This Criminal Law programme from University of Auckland is designed for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than Law.
The JD offers a rigorous foundation in New Zealand law and prepares students to practise, lead, and innovate across diverse sectors where legal insight is key to navigating complexity and change.
Juris Doctor graduates will be equipped to transition into the legal profession or complement their existing expertise with legal knowledge - opening pathways into law firms, corporate legal teams, government agencies, non-profits, and policy-making.
Career opportunities
There are diverse career opportunities available in the legal field, including:
In legal practice
- Law firm associate
- Barristers
- Judicial roles
In corporate and in-house counsel
- Corporate lawyers
- Legal advisers
- In public sector and Government
- Government lawyers
- Policy analysts
Programme Structure
- To obtain more information about this programme, we kindly suggest you to visit the official website.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.
Other requirements
General requirements
- Complete a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) approved by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE), or a Juris Doctor approved by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education. Overseas law graduates or those who have been admitted in another jurisdiction (except Australia may be required to complete further New Zealand university subjects and/ or parts of the New Zealand Law and Practice Examination.
- Complete the Professional Legal Studies Course at either the Institute of Professional Legal Studies or College of Law. Overseas trained lawyers may be exempted from this, once their qualifications and experience have been assessed by the NZCLE.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Living costs
Auckland
New Zealand
1,130-1,776 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships
Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Criminal Law.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Grant: Various benefits — Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — Grant: 3500 USD — Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Grant: Various benefits — Deadline: Not specified (Merit-based)
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 31 Oct 2026 (Merit-based)
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Grant: 1000 USD — Deadline: 13 Jan 2027 (Merit-based)
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Grant: 3000 USD — Deadline: 31 Dec 2026 (Need-based)
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Grant: 1500 USD — Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Grant: 12000 USD — Deadline: 11 Jan 2027
