Graduate Diploma in Migration Law

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

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.

To be considered for postgraduate study, you will need to have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. We also consider non-academic research and work experience for our research candidates.

Admission criteria

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).

Special entry programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

FURTHER STUDIES (PATHWAYS)