Practical Legal Training · New South Wales
Practical Legal Training in NSW
Finish the practical training stage online, complete 20 days of workplace experience and prepare for the New South Wales admission process.
Before you apply
Check that you are ready to start PLT
Most students begin after finishing an Australian law degree and the prescribed academic areas. If your degree is not complete, get the required written approval before you start.
You are usually ready when
- your Australian LLB or JD is complete, or you have written approval to start early
- the prescribed academic areas for admission have been completed
- an official academic transcript is ready for review
- you have a plan for 20 days of supervised workplace experience
Your next four steps
From law degree to admission
The training and admission stages are connected, but they are not the same. Follow them in order and keep your supporting documents.
- Step 1
Confirm you are ready for PLT
Complete your Australian LLB or JD and the prescribed academic areas. If you still have up to two electives remaining, obtain NSW LPAB approval before starting.
- Step 2
Complete IOLT PLT online
Finish the 24 week practical program and 20 days of supervised workplace experience.
- Step 3
Prepare your NSW documents
Arrange your completion letter, the extra provider certificate required for PLT completed outside NSW and all admission documents.
- Step 4
Apply for admission and then a practising certificate
Apply to NSW LPAB for a compliance certificate, attend the Supreme Court admission process and then apply to the Law Society of NSW if you intend to practise as a solicitor.
Study with IOLT
Online PLT that works for Sydney and regional NSW
Study without adding regular campus travel to a Sydney commute. Students in Newcastle, Wollongong and regional NSW use the same online coursework and can plan supervised experience close to home.
Fit study around a demanding timetable
Rolling applications and online coursework make it easier to plan PLT around paralegal work, clerkships and commuting.
Keep the NSW evidence together
Retain your transcript, IOLT completion letter and the extra provider certificate required for PLT completed outside NSW.
Plan a useful local placement
Use the 20 supervised days to develop practical skills in a NSW firm, court, community service or other suitable legal environment.
Domestic student fee
$6,000 AUD
Australia’s lowest cost PLT in our current provider comparisonPay upfront or in six instalments of $1,000. The fee covers the full online course.
Your application
What to send IOLT
Send your documents through the online application. We check eligibility before making an offer.
Start your application- 01Academic transcript
Evidence of your Australian LLB or JD and completed prescribed academic areas.
- 02Early commencement approval if needed
Written approval from the relevant admitting authority if your qualification is not yet complete.
- 03Placement information
Details of any proposed or completed supervised legal workplace experience.
NSW questions
Questions students often ask
Admission requirements can change. Use the linked official guidance for your final application.
Yes. The NSW LPAB guide recognises further PLT completed with a provider recognised by another Australian jurisdiction. IOLT is approved in Western Australia. Extra provider evidence is required when you apply in NSW.
Only in limited circumstances. NSW allows early commencement when no more than two non prescribed subjects remain and the LPAB gives prior permission.
The current NSW LPAB guide says to lodge at least five weeks before the intended admission date. Complex applications may need more time.
No. Admission and a practising certificate are separate steps.
Other state and territory pages
Choose where you live
Your next step
Find out if you are ready to start PLT
Check your eligibility or apply online. We will review your documents before making an offer.
General information only. Admission and practising certificate requirements can change. Confirm your requirements with the relevant authority before relying on this page.