Australia has become the preferred study destination for thousands of Nepali students due to its high-quality universities, multicultural environment, flexible work opportunities, and globally recognized degrees. Before starting your academic journey, it’s essential to understand the complete cost breakdown, including tuition, accommodation, visa fees, OSHC insurance, and financial capacity requirements for the Australian student visa (Subclass 500). This guide provides updated cost insights for 2026 to help you plan effectively and make informed decisions.

Table of Contents

1. Study in Australia from Nepal
2. Total Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal
3. Tuition Fee in Australia for International Students
4. Living Expenses in Australia for International Students
5. Cost of Health Insurance (OSHC) in Australia for International Students
6. Travel Costs for Australia from Nepal
7. Student Visa Costs for Australia from Nepal (Subclass 500)
8. How Much Bank Balance is Required for Australia Student Visa From Nepal?
9. Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in Australia
10. Part-Time Work Opportunities for International Students in Australia
11. Tips for Nepalese Students to Manage Study Costs in Australia
12. Key Takeaways: Total Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal
13. Conclusion
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Study in Australia from Nepal

Studying in Australia provides Nepali students access to top-ranking institutions, modern facilities, part-time work options, and post-study career pathways. Programs are available at diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s levels with flexible entry requirements. Australian universities are consistently ranked among the world’s best, offering diverse programs in business, IT, nursing, engineering, accounting, hospitality, agriculture, and more. With a strong Nepali community and a safe environment, Australia is one of the most welcoming destinations for international students.

Total Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal

The total cost to study in Australia from Nepal typically ranges from AUD 30,000 to 70,000 annually, depending on course choice, living location, and lifestyle.

Cost Breakdown:

• Tuition Fees: AUD 12,000 to 55,000 per year
• Living Expenses: AUD 29,710 per year (updated DHA requirement)
• OSHC Health Insurance: AUD 500 to 800 per year
• Visa Fee: AUD 2,000
• Travel Costs: AUD 4,000
• Total Estimated Annual Cost: AUD 30,000 to 70,000

Tuition Fee in Australia for International Students

Tuition fee is the biggest expense for international students and can range from AUD 12,000 to 55,000, depending on the course level and institution. Vocational courses are the most affordable, while medical and engineering programs are higher priced. Costs differ among universities, with regional universities generally offering lower tuition fees and more scholarships.

Estimated Costs:

• Diploma/Trade Courses: AUD 12,000 to 18,000 per year
• Bachelor’s Degrees: AUD 25,000 to 45,000 per year
• Master’s Degrees: AUD 28,000 to 55,000 per year 

Living Expenses in Australia for International Students

The Department of Home Affairs requires international students to show AUD 29,710 for annual living expenses, but the actual costs vary by state and lifestyle.

Detailed Breakdown:

• Accommodation: AUD 150 to 350/week
• Food & Groceries: AUD 80 to 150/week
• Transport: AUD 20 to 50/week
• Phone/Internet: AUD 15 to 30/week
• Personal Expenses: AUD 50 to 120/week

Estimated monthly living cost: AUD 1,800 to 2,300

Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are higher cost, while Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, and regional areas are more affordable.

Australian State/City	Monthly Living Costs (AUD)	Cost Level
New South Wales (Sydney)	AUD 2,000 to 2,600	Very High
Victoria (Melbourne)	AUD 1,700 to 2,200	High
Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast)	AUD 1,400 to 1,900	Moderate
Western Australia (Perth)	AUD 1,400 to 1,800	Moderate
South Australia (Adelaide)	AUD 1,300 to 1,700	Affordable
ACT (Canberra)	AUD 1,500 to 2,000	High
Tasmania (Hobart)	AUD 1,200 to 1,700	Affordable
Northern Territory (Darwin)	AUD 1,400 to 1,900	Moderate

Cost of Health Insurance (OSHC) in Australia for International Students

OSHC is mandatory for international students, covering essential medical and hospital services.

Estimated Costs:

• Single Student OSHC: AUD 500 to 800 per year
• Couple OSHC: AUD 4,500 to 5,500 per year
• Family OSHC: AUD 9,000 to 14,000+ per year

Major providers include Allianz Care, Medibank, nib, Bupa, and ahm.

You can compare the policies and costs of the providers through OSHC Australia.

Travel Costs for Australia from Nepal

Flight costs from Nepal to Australia depend on the season, airline, and destination city, and the one-way airfare may cost around NPR 100,000 to 200,000 (AUD 1,075 to 2,150).

Student Visa Costs for Australia from Nepal (Subclass 500)

The total cost of a student visa to Australia from Nepal includes the visa application fee, medical checkup charges, biometrics, and VFS fees.

• Student Visa (Subclass 500): AUD 2,000 (Approx. NPR 186,000)
• Medical examination: NPR 9,000 to 12,000   
• Biometrics: NPR 2,300 to 2,500  

How Much Bank Balance is Required for Australia Student Visa From Nepal?

To apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), Nepali students must show sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other essentials. As per the latest financial requirement guidelines, students must demonstrate access to:

• Living Costs: Minimum AUD 29,710 per year for the primary applicant.
• Tuition Fees: Proof of payment or funds to cover one year of tuition, generally AUD 12,000 to 55,000, depending on the course and institution.
• Travel Costs: At least AUD 4,000 for airfare from Nepal to Australia and return.
• Dependent Costs (if applicable):
  • Spouse: AUD 10,394 per year
  • Child: AUD 4,449 per year
• Schooling Costs for each Dependent Child: Minimum AUD 13,502 per year (if applicable)

Total Estimated Bank Balance Required

For a single student, the approximate bank balance requirement usually falls around AUD $60,000 for living costs, one year of tuition fees, travel expenses, and supporting income documents. On average, families present NPR 60 to 65 lakhs, depending on the course and city.

Accepted Financial Documents Include:

• Bank balance certificate
• Bank statements (generally 6 to 12 months)
• Education loan approval letter
• Income source documents (salary, business, rental, agriculture, etc.)
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Proof of OSHC purchase

Tip: The fund must be from a genuine, verifiable source and must align with your academic and financial profile to ensure visa success.

Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in Australia

Australia offers a wide range of scholarships for international students to reduce tuition fees and support living costs. Nepali students can apply for government scholarships, university-based merit awards, and departmental bursaries depending on their academic performance, English scores, and program level.

1. Government-Funded Scholarships

The Australian Government provides prestigious scholarships for outstanding students:

• Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) – Covers full tuition, living costs, health insurance, and travel.
• Destination Australia Scholarship – Offers up to AUD 15,000 to 22,500 per year for students studying in regional areas.
• Research Training Program (RTP) – Supports master’s by research and PhD students with full or partial funding.

These are competitive but offer the highest financial support.

2. University-Specific Scholarships (Most Common)

Almost every Australian university offers merit-based discounts ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on GPA and academic history.

Popular options include:

• Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
• International Student Excellence Scholarships
• Merit-Based Tuition Fee Waivers
• Faculty/Departmental Bursaries

Students with strong GPAs and English scores often secure these automatically during admission.

3. Scholarships for Diploma & Vocational Students

Many TAFE institutes and private colleges offer:

• 5% to 25% fee reductions
• Early-bird discounts
• Regional campus bursaries

These are easier to obtain and are suitable for students seeking affordable pathways.

4. Eligibility & Requirements

Most scholarship applications require:

• Strong academic performance 
• Strong English proficiency
• A compelling SOP or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation (for higher-value scholarships)

Some competitive scholarships may require community involvement or leadership experience.

5. Benefits for International Students

Scholarships help international students:

• Reduce tuition expenses significantly
• Study in top Australian universities
• Increase visa approval chances
• Access better academic and career opportunities
• Stand out for professional roles and PR pathways

Part-Time Work Opportunities for International Students in Australia

Australia allows students to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during breaks, offering great financial support.

Common Student Jobs:

• Retail assistant
• Hospitality staff
• Restaurant/ café worker
• Delivery riders
• Aged-care assistant
• Admin support
• Warehouse jobs

Expected Earnings for Students:

• AUD 20 to 35 per hour, depending on the job and location.

Nepali students can comfortably manage part of their living expenses through part-time work.

Tips for Nepalese Students to Manage Study Costs in Australia

Managing study costs in Australia becomes easier when Nepali students plan smartly, use budgeting techniques, and take advantage of scholarships, part-time work, and affordable living options. With the right strategies, you can significantly reduce your overall expenses and maintain financial stability throughout your studies.

Practical Tips:

• Choose regional universities for lower tuition fees
• Apply early for scholarships
• Share accommodation to reduce rent
• Use public transport and student discounts
• Work part-time in high-demand sectors
• Manage expenses with budgeting apps
• Purchase essentials during sales or from affordable stores like Kmart/Aldi
• Cook at home instead of eating out.

Key Takeaways: Total Cost to Study in Australia from Nepal

• The overall cost to study in Australia typically ranges from AUD 35,000 to 60,000 per year, depending on tuition fees, living costs, visa charges, and insurance.
• Tuition fees are the largest expense, averaging AUD 12,000 to 55,000 per year, depending on the program level and university ranking.
• Living costs vary by state, ranging from AUD 18,000 to 30,000+ per year, with Sydney and Melbourne being the most expensive and Adelaide, Hobart, and Perth being more affordable.
• Students must also consider OSHC health insurance, costing AUD 500 to 800 per year for a single student, depending on the duration and provider.
• The student visa (Subclass 500) requires a base fee of AUD 2,000, plus additional charges for biometrics and medical examinations.
• Proof of funds is mandatory. Students must show bank balance or education loans, tuition deposits, and living cost proof for themselves (and dependents if applicable).
• Additional expenses include airfare, accommodation setup, textbooks, transportation, and utilities, which can add AUD 2,000 to 4,000 initially.
• Planning a realistic yearly budget helps avoid financial strain and strengthens the student visa application.

Conclusion

Studying in Australia offers Nepali students world-class education, multicultural exposure, and strong career pathways, but understanding the total cost is essential for proper planning. From tuition fees and living expenses to visa charges, OSHC, and travel costs, having a clear financial roadmap ensures a smooth transition to your Australian academic journey. With smart budgeting, access to scholarships, and part-time work opportunities, studying in Australia becomes more achievable and financially manageable for students from Nepal.

Planning to study in Australia and need expert guidance?

Visit Possible International Educational Consultancy! Our experienced team helps Nepali students with university selection, financial documentation, scholarship guidance, application processing, and complete visa support, all tailored to your budget and study goals.

Start your Australia study journey with confidence.

Contact us today for a free counselling session and personalized cost assessment!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total cost of studying in Australia?

The total cost of studying in Australia typically ranges from AUD 30,000 to 55,000 per year, including tuition fees, living expenses, OSHC, visa fees, and travel.

2. How much bank balance is required for Australia from Nepal?

Nepali students must show financial capacity covering one year of tuition, AUD 29,710 for living costs, AUD 4,000 for travel expenses, and supporting income documents. This usually totals NPR 60 to 65 lakhs, depending on the course and location.

3. Is there a 100% scholarship in Australia?

Yes, a few top Australian universities offer fully funded (100%) scholarships, but they are very competitive. Most students can access partial scholarships ranging from 10% to 50% off tuition fees.

4. Is 20k enough to move to Australia?

AUD 20,000 may not be enough for most students. You’ll need to cover living costs, initial accommodation, and unpaid waiting periods before finding part-time work, which usually requires AUD 25,000+ excluding tuition. 

5. How much GPA is required to study in Australia from Nepal?

Most Australian institutions require a minimum of 2.80 GPA for Diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree programs. Competitive universities may require higher scores.