Doctor of Juridical Science, Faculty of Law

The Australian National University provides PhD students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support.When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.

As a PhD student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.

This is a professional doctorate that combines research with coursework. Approved applicants must complete four courses from the postgraduate LAWS8000 range, except Fundamental or Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) courses, followed by a thesis of 65,000 words. Each candidate has a chair/supervisor and two advisers. 

Study consists of two to four years of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

To be admitted to the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) program you will be required to have a bachelor's degree with a first or second class honours, usually in law, from an Australian university or a Masters in Law (LLM) with a distinction average, or a qualification equivalent or superior to these as determined by the Director of Higher Degree Research.

You may be granted admission if you can demonstrate that you have a background equivalent to these qualifications.

All applicants must meet the University's English Language Admission Requirements for Students.

If you think you qualify, and for more information on how we recommend you think about applying for Higher Degree Research study at the ANU College of Law, check out How to apply.

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

Domestic research students are not required to pay tuition fees as they are enrolled under the Research Training Scheme which funds the fees. For further information see students.anu.edu.au/fees/domestic/research.php

International students

Indicative fees for international students are:

International student fees (ISF)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)