How long does the IOLT PLT program take?

The IOLT program is a 24 week pathway. This includes both the online coursework and the 20 days of supervised workplace experience, which are completed concurrently within the same 24 week window.

Who can apply for IOLT's online PLT course?

IOLT accepts applications from law graduates who have completed an LLB or JD and the Priestley 11 academic requirements. Eligible final-year students may also be able to commence PLT early with prior approval, and overseas-qualified lawyers can apply once their Australian admission pathway requires PLT.

How many days of workplace experience are required?

IOLT requires 20 days of supervised workplace experience as part of the 24 week course. Placements can be at a private law firm, in-house corporate legal team, community legal centre, government legal branch, or other recognised legal environment. Workplace experience can be self-arranged or arranged through IOLT.

Can I start my PLT before I graduate (Early Start)?

Yes, in limited circumstances. Law students who have completed all core Priestley 11 subjects and have no more than two electives remaining may be able to commence PLT with prior written approval from the relevant admitting authority. The approval process depends on your jurisdiction and university evidence.

Can I work full-time while completing PLT?

Yes. The coursework is delivered online and designed for students balancing PLT with work, family, or other commitments. You still need to complete the required learning activities, assessments, and 20 days of supervised workplace experience within the course window.

Is IOLT's Practical Legal Training accredited?

Yes. IOLT's Practical Legal Training course is approved by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. Under Australia's admission framework, this supports a nationally recognised pathway toward admission.

Where will my admission ceremony be held?

IOLT graduates attend a Supreme Court admission ceremony in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, or Darwin. It is a single day, and you choose the city that works best for you. Once admitted, you have national portability and can apply for a state practising certificate to practise as a solicitor anywhere in Australia.

Is the coursework delivered online?

Yes. The IOLT curriculum is delivered 100% online with rolling start dates, so you can complete the coursework from anywhere in Australia without attending a campus.

Where can I find more detailed information?

For a full breakdown of subjects, fees, workplace experience requirements, and application steps, visit the IOLT PLT course information page.

Practical Legal Training

Online Practical Legal Training (PLT)

Accredited practical legal training in Australia. Study online, start anytime and complete just 20 days of workplace experience.

Apply Now Check your eligibility

Delivery100% onlineComplete your coursework from anywhere

Course feesAustralia’s lowest-cost PLT$6,000 domestic · $8,700 international

Start dateStart immediatelyAs soon as you accept your offer

Course overview

What is Practical Legal Training?

Practical Legal Training (PLT) is the vocational stage usually completed after an Australian LLB or JD and before applying for admission as a lawyer.

IOLT’s PLT course runs over 24 weeks and combines online coursework with 20 days of supervised workplace experience completed during the course. You demonstrate competence through practical legal work rather than final written examinations.

The course is designed to move you from academic legal study into the work, judgement and professional responsibilities expected of an entry-level lawyer.

View detailed course information

Law graduate progressing from university study to practical legal training

PLT bridges academic legal study and the practical work of an entry-level lawyer.

Course structure

How IOLT’s online PLT course works

Complete online coursework alongside 20 days of supervised workplace experience as part of the same PLT course.

Coursework

Online coursework built around legal practice

Work through realistic matters involving drafting, client advice, legal problem-solving, file management, ethics and trust accounting.

Study online without regular campus attendance
Complete practical assessments through IOLT’s learning platform
Demonstrate competence through practical assessments without final exams

Course subjects Lawyer’s Skills · Civil Litigation Practice · Commercial and Corporate Practice · Property Law Practice · Ethics and Professional Responsibility · Wills and Estates Practice · Consumer Law Practice

Workplace experience

Twenty days of supervised workplace experience

Develop confidence in a real legal environment while completing the practical experience component of PLT.

Arrange your own workplace or choose IOLT’s arranged option when enrolling
Complete the requirement in an approved legal setting with appropriate supervision
Undertake workplace experience alongside your online coursework

View workplace experience information

Why choose IOLT

A more flexible way to complete PLT

Australia’s lowest-cost PLT

Domestic tuition is $6,000 and international tuition is $8,700, with six interest-free instalments available.

Study entirely online

Complete coursework from anywhere while continuing work, family or other commitments.

Start immediately

Apply year-round and begin as soon as you accept your offer, without waiting for a semester intake.

Workplace experience support

Use an eligible legal workplace or choose IOLT’s arranged workplace experience option when you enrol.

Entry requirements

Check whether you can begin PLT

Not sure whether you are eligible? Apply online and upload your academic documents. IOLT will review your academic record and admission pathway and, if you are eligible, issue an offer. Once you accept your offer, you can start immediately.

Law graduate completing online Practical Legal Training coursework

Australian LLB and JD graduates

Apply after completing an Australian law degree that satisfies the prescribed academic requirements for admission, including the Priestley 11.

Eligible early-start students

You may be able to commence before graduation where the prescribed subjects are complete, no more than two non-prescribed subjects remain and prior approval is obtained.

Overseas-qualified applicants

Apply after an admitting authority has assessed your overseas qualification and you have completed any required Australian law subjects.

Admission pathways

Complete IOLT PLT, then apply for admission

IOLT’s Practical Legal Training course is approved by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. Your IOLT completion documents can support an application for admission in:

New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
Western Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Northern Territory

Check your PLT eligibility Overseas-qualified pathway

Course fees

Domestic and international course fees

Straightforward tuition with six interest-free instalments available.

Domestic students $6,000 AUD

Pay upfront or in six instalments of $1,000.

International students $8,700 AUD

Pay upfront or in six instalments of $1,450.

Hamada Elkotb, IOLT Practical Legal Training graduate

Graduate experience

Hamada Elkotb’s experience with IOLT

“The flexible learning environment made it more realistic for me to work, study and manage a healthy personal life. IOLT gave me the confidence to progress my legal career while continuing my other commitments.”

Hamada Elkotb, LLB

IOLT Practical Legal Training graduate

PLT guides

Practical Legal Training guides

PLT explainedWhat is Practical Legal Training in Australia?

Online studyCan you complete PLT fully online?

Course costHow much does PLT cost in Australia?

Admission pathwayHow to become a lawyer in Australia

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about Practical Legal Training

What is Practical Legal Training (PLT) in Australia?

Practical Legal Training is the vocational training stage generally completed after an LLB or JD and before applying for admission as an Australian lawyer. It develops practical skills in drafting, client communication, file management, ethics and legal problem-solving.

Can Practical Legal Training be completed fully online?

Yes. IOLT delivers PLT coursework 100% online without campus attendance. Students must also complete 20 days of supervised workplace experience, which may be completed remotely where the workplace and supervision arrangements satisfy the applicable requirements.

How long does Practical Legal Training take with IOLT?

IOLT Practical Legal Training runs over 24 weeks. The online coursework and 20-day workplace experience requirement are designed to be completed within the same course period.

Can I start Practical Legal Training immediately with IOLT?

Yes. Applications are open year-round. Once you receive and accept your offer, you can start immediately rather than waiting for a semester or fixed intake date.

Does IOLT Practical Legal Training have exams?

IOLT PLT has no final written exams. Students demonstrate competence through practical tasks such as drafting documents, advising clients, managing files and applying professional and ethical obligations.

What is the PLT workplace experience requirement?

IOLT students complete 20 days of supervised workplace experience in an approved legal setting. You can arrange your own workplace experience or select the IOLT-arranged option when enrolling, subject to availability.

How much does Practical Legal Training cost in Australia?

IOLT’s domestic PLT fee is $6,000 AUD and its international PLT fee is $8,700 AUD. Six interest-free instalments are available. IOLT offers Australia’s lowest-cost PLT. View current PLT fees and payment information.

Can I work full-time while completing Practical Legal Training?

Yes. IOLT’s online delivery is designed for graduates balancing employment and other commitments. You must still allow enough time each week to complete coursework, assessments and workplace experience.

Can overseas law graduates complete PLT in Australia?

Yes, where PLT forms part of the applicant’s Australian admission pathway. Overseas-qualified applicants generally need an academic assessment and may need to complete prescribed Australian law subjects before commencing PLT. View the overseas-qualified PLT pathway.

Where can I be admitted and practise after completing IOLT PLT?

IOLT’s PLT course is approved by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. Your IOLT completion documents can support admission applications in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. After admission, you can apply for an Australian practising certificate in the jurisdiction where you intend to practise principally. A current Australian practising certificate is generally recognised for interstate practice across Australia, subject to local regulatory requirements and any conditions on the certificate.

Begin your Practical Legal Training with IOLT

Apply online and upload your academic documents. If you meet the entry requirements, IOLT will issue your offer and you can begin as soon as you accept it.

Apply for PLT Check eligibility

Check eligibility Apply for PLT