Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (CRICOS course code 115866E) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Adelaide University over 1 year. This course is designed for students who wish to qualify as legal practitioners in Australia, providing practical training in legal skills. As a CRICOS-registered course (Adelaide University CRICOS 04249J), international students can study this program on a Student visa (Subclass 500). The course is offered at Adelaide University's Adelaide City Campus in the heart of South Australia's capital, giving students access to a vibrant legal community. With an indicative total cost of A$19,351 and an IELTS requirement of 5.5-6.0, this program is an accessible pathway into the legal profession. HeadStart Academy sources all data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring you receive accurate, up-to-date information.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (CRICOS course code 115866E) is a Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8) delivered by Adelaide University. This program falls under the field of education: 09 - Society and Culture, 0909 - Law, 090913 - Legal Practice. It equips students with the practical skills required for admission to legal practice in Australia. Graduates typically gain competencies in legal ethics, client communication, drafting, advocacy, and dispute resolution. Adelaide University is a government-owned institution (CRICOS 04249J) with a strong reputation for legal education. All CRICOS-registered providers must meet strict quality standards under the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive a high-quality education. Australia offers over 26,000 courses across 1,500+ CRICOS-registered providers, and this course is a valuable option for those pursuing a legal career.
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice covers the practical legal training (PLT) required for admission as a lawyer in Australia. Students develop skills in legal research, drafting legal documents, advocacy, negotiation, and professional conduct. The curriculum aligns with the competencies set by the Law Admissions Consultative Committee. While the exact syllabus is set by Adelaide University, typical PLT programs include core subjects like Civil Litigation, Criminal Law Practice, Property Law Practice, and Commercial Law Practice. Practical simulations and real-world case studies prepare students for the workplace. This field of education (Legal Practice) is in high demand due to Australia's robust legal sector.
According to the CRICOS register, the course duration is 1 year, equivalent to 52 weeks. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and is not a foundation studies program. No VET national code applies as this is a higher education course. Full-time study is expected to meet the student visa attendance requirements. Students may have the option of full-time or part-time study (subject to visa conditions), but the CRICOS duration indicates the standard full-time period.
Course fees shown are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change — always confirm directly with the provider before applying. For this course: Tuition fee is A$19,000; non-tuition fees (such as administration, materials, etc.) are A$351; estimated total is A$19,351. These fees do NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Adelaide, South Australia, offers a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne: indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$300-400, groceries about A$80-120, and public transport A$40-50. For the most accurate and current fee information, visit the Adelaide University website.
General English language requirement: IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications expected: a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent from a recognised institution, or completion of other approved legal studies. This Graduate Diploma is a practical legal training course typically taken after law school. Some providers offer pathway programs if you do not meet direct entry — please check with Adelaide University for specific articulation or foundation options. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for the Student visa.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, Student visa (Subclass 500) holders are permitted to work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This allows students to gain work experience in the legal field or other industries while studying.
This course is delivered at Adelaide University, Adelaide City Campus — Adelaide, South Australia. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, home to over 1.3 million people and a thriving student population with more than 40,000 international students. The city has multiple CRICOS-registered providers (over 60 in SA). The Adelaide City Campus is centrally located with excellent public transport access via buses, trams, and trains. Living costs in Adelaide are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, making it an attractive study destination. The campus is close to major law courts and legal offices, providing networking opportunities.
International students studying this full-time course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), OSHC health cover, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, and sufficient financial capacity. Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight while studying and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Upon completing this Graduate Diploma, graduates may be eligible for post-study work rights (subject to Immigration rules). ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice — consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply for Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Adelaide University:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Graduate Diploma), field (Society and Culture), and location (Adelaide). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (Adelaide University: 04249J) and the course is CRICOS-approved (115866E).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Adelaide University for entry requirements, English test scores (IELTS 5.5-6.0 or equivalent), application deadlines, and required documents. Submit your application online or through a registered education agent.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa at homeaffairs.gov.au, paying the visa application charge and providing evidence of OSHC, genuine temporary stay, and financial capacity. Plan for arrival in Adelaide to commence studies.
Adelaide offers a unique study experience: a relaxed lifestyle, affordable living, and a strong legal industry. With over 60 CRICOS-registered providers in South Australia, you'll find a supportive international student community. The city's cost of living is approximately 15-20% lower than Sydney, making it budget-friendly. Public transport is efficient with student concession fares. Adelaide's central business district is compact, so the Adelaide City Campus is easily accessible. However, consider your preference for climate (Mediterranean, mild winters) and career opportunities — while Adelaide has a growing legal sector, major capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer more roles. Weigh these factors alongside your budget and lifestyle.
Before enrolling in a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, research the pathway to admission in your target jurisdiction. This course typically leads to admission as a lawyer in Australia, but you may need additional requirements for overseas recognition. Practical legal training (PLT) is often required after completing an LLB. Verify that the course covers all required competencies. Also consider the reputation of the institution — Adelaide University is a well-regarded public university. Check the CRICOS register for current registration status. Remember that all CRICOS-registered providers must comply with ESOS Act protections, ensuring your tuition fees are protected and you have access to support services.
Ready to start your legal career? Explore the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Adelaide University. Check CRICOS registration and apply now.
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice is a CRICOS-registered programme at Adelaide University. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.