How to Become an Australian Lawyer with an Overseas Law Degree
Moving your legal career to Australia is a smart move, but the process can seem complex. If you hold a law degree from overseas (e.g., UK, South Africa, India, China), you must complete a specific admission pathway to convert your foreign qualifications into an Australian Practising Certificate.
This guide outlines the practical steps to admission in Western Australia and how to complete your Practical Legal Training (PLT) without paying inflated international student fees.
STEP 1Assessment of Overseas Qualifications
Your first step is administrative. You must apply to the admission authority (in WA, the Legal Practice Board) to have your existing degree evaluated against Australian standards.
- The Form: Submit Form A8 (Assessment of Overseas Qualifications).
- The Outcome: You will receive an Assessment Statement. This document tells you exactly which university subjects you must complete and confirms you are required to undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT).
STEP 2Complete Academic Top-Ups
Most overseas graduates will need to study a few specific Australian subjects (like Constitutional Law or Federal Jurisdiction) at a university. You generally do not need to redo your whole degree; you simply complete these as "single units."
STEP 3Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Once your academic subjects are done, you must complete a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PLT). This is the mandatory bridge between university theory and the real-world skills required to be a lawyer.
Why Overseas Graduates Choose IOLT
At the Institute of Legal Training (IOLT), we remove the barriers for international applicants.
Domestic Fees for International Students
We believe in fairness. Unlike many universities, we do not charge a markup or "International Surcharge." International students pay the exact same low fee as Australian citizens.
100% Online & Flexible
Navigate your visa conditions with ease. Our program is fully online, meaning you can study from anywhere in Australia or while visiting home. No mandatory campus days.
Placement Support
Finding work experience is hard without a local network. We provide support to help you secure your mandatory placement, bridging the gap to the local legal market.
STEP 4Admission to the Supreme Court
Once you graduate from IOLT, you are ready to finalize the process:
- English Requirement: Ensure you meet the IELTS (Academic) requirements if your original degree was not in English.
- Apply for Admission: Submit your originating motion to the Supreme Court.
- Sign the Roll: Attend your admission ceremony to become an official officer of the Court.