WHEN SHOULD YOU START PLT?
WHEN SHOULD YOU START PLT?
Most students start Practical Legal Training (PLT) after completing their law degree — but in most states you can begin earlier if you’ve finished your core law subjects (Priestley 11) and have no more than two electives remaining.
The answer depends on a few things: your study progress, graduation timeline, work plans, and when you’re ready to take the next step toward admission.
This guide breaks down the key requirements, timing options, and things to consider when deciding the best time to begin your Practical Legal Training (PLT).
MOST STUDENTS START AFTER UNIVERSITY
Most students begin PLT after finishing their law or double degree.
You don’t need to wait for results or your graduation ceremony. As soon as you’ve completed your final exam, you can start your PLT.
At the College of Law, new courses start almost every month, so you're not limited to university semester schedules.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Not necessarily.
In many states, you can apply for an early start if you’ve completed your Priestley 11 subjects (the 11 core areas of law) and have no more than two electives remaining.
To begin PLT early, you’ll need approval from your local admitting authority. Check the rules for your state or territory, or get in touch and we’ll help guide you through the process.
No, you don’t need to wait for your official ceremony or graduation certificate.
As long as your degree is complete (or you have early start approval) and you submit the required documents on time, you’re ready to begin PLT.
To finalise your enrolment, you’ll need to provide documents that confirm your eligibility, like transcripts or proof you’ve completed your law subjects. Requirements vary by state, so be sure to check what’s needed for your location.
View the enrolment requirements
It depends on how much of your second degree you have left.
If you’re doing a double degree, the subjects from both degrees are considered when determining your eligibility to start PLT.
Here’s how it works:
- If you’ve completed both degrees, you can start PLT without needing early start approval.
- If you’ve finished all your law subjects but still have one or two non-law subjects to go, you may be able to apply for early start—provided you’ve completed the Priestley 11 and have no more than two electives left.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START PLT?
That depends on your goals, schedule, and readiness.
| START AFTER YOUR LAW DEGREE (MOST POPULAR) | START BEFORE YOUR LAW DEGREE (EARLY) |
|---|---|
| You’d like a break after your studies | You’ve completed the Priestley 11 |
| You’re not in a hurry to get admitted | You want to fast-track your admission |
| You’re applying for grad roles or clerkships | Your employer supports an early start |
| You’d prefer to focus fully on PLT without juggling uni | You’re already working in a legal role |
| You want to complete one stage at a time | You can manage uni + PLT together |
MAKE SURE TO CONSIDER YOUR ADMISSION TIMING
If you have a particular admission date in mind, you can work backwards from that date to choose your PLT intake.
Here’s what to consider:
- Coursework and work experience
You’ll need to complete both parts of your PLT before your Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) can be issued. If you plan to do work experience after your coursework finishes, allow extra time in your overall schedule. - Time for your GDLP to be issued
After you finish your PLT, it can take up to 10 business days for your GDLP to be processed and issued. - Admission paperwork and deadlines
Each state and territory has its own requirements and timelines, often 4 to 8 weeks before the ceremony. You’ll need to gather several documents, such as police checks, character references, and certified copies, which can take time to arrange.
You can check admission dates on your local admissions board’s website.
CAN I TAKE TIME OFF BETWEEN LAW SCHOOL AND PLT?
Yes, you can.
Some students jump straight into PLT, while others take time off to travel, work, or simply recharge. With new courses starting almost every month, you can choose a start date that fits your schedule.
And if this is your last chance for a proper break before starting full-time work, it’s perfectly okay to take it.
IS THERE A DEADLINE TO START PLT AFTER LAW SCHOOL?
There’s no national deadline, but most states and territories require you to complete PLT within five years of finishing your law degree.
If you wait too long, you may need to repeat subjects or complete additional study.
Starting your PLT soon after graduation helps you stay on track for admission and keeps your qualifications current.
START WHEN YOU'RE READY
With new courses almost every month, there's no need to wait
Whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, or a balanced pace, our flexible PLT intakes mean you can start on your terms—without being tied to university semesters.
