Overview

A Graduate Certificate in Law from Victoria University of Wellington sets you up to practise law in New Zealand, as well as overseas in places like Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Victoria University of Wellington is #1 in New Zealand for law, due to its excellence in teaching, research, and engagement for the subject of law (latest Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 Rankings by Subject).

Study at undergraduate or postgraduate level from a choice of 300- to 500-level LAWS courses.

Whether you’re already a lawyer or paralegal, a graduate from a different background, or a legal practitioner from overseas, the GCertLaw has the study options to help you meet your goals.

Key Facts

The 60-point Graduate Certificate in Law program from Victoria University of WellingtonC can be completed in one trimester of full-time study. If you’re studying part time, it must be completed within two years. At least 40 points must be at 300 level or above.

A GCertLaw alone does not allow you to practise as a lawyer. You must have an LLB or equivalent. However, the LAWS courses you pass as part of the GCertLaw may be credited towards a Bachelor of Laws at a later stage.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Law of Contract

Public Law

The Law of Torts

Property Law

Criminal Law

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 3 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-20 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2026-11-17 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-13 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-21 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-07-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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PTE Academic

58

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Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Wellington, New Zealand

Disciplines

Public Law View 19 other Masters in Public Law in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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PTE Academic

58

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Other requirements

General requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Law or equivalent

To be accepted by the director of postgraduate studies for the Faculty of Law as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

IELTS overall band of 7, including a writing sub-score of 7 and no sub-score below 6.5

TOEFL 100 on the internet-based test with a minimum of 25 in writing

Victoria University of Wellington English for Academic Purpose (EAP) programme: final scores with writing ‘5’, reading ‘5’ and speaking ‘5’ and listening ‘4’

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Victoria University of Wellington and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20700 NZD / year

≈ 20700 NZD / year

Living costs

Wellington

New Zealand

1000 - 2300 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Graduate Certificate in Law.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Key Facts

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Living costs

Wellington

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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