#1 Melbourne university for law course satisfaction
Top 3 law school in Melbourne
Flexible online study
Why choose australian law at Deakin
This course is designed to allow overseas trained lawyers and law graduates to meet the academic areas of knowledge for the Legal Profession Uniform Admission Rules.*
Choose online study from a top 3 law school in the state of Victoria and gain a rigorous introduction to Australian law. Units incorporate a policy focus that enhances your versatility and you will gain local insight from a graduate-level cohort.
Completing units drawn from our fully online Juris Doctor, you can complete your requirements before arriving in Australia, with flexibility to work around time differences and career commitments.
With highly committed teaching from practising lawyers and leading researchers, localise your practical skills and theoretical foundations and smooth your transition into the Australian legal profession and further career opportunities in government, business and community organisations.
*See Schedule 1 of https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2015-0240
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Efficient pathway to Australian legal practice
We provide guidance in unit selection to ensure you meet specified academic knowledge requirements as quickly as possible.
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Highly regarded law school
Deakin law school is ranked among the top 3 in Melbourne and #1 for law course satisfaction.
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Flexible online learning
Offered 100% online, you can study before you arrive in Australia while fitting learning around your work commitments and time zone differences.
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Postgraduate level units
Units are drawn from our postgraduate Juris Doctor and offer a focus on policy that will enhance your versatility.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build the Australian legal knowledge required by local admitting authorities and prepare for legal practice or broader professional opportunities across government, business and the community sector.
Solicitor
Provide legal advice to individuals, businesses and organisations, prepare legal documents, negotiate settlements and represent clients across areas such as commercial, criminal, family and property law.
- $105k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 21%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.3/5
Job satisfaction
Policy adviser
Research legislation and public policy, analyse legal and regulatory issues, develop policy recommendations and advise governments, agencies or organisations on legislative reform and implementation.
- $115k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 8.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.6/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Barrister
- In-house counsel
- Corporate legal adviser
- Government lawyer
- Regulatory lawyer
- Community lawyer
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Australian Law?
Through four units of study, you will develop foundational knowledge of Australian law as required for local legal practice. Learn constitutional law and take electives as specified in your foreign-lawyer assessment in areas which may include Criminal Law and Procedure, Torts, Contracts, Property, Equity and Trusts, Company Law, Administrative Law, Civil Dispute Resolution, Evidence, Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
Foundations of Australian legal knowledge
Learn constitutional law
Explore the law that underpins the Australian and state constitutions.
Build foundations for Australian practice
Learn the legal principles that form the basis of Australia’s legal system and professional practice.
Adapt professional communication skills
Align your communication, work culture and legal ideas to the Australian context.
Course structure
To complete the (Graduate Certificate of Australian Law), you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Three units from:
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Develop and apply advanced and integrated understandings of the Australian legal system in the particular areas of knowledge required by Australian legal admissions bodies. |
| Develop and apply effective communication skills for Australian legal audiences. |
| Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
| Apply sophisticated critical thinking capacities and exercise intellectual independence to identify and articulate complex legal issues across various Australian contexts. |
| Apply legal reasoning and research to understand and analyse legal problems, to identify possible responses, and to make reasoned and appropriate choices to generate and justify legal solutions across various Australian contexts. |
| Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
| Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
| Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
Approved by Faculty Board February 2026
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Australian Law
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M523
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$19,000
AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) may be granted on a case-by-case basis, taking into account a student's previous qualifications and work experience, as assessed by the Course Director. However, RPL cannot be granted for units that a student has been specifically required to undertake as a condition of admission. Any RPL decision must comply with the Faculty of Business and Law RPL Framework and Recognition for Prior Learning policy and procedure.