Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice (CRICOS course code 119888M) is a Graduate Certificate level course delivered by University of Technology Sydney (UTS) over 26 weeks (~6 months). This advanced program is designed for law graduates seeking to complete the practical legal training component required for admission to legal practice in Australia. It falls under the field of Society and Culture (0909 - Law, 090913 - Legal Practice). UTS is a CRICOS-registered provider (00099F) and a government university based in Sydney, NSW. As part of the course, students undertake a 3-week work placement (105 hours) to gain practical experience. International students enrolled in CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring education quality and student rights. This page provides detailed information on course duration, indicative fees (tuition A$19,395), entry requirements (including English language proficiency typically IELTS 5.5–7.0), and the work component. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource covering over 26,000 courses across 1,500+ CRICOS-registered providers.
The Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice (119888M) is a Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8) focusing on applied legal skills. Offered by University of Technology Sydney (UTS), a leading public university in New South Wales, this course is registered on CRICOS (provider code 00099F). It is designed for students who already hold a law degree (e.g., Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor) and need to fulfil the practical legal training (PLT) requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia. The course covers essential areas such as legal ethics, client communication, litigation, dispute resolution, and professional responsibility. UTS delivers this program at its City Campus in Haymarket, Sydney, providing access to modern facilities and a vibrant legal community. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government quality standards, and students are covered by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protections.
In this Graduate Certificate, students develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level legal practice. The curriculum typically includes subjects such as legal ethics and professional responsibility, interviewing and advising clients, negotiation, advocacy, and legal drafting. Students also learn about file management and practice management. The program emphasises real-world application, preparing graduates for the workplace. While specific subjects may vary, the overall focus is on ensuring that graduates are competent in the core practice areas required by admitting authorities. For a detailed syllabus, please refer to the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) official website. The field of education is 090913 Legal Practice, which falls under the broader Society and Culture category (09).
The Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice is classified on the CRICOS register with a duration of 26 weeks (~6 months). This is a full-time program with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification, not a dual degree or combined course. There is no foundation studies component, and it is not a VET course (no national code). Students attend classes at the UTS City Campus in a structured timetable. The intensive 26-week format allows graduates to quickly transition into the legal profession. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa conditions.
Indicative tuition fee: A$19,395. Non-tuition fees: A$0. Estimated total fee: A$19,395. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change — always verify with University of Technology Sydney (UTS) directly. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For indicative living costs in Sydney, international students should budget approximately A$500–700 per week for accommodation, food, and transport. UTS may also have incidental fees for materials or field trips. It is recommended to check the UTS website for the most current fee schedule.
Entry requirements for this Graduate Certificate typically include completion of a law degree (e.g., Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor) from a recognised institution. English language proficiency is required: while the CRICOS register indicates requirements vary, applicants usually need an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent, such as TOEFL or PTE). Some providers may also consider prior legal work experience or academic performance. Foundation studies are not applicable for this level. As entry criteria can vary, prospective students should contact the University of Technology Sydney’s admissions office for specific requirements. Meeting the minimum English requirement does not guarantee admission.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 3 weeks, 35 hours per week (total approximately 105 hours). This practical placement is designed to integrate academic learning with real-world legal practice. Students may be placed in law firms, community legal centres, government agencies, or corporate legal departments under the supervision of experienced practitioners. The work component is a key part of meeting the practical legal training (PLT) requirements set by the Legal Profession Admission Board. It provides invaluable hands-on experience in areas such as client interviewing, legal research, drafting documents, and court observation.
The course is delivered at the University of Technology Sydney (City Campus) located in HAYMARKET, NSW. This campus is situated in the heart of Sydney's central business district, close to major transport hubs. Sydney has a large international student population and is home to over 150 CRICOS-registered providers. Public transport options include trains, buses, light rail, and ferries, making the campus easily accessible. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the Australian average, with weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from A$500–700. Students should also budget for groceries and transport.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to enroll in this full-time course. Conditions include maintaining enrolment, attending at least 80% of scheduled classes, and making satisfactory course progress. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays (subject to visa conditions). You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The visa application also requires you to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice — consult a registered Migration Agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for guidance.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice at University of Technology Sydney (UTS):
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Filter by course level (Graduate Certificate), field (Law), and location (Sydney). Visit the official CRICOS register to verify provider details and fees. HeadStart Academy's course directory can help you compare options.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Prepare your academic transcripts, English language test results (IELTS/TOEFL), passport copy, and a personal statement. Check UTS international admissions deadlines and submit your application online. Some programmes may require an interview or portfolio.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – If offered a place, accept the offer and pay the required deposit. UTS will issue a CoE, which you need to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE and financial requirements.
Ready to start your legal career in Australia? Explore more Graduate Certificate courses in New South Wales on HeadStart Academy.
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Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of Technology Sydney (UTS). 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.