PLT for International Students Australia | IOLT

Practical Legal Training (PLT) for international students

Complete your PLT coursework 100% online. Complete the 20 workplace days in Australia during your course.

International law graduates considering online Practical Legal Training in Australia
Start when eligibleRolling enrolment, no fixed intake dates.
100% onlineStudy coursework from Australia or overseas.
Course fee$8,700 AUD for international students.
No examsAssessment is through practical legal tasks.

Which PLT pathway applies to you?

Being an international student and being an overseas-qualified lawyer are not the same entry pathway. Your starting point depends on where you completed your law qualification.

I completed an Australian law degree

Submit your Australian LLB or JD transcript and completion evidence. IOLT will review whether you are ready to begin PLT or whether approval is required before you commence. If you are still finishing your degree, an early start may be possible with prior written approval from your admitting authority.

Check your PLT eligibility →

I completed my law qualification overseas

Start with an assessment from the admitting authority relevant to your intended pathway. The written outcome identifies any Australian law subjects, English language evidence, PLT or other requirements that still apply, so PLT should not be treated as your confirmed next step until you have it.

See the overseas qualification pathway →

Not sure where you fit? Submit an application and IOLT will review your academic and pathway documents before confirming your enrolment.

Submit an application →

Overseas law degree: the pathway to Australian admission

Your assessment letter and the admitting authority remain the source of truth for your individual requirements. The usual sequence is below.

Step 1

Have your qualification assessed

Apply to the relevant Australian admitting authority for assessment of your overseas academic qualification and, where applicable, your practical legal training, admission and experience.

Step 2

Complete any directed requirements

Your assessment may identify Australian law subjects, English language evidence, currency requirements or other conditions that must be completed.

Step 3

Complete IOLT PLT if required

Where full PLT remains required, complete the 24-week online course and 20 days of supervised workplace experience.

Step 4

Apply for admission

Complete the character, suitability and procedural requirements of your admitting authority, then apply separately for the practising entitlement required for legal practice.

Assessment first. IOLT can explain its course and review your assessment documents, but the relevant admitting authority decides how your overseas qualification, practical training, experience and other admission requirements are recognised.

Choose your intended admission state or territory

The assessment and admission process differs between states and territories. Choose the page for the jurisdiction relevant to your pathway.

PLT course structure and fees for international students

Complete seven online subjects and 20 days of supervised workplace experience within the same 24-week course. The course is built around the work lawyers actually do, and there are no traditional exams.

Early-career lawyer walking outside a city courthouse

Subjects included

  • Lawyer's Skills
  • Civil Litigation Practice
  • Commercial & Corporate Practice
  • Property Law Practice
  • Ethics & Professional Responsibility
  • Wills & Estates Practice
  • Consumer Law Practice

Assessment is based on practical legal work such as drafting, advice, client communication, ethics, trust accounting and file management. Coursework is completed online and can be fitted around work and other commitments.

PLT workplace experience

Complete 20 days of supervised workplace experience during the same 24-week course, in Australia, while you are physically in Australia. You do not need a workplace arranged before you apply. Find out what counts as workplace experience.

Arrange your own workplace

Use a suitable current workplace or arrange a placement with a legal employer in a qualifying legal environment.

Ask IOLT to assist

IOLT may be able to arrange your workplace experience, subject to availability.

What makes a workplace eligible?

  • You are completing legal work.
  • Your supervisor has held an Australian practising certificate for at least two years and can supervise and sign off your hours.

If you are studying from overseas

The coursework can be completed while you are overseas. The 20 days must be completed during your course and in Australia, while you are physically in Australia. Work completed before the course or while you are overseas does not count. Plan your time in Australia and independently confirm any visa or migration requirements that apply to you.

Approval and recognition

The IOLT PLT Course is listed by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia as approved practical legal training.

Admission itself is jurisdiction-specific. The authority dealing with your application determines how your academic qualification, PLT and other requirements apply in your circumstances.

View the LPBWA approved PLT list →

International PLT frequently asked questions

The essentials for international students and overseas-qualified law graduates considering Practical Legal Training in Australia.

How much is IOLT PLT for international students?
The international fee is $8,700 AUD. External qualification assessment, top-up subjects, English testing, admission applications, visa matters and practising certificate costs are separate.
Can international students complete PLT online?
Yes. IOLT coursework is delivered online and can be completed from Australia or overseas. The 20 days must be completed during your course and in Australia, while you are physically in Australia. Work completed before the course or while you are overseas does not count. You must also satisfy your applicable admission requirements.
Can I complete IOLT PLT while living overseas?
The coursework can be completed while overseas. The 20 days must be completed during your course and in Australia, while you are physically in Australia. Work completed before the course or while you are overseas does not count. Plan your time in Australia and independently confirm any visa or migration requirements that apply.
Is my overseas law degree recognised in Australia?
An Australian admitting authority must assess the overseas qualification. Its written outcome identifies any Australian law subjects, English language evidence, PLT or other requirements that must be completed before admission.
Do I need to complete top-up subjects before PLT?
Follow the directions in your assessment. Some applicants must complete directed academic requirements before starting PLT, while limited early-start arrangements may exist with prior approval. The admitting authority makes that decision.
Does IOLT PLT have exams?
No traditional exams are used. Assessment is based on practical legal work such as drafting, advice, client communication, ethics, trust accounting, file management and other professional tasks.
How long does the PLT course take?
The full IOLT PLT program runs for 24 weeks and includes online coursework plus 20 days of supervised workplace experience.
Can I start at any time?
Yes. IOLT uses rolling enrolment rather than fixed semester intakes. You can start after your eligibility and required enrolment documents have been reviewed and confirmed.
Does IOLT arrange workplace experience?
You may arrange your own qualifying workplace experience. IOLT may be able to arrange your workplace experience, subject to availability.
What documents should I provide when applying?
Provide your academic transcript and completion evidence. Overseas-qualified applicants should also provide their admitting authority assessment or direction letter and evidence of any required top-up subjects completed.

Take the practical step toward Australian admission

Apply online and IOLT will review your academic and pathway documents before confirming your enrolment.

Apply now Ask a question
General information only. Admission, English language, visa, workplace experience and practising certificate requirements can vary by jurisdiction and can change. Confirm your individual requirements with the relevant admitting authority and, where visa conditions are relevant, the appropriate migration authority or adviser.