Practical Legal Training (PLT) Australia | IOLT

Practical Legal Training (PLT)

Complete your PLT coursework 100% online.

Law graduate discussing Practical Legal Training with colleagues
Start immediatelyStart once you accept your offer.
100% onlineComplete your coursework online, around work and other commitments.
Course fees$6,000 domestic
$8,700 international
No examsAssessment is through practical legal tasks.

When can I start PLT?

There are no fixed intake dates. There are three common entry pathways, each with different eligibility requirements: a completed Australian law degree, early entry while finishing your degree, or an overseas law degree. Find the pathway that applies to you below.

Your Australian law degree is complete

Apply with your final transcript or a completion letter. IOLT will review your application and, if you are eligible, make you an offer. You can start once you accept it; there is no fixed intake date to wait for.

You are still finishing your degree

If you are close to completing your Australian law degree, you may be able to start PLT before you graduate. This is possible if all of the following apply:

  • You have no more than two non-compulsory law electives remaining.
  • You obtain written approval from the Legal Practice Board before commencing.
  • You meet any conditions confirmed by the Board.

Your law degree is from overseas

First, find out how your degree will be recognised in the Australian jurisdiction where you intend to seek admission:

  • Apply to that jurisdiction's admitting authority.
  • Obtain an assessment of your overseas qualifications so you know whether further study or practical training is required.
  • Complete any academic study that your assessment requires before you start PLT.
  • Apply to IOLT for the PLT required by your assessment. Include your assessment and academic results.

Not sure if you can start? Submit an application and IOLT will review it. If you are eligible, you will receive a full offer. If you still have conditions to meet, you may receive a tentative offer explaining what is required before you commence.

A tentative offer can secure your place and current course price while you complete the outstanding conditions.

Submit an application →

Workplace experience

The 20 days must be completed during your course. Work completed before the course does not count. You do not need to have a workplace arranged before you apply. Find out what counts as workplace experience.

Early-career law graduate reviewing a legal file with an experienced supervising solicitor
Workplace experience is completed during the course under appropriate legal supervision.

Arrange your own workplace

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

Ask IOLT to arrange it

IOLT may be able to arrange a placement at no additional fee, subject to availability. Select this option in your application.

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.

What records do I complete?

IOLT provides the Workplace Experience Journal and Annexure of Hours after you commence.

Course structure and fees

The course period is 24 weeks and includes online coursework and 20 days of supervised workplace experience. The course period can be extended if you need more time. There are no exams. Assessment is through practical legal tasks.

Subjects included

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

Coursework is designed to be completed online around employment and other commitments. The workplace component is completed in an approved legal environment.

Admission jurisdictions

IOLT PLT can be used to support admission applications in the following Australian jurisdictions.

  • New South Wales
  • Victoria
  • Queensland
  • Western Australia
  • Australian Capital Territory
  • Northern Territory

When you complete the course, IOLT provides your Certificate of Completion and Statement of Results, plus provider certification where required.

Read the admission guide →
Early-career Australian lawyer outside a courthouse after admission

Complete your PLT requirements, receive your completion documents and take the next step towards admission.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions applicants most often need before starting PLT.

Can I start PLT before I graduate?
You may be able to start early if you have no more than two non-compulsory law electives remaining and obtain written approval from the Legal Practice Board before commencing. The Board will confirm any conditions.
What if I am not sure whether I can start?
Submit an application and IOLT will review it. Eligible applicants receive a full offer. If you still have conditions to meet, your tentative offer will explain what is required before you can commence.
Do I need a workplace placement before I apply?
No. In your application, select whether you will arrange your own workplace or would like IOLT to arrange one, subject to availability.
Can IOLT arrange my workplace experience?
IOLT may be able to arrange a suitable placement at no additional fee, subject to availability. Select this option in your application and availability will be confirmed in your application response.
What subjects are included?
The seven subjects are Lawyer's Skills, Civil Litigation Practice, Commercial & Corporate Practice, Property Law Practice, Ethics & Professional Responsibility, Wills & Estates Practice and Consumer Law Practice.
How is IOLT PLT assessed?
There are no exams. Assessment is completed through practical legal tasks within the online coursework.
How long does IOLT PLT take?
The course period is 24 weeks, including online coursework and 20 days of supervised workplace experience. This period can be extended if you need more time. Contact Admissions to discuss an extension.
Is the course fully online?
The coursework is completed 100% online. The 20 days must be completed during your course. Work completed before the course does not count. Read more about workplace experience.
What does the course cost?
The domestic course fee is $6,000 and the international course fee is $8,700. Flexible payment options are available.

Ready to start Practical Legal Training?

Submit your application. If you are eligible, you can start once you accept your offer.

Apply for PLT