1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

First, you must secure admission into an Australian university offering an LLM.

After you accept the offer and pay the required deposit, the university issues a:

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

You cannot apply for the visa without this document.

Your CoE should clearly mention:

• University name
• LLM course title
• Course duration
• Tuition fee paid
• CRICOS code

Best Practice

Always check that the information in your CoE exactly matches your passport, offer letter, and visa application.

Even a small mismatch in your name, course, or intake can delay your visa.

2. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

In 2026, Australia uses the Genuine Student (GS) requirement instead of the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) rule.

This is now the most important part of your visa application.

The Department of Home Affairs wants to know:

• Why do you want to study an LLM in Australia?
• Why did you choose this specific university?
• How does the LLM connect to your previous education or legal career?
• Why are you not studying the same course in India?
• What are your plans after completing the LLM?

What Makes a Strong GS Statement?

A strong GS statement should:

• Explain your legal background clearly
• Show how the LLM fits your career path
• Mention a genuine reason for choosing Australia
• Explain why you selected that university and specialisation
• Show realistic career goals after graduation
• Remain honest, specific, and personalised

Example of a Strong Career Link

A strong application may say:

“I completed my BA LLB in India and currently work in corporate law. I want to pursue an LLM in International Business Law in Australia because I plan to specialise in cross-border transactions and international arbitration. The program directly supports my long-term goal of working with multinational law firms in India.”

Avoid These Mistakes in Your GS Statement

Do not:

• Copy a generic SOP from the internet
• Focus mainly on migration or permanent residency
• Say you chose Australia only because of better salary
• Mention that your main purpose is work rights
• Submit a vague or very short statement

3. Financial Requirement for Australia Student Visa 2026

Australia now requires stronger financial proof from Indian students.

For 2026, you must show enough funds for:

• First-year tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Travel expenses
• OSHC (health insurance)

Minimum Living Cost Requirement (2026)

For a single student, Australia currently requires proof of approximately:

• AUD 29,710 per year for living expenses

In addition, you must also show:

• First-year LLM tuition fees
• Return airfare
• Health insurance cost

Estimated Total Funds Required for an LLM

For most LLM students, the total amount generally ranges between:

• AUD 55,000 to AUD 75,000

This depends on:

• Your university
• Tuition fees
• City of study
• Whether you have dependents

Acceptable Financial Documents

You may use:

• Bank statements of parents or self
• Education loan sanction letter
• Fixed deposits
• Provident fund, if withdrawable
• Income proof of sponsor
• ITRs, salary slips, business registration, or GST returns

Important 2026 Rule for Indian Students

India is now treated as a higher-risk evidence category. Therefore, students should ideally show:

• 3–6 months of bank history
• Clear source of funds
• No sudden large cash deposits
• Consistent income of sponsor

Red Flags That Cause Refusal

Visa officers often refuse applications when:

• Large money appears in the account suddenly
• The sponsor’s income does not support the amount shown
• Loan documents are incomplete
• Bank statements look manipulated

4. English Language Requirement

To receive an Australian student visa, you must usually prove your English proficiency.

Most LLM students satisfy this requirement through:

• IELTS
• PTE
• TOEFL iBT

Typical Minimum Scores for LLM Visa + University Admission

Many leading Australian law schools may require a higher score, especially for competitive LLM specialisations.

5. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Australia requires every international student to purchase:

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Your OSHC must cover the entire duration of your stay.

Common OSHC providers include:

• Bupa
• Medibank
• Allianz Care
• NIB

You must upload proof of OSHC while filing your visa.

6. Passport, Academic Documents & Identity Proof

You must also upload:

• Valid passport
• Passport-size photograph
• LLB / BA LLB degree and marksheets
• Offer letter and CoE
• Resume or CV
• Work experience letters, if any
• English test scorecard
• GS statement

If any document is not in English, you must provide a certified translation.