Overview
Gain advanced knowledge in migration law with the practical and engaging Graduate Diploma in Migration Law at Victoria University, and prepare to register as a migration agent.
VU is Australia’s leading migration law education provider, with the longest-running program nationwide. The Graduate Diploma in Migration Law is designed for prospective migration agents, legal practitioners, HR migration specialists and government workers to build on their knowledge and become registered migration agents.
Through applied research and study, you will gain the following practical knowledge and skills:
- migration law and policy expertise
- legal research and drafting skills
- submission writing techniques
- professional and interpersonal communication skills
- knowledge about the migrant experience and human rights issues.
Our postgraduate program is flexible and adaptable, with a timetable designed for working professionals. You can gain credits for past work experience, exit the course with qualifications at different points and progress to higher learning.
If you're a domestic student or you won’t be studying at VU on a student visa, you can study this course online.
We also offer a bridging course as a pathway into the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law. You are guaranteed entry into the Graduate Diploma on completion of our Professional Course in Australian Migration Law.
By completing the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law and the prescribed external capstone exam, you will meet the knowledge requirements for registration as a migration agent with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
Timetables
Recognition from the Migration Agents Registration Authority
You will meet the knowledge requirements for registration as a migration agent with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) once you've successfully completed both of the following:
- the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law
- the prescribed external capstone exam.
There are other requirements prescribed, including, but not limited to, English-language requirements.
Additional requirements for registration as a migration agent can be found at the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Online or in-person learning
Our program is designed for working professionals, and offers flexible options so you can fit your study to your life commitments.
Choose between our two tailored programs:
- weekday evening classes, entirely online
- weekend blended learning, with online classes and some in-person classes in Melbourne and Sydney.
Practical learning
Our Graduate Diploma in Migration Law has a strong emphasis on practical, applicable learning, preparing you for career challenges.
Our teaching staff are leading legal practitioners in this field. They include:
- Law Institute of Victoria/Law Society of New South Wales Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law
- Best Lawyers as published in the Australian Financial Review
- former members of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
As part of your course you will 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.
We also offer an optional two-week placement program with migration agencies.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
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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
This course is designed to equip students with the 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.
Graduates of this course will meet the knowledge requirement for registration as a migration agent. There are additional requirements for registration as a migration agent. These include the requirement to be an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen, as well as meeting character requirements. Consult 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.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Full-fee
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
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.
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
Available start dates:
- 31 July 2023
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
