Admission

 There are two JD/MBA intakes each year, in January and September.  International students must commence the MBA 16 month program format in January or 20 month program format in September (including internship term).

Selection

Selection for the JD/MBA is undertaken by representatives from both Melbourne Law School and Melbourne Business School.  When assessing applications, the Selection Committee gives consideration to the following factors;

• Managerial and leadership potential
• Aptitude for studying law
• Academic aptitude
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Maturity and motivation

Careful consideration is given to all of the information provided.  The Selection Committee will base its judgement on a wide range of criteria and not just one indicator, such as a GMAT result.

The Selection Committee looks at the extent and scope of organisational roles and responsibilities.  Academic capabilities are assessed by previous grades awarded, the reputation and standards of the institution where prior study was undertaken, scholarships or prizes, GMAT and LSAT results. Involvement in professional, community, cultural and/or sporting groups is also taken into consideration.

The Selection Committee will not consider applications for the JD/MBA unless the candidate meets the Essential Admission Requirements.   

Essential admission requirements

For entry into the Melbourne JD/MBA Program candidates must have:

• completed a three or four year undergraduate degree at a recognised tertiary institution. The program does not require candidates to have studied law, commerce or business at undergraduate level. Professional qualifications are not an adequate substitute for an undergraduate degree.  The selection committee will take into account the results of all tertiary studies undertaken.
• a minimum of two years full-time post-graduation work experience. This experience need not have been at managerial level but must have been completed as at least two consecutive years of full-time employment.
• a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score^. For more information about the GMAT visit www.mba.com
• a Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score^. For further information visit www.lsac.org. Note that a decision cannot be made on an application if the LSAT score is not available. Test results are valid for the purposes of admission to the JD/MBA for up to two years from the test date to the time of application to the JD/MBA.
• a good command of English. If undergraduate study was not in English, students are required to submit an IELTS score, with a minimum requirement of 7.0 or TOEFL score with a minimum requirement of 610. In addition to ensuring that non-native English speakers can cope with the language demands of the JD/MBA, an English test score is now a mandatory requirement for many candidates seeking to study in Australia on a Student Visa. This language requirement will not be waived in any circumstances. 

^The GMAT and LSAT requirement will not be waived in any circumstance

Applying for admission

To apply for a place in the JD/MBA Program, you will need to supply:

• a completed JD/MBA online application
• a verified transcript of all your post-secondary academic records
• two confidential referees' reports
• an original or certified copy of your scores on the GMAT
• LSAT number to enable Melbourne Law School to access LSAT test results directly from LSAC
• your curriculum vitae
• written responses to the personal statements asked in the application form
• evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) if necessary
• evidence of your citizenship or residency status. This can be a certified copy of your passport or birth certificate
• you must also participate in a face-to-face or telephone interview if requested

Candidates may submit any other supporting documentation that they believe will strengthen their application.

To submit an application, please click here

Timing

Applications for the January  intake close:	30 September  for international candidates
Applications for the September intake close:	30 November for candidates who are permanent residents or citizens of Australia 30 April for international candidates 31 July for candidates who are permanent residents or citizens of Australia
Rolling admissions:	Applications can be submitted at any time prior to the closing date
Admissions decisions:	Within two to three weeks of receipt of complete application
International candidates:	Australian student visa processing can take several months to complete. To avoid disappointment, please ensure that you submit your application as early as possible. For information about the student visa application process and lead time, please contact the Australian diplomatic mission in your home country.
Late applications:	Applications received after the closing dates above will only be processed if there are places remaining. Late applicants may be offered a place in a subsequent intake.
Deferred entry:	The School will normally allow a successful candidate to delay entry to the program for one intake without submitting a new application. Longer delays may require a new application.
Commencement dates:	All new students should arrive in Melbourne a few weeks prior to the commencement of the first term to allow time to settle and then attend the compulsory orientation.

Credits and substitutions

It may be possible to receive credits or substitutions for MBA compulsory subjects or JD optional subjects^, if you have completed relevant study previously.  It is not possible to gain credit for JD compulsory subjects. Please contact the Marketing and Admission office for further information. 

^The credit policy for JD optional subjects is available on the Melbourne JD website.