UTS Law Students Achieve Outstanding Results in Migration Capstone Assessment

For more than seven years, UTS Law has offered the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law and Practice (GDLMP), a nationally recognised qualification for those seeking to become migration agents and advisors. The program equips students with the practical skills and professional knowledge prescribed by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), preparing graduates for real-world practice in a complex field.

Graduates must also pass the Migration Capstone Assessment, one of the most demanding professional entry exams in Australia, before they can register as migration agents.

Student Success in a Challenging Assessment

The Capstone Assessment is made up of both written and oral components, known for its difficulty and high failure rate across the sector. However, UTS students continue to excel.

Among them, two UTS students achieved the highest possible scores: Nidhi Bansal receiving 100% in the oral component, and Julia Fedorova, receiving 100% in the written component. Their results underscore the quality of the diploma and the commitment of its graduates.

“The Capstone was challenging but rewarding — it tested not only my knowledge of migration law but also how well I could apply it under time pressure.” — Nidhi Bansal, Graduate

“The online exams during the diploma were great preparation for the Capstone. They taught us what to expect and how to stay calm under pressure.” — Julia Fedorova, Graduate

Preparation and Support through the Diploma

Both graduates emphasised that it was the GDMLP itself that prepared them for success. 

“The detailed feedback I received refined my approach and helped me achieve a perfect score. The Bridging Visa and Compliance section strengthened my fundamentals, and Legend was my best friend for staying up to date.” — Nidhi Bansal 

“The teaching was a real highlight. Christine, Tom, and Tim shared many practical examples from their own migration practice, helping us understand how theory applies in real situations. The group work also connected us with peers who became an ongoing support network.” — Julia Fedorova

Program Head, Christine Giles, award-winning educator and designer of Migration Law, noted: 

“The success of our graduates in such a challenging assessment is a testament to the strength of the diploma and to the hard work of our students. The teaching team is committed to continuously reviewing and strengthening our program, guided by student feedback and engagement with the migration profession.”

Looking Ahead: A New Graduate Diploma

In 2026, UTS Law will launch a new course structure for it's Graduate Diploma in Migration Law and Practice, expanding the program to eight subjects for deeper coverage of migration law. The existing diploma will continue until current students complete their studies.

A Pathway to a New Career 

For both graduates, the program proved transformative:

“The program goes beyond preparing you for the exam — it equips you to succeed as a migration professional. It helped me transition from IT into migration law.” — Nidhi Bansal

“Passing the Capstone gave me the confidence to start working with real clients and take on more complex cases. It confirmed that migration law is the right career path for me.” — Julia Fedorova

Nidhi has since applied professionally:

“I’ve been able to assist clients effectively, leading to strong referrals and growth of my practice.” — Nidhi Bansal

Additional Support: Migration Capstone Preparation Program

For graduates seeking extra preparation, UTS also offers the Migration Capstone Assessment Preparation Program, a short course open to all students who have completed a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law and Practice, regardless of where they studied. This program provides targeted strategies, practice assessments, and expert guidance to help candidates build confidence and perform at their best in the Capstone.