Planning to study in Australia from Nepal? Understanding the full financial picture is essential before you embark on this journey. From tuition fees and visa costs to living expenses and health insurance, Nepali students need to budget for various major cost categories. This guide breaks down all the key expenses and gives a realistic estimate, helping you plan your study abroad budget effectively.
Table of Contents
- Total Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal
- Tuition Fees in Australia for International Students
- Vocational Education & Training (VET) — Certificate, Diploma & Advanced Diploma
- Undergraduate / Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Master’s Degree (Coursework & Research)
- Living Expenses in Australia for International Students
- Visa and Pre-Departure Costs of Australia for International Students
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia for International Students
- Financial Requirements & Proof of Funds for an Australian Student Visa
- Conclusion
- FAQs - Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal
Total Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal
For most Nepali students, the total first-year cost to study in Australia generally ranges between AUD 35,000 to 65,000 or more, depending on the course, university, city, and lifestyle. This amount includes tuition fees (AUD 10,000 to 50,000, depending on the program), living expenses as required by the Australian Government (around AUD 29,710 per year), visa application fees, OSHC health insurance, and pre-departure costs such as English tests, biometrics, medical examinations, and airfare.
While the exact amount varies by program and personal choices, this is a practical budget range for Nepali students planning their first year in Australia. The detailed breakdown of these costs has been presented below:
Tuition Fees in Australia for International Students
Tuition fees in Australia vary widely depending on the program level, university ranking, and field of study. International students generally pay between AUD 10,000 and AUD 50,000 per year, with VET courses being the most affordable and high-demand degrees like Nursing, IT, Engineering, and Health Sciences being on the higher end.
Vocational Education & Training (VET) — Certificate, Diploma & Advanced Diploma
Cost Range: AUD 10,000 – 14,000 per year
VET programs are popular among Nepali students because they offer:
- Hands-on, skills-based training
- Lower tuition cost
- Easy pathways to higher education or work
Common VET courses include:
- Hospitality
- Aged Care / Disability Care
- Commercial Cookery
- IT Support
- Business & Leadership
Undergraduate / Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Cost Range: AUD 20,000 – 45,000 per year
Bachelor’s programs are more academically demanding and costlier, especially in high-demand fields.
Course-wise tuition estimate:
- Business / Accounting: AUD 22,000 – 38,000
- IT / Computer Science: AUD 30,000 – 42,000
- Engineering: AUD 35,000 – 48,000
- Nursing: AUD 30,000 – 45,000
- Health / Biomedical / Pharmacy: AUD 32,000 – 50,000
- Arts / Humanities: AUD 20,000 – 32,000
Master’s Degree (Coursework & Research)
Cost Range: AUD 22,000 – 50,000 per year
Postgraduate programs usually cost more due to advanced facilities, industry placement, and research components.
Estimated postgraduate fees by field:
- MBA: AUD 32,000 – 55,000
- IT / Cybersecurity: AUD 28,000 – 45,000
- Engineering: AUD 30,000 – 45,000
- Public Health: AUD 30,000 – 40,000
- Professional Accounting: AUD 24,000 – 38,000
- Nursing (Postgraduate): AUD 30,000 – 42,000
- Agribusiness / Environmental Sciences: AUD 24,000 – 35,000
Master’s by Research may cost slightly less and sometimes include funding opportunities.
Living Expenses in Australia for International Students
Living costs in Australia vary significantly depending on the city, accommodation type, and lifestyle. The Australian government recommends a minimum amount of AUD 29,710 per year as proof of funds for visa purposes, but actual costs may vary.
Breakdown of major living costs:
- Accommodation: Shared apartment or on-campus housing can cost AUD 800 to 1,200 per month, depending on the location. Private flats or studio apartments may cost even more.
- Food & Groceries: Around AUD 4,000 to 8,000 per year.
- Utilities & Internet: AUD 1,200–1,800 per year.
- Transportation: AUD 1,200 to 2,400 per year, depending on how much you travel.
- Personal & Miscellaneous: Phone, entertainment, study materials, etc., can cost a few thousand AUD per year.
Visa and Pre-Departure Costs of Australia for International Students
Before traveling to Australia, international students must prepare for several one-time expenses such as visa fees, biometrics, health examinations, English tests, documentation, and airfare. These upfront costs typically range between AUD 3,500 to 4,500.
Breakdown of the major costs:
- Student Visa Application Fee: AUD 2,000
- Biometrics Fee: Approx. NPR 2,300 - 2,500 (AUD 25 - 30)
- Medical Examination: Approx. NPR 10,000 (AUD 110)
- English Test Preparation + Exam: Approx. NPR 40,000 (AUD 435)
- Documentation (Ward documents, Property Valuation, CA Report, Translations, and Attestations) - NPR 10,000 - 15,000 (AUD 110 - 165)
- Airfare - NPR 100,000 - 150,000 (AUD 1,090 - 1,635)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in Australia for International Students
OSHC is mandatory for international students in Australia. The international students need to purchase the OSHC for their entire stay duration upfront and need the purchase certificate for the visa lodgement process. The cover protects you in case of medical emergencies and everyday health-related issues during your stay in Australia.
OSHC typically costs AUD 500 to 800 per year, depending on the provider.
You can explore and compare policies directly on the providers' official websites:
- AHM OSHC
- Allianz Care Australia OSHC
- Bupa Australia OSHC
- CBHS International Health OSHC
- Medibank Private OSHC
- NIB OSHC
Financial Requirements & Proof of Funds for an Australian Student Visa
For international students applying for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), the minimum financial requirement generally includes proof of at least AUD 29,710 for annual living expenses, one year of tuition fees, and travel costs of around AUD 2,500. This amount ensures that students can cover their basic living costs, studies, and initial travel without financial stress.
Accepted sources of funds include bank savings, education loans, fixed deposits, income statements, and sponsor funds from immediate family members such as parents or legal guardians. The funds must be verifiable, legally sourced, and clearly documented through bank statements, loan sanction letters, income proofs, or property/income valuation as required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Conclusion
Studying in Australia is a valuable investment that offers world-class education, globally recognised degrees, and strong career opportunities. By understanding the complete cost structure, from tuition fees and living expenses to visa, OSHC, and pre-departure requirements, international students can plan their journey with clarity and confidence. With the right financial preparation and guidance, studying in Australia becomes not just achievable but a rewarding step toward a successful future.
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FAQs - Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal
1. What is the total cost of studying in Australia?
The total first-year cost for Nepali students typically ranges from AUD 35,000 to 65,000+, including tuition fees, living expenses, visa fees, OSHC, and pre-departure costs. The amount varies based on the course, city, and lifestyle.
2. How much does 4 years of tuition cost?
A 4-year bachelor’s degree generally costs between AUD 80,000 and 160,000, depending on the university and field of study. Programs like Nursing, IT, and Engineering are usually on the higher end.
3. Is there a 100% scholarship in Australia?
Yes, but they are very competitive and mostly offered by top universities or government programs such as Australia Awards Scholarships. Most Nepali students typically receive 10%–50% tuition scholarships based on merit.
4. Can I get PR if I study in Australia?
Yes. Many international students obtain PR after completing eligible qualifications, gaining work experience, and meeting points-test requirements. PR eligibility depends on your occupation, course, and the migration rules at the time.
5. Can I get PR after 2 years in Australia?
It’s possible but not guaranteed. Completing a CRICOS-registered 2-year course, meeting English requirements, and working in a skilled occupation can make you eligible for visas like 485 (Post-Study Work) or points-based PR pathways, but rules vary by year and location.
6. Which course is best for the Australia PR?
Courses linked to high-demand occupations offer better PR prospects. Popular PR-friendly fields include:
- Nursing & Midwifery
- Aged Care & Community Services
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
- IT & Cybersecurity
- Accounting
- Social Work
- Teaching (Early Childhood, Secondary)
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