Graduate Certificate in Laws – UTS Sydney

Graduate Certificate Law (JD) Full Time

Graduate Certificate in Laws

at University of Technology Sydney · Sydney, New South Wales

CRICOS course code

113535G

CRICOS provider code

00099F

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

36 weeks

Tuition (whole course)

A$25,233 total

Per year

A$36,448/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Certificate in Laws at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) provides a focused introduction to advanced legal study, designed for those looking to enhance their professional legal knowledge or transition into further postgraduate study. Delivered over 36 weeks, this programme suits both law graduates who wish to deepen their expertise and professionals from non-law backgrounds aiming to build foundational legal competencies relevant to their field.

The course structure at UTS is comprised of multiple units of study (subjects), each contributing a specific number of credit points towards the total required to complete the graduate certificate. Students engage with core areas of law relevant to contemporary Australian practice, such as contract law, commercial law, or others as tailored to their interests and career goals. The structure encourages analytical thinking, case analysis, and legal research and writing, skills emphasised in both academic and practice contexts in Australia.

Throughout the programme, students develop sophisticated problem-solving skills, legal reasoning, and the ability to interpret and apply legal principles to complex fact scenarios, critical for navigating Australian legal, business, and public sector settings. The course is also an ideal stepping stone for those considering a transition to a full Master of Laws (LLM) or similar qualification. While the Graduate Certificate does not typically require a major research thesis or capstone, the rigorous coursework and assessments encourage reflective and practical application of law in real-world contexts.

Students have access to UTS’s connections with professional bodies, legal practitioners, and business organisations in Sydney, offering potential networking and insight into career pathways. The programme welcomes international students, who must demonstrate English proficiency, commonly IELTS Academic 7.0 or above for law, and enjoy the work rights of 48 hours per fortnight while studying in Australia. Graduates may be eligible for post-study pathways, including the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Refer to the official university or CRICOS page for full entry and progression details.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Legal researcher or analyst in corporate, government, or non-profit sectors
Policy adviser with law foundations
Compliance or risk advisor in regulated industries
Paralegal or legal support roles (for non-law graduates)
Pathway to further postgraduate legal study (e.g., Juris Doctor or Master of Laws)
Opportunities in law firms, consultancies, and business legal departments across Australia

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Certificate in Laws at University of Technology Sydney?

It typically takes 36 weeks, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$25,233 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Legal researcher or analyst in corporate, government, or non-profit sectorsPolicy adviser with law foundationsCompliance or risk advisor in regulated industriesParalegal or legal support roles (for non-law graduates)Pathway to further postgraduate legal study (e.g., Juris Doctor...

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