What Parents Need to Know About the 2025 LAT and Studying Law at UNSW

LAT Plus
2 days ago
3 min read

If your child is thinking about studying law at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), there’s one critical step in the application process that often surprises parents: the Law Admission Test (LAT). It’s not like the HSC, it’s not based on school subjects, and it plays a key role in determining whether a student is accepted into one of the most competitive law programs in Australia.

Here’s what every parent should know about the LAT, how it fits into UNSW admissions, and how you can best support your child through this journey.

What Is the LAT?

The Law Admission Test (LAT) is a 2-hour written exam designed to assess a student’s critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and written communication – the kinds of skills essential for success in legal study and legal practice.

It’s not a knowledge-based test. Students won’t be asked legal questions or quizzed on facts. Instead, they’ll respond to writing questions and stimulus materials that require them to construct logical arguments, consider multiple perspectives, and express their thoughts clearly and persuasively.

The LAT is required only for entry into UNSW Law. 2025 is the last year that the law admission test will be offered, for entry into UNSW law school in 2026. Only year 12 students should take the LAT in 2025.

When Do Students Take the LAT?

The LAT is held once a year and is open to students in Year 12. This year, the LAT will be held on Tuesday 30 September.

Registrations open on 12 May 2025 and close on 11 August (late registrations close 8 September).

Why Does UNSW Require the LAT?

UNSW Law is ranked among the best in Australia and the world. Due to the high number of applicants with strong academic records, the university introduced the LAT to gain a more well-rounded understanding of applicants' potential.

The test helps UNSW identify students who:

Can think critically and independently
Communicate effectively in writing
Are suited to the challenges of a law degree

By combining a student’s ATAR and LAT score, UNSW can better assess readiness for the rigours of legal education.

How Important Is the LAT?

Very important in 2025.

Even students with a high ATAR may not gain entry if their LAT score is poor. Likewise, a strong LAT performance can boost a slightly lower ATAR.

How Can Parents Support Their Child's LAT Preparation?

The LAT is unlike anything most students have encountered before. It requires more than just good writing – it demands structured argumentation, critical engagement with abstract ideas, and fast thinking and writing under timed conditions.

Here’s how parents can help:

Encourage Early Preparation: Starting LAT preparation in Term 2 or 3 of Year 12 gives students time to develop the right thinking and writing skills.
Understand It’s a Unique Test: This isn’t just “more English.” It’s a different way of thinking and writing – often best developed through specialised writing workshops, like those offered by LAT Plus.
Support Practice and Feedback: Encourage your child to complete practice tasks under timed conditions and to seek detailed feedback to improve. LAT Plus offers student workbooks with 50+ pages of content and practice papers.
Reduce Pressure: Help manage expectations. Law is competitive, and the process can be stressful. Emotional support and perspective go a long way.

What Happens After the LAT?

Students will receive a scaled LAT score between 0 and 100, usually in November. When combined with their ATAR, this determines their ranking for entry into UNSW Law.

UNSW uses this “combined rank” to offer places in the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and combined degrees like Law/Arts, Law/Commerce, Law/Science, etc.

Where Can I Get More Support for my Child?

The LAT can seem overwhelming at first – especially for families unfamiliar with it. But with the right preparation and support, students can develop the skills they need to succeed.

If your child is serious about studying law at UNSW, investing in LAT preparation is just as important as focusing on the HSC.

At LAT Plus, we specialise in LAT preparation that give students a real edge in the test – and a clearer path to their dream degree.