Can you start PLT before graduating?

Usually, you complete your law degree first. A limited early-start pathway may apply if only eligible elective subjects remain and the relevant admitting authority gives written approval before your PLT starts.

Check your PLT eligibility
Law student considering when to commence Practical Legal Training
Usually: degree firstPLT normally follows your academic qualification
Maximum 2 subjectsThe standard exception is narrow
Elective subjects onlyRemaining subjects cannot cover prescribed admission areas
Approval before PLTWritten permission must come first
Usually no.

There is a limited exception

Early commencement is generally limited to applicants with no more than two academic subjects remaining, where neither subject covers a prescribed academic area for admission and the applicant is enrolled in those remaining subjects while undertaking PLT.

The important part is timing: the admitting authority must approve early commencement before you begin PLT. Provider enrolment does not replace that approval.

For the standard early-start pathway, all four conditions matter

Having only one or two subjects left is not enough by itself. The nature of those subjects, your enrolment status and prior approval are also relevant.

01

No more than two subjects remain

The standard exception is designed for a small amount of unfinished academic study.

02

They are not prescribed admission subjects

Neither remaining subject can cover a prescribed academic area required for admission.

03

You remain enrolled in them

You generally need to be undertaking the remaining eligible subjects while completing PLT.

04

You have written approval first

Do not commence on the assumption that permission can be obtained retrospectively.

What to do if you want to start early

Work through the approval process before setting your PLT commencement date.

01

Check exactly what remains

Confirm the subjects, expected completion dates and whether either covers a prescribed academic area.

02

Confirm your concurrent enrolment

Make sure you are enrolled in the remaining eligible subjects while you undertake PLT.

03

Apply to the admitting authority

Use the process and supporting evidence required in the jurisdiction where you seek approval.

04

Wait for the written decision

Only set an early PLT commencement once the required permission has been given.

Documents to prepare

The admitting authority may ask for formal evidence showing exactly where you are in your degree and when the remaining study will be completed.

  • Current academic transcript
  • Details of each remaining subject
  • Evidence of current enrolment
  • Expected subject completion dates
  • Your proposed PLT commencement dates

Check the rules that apply to your jurisdiction

The broad early-start framework does not replace the admitting authority's own process. Forms, evidence requirements and decisions can vary by jurisdiction.

Legal Practice Board of Western Australia — Practical Legal Training requirements → Legal Services Council — Law Admissions Consultative Committee resources →
Check your PLT eligibility → Should you do PLT straight after your law degree? → What is PLT in Australia? →

Frequently asked questions

Can I start PLT with three subjects left?
The standard early commencement exception is limited to no more than two subjects. Ask the relevant admitting authority whether any other discretion exists for your circumstances.
Can one remaining subject be a Priestley 11 subject?
The standard exception requires that neither remaining subject covers a prescribed academic area for admission.
Can I ask for approval after PLT starts?
You should not rely on retrospective approval. The published criteria require prior permission from the admitting authority.
Does my university approve early PLT?
Your university can provide evidence about your subjects and enrolment, but the relevant admitting authority makes the early commencement decision.

Not sure whether you can start yet?

Use the eligibility checker first. If early commencement may apply, make sure the required authority approval is obtained before your PLT begins.

Check your eligibility
This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Admission and practising requirements are controlled by the relevant authority and may change.