How is LawGPA calculated for admission into LLB Part II?

The LawGPA is a special GPA used for admission into LLB Part II. It is calculated from grades in both law and non-law courses. This page explains eligibility requirements, how your LawGPA is calculated, and what to do if your grades do not accurately reflect your academic performance.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for consideration, you must meet all the following:

LLB Part I courses

You must:

  • Pass LAW 121G
  • Pass LAW 131 and LAW 141 with at least a C+ in each course

Non-law courses

You must have passed at least 75 points (or equivalent) of non-law university courses at bachelors level or above.

Please note:

  • Courses awarded only a Pass grade cannot be used towards this requirement.
  • General Education (GenEd) and Waipapa Taumata Rau (WTR) courses may contribute towards meeting the 75 point non-law requirement but are excluded from the LawGPA calculation.

Overall GPA

You must have passed all eight courses (120 points) with an overall average LawGPA of 3.00 (C+).

Entry to LLB Part II will be based on your LawGPA, a special GPA used for admission into LLB Part II.

The minimum LawGPA required for selection varies each year based on the number of applicants. Typically, it ranges from 5.0 to 6.7 (approximately B to A-).

Find more information on applying for LLB Part II.

LawGPA calculation

our LawGPA is used to rank applicants for selection and will be determined by the Law Selection Committee.

Key Change to the 2027 LawGPA Calculation

From 2027 LLB Part II admissions, pending Council Approval, all courses listed on the General Education Schedule (excluding LAW 121G) will be excluded from the LawGPA calculation.

This is in addition to the existing exclusions of:

  • WTR courses
  • Pass/Fail courses
  • Withdrawals (from 2023 onwards)

This change ensure the LawGPA reflects performance in disciplinary courses.

What’s included in the LawGPA?

Your LawGPA includes:

  • LAW 121G Law & Society – single weighted
  • LAW 131 Legal Method – double weighted
  • LAW 141 Legal Foundations – double weighted
  • Most recent, best 60 points from non-law university courses at bachelors level or above – single weighted

"Most recent, best 60 points" includes courses completed in the most recent academic year (e.g. Summer School 2026 to Semester Two 2026).

Grade points table

A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C-
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

What’s excluded in the LawGPA?

The following are excluded:

  • General Education (GenEd) courses (excluding LAW 121G)
  • WTR courses 
  • Courses with Pass/Fail grades
  • ‘Withdrawals (W) received from 2023 onwards

Important notes on grades

  • While you must complete 75 points of non-law courses to be eligible, only the most recent best 60 points of eligible non-law courses will be used in your LawGPA calculation.
  • If you have a W (Withdrawn) grade for LAW 121G, LAW 131, or LAW 141 and have not previously passed the course, you will not be eligible for LLB Part II.
  • If you repeat LAW 121G, LAW 131, or LAW 141, only your best attempt will be counted in your LawGPA.
  • If you complete a Pass/Fail course, you may need to take an additional non-law course to ensure you meet the 75 point non-law requirement.

Find further information on gradesLawGPA for LLB Part II Admission and FAQ.

Grades excluded or counted as zero

Counted as Zero

The following results are counted as zero in LawGPA calculation unless exceptions apply:

  • Withdrawals prior to 2023
  • Did Not Sit (DNS) or Did Not Complete (DNC) results 

Exceptions:

  • More than 60 points of non-law courses were taken in the same year.·
  • Extraordinary circumstances beyond your control (documentary evidence required; apply for GPA Variation)

Note: Withdrawals from 2023 onwards do not affect your LawGPA.

Sample LawGPA calculation

A student’s LawGPA might be calculated as follows:

  • LAW 121G – A (single weighted)
  • LAW 131 – A- (double weighted)
  • LAW 141 – B (double weighted)
  • Non-law courses – best 60 points from most recent year

The total points are then used to calculate the LawGPA.

Example of 2027 LawGPA calculation
Example of 2027 LawGPA calculation
Sample LawGPA calculation

Non-law variations

Fewer than 60 points of non-law in current year: Remaining points are taken from the previous academic year, prioritising the highest grades first.

Example: A student takes 30 points of non-law in 2025 (including a WTR course). The remaining 30 points are selected from 2024 grades.

Example of LawGPA calculation of non-law courses
Example of LawGPA calculation of non-law courses
Sample LawGPA calculation

Non-law courses weighted other than 15 points: Best grades from the most recent year are selected and weighted accordingly.

Example: A 30-point non-law course with a B grade from 2022 contributes only 15 points to the LawGPA.

Non-law courses weighted
Law GPA calculation table

GPA Variation and Discretionary Hardship

If your LawGPA does not accurately reflect your academic performance, you may apply for:

  • GPA Variation: Adjustments to LawGPA calculation due to exceptional circumstances. 
  • Discretionary Hardship: If unforeseen personal challenges have significantly impacted your LawGPA.

Deadline: 1 October. For further details or to apply, please email lawstudentsupport@auckland.ac.nz.

You may also apply for:

  • Law Assignment Extension
  • Aegrotat and Compassionate Consideration for tests and exams

Applicants with recent non-law study from another university

Different universities have different grading scales, course weightings, and workloads.

For these applicants:

  • A Grade Point Equivalent (GPE) converts your grades and points to a University of Auckland standard
  • LawGPE calculations are completed after the LLB Part II application deadline

Note: Applications are strongly encouraged by 1 October. The final date to apply is 1 December. Late applications are not accepted. Entry requirements may change each year, so review the latest information before applying.

Support and advice

Visit a Student Hub for degree planning and enrolment advice, or email studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz.