Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the entry requirements for admission to the PDLP?

Applicants are assessed on academic merit (this is based on ‘% Grades’ from the completed online application form). Entry to the PDLP is a competitive process and the actual grade average required for admission depends on the number and standard of applications received for each intake.

More information on PDLP entry requirements.

2. Will I get a Commonwealth Supported Place (formerly HECS) (this question is not relevant to international students)?

Since the inception of the PDLP we have been able to offer all domestic students enrolling in the course a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP, formerly HECS). We hope that this policy will continue but the number of CSP places available each year is dependent on University funding and Federal Government policy.

More information on PDLP course fees.

3. How many places are available on the course?

The exact number of places differs each year depending on the teaching resources available and the number of applications received. We accept a relatively small number of students because we believe this promotes the best environment to teach and receive instruction in the necessary legal skills.

4. Do you favour Monash students when offering places in the PDLP?

No. Applicants are assessed on academic merit, regardless of the university they attended.

5. I am enrolled in a double (dual) degree. If I have finished the law component of my course can I start the PDLP?

No, you must complete all aspects of your undergraduate studies before being eligible to enrol in the PDLP.

6. I would like to apply for the PDLP but my results will not be known until a few days before the course commences. Can I still apply?

Yes, you may apply. However, any offer of a place in the PDLP will be conditional on your receiving successful results in due course. You must provide an original academic transcript stating you have successfully completed all your study prior to the commencement of the PDLP. In the event that you do not pass, receive a supplementary assessment or deferred your assessment, your place in the PDLP will be cancelled.

7. Can I complete the PDLP online at a distance and is it available to International students?

The PDLP online is only available to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents residing in Victoria, and includes compulsory face to face components on a regular basis. This course does not meet DIMA student visa regulations and is not available via correspondence.

8. Is the course Austudy/Youth Allowance approved?

No as it is a part time course.

9. If I am successfully offered a place in one intake of the PDLP, can I defer it to a later intake?

The PDLP does not operate a system of deferrals and we have many more applicants than places available. If you do not wish to take up the place that has been offered to you, it is offered to another person and you need to re-apply for the next intake. Please note that successful entry to one course does not guarantee a right of entry to the next as places on each course are may vary each intake depending on the number and standard of applications received.

10. Is it possible to work either full-time or part-time during the course?

PDLP students are responsible for managing their own time commitments; however it is usually possible to work while you are completing the degree.

The PDLP online course can be completed whilst working, however you must be available to attend the compulsory supplementary face-to-face sessions. These sessions are made up of one week of skills training at the commencement of the course which runs from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, other two to three full day intensive sessions during the course and regular face-to-face sessions held approximately every four weeks on a weekday evening at the Monash University Law Chambers Bourke Street Melbourne. In addition, students undertaking the clinical component of the course (rather than the workplace component) must also be available to attend legal clinic sessions, held on some weeknights.

11. Can I undertake other postgraduate studies at the same time as the PDLP?

Please refer to question 10 regarding employment.

12. Can I get credit for previous skills courses (undertaken at undergraduate or postgraduate level in either Australia or in an international jurisdiction) or clinic work?

The Council of Legal Education will not permit the PDLP to offer such credit even for students who have worked (as part of their undergraduate units) in one of Monash Law’s two legal clinics.

13. What are the assessment requirements for PDLP units?

The assessment requirements vary for individual units in the PDLP program. Most assessments involve drafting of documents and letters common to a particular practice area and within a specified time period, and examinations are in the minority. There are assessments approximately every four weeks of the online course. In addition to assessments, there are compulsory exercises in which all students must participate.

The clinical and workplace components of the PDLP are assessable by the supervisors of the respective components

14. Do you assist graduates in gaining employment at the end of the course?

PDLP administration will arrange for past students and Monash careers advisers to provide advice and assistance regarding employment opportunities. We also regularly inform students about job opportunities received from prospective employers.

15. Do I have to attend the admission ceremony for admission to the Supreme Court after I have completed the course?

Yes, admissions cannot be done in absentia.

16. Once I satisfy the requirements imposed by CoLE, will I be eligible to apply for the PDLP?

Yes, however you must have satisfactorily completed those requirements (for which we require evidence of original academic transcripts) before we can accept your application.