PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING NSW
UNABLE TO ATTEND IN-PERSON PLT WORKSHOPS?
Eligible students completing NSW Practical Legal Training who are unable to attend in-person workshops may be able to complete their required workshops online instead.
NSW PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING ATTENDANCE EXEMPTION
All NSW Practical Legal Training courses include practical workshops designed to build the real-world skills lawyers use every day.
Eligible students, who are unable to attend workshops due to disability, illness, carer responsibilities, financial hardship or remote location may be able to enrol in the NSW Attendance Exemption course.
This alternative course allows required workshops to be completed online while meeting all NSW Practical Legal Training requirements.
Key facts about the NSW Attendance Exemption Course:
- Available for eligible NSW students unable to attend in-person workshops
- Students may qualify due to disability, illness, carer responsibilities, financial hardship or remote location
- Complete required practical workshops online instead of in person
- Study part-time over 30 weeks, with 15–20 hours of study per week
- Complete the same coursework and work experience requirements as other NSW students
- Graduate with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP), approved by the LPAB
WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE?
Students are eligible to apply for the NSW Attendance Exemption course if they are unable to attend required in-person workshops due to disability, illness, career responsibilities, financial hardship or remote location.
To help you understand whether you may qualify, review the circumstances and supporting evidence required below.
| CATEGORY | CRITERIA | EVIDENCE |
|---|---|---|
| Carer responsibilities |
|
|
| Disability (in compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)) |
|
|
| Extreme financial hardship |
|
|
| Illness and injury |
|
|
NOT SURE IF YOU'RE ELIGIBLE?
If you’re unsure whether your circumstances meet the eligibility requirements, contact our team before enrolling and we can help confirm whether Attendance Exemption may be right for you.
Contact our team to discuss your options.
ATTENDANCE EXEMPTION COURSE
Course Details
Duration
30 weeks
Study Commitment
15-20 hrs study per week
Workshops
5 days of online practical workshops
Course Fee
Domestic $9,200 / International $13,270
Description
The NSW Attendance Exemption course is an alternative Practical Legal Training course that allows eligible students to complete required workshops online instead of attending in person.
The NSW Attendance Exemption course allows eligible students to complete Practical Legal Training if attending workshops in person is not possible.
Students complete the same coursework, practical training and work experience requirements as other NSW Practical Legal Training students.
The key difference is that required workshops are completed online instead of in person.
HOW TO ENROL
Applying for the Attendance Exemption Course is simple.
- Enrol in the NSW Attendance Exemption course
- Upload supporting evidence for eligibility assessment
- Our team will review your documentation
- We’ll confirm your enrolment once eligibility has been approved
If approved, you’ll be enrolled in the NSW Attendance Exemption course and complete required workshops online instead of in person.
FAQs
Yes. For students enrolled in standard NSW Practical Legal Training courses, attendance at 15 days of on-campus workshops is mandatory. These workshops are required under LPAB regulations and are designed to help you build practical, hands-on legal skills.
Students enrolled in the Attendance Exemption course complete their required workshops online instead of attending on campus.
If you miss any required workshop days, you’ll need to make them up at another time. This can delay your course and, in some cases, may require you to repeat subjects or transfer to a later intake.
You can still complete your PLT by enrolling in one of our NSW courses that include 15 days' on-campus workshops.
These courses are available in Sydney, Parramatta, Armidale, Wollongong, Lismore, and Coffs Harbour, and combine flexible online study with practical, face-to-face learning.
You can choose the workshop format that best fits your schedule:
- 3 weeks on campus
- 2 weeks + 5 days on campus (choose Monday, Wednesday, or Friday)
- 1 week + 10 days on campus (choose Monday, Wednesday, or Friday)
If you’re not eligible for the Attendance Exemption course but are worried about attending the 15 days' workshops, please reach out to us before applying.
Our team can talk through your situation, explore your study options, and help you find a solution, whether that’s a different course location, timing, or study format.
Contact Student Services at 1300 856 111, submit an enquiry, or book a time to chat.
Yes. If you’re enrolled in the Attendance Exemption Course, you’ll still need to complete required workshops as part of your Practical Legal Training.
Instead of attending 15 days of on-campus workshops, you’ll complete five days of live online workshops, where participation is mandatory.
You’ll still connect with your facilitator and classmates, take part in hands-on activities, and receive the same guidance and feedback as students attending in person.
The criteria for attendance exemptions are set by the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB), which oversees PLT in New South Wales.
All PLT providers follow the same guidelines, and the College applies them fairly and consistently with flexible options to suit your lifestyle.
Our Student Services team is here to support you.
You can book a call, submit an enquiry, or reach us directly at 1300 856 111 or support@collaw.edu.au – we’ll guide you through the process and help you find the best option for your situation.
