Graduate Diploma in International Law

About the course

The Graduate Diploma in International Law (GDipIntLaw) is a flexible program that lets students either specialise in a particular area of international law or build a broader qualification across multiple topics. It is designed for legal practitioners, scholars and professionals working in international agencies or non-government organisations seeking advanced knowledge. Students select from subjects such as international humanitarian law, international criminal law, international economic law, finance and tax, law and development, and international arbitration, and the course forms part of the Melbourne Law Masters program.

What you might learn

Students develop advanced understanding of key principles, institutions and contemporary issues in international law through a choice of specialised subjects. The program aims to build the ability to analyse and apply international legal frameworks to complex cross-border problems in professional practice or further academic study. It also strengthens research, critical reasoning and legal argument skills relevant to international and transnational legal work.

Career outcome

Graduates may pursue or advance careers as lawyers and legal advisers dealing with cross-border matters in private practice, government or corporate settings. The qualification is also relevant for roles in international organisations, NGOs and international agencies where international humanitarian, criminal, economic or development-related law is applied. It can support progression into specialist international law practice areas such as arbitration, international compliance, policy and treaty-related work.

Entry requirements

IELTS 7.0: with no band less than 6.5

Living Costs in Melbourne**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 15 - 20	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 1,583 - 2,094	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 1,207 - 1,596
Transportation (Daily) A$ 7 - 9	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 240 - 318

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)