao Zili Asia Leaders ScholarshipEstablished by Shao Zili to support students commencing the three-year Juris Doctor (JD) degree at Melbourne Law School. | Open to students who are citizens of Mainland China. Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia are not eligible. | $25,000 per year for three years, for a total of $75,000 |
W John Collins ScholarshipThis scholarship was established in honour of W John Collins thanks to a gift from Melbourne alumni Dr Matt Collins QC and his partner, Leonard Vary. The scholarship supports students in financial need. | Open to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $5,000 |
Zelman Cowen ScholarshipMelbourne Law School Alumnus Professor Zelman Cowen (LLB 1940) was a brilliant Melbourne student, a World War II veteran and an esteemed public leader and intellectual. He won the Supreme Court Prize and a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford. He later served as Dean of Melbourne Law School, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland and Chairman of the Vice-Chancellors' Committee and was Governor General from 1977 to 1982. The Zelman Cowen Scholarships are awarded by Melbourne Law School and recognise academic achievement for students commencing the Melbourne JD. | Open to students on the basis of academic results. Consideration may also be given to demonstrated financial need. | $5,000 |
* This total amount is divided into three equal amounts and paid in each year the student is enrolled (up to three years).
Additional Opportunities
Commencing 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
A number of merit-based prizes are also awarded to high-achieving students in the Melbourne Law School each year.
Melbourne Law School Scholarships
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.
Applications are currently closed.
MULSS Book Fairy
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.
Enquiries
Enquiries can be sent via email to law-awards@unimelb.edu.au
Melbourne Law School reserves the right to change the number of scholarships awarded, or the amount dispersed, without notice.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits | Application dates |
|---|---|---|---|
Alastair Nicholson Law ScholarshipThis scholarship celebrates His Honour's distinguished career and his commitment to social justice, including advancing the interests of Indigenous Australians. The Alastair Nicholson Law Scholarship recognises Indigenous Australian students' academic achievement. | Open to students of Indigenous Australian background about to commence or currently studying the Melbourne JD. Commencing students will automatically be considered based on their application for the Melbourne JD. Awarded on the basis of academic results. | $2,000 | Closed |
Beach-McGauran ScholarshipLaw School alumni the Hon Justice Jonathan Beach and Daria McGauran established this scholarship through a generous gift. Following Justice Beach and Ms McGauran's interests, the scholarship is awarded to students holding a tertiary degree in a scientific or technical field and showing academic merit and financial need. | Open to students who have previously completed a tertiary degree in science or a technical field, including engineering. Awarded on the basis of academic results with consideration of financial need. | $10,000 | Closed |
Corrs Chambers Westgarth Indigenous ScholarshipCorrs Chambers Westgarth takes a particular interest in students with the potential to become to the commercial lawyers of tomorrow. The Scholarship supports an Indigenous Australian student showing academic merit and financial need. | Open to students of Indigenous Australian background about to commence or currently studying the Melbourne JD. Commencing students will automatically be considered based on their application for the Melbourne JD. Awarded on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need. | $5,000 | Closed |
Daniel McCluskey Social Justice PrizeThe Daniel McCluskey Social Justice Prize will be awarded to a law student who has demonstrated an involvement in social justice, human rights, equality or a related area. | Open to current students who have demonstrated an involvement in social justice, human rights, equality, or a related area (including, but not limited to, having completed a law subject in one of those areas). | $1,300 | Closed |
DLA Piper Geoff Masel PrizeThis prize is given by partners of DLA Piper Australia in memory of Geoff Masel, whose 50 years in practice with the firm highlighted his commitment to legal education and support of those with disadvantages. The DLA Piper Geoff Masel Prize rewards significant academic achievement in the face of adversity. | Open to current JD students in second year and above who are enrolled for the full year of their application. Awarded for significant academic achievement in the face of adversity. | $2,000 | Closed |
Donovan-Johnston ScholarshipEstablished with a generous bequest from Kathleen Mary Johnston, the Donovan-Johnston Scholarships provided for a number of student scholarships across different tertiary institutions. | Open to JD students from rural or regional Australia with a permanent place of residence located 80 kilometres or more from the Melbourne General Post Office. Awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $6,000 split evenly over the duration of the JD program | Closed |
Frank and Nicole Azzopardi ScholarshipThe Frank and Nicole Azzopardi Scholarship, was established thanks to a generous gift from Melbourne alumni Franco John Azzopardi and Nicole Azzopardi. The Frank and Nicole Azzopardi Scholarship supports an Indigenous Australian student showing academic merit and financial need. | Open to JD students of Indigenous Australian background. Awarded on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need. | $5,000 | Closed |
Gilbert + Tobin ScholarshipEstablished thanks to the generous support of Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers, this scholarship is awarded to an Indigenous student about to commence or currently studying the JD on the basis of academic results and financial need. | Open to students of Indigenous Australian background. Awarded on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need. | $10,000 | Closed |
Helen and Bori Liberman ScholarshipThis scholarship provides support for an Indigenous Australian student undertaking the Melbourne JD and is named for Helen Liberman and Bori Liberman (LLB 1968). | Open to students of Indigenous Australian background about to commence or currently studying the Melbourne JD. Awarded on the basis of financial need. | $5,000 | Closed |
Ian Malkin Internship ScholarshipWith a generous gift from Professor Ian Malkin, this scholarship supports students who are undertaking an internship with a not-for-profit or government organisation. | Open to JD students who have completed at least five JD subjects and wish to participate in internships with not-for-profit organisations or government organisations. Awarded on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need. | Three scholarships of $1,500 were awarded in 2017. | Closed |
JAMAKEPE Foundation ScholarshipEstablished in 2012, the JAMAKEPE Foundation Scholarship provides assistance to a Melbourne Law School student undertaking an exchange program in the United States of America. | Open to domestic Australian JD students undertaking an exchange program in the United States of America. Awarded on the basis of academic results with consideration given to financial need. Preference will be given to students who completed an undergraduate degree in the areas of Arts or Commerce at the University of Melbourne. | $5,000 | Closed |
John G Chrisp BursaryMiss Eleanor Elizabeth Heriot Chrisp, who passed away in 1928, made a bequest to the University of Melbourne in the name of her brother, John G Chrisp. The resultant fund provides support for students in financial need. | Open to JD students. Awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $500 | Closed |
Malcolm DH Smith Memorial ScholarshipProfessor Malcolm DH Smith was a leading international figure in Asian legal studies and the Founding Director of the Asian Law Centre at the University of Melbourne. The Malcolm DH Smith Memorial Scholarship has been established to remember Professor Smith and his exceptional contribution to Asian legal studies. | Open to students about to commence the Melbourne JD who have completed an undergraduate law degree or a degree majoring in Asian studies at a tertiary institution in Australia or Asia. Selection is based on academic results and the applicant’s commitment to understanding one or more Asian societies. Capacity to speak an Asian language is desirable. A CV is also required to be considered for this scholarship. | $3,000 | Closed |
| Open to students who are seeking financial assistance to help meet travel and accommodation expenses for international study. | Several scholarships available, amounts vary. | Closed |
Nicholas Grambas Travel ScholarshipThis scholarship was established by New York based-Melbourne alumnus Nicholas Grambas (BCom 1984, LLB 1985), and Kate Grambas. It seeks to provide for JD students the opportunity to experience and learn from international study. | Open to JD students who are seeking financial assistance to help meet travel and accommodation expenses for international study. Awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $5,000 | Closed |
| Philip Solomon Scholarship | Open to students with strong academic results, including (but not only) in Evidence and Proof and success in and demonstrated commitment to mooting at Melbourne Law School. | $5,000 plus mentoring with Philip Solomon QC | Closed |
Supreme Court - Trinity Hall ScholarshipThe Supreme Court - Trinity Hall Scholarship is jointly awarded by Melbourne Law School and Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge. It supports a student who has been accepted into the Master of Laws at Cambridge on the basis of academic results and financial need. | Open to Melbourne Law School JD or LLB graduates who have been accepted into the Master of Laws (LLM) program at the University of Cambridge with Trinity Hall as their first preference. Awarded on the basis of academic results with consideration given to financial need. | One scholarship of £10,000 was awarded in 2017. | Applicants who have completed a JD or LLB at Melbourne Law School and who have accepted an offer from the University of Cambridge will be automatically considered for this scholarship. |
Valerie and Lawrence Kennedy ScholarshipLawrence Kennedy studied at Melbourne Law School as a mature age student following his return from World War II. Mr Kennedy, who passed away in 2001, bequeathed funds to establish the Valerie and Lawrence Kennedy Scholarship in support of mature age students. | Open to mature age students. | Several scholarships available, amounts vary. | Closed |
Victorian Bar: Justice Kenneth Hayne ScholarshipMembers of the Victorian Bar established this scholarship to celebrate the magnificent career of Justice Kenneth Hayne AC. The Scholarship supports students showing academic merit and financial need. | Open to current JD students on the basis of academic results and demonstrated financial need. | One or more scholarships available, amounts vary. | Closed |
W John Collins ScholarshipThis scholarship was established in honour of W John Collins thanks to a gift from Melbourne alumni Dr Matt Collins QC and his partner, Leonard Vary. The scholarship supports students in financial need. | Open to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. | $5,000 | Closed |
Additional scholarships
- The University of Melbourne Scholarships
- Residential College Scholarships
- Future Generations Scholarship
- Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) Bursary
Other financial assistance
Government assistance
For Indigenous students
- Commonwealth Scholarships Programme
- Murrup Barak, Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development
- John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Scholarship