Graduate Diploma in Law Victoria University of Wellington

Overview

A Graduate Diploma 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).

It is an excellent choice for tertiary graduates from related disciplines, for legal professionals, or for international lawyers who are seeking a New Zealand qualification for legal accreditation.

Key Facts

If you’re a qualified legal practitioner from overseas who wants to practise law in New Zealand, the Graduate Diploma in Law program from Victoria University of Wellington can help you to meet the accreditation requirements of the New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE).

If this is your goal, you need to provide an NZCLE assessment when you enrol for the GDipLaw. Our Student Success team can help you with individual enrolment advice. 

Depending on your choice of courses, you can complete the GDipLaw in two consecutive trimesters of full-time study. Expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week if you’re studying full time.

Domestic part-time students taking two courses per trimester will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. If you’re studying part time, you’ll need to complete the GDipLaw within three years.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10 to 12 hours of work.