HOW MUCH DOES PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING COST?
WHAT DOES PLT COST IN AUSTRALIA?
Practical Legal Training (PLT) in Australia typically costs between $6,000 and $31,000. The exact cost depends on whether you’re a domestic or international student and the provider you choose. At the College of Law, domestic PLT fees are $9,200 and international fees are $13,270, with FEE-HELP available for eligible students to help spread the cost over time.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how much PLT costs, how most students pay for it, what’s included in the fee, and the extra expenses you may want to budget for, so you can plan your next step with confidence.
HOW MUCH DOES PLT COST?
Here’s a simple snapshot of the current PLT tuition and related fees at the College of Law for domestic and international students.
| ITEM | DOMESTIC | INTERNATIONAL |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Legal Training (PLT) | $9,200 | $13,270 |
| Optional 15-day work experience | $1,690 | $1,690 |
| Optional 25-day work experience | $1,620 | $1,620 |
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN PLT FEES?
Your course fee covers everything you need to complete PLT, including:
- Access to all learning materials and online modules
- No additional fees for textbooks or materials
- Course content, feedback, and mentoring from experienced legal professionals
- Access to a mentor who is a practising legal professional
- One-on-one career support and coaching
- A set of practical legal reference materials for use after admission
DOES WORK EXPERIENCE COST EXTRA?
Yes, but only if you need it.
In some states, students can complete less work experience and more coursework instead. This option comes with an additional fee, while students who complete the full work experience requirement do not pay extra.
| VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, NT & NSW (Before 1 March 2026) | NSW (After 1 March 2026) | International |
|---|---|---|
|
Option 1 15 days of work experience |
Option 1 15 days of work experience |
Option 1 25 days of work experience |
|
Option 2 75 days of work experience |
Option 2 75 days of work experience |
CAN YOU USE HECS OR FEE-HELP FOR PLT?
Strictly speaking, PLT isn’t paid through HECS. Instead, eligible students use FEE-HELP, which is part of the same government HELP loan system and works in a very similar way.
Here’s how that works:
- You apply for FEE-HELP at the same time as you enrol.
- If approved, the Commonwealth Government pays your PLT fees directly to the College.
- It can cover all or part of your PLT course fee
- No upfront payment is required
- You’ll begin repaying the HELP debt through the tax system once your income reaches the repayment threshold.
DO LAW FIRMS PAY FOR YOUR PLT?
Sometimes, but it depends on the firm, the role, and your individual employment arrangement.
PLT funding policies can vary widely between employers, so the table below is a general guide only. If you’re currently working in a legal role or have an offer, it’s always worth having an open conversation with your employer about PLT support.
| Employment Situation | PLT Paid by Employer? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate position (firm includes PLT in package) | ✔️ Often yes | Many firms include PLT fees and study leave as part of the graduate salary package. |
| Graduate offer after clerkship | ✔️ Often yes | Some firms sponsor PLT if you’ve completed their clerkship and are offered a graduate role. |
| Entry-level role at a boutique, small, or mid-size firm | ❌ Usually not | PLT is often self-funded, but some firms may offer flexibility, leave, or partial support. |
| Paralegal or legal assistant role | ❌ Usually not | Most assistant roles don’t automatically cover PLT, though support or flexibility may be offered. |
| Casual or part-time legal work | ❌ Usually not | You’ll normally organise and fund your own PLT. |
| Mid-career hire moving into practice role | 🤝 Sometimes | Some employers offer reimbursement or support depending on the role and agreement. |
WHAT IF YOUR FIRM DOESN'T PAY FOR PLT?
Many students self-fund their PLT, and that’s perfectly normal. If your employer doesn’t cover PLT costs, you still have options:
- Use FEE-HELP to defer your tuition costs (if eligible)
- Study part-time while working
- Apply for scholarships or bursaries
- Structure your work hours around PLT deadlines
HOW DO STUDENTS USUALLY PAY FOR PLT?
Here are the ways many law graduates manage the cost:
- FEE-HELP
Most common option for domestic students. - Upfront payment
Some students pay in full on enrolment if they prefer not to borrow. - Firm contributions
If you have an employment offer with support for PLT.
ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
We understand that cost can be a barrier for some students. That’s why the College of Law offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help support students and graduates completing their PLT.
Community Justice Bursaries
These bursaries support law graduates and students who are working, or planning to work, in the community legal sector, including community legal centres and not-for-profit organisations.
Financial Assistance Bursaries
Available to Australian citizens or permanent residents experiencing financial hardship. If you’re eligible for FEE-HELP, it may be harder to qualify, but you can still apply if you meet the criteria.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursaries
This bursary provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking PLT.
Kay Smith Scholarship
The Kay Smith Scholarship supports outstanding law graduates and early-career lawyers who need financial assistance to complete their PLT.
FAQS
At the College of Law Australia, Practical Legal Training costs $9,200 for domestic students. This covers your PLT coursework, assessments, learning materials, and access to support services like mentoring and career coaching.
Yes. International student fees for PLT are higher than domestic fees. This is because international students aren’t eligible for government assistance like FEE-HELP.
At the College of Law, international PLT fees are $13,270.
Not always.
If you complete the full work experience requirement, there’s no additional cost.
If you choose an option with less work experience and more coursework, an additional fee applies. This option is designed for students who don’t yet have a placement or prefer more structured coursework.
All options meet admission requirements, and you’ll choose what suits your circumstances once you’re enrolled.
If you’re using FEE-HELP, you don’t need to pay upfront.
If you’re not using FEE-HELP, your course fees are generally due before the course starts. In some cases, you may be able to split your payment across multiple payment methods, such as part personal payment and part employer-funded.
If you're not using FEE-HELP, your course fees are due before the course starts.
Yes. Eligible domestic students can usually use FEE-HELP to cover all or part of their PLT tuition.
FEE-HELP is a government loan that works in a similar way to the HELP loan many students use at university. There’s no upfront payment, and repayments are made later through the tax system once your income reaches the repayment threshold.
Yes. If you’re not using FEE-HELP, you can split your course fee across multiple payment methods, for example part personal payment and part employer-funded.
To organise a split payment, just email enrolments@collaw.edu.au after completing the enrolment form.
Sometimes, but it depends on the employer and the role.
Some law firms include PLT fees as part of a graduate package or offer reimbursement after completion. In many entry-level roles, PLT is self-funded, though employers may offer flexibility or study leave.
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth having a conversation with your employer, as policies vary between firms.
Yes. Many students balance work and study, and our program is structured to make that achievable.
Our part-time course is built for students who are working or have other commitments. You’ll get:
- Just 5 days of workshops (or 12 evenings)
- Coursework delivered online and at your own pace
- 30 weeks to complete the program
- Study load of 15-17 hours per week
