Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice

Students who successfully complete this program will be equipped with the knowledge to:

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the legislative and policy framework of Australian migration law needed to practice as a migration agent.
2. Demonstrate and clearly communicate an advanced understanding of migration law by interpreting and critically analysing research to prepare migration advice for diverse clients.
3. Apply migration law research to creatively solve real world complex migration law problems, while balancing the interests of clients and the broader social community within the context of the common good.
4. Critically analyse the professional and ethical considerations that migration agents face with reference to the Code of Conduct for Migration Agents and demonstrate skills in self-management, ethical and professional problem-solving and decision-making and appropriate use of 21st Century literacies.

The Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice equips students with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to practice as a qualified migration agent in Australia. The degree emphasises problem-based, real-life interactive learning experiences. The graduate diploma is the minimum qualification for individuals seeking registration in Australia as a migration agent.

Upon successful completion of the degree and the capstone exam administered by the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), graduates may seek registration to practice as a registered migration agent. There are additional requirements for registration as a migration agent.

Award requirements

To qualify for the graduate diploma, a student must complete 80 cp from the specified units.

Students are required to follow the pattern of unit enrolment set out in the relevant course enrolment guide, unless otherwise approved by the course coordinator. In all aspects of progress through the course, students will be advised by the course coordinator.

Exit points

Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice

Graduation ceremonies are held in each state in Spring and Autumn.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $24,456

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Established in 1991 after amalgamating four eastern Australian Catholic tertiary institutes, Australian Catholic University now has seven campuses, from Brisbane to Melbourne and welcomes students of all beliefs. Specialising in arts, business, education, health sciences, law, theology and philosophy, ACU encourages its students to think critically and ethically and bring change to their communities and offer this online through Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about ACU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

26

To be eligible for admission to the degree, an applicant must have completed a bachelor degree in any discipline

Applicants may be eligible for admission to the degree by showing equivalent professional experience in a relevant role

Recognition of prior learning is recognised but must be applied for using the prescribed forms. Students currently enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Migration Law will be able to transfer into the Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice and receive recognition of prior learning for subjects completed as part of the graduate certificate.

There are two (2 day) weekend intensive sessions which are optional and based at our North Sydney campus.