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.

Gain advanced knowledge in migration law with our practical and engaging Graduate Diploma in Migration Law.

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).

Note: This course starts early on 2 July.                             

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.

Recommended study pattern

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:

Practitioner Legal Skills for Australian Migration Law. Unit code: LML6001, Credits: 12

Australian Migration Law. Unit code: LML6002, Credits: 12

Australia's Visa System 1. Unit code: LML6003, Credits: 12

Australia’s Visa System 2. Unit code: LML6004, Credits: 12

Visa Compliance and Cancellation. Unit code: LML6005, Credits: 12

Migration Review Mechanisms. Unit code: LML6006, Credits: 12

Applied Migration Law. Unit code: LML6007, Credits: 12

Managing a Migration Agent business. Unit code: LML6008, Credits: 12

Award requirements

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.

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

Indicative total fee $25,500

The amount shown here is 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.

Victoria University (VU) offers a world-class education to students in Melbourne and beyond. Number 1 in Australia for Employability Skills, VU is the first Australian university to deliver the revolutionary VU Block Model of teaching and learning. It enables students to study one subject at a time, in smaller classes, allowing more one-on-one time with lecturers and greater immersion in each subject. Core to VU is its partnership with industry.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

33

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

33

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.

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.