The Graduate Diploma in International Tax (GDipIntTax) is part of Melbourne Law School’s globally-recognised specialist tax program, that equips graduates for the practice of taxation law in a rapidly changing economic world.

It’s ideal for tax professionals, academics, government officials and those planning a career in tax law, whether from Australia or internationally, in which international taxation will play a key role.

As a student, you can choose from a substantial selection of international and comparative tax subjects, as well as a range of subjects from Melbourne Law School’s broader tax and commercial law programs. All subjects are taught by leading international or Australian tax experts with significant reputations in the field of international tax.

The Graduate Diploma in International Tax is part of the world-renowned Melbourne Law Masters program.

Students must complete 50 credit points from the prescribed list of subjects, including Foundations of Tax Law.

Ideally, international students should aim to complete the required Foundations of Tax Law subject early in their degree, and to ensure you can get to know your fellow international and Australian tax students.

Foundations of Tax Law

All students are required to undertake Foundations of Tax Law. This subject provides a necessary grounding in Australian common law and statutory law of taxation, enabling a comparison with students’ home country tax systems. It provides the foundation for successful study in the other tax subjects studied in the course.

Recommended international tax subjects

All international students are also recommended to undertake the subject International Tax: Principles and Structure, offered as a semester-length subject in Semester 2.

Subject timing and format

The Melbourne Law Masters program has been designed around the busy schedules of working professionals. Subjects are offered from February to December each year. Most subjects are taught intensively over five days, with some subjects taught for two hours each week during the semester.

Subjects delivered online will have a combination of pre-recorded lecture content, live sessions and discussion boards among other resources. On-campus subjects involve interactive, seminar-style classes in the Law Building in Melbourne.

Duration

Full-time students enrol in 50 credit points per semester (or half-year period) and have an expected course duration of six months. Part-time* students enrol in 25 credit points per semester (or half-year period) and have an expected course duration of one year. Semesters without enrolments require a student to apply for a leave of absence.

*Part-time enrolment is for domestic students only. Part-time students may reduce their study load to 12.5 credit points per half-year period and thus have a maximum course duration of two years.

For detailed course and subject information, see the Handbook: Graduate Diploma in International Tax.

As a student in the Graduate Diploma in International Tax, you’ll develop an advanced and integrated understanding of the complex body of knowledge in the field of international tax, including the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in relation to:

• Complex technical issues of international tax law, using practical case studies and discussion problems
• Current developments in international tax practice and influential international trends, including in the Asia Pacific region and globally
• The changing knowledge base in international taxation.

You’ll also develop skills in critical analysis and the ability to interpret and transmit your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Many students who complete four subjects towards the Graduate Diploma in International Tax decide to take four more subjects to complete a Master of International Tax.

Applicants must have completed: A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to legal practice, with a University of Melbourne equivalent score of at least 70, or equivalent

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.