Law in Australia needs a high ATAR at most universities, but the figure varies widely: recent entry ranks run from about 84 at QUT to a guaranteed 99.50 for combined law at the University of Sydney. Most law schools in NSW, the ACT and Queensland's UQ sit between 96 and 98. Check whether a figure is a guaranteed ATAR, a minimum or last year's lowest selection rank, because they mean different things.
ATAR for law key facts
- University of Sydney combined law: guaranteed ATAR 99.50, subject to non-ATAR criteria (UAC listing).
- UNSW Arts/Law: 2026 lowest selection rank 97.8 plus the Law Admission Test; from 2027, entry is on selection rank alone.
- Monash Laws (Honours): 2026 lowest selection rank 95.00, but the lowest ATAR before adjustments was 85.35.
- QUT Laws (Honours): semester 1, 2026 minimum selection threshold 84.00.
- Some universities, such as the University of Melbourne, teach law only as a graduate Juris Doctor.
ATAR for law by university
Each figure is from the university's own course page or its admissions centre listing, checked on 21 October 2026.
| University | Course | Figure | What the figure is |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | Combined law degrees | 99.50 | Guaranteed ATAR for all combined law courses, subject to non-ATAR criteria (UAC) |
| UNSW Sydney | Arts / Law | 97.8 + LAT (lowest ATAR 85.0) | 2026 lowest selection rank; selection rank only from 2027 |
| UTS | Bachelor of Laws (full time) | 97.6 | Lowest selection rank offered to a recent school leaver, Autumn 2026 |
| University of Queensland | Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | 97.5 | Lowest adjusted score offered, Semester 1, 2026 |
| Australian National University | Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | 97 | ATAR listed as the admission requirement (2026 program page) |
| Macquarie University | Bachelor of Laws | 96 | Selection rank for 2027 entry |
| Monash University | Laws (Honours), Clayton | 95.00 (lowest ATAR 85.35) | 2026 lowest selection rank; Monash Guarantee for eligible applicants is 85 for 2027 |
| QUT | Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | 84.00 | Minimum selection threshold, Semester 1, 2026 (lowest offer 84.15 with adjustments) |
Sources: UAC listing for University of Sydney combined law; UNSW, UTS, UQ, ANU, Macquarie and Monash course pages; QTAC listing for QUT Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Figures change every year.
Guaranteed ATAR, selection rank and lowest ATAR
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed ATAR | Reach it, meet the other criteria, and you receive an offer | Sydney combined law, 99.50 |
| Lowest selection rank | The lowest rank, including adjustment factors, that received an offer last intake | Monash Laws (Honours), 95.00 in 2026 |
| Lowest ATAR | The lowest ATAR before adjustment factors that received an offer | Monash Laws (Honours), 85.35 in 2026 |
| Minimum selection threshold | Queensland term for the lowest rank considered | QUT Laws (Honours), 84.00 in 2026 |
The gap between Monash's lowest selection rank (95.00) and lowest ATAR (85.35) shows how much equity schemes and subject adjustments can matter. Monash allows up to 10 points of adjustment. See ATAR vs selection rank and ATAR bonus points.
Single law degree or double degree?
Many law schools teach the Bachelor of Laws as a double degree with arts, commerce, science or another field, and the double degree can need a different rank. Sydney's guarantee applies to its combined law courses; UNSW publishes a separate rank for each double degree. Check the exact course code you plan to list.
Other routes into law
- Graduate Juris Doctor. Complete any bachelor degree, then apply for a JD. Some universities, such as the University of Melbourne, offer law only this way.
- Transfer after first year. Strong first-year results in another degree can support an internal transfer into law at many universities.
- Equity and access schemes. Schemes such as SEAS and EAS can lift your selection rank. See equity schemes.
More options are in pathways with a lower ATAR.
Law ATAR myths
- "Every law degree needs 99." Recent ranks range from about 84 to 99.50 across the eight schools above.
- "The published number is a guarantee." Only some figures are guarantees. Most are last year's lowest rank.
- "You need to study Legal Studies at school." Not for the courses we checked: UNSW Arts/Law lists no assumed knowledge, and UQ and QUT ask for English, not Legal Studies.
FAQ
What ATAR do you need for law?
It depends on the university. Recent figures range from an 84.00 threshold at QUT to a 99.50 guarantee for combined law at the University of Sydney, with many law schools between 96 and 98.
What ATAR do you need for law at UNSW?
UNSW's Arts/Law listed a 2026 lowest selection rank of 97.8 plus the Law Admission Test, and a lowest ATAR of 85.0. From 2027, entry is based on selection rank alone.
What ATAR do you need for law at Monash?
Monash's Laws (Honours) at Clayton listed a 2026 lowest selection rank of 95.00 and a lowest ATAR of 85.35. Its Monash Guarantee for eligible applicants is 85 for 2027.
Can I study law with a low ATAR?
Yes, through a different first degree and then a Juris Doctor, an internal transfer, or a university with a lower rank. Equity schemes can also raise your selection rank.