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Legal support courses

Legal support study comes down to one qualification, and it builds on experience you already have rather than starting from scratch. It suits paralegals and legal support staff who want formal recognition of what they do and the grounding to take on more complex work.

Where do you want to study?

Quickest way to start: 6 months; Diploma, full time at TAFE NSW
TAFE cost from: $1,980; subsidised Certificate IV, TAFE NSW
What the jobs pay: $64,500; median pay across 1 job, some estimated

Which course do you need?

It depends on the job you want.

Diploma of Paralegal Services
Work as a paralegal
Take instructions from clients, research points of law and prepare the documents a matter turns on, under a solicitor's supervision.
JobParalegal
Median pay$64,500 (estimate)
How long it takes
6 to 18 months full time at TAFE NSW
What it costs
$12,565 full fee at TAFE Queensland
How you'll study
Online or on campus
See the Diploma and where to study it

How much it costs at TAFE

If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.

TAFE	State	Certificate IV		Diploma
TAFE	State	Subsidised	Full fee	Subsidised	Full fee
TAFE NSW	NSW	$1,980	$8,180	Not listed	Not listed
TAFE Queensland	QLD	Not listed	Not listed	Not listed	$12,565

TAFE NSWNSW
Certificate IV
$1,980 subsidised
$8,180 full fee
Diploma
Not listed
TAFE QueenslandQLD
Certificate IV
Not listed
Diploma
Not listed
$12,565 full fee

Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.

Short university courses

Diploma of Legal Studies8 to 12 months. A broad introduction to law for people heading into administration or government work, or weighing up a law degree later.
Can help with: claims assessor, contract administrator, court registrar

Other certificates and diplomas

Certificate IV in Legal Services6 to 12 months. For people starting out in legal support, most often as a legal secretary in a firm, an in-house team or a community legal centre.
Can help with: court registrar, law clerk, legal secretary

Jobs you can do with this study

Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.

ParalegalWhat you needDiplomaMedian pay$64,500 (estimate)

“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.

Still not sure which one fits you?

Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.

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