Has your law degree gone stale?

Your law degree does not simply expire. But if a long period has passed before admission, the admitting authority may assess whether your academic qualification or Practical Legal Training remains current.

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Law graduate considering admission after an older law qualification
No automatic expiryYour degree does not simply disappear
5 yearsAn important currency point in the model rules
Individual assessmentThe outcome depends on your circumstances
Get written directionBefore enrolling in extra study or PLT

Your degree does not simply expire

The real issue is whether your qualification is still current for admission.

Under the current model admission rules, if an academic qualification was completed more than five years before you ask to have it assessed for admission, the admitting authority may require further academic study or examinations. PLT completed more than five years earlier may also be assessed for currency.

What to do if your qualification is older

01

Choose your admission jurisdiction

The relevant admitting authority is linked to the state or territory where you intend to seek admission.

02

Collect your records

Prepare transcripts, completion evidence, PLT records and a clear history of legal work, further study or professional development.

03

Request an assessment

Ask whether the age of your academic qualification or PLT creates any additional requirement for admission.

04

Follow the written direction

Complete only the further study or practical training the authority requires, then plan your admission application.

What can affect the assessment?

How long ago you studied

The five-year point is an important currency marker in the model rules, but it does not automatically mean your qualification is unusable.

What you have done since

Relevant legal work, practice, further study or professional development may be material to the authority's assessment.

Whether PLT is also old

The age of your practical legal training can be considered separately from the age of your academic qualification.

Do not guess the remedy. An older qualification assessment may result in no further work, a limited requirement or additional study or PLT. Obtain the authority's written direction before enrolling in anything.

What should you have ready?

A clear paper trail makes it easier for the admitting authority to understand what you completed and what you have done since.

  • Official academic transcript and completion evidence
  • Any PLT certificate, transcript or practical training record
  • A timeline of legal employment or practice
  • Evidence of relevant further study or professional development
  • Any previous admission assessment or written directions

IOLT can help you understand the PLT options after the admitting authority has confirmed what, if anything, you still need to complete.

Frequently asked questions

Does an Australian law degree expire after five years?

It does not usually expire automatically. The admitting authority may assess whether an older qualification remains current for admission and may impose further requirements.

Will I definitely need to repeat my law degree?

No. The outcome depends on the authority and your circumstances. Further requirements can vary, so obtain a written assessment before enrolling.

Can legal work help show that my knowledge is current?

Relevant work, practice, study and professional development may be considered. The admitting authority decides what weight to give that evidence.

Can PLT become stale as well?

PLT completed more than five years before it is assessed for admission may be reviewed for currency, and further practical legal training may be required.

Not sure what you need to complete?

Start with the admitting authority's assessment, then IOLT can help you understand the PLT pathway that follows from that direction.

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