PLT for Overseas Qualified Lawyers in VIC
Tailored Practical Legal Training (PLT) for international law graduates and overseas-qualified lawyers in Victoria.
Is this page for you?
This page is for Overseas Qualified Lawyers and Foreign Graduates who have already:
- Received their direction letter from the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB).
- Completed (or are about to complete) their required Australian 'top-up' units.
Not at this stage yet?
If you are just starting your journey and haven't had your degree assessed or started your top-up units, please visit our Comprehensive Guide for Overseas Lawyers to learn how to begin the process.
The final step for overseas lawyers to become an Australian lawyer
We know the transition to Australian practice for foreign-trained lawyers and international law graduates can be complex. You have already done the hard work of having your overseas legal qualifications assessed by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB), and you have successfully completed your required 'top-up' units - whether through studies at a Victorian university or equivalent.
Now, there is only one step left before you can be admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria as an Australian lawyer.
At the Institute of Legal Training (IOLT), our PLT programme is heavily focused on the unique needs of overseas qualified law students and lawyers. We recognise the resilience and global perspective you bring to the table, providing a seamless, highly supportive final bridge to your Australian legal career.
Why overseas qualified lawyers choose iolt
Pay domestic fee rates - Lowest cost in Australia
We believe in fair access. You pay the exact same tuition fees as local domestic students - at just $6,000, this is the lowest cost in Australia. No hidden surcharges or international student premiums.
Complete 100% Online
Study from your home country or anywhere in Australia. Our entire coursework programme is designed to be completed digitally, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with work or visa requirements.
VIC-Centric Training
While our delivery is online, our mentors are local practitioners who understand the rules of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Victorian legal market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start my PLT before I finish my final VLAB top-up units?
In most cases, yes. Under the Uniform Admission Rules, you can apply for 'concurrent enrolment'. This usually requires that you have no more than two academic units remaining in your law degree or top-up program. Our admissions team can assist you with the application to the VLAB to seek permission to start your PLT early.
Is the $6,000 fee really the same for international students?
Yes. At IOLT, we do not believe in an 'international student premium'. Whether you are a local graduate from Melbourne or a lawyer who has just moved from overseas, the tuition fee is a flat $6,000. There are no hidden surcharges for international applicants.
Does a 100% online course meet my visa requirements?
Most students on a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa or those working full-time in Melbourne find the 100% online model ideal because it does not have the strict 'on-campus' hourly requirements of a traditional CRICOS-based student visa program. If you are on a 500 Student Visa, please speak with our International Pathways Advisor to ensure your enrolment aligns with your specific visa conditions.
I finished my top-up units at an Australian university. Am I eligible?
Absolutely. Graduates who have completed their required subjects at a Victorian or other Australian university make up a significant portion of our cohort. Your successful completion of these top-up units is recognized for entry into our PLT program.
How long does the admission process take in Victoria after I finish my PLT?
Once you successfully complete your PLT with IOLT, we issue your completion certificate. You then apply to the VLAB for a 'Compliance Certificate'. The Board typically has several admission ceremonies throughout the year at the Supreme Court of Victoria. We recommend checking the VLAB website for their specific 'Deadline for Applications' dates to time your graduation perfectly.
Ready to apply?
You can start anytime. To process your enrolment, you will simply need:
- Your academic transcript (showing completion of your Victorian university top-up units or equivalent degree).
- Your original VLAB assessment letter.
- Evidence of your overseas legal qualifications (if applicable for course standing).