How long does it take to become a lawyer in Australia?

The total depends on your law qualification and study load. After the academic stage, Practical Legal Training and the admission process add further time before you can enter legal practice.

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Law graduate planning the pathway to legal practice

About 3–4 yearsSingle undergraduate law degree

24 weeksIOLT Practical Legal Training

Admission variesTiming depends on the jurisdiction and filing process

For many pathways, allow roughly four to six years

The law degree is the longest part of the pathway.

A single undergraduate law degree commonly takes about three to four years full time. A double degree often takes about five years. A Juris Doctor usually takes about three years after a prior bachelor degree. PLT and admission then follow the academic stage.

These are planning estimates rather than guaranteed completion dates. Part-time study, credit, subject completion, workplace timing and admission deadlines can change the total.

Academic qualification

Complete an approved LLB, JD or other academic admission pathway.

Practical Legal Training

Complete an approved PLT course or another practical training pathway recognised in your jurisdiction.

Admission

Prepare the required documents and complete the admission process for your jurisdiction.

Practising certificate

Apply after admission if you intend to engage in legal practice.

Common study timelines

The academic stage varies most. Once that stage is complete, PLT and admission follow.

Academic pathway

Typical full-time study

What follows

Single undergraduate law degree

About 3 to 4 years

PLT and admission

Combined or double degree

About 5 years

PLT and admission

Juris Doctor after a bachelor degree

About 3 more years

PLT and admission

PLT is shorter than the degree stage

IOLT PLT runs for 24 weeks and includes 20 days of workplace experience. Your overall calendar should also allow for application processing, completion documents and the admission timetable in your jurisdiction.

Admission day is not the end of the processIf you intend to practise, a practising certificate is the next step after admission.

How to avoid unnecessary delay

The useful dates are the ones that connect your degree, PLT and admission timetable.

Confirm degree completion

Know when your final results, transcript or completion evidence will be available.

Plan PLT early

Choose a PLT start date that works with your academic completion and other commitments.

Plan workplace experience

Allow enough time to complete the workplace component during the PLT course.

Check admission deadlines

Missing a filing deadline can move your admission to a later sitting.

Related PLT guides

How to become a lawyer → Can you start PLT before graduating? → What is Practical Legal Training? →

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to become a lawyer in Australia?

For a school leaver, a single approved undergraduate law degree is generally shorter than a double degree. The correct choice also depends on your academic pathway and career goals.

Does PLT take another full year?

Not at IOLT. The IOLT course runs for 24 weeks, subject to successful completion of the coursework and workplace experience.

Can I complete PLT before my degree ends?

Usually the academic qualification comes first. A limited exception may apply if no more than two eligible electives remain and the admitting authority gives prior approval.

How long does admission take after PLT?

It varies by jurisdiction, filing deadline and whether your application is complete. Check the current authority timetable before setting an expected admission date.

Ready to plan your PLT?

Check your eligibility, then choose a start date that fits your degree completion and admission plans.

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