IOLT / GUIDE

Australian admission with an overseas law qualification

Send your written qualification assessment to Admissions before enrolling in IOLT PLT. Complete the Australian academic requirements set out by the admitting authority.

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Legal work and study

Follow your written assessment

IOLT can provide the PLT stage or selected practical subjects where required. Complete any directed academic study and confirm the practical requirements before enrolling.

The assessment pathway

  1. 01

    Choose your jurisdiction

    Apply to the relevant Australian admitting authority.

  2. 02

    Provide your evidence

    Include qualifications, subject information, practical training, admission and relevant practice records.

  3. 03

    Receive written directions

    Find out what academic study, practical training or further evidence is required.

  4. 04

    Complete the requirements

    Follow the sequence specified in your assessment before enrolling.

Over-the-shoulder view of an overseas-qualified lawyer arranging an academic transcript, assessment letter and practical training notes into separate plain folders

What the outcome may require

  • Particular Australian academic law subjects
  • A full PLT course or specific practical training subjects
  • Evidence supporting recognition of prior training or experience
  • Other conditions identified by the authority

Where IOLT can help

Send IOLT your assessment so the relevant PLT option can be reviewed. If the full course is required, it runs for 24 weeks with online coursework and 20 days of supervised workplace experience. The 20 days must be completed during your course. Work completed before the course does not count.

Complete 100% online coursework at times that suit you, including after hours. Full-course tuition is $6,000 domestic or $8,700 international, with six interest-free instalments available. Your offer confirms the applicable fee.

Keep assessment evidence separate from enrolment

An assessment letter explains the further academic and practical requirements imposed by your intended admission authority. An IOLT offer explains the course or subjects available to meet the relevant practical requirement.

Keep both documents. If the authority changes its directions or asks for further evidence, send the updated decision to Admissions before proceeding on an earlier assumption.

Frequently asked questions

Does every overseas lawyer need the full Australian PLT course?

No single answer applies to every applicant. The admitting authority assesses your qualifications, training and practice and directs what further work is required.

Can IOLT assess my overseas law degree?

No. Academic and practical training assessments are made by the admitting authority for your intended admission jurisdiction. IOLT can assess how its PLT offering fits once you have that direction.

Does overseas legal experience remove PLT requirements?

It may be relevant, but exemptions are not automatic. The admitting authority decides what recognition, if any, should be given to prior training and practice.

Should I complete Australian law subjects or PLT first?

Follow the sequence in your written assessment. If academic requirements remain, the assessment may require those to be completed before PLT.

Contact Admissions

Contact Admissions with questions about the course, entry requirements or fees. Include your qualification and intended admission jurisdiction so we can assist with your enquiry.

Contact admissions

General information only. Admission and practising requirements are set by the relevant authority. Check its current guidance for your own pathway.