IOLT / GUIDE

Admission with an older law qualification

Check whether your qualification and training need a currency assessment before enrolling in PLT. Admissions can explain what evidence to send.

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Legal work and study

Confirm your admission requirements first

An older qualification does not automatically mean you need to repeat your degree or start PLT immediately. Follow the admitting authority’s current assessment and directions.

A middle-aged woman with greying hair and glasses looking through a folder of older academic records at a quiet home desk

The five-year point

The model admission rules use five years as a currency point for older academic qualifications and practical training. An assessment may identify further requirements; it does not mean everyone must repeat their degree or PLT.

The applicable jurisdiction’s rules and the authority’s written direction determine your own pathway.

Documents for a qualification assessment

  • Academic transcript and completion evidence
  • PLT records, if already completed
  • Legal employment or practice history
  • Relevant further study or professional development
  • Previous assessment decisions or written directions

Assessment steps

  1. 01

    Choose your jurisdiction

    Identify the admitting authority for your intended admission.

  2. 02

    Request an assessment

    Provide your qualifications and evidence of what you have done since.

  3. 03

    Follow the written outcome

    Complete only the further study or practical training the authority requires.

If PLT is part of the outcome

Send IOLT the written direction to confirm which practical training you need. If you need the full course, choose regular online study times that suit your schedule, including after hours.

Include what you have done since qualifying

For an older qualification, organise a chronological record of relevant work, study and professional development. Keep original academic and practical training documents with any later assessment decisions.

The authority decides whether further study or training is required. Send that written outcome to IOLT if it identifies a practical training requirement.

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.

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.