IOLT / GUIDE

Become a lawyer in Australia

Complete your law qualification, practical training and admission requirements. IOLT provides flexible online PLT with domestic tuition of $6,000.

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Legal work and study

From law qualification to legal practice

Complete your academic requirements, PLT, admission application and practising certificate application in order. Plan regular PLT study at times that suit your commitments.

The four stages

  1. 01

    Complete your law qualification

    Finish an approved academic pathway covering the prescribed legal knowledge areas.

  2. 02

    Complete practical training

    Build entry-level skills through an approved PLT course or recognised pathway.

  3. 03

    Apply for admission

    Meet the academic, training, suitability and procedural requirements, then complete the Supreme Court admission process.

  4. 04

    Obtain a practising certificate

    Apply to the relevant regulator before engaging in legal practice and comply with any conditions.

Two law graduates in everyday smart-casual clothes discussing a printed career plan in a small office break room

Where IOLT fits

IOLT provides the PLT stage for eligible applicants. The course runs for 24 weeks, with online coursework, practical assessment and 20 days of supervised workplace experience.

Choose coursework study times that suit your schedule, including after hours. Plan workplace experience and the admission timetable separately.

Dates to include in your plan

  • Academic completion and transcript availability
  • PLT commencement and completion
  • Workplace experience dates
  • Admission filing deadline and sitting
  • Practising certificate application

Choose the guide for your current stage

If you are completing a law degree, start with entry requirements and the early-commencement guide. If your academic qualification is complete, review the course, workplace requirement and relevant jurisdiction page.

Applicants relying on overseas qualifications should begin with assessment guidance. Students who have completed PLT should check the separate admission and practising certificate steps.

Frequently asked questions

Can I become a lawyer without a law degree?

You need an approved academic qualification for admission. Some jurisdictions may recognise another approved academic pathway. Check the admitting authority in the jurisdiction where you plan to apply.

Is PLT part of a law degree?

PLT is usually completed after the academic qualification. A limited early commencement pathway may apply in some circumstances where the relevant approval is obtained first.

Am I a lawyer as soon as I finish PLT?

No. PLT satisfies the practical training stage. You must still complete the admission process and be admitted by the Supreme Court.

Can I practise immediately after admission?

You need the appropriate practising certificate before engaging in legal practice. New practitioners may also be subject to supervised legal practice requirements.

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.