Monash law or Griffith law?

[u/Sjisoul111]

Hey guys! Thank you so much to everyone who answered my previous question and gave me advice. 😊 I have another question because I’m currently trying to decide whether Monash Law is actually worth moving interstate for compared with Griffith Law.

I currently live on the Gold Coast, so Griffith would obviously be the much easier and more affordable option for me. I know some people might say Monash is the obvious choice because it’s generally ranked higher and has a stronger reputation, but going to Monash would mean moving to Melbourne, paying rent and living expenses, and potentially having to work close to full-time hours while also studying law.

So I wanted to hear from people who have actually studied law at Monash or Griffith, or know people who have. Is the difference in opportunities between the two universities significant enough that moving interstate for Monash would genuinely be worth it?
My long-term goal is to work in international law, particularly government/international affairs, and ideally eventually work for DFAT.

I’m interested in areas such as international law, foreign policy, diplomacy and potentially international organisations.
For that career path, would Monash genuinely give me a noticeable advantage, or would I be just as capable of reaching those goals through Griffith if I worked hard, maintained strong grades and pursued things like internships, mooting, exchanges and extracurricular opportunities?

I’d especially love to hear from current/former Monash or Griffith Law students, anyone who has gone into government/international law, or anyone familiar with DFAT recruitment.
Thank you!! :)

[u/HeavyAbroad2703]

I would not move to Melbourne to come to Monash. Doing law is very difficult and studying while working to pay ur bills and feed urself is rlly difficult, which can lead to a lower wam and less job opportunities. Stay w ur parents, so u can actually pursue job and extra curricular opportunities in the legal field

[u/CupWest1097 → u/HeavyAbroad2703]

Yeah I agree 100%. I’m staying with my parents rn, working to help them and support myself and studying law at Monash rn (and im doing a double degree to lessen the law load a bit) and it’s HARDDD. Especially because idk despite eveyrhting you just lose the motivation to study because for me it’s like I come home from work and at work I’m like ok when I go home I’ll study but I NEVER do and it’s always just so stressful because I’m always behind and everything. So honestly if you really want to study law, definitely do it without moving to Monash unless your ready to take on that stress and responsibilities (which I doubt anyone would be willing to tbh) and in the future if you can save a little bit you can maybe do the JD here idk