Introduction
Reviewed by Rajni Bala, Assistant Professor of Law | Academic Review Panel
Last Updated: April 01, 2026
If you are planning to pursue an LLM in Australia, understanding the LLM cost in Australia 2026 is probably your biggest concern.
This guide is part of our complete study-law-abroad series for Indian students who want to pursue an LLM abroad. If you are still exploring admission requirements, universities and career scope, you should first read our complete guide on “LLM in Australia” before calculating the total cost.
One of the first questions most students ask is:
“How much will an LLM in Australia cost for an Indian student in 2026?”
The short answer is that most Indian students spend between AUD 48,000 and AUD 82,000 for the entire course, including tuition fees and one year of living expenses. In Indian currency, that is usually around ₹26 lakh to ₹45 lakh, depending on the university, city and lifestyle.
However, the actual cost can vary significantly. For example, studying in Sydney or Melbourne is far more expensive than studying in Adelaide, Perth or Canberra. Similarly, top-ranked universities charge higher tuition fees, while some affordable universities offer quality LLM programmes at much lower cost.
Therefore, before applying, you should understand:
- Tuition fees at Australian universities
- City-wise living expenses
- Cheapest universities for Indian students
- Visa, health insurance and hidden costs
- Scholarships and ways to reduce expenses
- Total budget required for one year
This complete guide explains everything in a simple and practical manner.
Quick Answer: LLM Cost in Australia 2026
Most Indian students spend between AUD 48,000 and AUD 82,000 to complete an LLM in Australia in 2026. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, visa cost, insurance and travel. Students who choose cheaper universities and cities can reduce the total cost significantly.
Quick Answer: Total Cost of LLM in Australia in 2026
| Expense | Average Cost (AUD) | Approx. Cost in INR* |
|---|---|---|
| LLM Tuition Fees | AUD 30,000 – AUD 55,000 | ₹16.5 lakh – ₹30 lakh |
| Living Expenses | AUD 18,000 – AUD 30,000 | ₹10 lakh – ₹16.5 lakh |
| Student Visa | AUD 1,600 | ₹88,000 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | AUD 600 – AUD 900 | ₹33,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Airfare from India | AUD 700 – AUD 1,200 | ₹38,000 – ₹66,000 |
| Books and Miscellaneous | AUD 800 – AUD 1,500 | ₹44,000 – ₹82,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | AUD 48,000 – AUD 82,000 | ₹26 lakh – ₹45 lakh |
*Calculated at approximately 1 AUD = ₹55.
LLM Cost in Australia 2026: Tuition Fees for Indian Students
Most Australian universities charge international students between AUD 30,000 and AUD 55,000 per year for an LLM.
Nevertheless, elite universities usually charge more because of their global ranking, faculty and industry connections.
Average LLM Fees at Top Australian Universities (2026)
| University | Approx. Tuition Fee (AUD) | Approx. Fee in INR |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | AUD 54,000 – 56,000 | ₹29.5 – 31 lakh |
| University of Sydney | AUD 54,000 – 55,000 | ₹29.5 – 30 lakh |
| UNSW Sydney | AUD 50,000 – 53,000 | ₹27.5 – 29 lakh |
| Monash University | AUD 48,000 – 52,000 | ₹26 – 28.5 lakh |
| Australian National University | AUD 46,000 – 49,000 | ₹25 – 27 lakh |
| University of Queensland | AUD 44,000 – 46,000 | ₹24 – 25.5 lakh |
| University of Adelaide | AUD 39,000 – 43,000 | ₹21.5 – 23.5 lakh |
| Deakin University | AUD 36,000 – 40,000 | ₹19.5 – 22 lakh |
| University of Tasmania | AUD 33,000 – 37,000 | ₹18 – 20.5 lakh |
| Southern Cross University | AUD 30,000 – 34,000 | ₹16.5 – 18.5 lakh |
Key Insight: If your goal is to study at a prestigious university and improve long-term career prospects, Melbourne, Sydney and UNSW are excellent choices. However, if your priority is affordability, universities in Tasmania, Adelaide and regional Australia are far cheaper.
Cheapest Universities for LLM in Australia in 2026
If you want to reduce your study cost, these universities generally offer the lowest tuition fees for international students.
| Cheapest University | Estimated LLM Fee (AUD) | Why It Is Affordable |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Cross University | AUD 30,000 – 34,000 | Lower tuition and cheaper regional living |
| University of Tasmania | AUD 33,000 – 37,000 | Affordable city and lower accommodation cost |
| Charles Darwin University | AUD 32,000 – 36,000 | Regional university with lower living expenses |
| CQUniversity | AUD 31,000 – 35,000 | Budget-friendly tuition and scholarships |
| Deakin University | AUD 36,000 – 40,000 | Competitive fees and strong employability |
| University of Adelaide | AUD 39,000 – 43,000 | One of the best value-for-money universities |
LLM Cost in Australia 2026: City-Wise Living Expenses
Living expenses are often the second biggest cost after tuition fees.
Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities. By contrast, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Canberra are significantly cheaper.
Average Monthly Living Cost by City
| City | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Annual Cost (AUD) | Approx. INR Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | AUD 2,200 – 3,000 | AUD 26,000 – 36,000 | ₹14 – 20 lakh |
| Melbourne | AUD 2,000 – 2,800 | AUD 24,000 – 33,000 | ₹13 – 18 lakh |
| Brisbane | AUD 1,700 – 2,400 | AUD 20,000 – 29,000 | ₹11 – 16 lakh |
| Canberra | AUD 1,700 – 2,300 | AUD 20,000 – 28,000 | ₹11 – 15 lakh |
| Perth | AUD 1,600 – 2,200 | AUD 19,000 – 26,000 | ₹10.5 – 14 lakh |
| Adelaide | AUD 1,500 – 2,000 | AUD 18,000 – 24,000 | ₹10 – 13 lakh |
| Hobart | AUD 1,400 – 1,900 | AUD 17,000 – 23,000 | ₹9 – 12.5 lakh |
Therefore, choosing a cheaper city can save you between AUD 8,000 and AUD 12,000 per year.
Detailed Breakdown of Monthly Living Expenses
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rent / Shared Accommodation | AUD 700 – 1,500 |
| Food and Groceries | AUD 250 – 450 |
| Local Transport | AUD 80 – 180 |
| Mobile and Internet | AUD 40 – 80 |
| Utilities | AUD 80 – 150 |
| Personal Expenses | AUD 100 – 250 |
| Entertainment and Miscellaneous | AUD 100 – 250 |
Accommodation Cost in Australia
Accommodation is usually the biggest monthly expense.
| Type of Accommodation | Weekly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Shared Rental | AUD 120 – 250 |
| University Hostel | AUD 180 – 350 |
| Homestay | AUD 250 – 350 |
| Private Apartment | AUD 300 – 600 |
To reduce cost, most Indian students prefer shared accommodation with 2–4 students.
Other Expenses Apart from Tuition and Living Cost
1. Student Visa Fee
The Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) currently costs around AUD 1,600.
2. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
International students must purchase OSHC before applying for a visa.
| Duration | Approximate OSHC Cost |
| 1 Year | AUD 600 – 900 |
| 2 Years | AUD 1,100 – 1,500 |
3. IELTS / English Test Cost
| Test | Cost in India |
| IELTS | ₹16,000 – ₹18,000 |
| TOEFL | ₹15,000 – ₹17,000 |
| PTE | ₹15,000 – ₹18,000 |
4. Airfare from India to Australia
A one-way ticket from India generally costs between AUD 700 and AUD 1,200, depending on the city and season.
Total Budget Required for Different Universities
| University Type | Estimated Total Cost Including Living Expenses |
| Premium Universities (Melbourne, Sydney, UNSW) | AUD 70,000 – 82,000 |
| Mid-Range Universities (Monash, ANU, UQ) | AUD 60,000 – 72,000 |
| Affordable Universities (Adelaide, Tasmania, Deakin) | AUD 48,000 – 58,000 |
Scholarships for Indian Students Pursuing LLM in Australia
Fortunately, many universities offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships can reduce your tuition fee by 10% to 50%.
Popular Scholarships for Indian Students
| Scholarship | Benefit |
| Australia Awards Scholarship | Full tuition + living expenses |
| Destination Australia Scholarship | Up to AUD 15,000 per year |
| University-Specific Merit Scholarships | 10% – 30% tuition reduction |
| Monash International Merit Scholarship | Up to AUD 10,000 |
| University of Sydney International Scholarship | Partial or full fee waiver |
| Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship | Up to 50% tuition fee |
Therefore, even if a university appears expensive, a scholarship may significantly reduce the total amount you need to pay.
Can Indian Students Work While Studying an LLM in Australia?
Yes. Indian students on a student visa can usually work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official vacations.
Most students work in:
- Retail stores
- Cafes and restaurants
- Customer service
- University administration
- Research or legal internships
If you earn around AUD 20–30 per hour through part-time work, you may recover a large portion of your living expenses.
For example, a student working part-time for 20 hours per week may earn approximately AUD 1,600–2,400 per month before tax.
Is an LLM in Australia Worth the Cost?
For many Indian students, the answer is yes.
An LLM in Australia offers:
- Internationally recognised legal education
- Access to top law schools
- Better career opportunities in India and abroad
- Post-study work rights after graduation
- Strong salaries in international law firms and corporate sector
Moreover, Australia offers post-study work opportunities after graduation. In many cases, international graduates can remain in Australia and work after completing the degree.
Therefore, if you choose the right university and control your expenses carefully, an LLM in Australia can be a valuable long-term investment.
Best Option for Indian Students Based on Budget
| Budget | Recommended Choice |
| Under ₹25 Lakh | Tasmania, CQUniversity, Charles Darwin, Southern Cross |
| ₹25–35 Lakh | Adelaide, Deakin, UQ, ANU |
| Above ₹35 Lakh | Melbourne, Sydney, UNSW, Monash |
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it really possible to study an LLM in Australia if my budget is limited?
Yes. Many Indian students complete an LLM in Australia by choosing affordable universities, shared accommodation and scholarships. Regional universities can reduce the total cost significantly.
2. Which costs do Indian students usually underestimate before moving to Australia?
Most students focus only on tuition fees. However, rent, visa fees, OSHC, flight tickets and daily expenses often add several extra lakhs to the total budget.
3. Will studying in a cheaper university affect my career opportunities?
Not necessarily. A cheaper university in Adelaide, Tasmania or regional Australia can still provide good education, internships and post-study work opportunities.
4. How much money should I ideally keep before applying for an LLM in Australia?
You should ideally keep at least ₹30–35 lakh available, even if you are planning to apply for scholarships or part-time work.
5. Can part-time work in Australia cover all my living expenses?
In many cases, yes. Part-time work can usually cover a large part of your rent, food and daily expenses, but it may not fully cover tuition fees.
Related Guides
- LLM in Australia for Indian Students – Complete Guide
- Jobs after LLM in Australia for Indian Lawyers (2026)
- Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Australia in 2026
- Best Universities in Australia for Law and LLM
- Is LLM Abroad Valid in India in 2026?
Final Verdict
The cost of an LLM in Australia for Indian students in 2026 usually ranges from ₹26 lakh to ₹45 lakh.
If you want prestige and global ranking, universities like Melbourne, Sydney and UNSW are excellent choices. However, if you want a more affordable route, Adelaide, Tasmania and regional universities offer much better value.
Most importantly, do not choose a university based only on ranking. Instead, compare:
- Tuition fee
- Living cost in that city
- Scholarship availability
- Internship and job opportunities
- Post-study work prospects
A slightly cheaper university in a more affordable city may save you several lakhs without reducing your career opportunities.
