PLT in New South Wales for overseas qualified lawyers

Start with an overseas qualification assessment from the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board. The written outcome tells you which Australian law subjects, practical training requirements and other steps apply to your pathway.

Start with NSW LPAB Check IOLT eligibility
Overseas qualified lawyers considering Practical Legal Training for New South Wales admission
International fee$8,700 AUDSix instalments of $1,450
Coursework100% onlineStudy from Australia or overseas
Course duration24 weeksWhere full PLT is required
Workplace experience20 daysSupervised legal work

Assessment comes before PLT

Do not assume that full PLT is automatically your next step.

NSW LPAB says overseas qualified lawyers should first have their qualifications assessed. The written assessment identifies any Australian law subjects still required and whether practical legal training remains part of your pathway.

  1. 01

    Apply to NSW LPAB

    Submit your overseas academic qualifications for assessment. If you rely on overseas practical training, admission or legal experience, seek assessment of that material as well.

  2. 02

    Complete the Board's directions

    Finish every Australian law subject, English language step or other requirement identified in your written outcome.

  3. 03

    Complete IOLT PLT if required

    Where PLT remains required, complete IOLT's 24-week online course and 20 days of supervised workplace experience.

  4. 04

    Prepare the NSW admission application

    PLT completion is separate from admission. NSW LPAB considers eligibility and suitability before admission by the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Your NSW LPAB assessment controls the pathway

The supplied NSW page says the assessment may require Australian academic subjects, PLT or both. It also says NSW can recognise required PLT completed with a provider approved in another Australian jurisdiction. IOLT is approved in Western Australia, but your own assessment and current NSW requirements remain the final guide.

What NSW LPAB assesses

The NSW Legal Profession Admission Board assesses overseas academic qualifications before admission. If you completed practical legal training overseas, were admitted overseas or have relevant legal experience, the supplied page also directs applicants to seek assessment of that training and experience.

What to prepare

Prepare official transcripts and proof that your overseas law qualification is complete, subject outlines or course descriptions requested by NSW LPAB, evidence of overseas practical training, admission and legal experience, identity documents, certified copies and translations where required.

Your written outcome is the checklistIOLT cannot replace the Board's assessment. Send your current NSW LPAB outcome before enrolling so your PLT position can be checked against the requirements that apply to you.

Complete the Australian subjects first

If the assessment identifies Australian law subjects or other academic requirements, complete those directions before treating PLT as the confirmed next stage.

If PLT is required

Where NSW LPAB requires PLT, IOLT provides the practical training stage. The full course runs for 24 weeks and includes 20 days of supervised workplace experience.

Complete PLT online once NSW LPAB confirms you need it

Study from Sydney, regional New South Wales or overseas. Online coursework keeps the training stage flexible while the 20-day workplace experience connects the course with supervised Australian legal work.

Overseas qualified law graduates studying online for New South Wales admission

Assessment-led pathway

Use the NSW LPAB outcome as the central checklist for academic study, PLT and admission preparation.

Study from anywhere

Complete the coursework online without routine campus attendance.

Australian workplace experience

Use the 20 supervised days to build practical exposure in a suitable legal environment.

International fee
$8,700

AUD. Pay upfront or in six instalments of $1,450.

Where full IOLT PLT is required100% online courseworkPractical assessments and feedback20 days of workplace experience
View fee details

What to send IOLT

Once NSW LPAB has assessed you, send the documents relevant to your PLT eligibility.

Start your application
  1. 01

    NSW LPAB assessment

    Your latest academic assessment and any separate assessment of practical training or legal experience.

  2. 02

    Academic completion evidence

    Results showing completion of every Australian top-up subject directed by the Board.

  3. 03

    Overseas practice evidence

    Documents relevant to overseas admission, practical training or legal experience where those form part of your assessment.

  4. 04

    Placement information

    Details of proposed or completed supervised legal workplace experience relevant to your PLT.

Official guidance

Admission requirements can change. Use the current NSW LPAB guidance and your written assessment as the final source for your own pathway.

NSW Legal Profession Admission Board — overseas qualification assessment →

Frequently asked questions

Who assesses my overseas law qualification for New South Wales admission?

The supplied page identifies the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board as the authority that assesses overseas academic qualifications before admission.

Can I use IOLT PLT for a New South Wales pathway?

The supplied page says the NSW LPAB guide allows required PLT to be completed with a provider recognised by another Australian jurisdiction. IOLT is approved in Western Australia, but your own assessment and the Board's current requirements must confirm the pathway that applies to you.

Should I enrol before receiving my NSW assessment?

The supplied page presents assessment as the first step. The written outcome identifies academic subjects, practical training requirements and other conditions that may affect when you are ready for PLT.

Does completing PLT admit me in New South Wales?

No. PLT is one prerequisite. Admission is a separate process involving academic eligibility, suitability requirements and admission by the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Can overseas practical training or legal experience be considered?

The supplied page says applicants who completed practical training, were admitted or have relevant legal experience overseas should seek assessment of that training and experience as part of the pathway.

Have your NSW LPAB assessment already?

Send IOLT the written outcome so we can check whether PLT is the next step in your pathway.

Apply to IOLT
General information only. Admission, immigration and practising requirements can change. Confirm your individual requirements with the relevant authority before relying on this page.