IOLT / GUIDE

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

Allow time for your qualification, PLT and the separate admission process. IOLT’s full PLT course runs over 24 weeks.

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Legal work and study

Plan each stage separately

The course duration is not the whole admission timeline. Allow for academic completion, workplace experience, completion documents and the admitting authority’s filing dates.

Typical academic pathways

Academic pathwayUsual full-time durationThen
Single law degreeAbout 3–4 yearsPLT, admission and practising certificate
Combined or double degreeAbout 5 yearsPLT, admission and practising certificate
Juris DoctorAbout 3 years after a prior bachelor degreePLT, admission and practising certificate

These are planning estimates. Study load, credit, academic completion and jurisdictional requirements can change the total.

Close documentary photograph of an adult writing a study timeline in an open notebook with a plain pencil, laptop and paper calendar at the edge of frame

Allow for PLT and admission

IOLT’s standard PLT course runs for 24 weeks and includes 20 days of supervised workplace experience. Successful completion depends on meeting the coursework and workplace requirements.

Admission timing varies by jurisdiction, filing deadlines and the completeness of your application. If you intend to practise, the practising certificate follows admission.

Plan study around your commitments

Apply year-round and choose a PLT start once your academic requirements are complete. Study the coursework 100% online at times that suit your schedule, including after hours.

Allow enough time for workplace experience, provider documents and authority deadlines.

Build your own timeline

  1. 01

    Academic evidence ready

    Confirm when final results and completion documents will be available.

  2. 02

    PLT and workplace experience

    Choose realistic study and placement dates.

  3. 03

    Admission documents

    Check the current filing requirements and sitting timetable.

  4. 04

    Permission to practise

    Allow for the appropriate practising certificate application.

Build a timeline using your own dates

Use the date your academic evidence will be available, the proposed PLT start and your intended admission sitting. Allow separately for the workplace requirement, completion documents and admission preparation.

If your academic pathway involves credit, part-time study or an overseas assessment, the overall timeline may differ from a typical undergraduate example.

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.

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.