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.
Timetables
Get the knowledge to register as a migration agent
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.
Choose flexible online or in-person learning
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.
Get work-ready with practical learning
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.
Migration agent Jaspreet Kaur says, "Victoria University's curriculum is practical and reflects the industry. VU fosters a learning environment premised on students achieving excellence."
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.
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.
Course structure and units
-
- Unit code
- LML6001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LML6002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LML6003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LML6004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LML6005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LML6006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LML6007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LML6008
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | 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 | ||
| 2. | 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 | ||
| 3. | 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 | ||
| 4. | Exemplify ethical and professional standards in the provision of migration law advice to clients both independently and also as a member of a team | ||
| 5. | Exhibit responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice in collaboration with others and within broad parameters |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
PLUS
(IELTS or equivalent) - Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
Pathways to further study
On completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry into the following degree and in some cases receive credit for your study:
You will be credited for up to 60 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 72 credit points of study.
Find out more about our study pathways to VU
How to apply
We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.
Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.
If you have questions, please get in touch:
- Phone: +61 3 9919 1164
- Online: enquiry form
Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.
VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.
