Graduate Diploma in Migration Law

VU course code: LGML | CRICOS: 096290B | Level of study: Postgraduate

Duration

1 year full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

In person, Online Real Time

Fees

Fee type for this course: Full fee

Location

City Campus, Online Real Time

Applications closed

Graduate diploma in migration law student

Overview

Gain advanced knowledge in migration law and prepare to register as a migration agent with a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law at Victoria University (VU).

Take advantage of VU’s status as Australia’s leading migration law education provider by studying this practical and engaging course, the longest-running migration law program nationwide.

If your goal is to become a registered migration agent and work in the migration space as a legal practitioner, HR specialist or government worker, this one-year graduate diploma will equip you with essential knowledge and skills in:

migration law and policy
legal research and drafting
submission writing
professional and interpersonal communication
knowledge about the migrant experience and human rights issues.

Enjoy the flexibility and adaptability of this postgraduate program, designed for working professionals.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Review conceptual frameworks and exhibit advanced technical knowledge of migration and administrative law employing independent judgement in their application in wide ranging contexts and communities

Interpret relevant provisions of the Migration Act, Regulations and associated legislation contextualised in cross-disciplinary knowledge in order to initiate creative solutions to multi-faceted problems, while respecting and valuing the diversity of clients

Provide complex assessment of and advocate for regulatory decisions for a range of stakeholders in a number of ways, including briefs, responses and visa applications, while balancing the interests of individuals and public good

Exemplify ethical and professional standards in the provision of migration law advice to clients both independently and also as a member of a team

Exhibit responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice in collaboration with others and within broad parameters
: You’ll meet the knowledge requirements for registration as a migration agent with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) once you have completed:
your Graduate Diploma in Migration Law from VU
the prescribed external capstone exam.
You must also meet some other requirements, including English language proficiency. Find out more about registration as a migration agent at the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
: If you're a domestic student or you’re not on a student visa while studying at VU, you can choose to study this course online.
If you’re a working professional like many of our students, you can fit study alongside other commitments with our flexible options. Choose between:
weekday evening classes, entirely online (Online Real Time; ORT)
weekend learning, with a combination of online (Online Real Time; ORT) classes and in-person classes in Melbourne and Sydney.
: Benefit from practical, applicable learning that makes VU’s Graduate Diploma in Migration Law renowned.
You will learn from expert teaching staff who have taught migration law at Victoria University for over 35 years and are leading legal practitioners in this field. They include:
Law Institute of Victoria and Law Society of New South Wales Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law
Best Lawyers as published in the Australian Financial Review
the Australian Migration Legislation Collection and the Australian Immigration Companion
Former Chair of the Advisory Committee to the Specialisation Board of the Law Institute of Victoria in immigration law for many years
current member of the Specialisation Board of the Law Institute of Victoria.
As part of your course, you’ll take part in mock client interviews, helping you to learn the kind of questions you will be asked and the kind of responses you will be required to give as a migration agent once you’re fully qualified.
You may also choose to complete an optional two-week placement program with migration agencies.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course. We call this a ‘pathway’.

For PhD applicants, we offer a related ‘Integrated PhD’ which allows you to establish relevant skills before beginning your research.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law students will be required to complete 96 credit points consisting of:

96 credit points of Core studies.

Units

Timetables

Graduate Diploma in Migration Law Semester 2 2024 timetable (PDF, 120.78 KB)

Fees & scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

With a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law from VU, you’ll be equipped with the academic skills to succeed in a range of roles across industry sectors including:

registered migration agent with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA)
specialised migration lawyer
community law advisor
human resource assessors and advisers
policy work in government and industry.

While this course fulfils the academic knowledge requirement for registration as a migration agent with OMARA, some other requirements also apply.

See OMARA for further information.