Postgrad International Placement Program (JD) | UNSW Sydney

Master's Degree Law (JD) Full Time

Postgraduate International Placement Program

at University of New South Wales · Sydney, New South Wales

CRICOS course code

051439B

CRICOS provider code

00098G

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

Not published

Per year

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Postgraduate International Placement Program at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a distinctive pathway for Juris Doctor (JD) students seeking authentic work experience in the legal sector as part of their master's degree. Designed within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) at Level 9 (master’s), this one-year program offers students practical exposure through placements in leading law firms, legal clinics, or non-governmental organisations, building expertise in both Australian and international legal practice.

Students undertake a combination of core units and integrative work placements, collectively creditable towards their degree via the equivalent of standard units and credit points as defined by UNSW. The program typically culminates in a reflective or research-based capstone project, allowing participants to synthesise their placement learning with academic legal frameworks. This hands-on structure not only strengthens professional readiness but also aids in networking with the Australian legal profession.

Key skills developed include legal research and writing, client advocacy, case management, and an understanding of the complexities of transnational legal issues. The program is ideally suited to aspiring legal practitioners, those seeking to broaden their practical understanding of law, and international students aiming to enhance employability within Australian or global legal contexts.

UNSW fosters strong links with the Australian legal industry, giving candidates access to leading practice environments. International students benefit from work rights of 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion, which provides opportunities to gain further professional experience in Australia. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, particularly as law requires higher standards, and should confirm exact requirements on the university’s official page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Solicitor or Barrister (subject to further admission requirements)
Legal Consultant in law firms or corporations
In-house Counsel roles in private or public sector
Policy Advisor in government agencies or NGOs
Legal Researcher with universities or think tanks
Compliance and Risk Management roles in the finance or tech industries
Positions within international organisations operating in Australia

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Postgraduate International Placement Program at University of New South Wales?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

What are the career outcomes?

Solicitor or Barrister (subject to further admission requirements)Legal Consultant in law firms or corporationsIn-house Counsel roles in private or public sectorPolicy Advisor in government agencies or NGOsLegal Researcher with universities or think tanksCompliance and Risk Manag...

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