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 for admission as a lawyer in Australia. Study 100% online, start anytime and complete 20 days of supervised workplace experience as part of the course.

Apply Now Contact Admissions

Delivery 100% online Complete your coursework from anywhere

Course fees $6,000 domestic $8,700 international · six interest-free instalments available

Start date Start anytime Begin once you have accepted 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.

PLT course

Course structure

IOLT’s PLT combines 100% online coursework with 20 days of supervised workplace experience.

Coursework

100% online coursework

Complete practical legal tasks involving drafting, client advice, legal problem-solving, file management, ethics and trust accounting.

Complete all coursework online through IOLT’s learning platform
Complete practical assessments based on legal practice
No final written examinations

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

20 days of supervised workplace experience

The 20 days must be completed during your course. Work completed before the course does not count.

Arrange your own workplace. IOLT may be able to arrange one, subject to availability.
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

Straightforward course fees

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 anytime

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. IOLT may be able to arrange a placement, subject to availability.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for Practical Legal Training

Questions about your entry pathway? Contact Admissions for guidance on academic requirements, early commencement or overseas qualifications. If you are ready to proceed, apply online and upload your academic documents for review. Once your offer is accepted, you can commence the course.

Law graduate completing online Practical Legal Training coursework

Australian LLB and JD graduates

You can apply once you have completed an Australian LLB or JD that meets the academic requirements for admission, including the Priestley 11.

Students nearing completion

You may be able to start PLT before graduating if you have completed the Priestley 11 and have no more than two other law subjects remaining. Prior approval is required.

Overseas-qualified applicants

If you completed your law degree overseas, you will first need an assessment from an Australian admitting authority and must complete any Australian law subjects they require.

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

Contact Admissions 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 explained What is Practical Legal Training in Australia?

Online study Can you complete PLT fully online?

Course cost How much does PLT cost in Australia?

Admission pathway How 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. Students must also complete 20 days of supervised workplace experience.

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 approved supervised workplace experience. The 20 days must be completed during your course. Work completed before the course does not count. You can arrange your own workplace experience. IOLT may be able to arrange a placement, 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. 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.

Can overseas law graduates complete PLT in Australia?

Yes, where PLT forms part of the applicant’s Australian admission pathway. 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.

Ready to apply for PLT?

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Contact Admissions Apply for PLT