Study In Australia
Top Universities, Courses, Cost & Scholarships
Why Study in Australia?
Today, Australia is one of the top study-abroad destinations that attracts more than 780,000 international students from over 192 countries every year. This growth is very significant, especially among Nepalese students, with the number reaching 95,971 in recent years. This is why Australia has emerged as a global leader in terms of international education.
The top and most affordable Australian universities are globally recognized for their excellence in providing students with a top-notch education. Besides academics, Australia has other great things to offer that contribute to students’ personal and professional growth.
Australia has produced more than 3 million international graduates from some of its most reputed universities. For international students to study in Australia, the first and foremost step is to obtain an Australian student visa.
The student visa process in Australia is fairly simple. Currently, the Australian student visa is accessible to almost all countries. Australia is an appealing draw that offers everything a student needs for a surreal and successful academic experience.
Benefits of Studying in Australia for International Students:
- Top-ranking Universities: Australia has about 38 globally recognized QS-ranking universities that offer full-time opportunities and internships.
- Scholarships: Scholarships of almost AUD 20,000 are offered to international students who study in Australia.
- Affordable: Australia has cheap tuition fees and allows international students to choose from more than 22,000 courses across 1,100 institutions.
- Straightforward Australia student visa process: The Australian student visa is quick and straightforward, with an acceptance rate of 85% – 87%.
- Post-study work opportunities: The high standard of education in Australia leads to better employment and job prospects. Post-study work permits allow international students to work for 2-3 years.
About Australia Student Visa:
Universities in Australia are ranked for various courses and programs across 51 disciplines of Engineering, Business courses, Arts & Humanities and Medicine courses and Sciences to study in Australia.
Types of Australian Student Visas:
- Australia student visa (subclass 500): Lasts up to 5 years
- Visitor visa (subclass 600,601,651): Maximum 3 months of study
- Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 and 462): Maximum 4 months of study
- Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590): For a guardian accompanying the international student in Australia and has 3 months of study
- Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485): Students completing education in Australia and staying back to gain work experience for 4.5 years
- Training visa (subclass 407): Students coming to Australia temporarily either for occupational training or professional development
Next EduPath can help you to obtain an Australia Student Visa with the highest chance of success. Next EduPath helps students identify the right course and college in Australia that can set them on the path to a successful career.
Australia Study Visa Requirements:
This is everything Nepalese students need to know about applying for an Australia study visa, including requirements, documents, and the application process.
- Valid passport: A student needs a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your planned stay in Australia.
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) or an offer letter from a desired university in Australia.
- Financial proof: The candidate must have enough funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- English proficiency scores: Proof of English language proficiency scores through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE (unless exempt).
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Must have health insurance covering their medical expenses during their stay in Australia.
- Genuine Intent: A statement explaining a student’s intent to study in Australia temporarily and return to Nepal upon completion of education.
- Visa Application Form & Fees: Completed visa application form (subclass 500) and along with the required fees for Nepalese students.
- Academic documents: Copies of academic transcripts, certificates, and qualifications from previous institutions to support your application.
- Character & Health Requirements: Police clearance certificates and a health examination may be required for Nepalese students.
How to Apply for an Australia Student Visa?
Students can apply for an Australian student visa for a maximum of two months before the commencement of the course in Australia and travel to Australia 90 days before the beginning of the course.
Below are the steps for international students applying for an Australia study visa:
- Receive an unconditional offer letter from a recognized university in Australia.
- Collect all the required financial and personal documents.
- Apply by filling out the Australia student visa (Subclass 500) form and pay the required application fee.
- Schedule an appointment for biometrics and medical checkups approved by the Australian immigration panel physician.
- Await the approval of the Australia student visa, which is electronic and sent by email or postal address.
If you’re unsure how to apply for a study visa in Australia, following these steps carefully will help ensure a smooth application process.
Australia Student Visa Fees:
The fee for all Australian student visas is the same, irrespective of the type of subclass 500. The fee is AUD 620, with an additional fee charged that the applicant must pay. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are acceptable modes of payment.
Total Australia student visa fees (as per the age of the student):
| Age Category | Visa Fee (AUD) | Australia Student Visa Fee in Nepalese Rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 years of Age | AUD 800 | ~ NPR 43,776 |
| Above 18 years of Age | AUD 1090 | ~ NPR 59,688 |
For students from Nepal, it’s important to check the Australia study visa fees in Nepalese rupees, as the exchange rate may vary. The above fees are typically calculated in Australian dollars, and converting them into Nepalese rupees will give you the exact cost to pay for the Australian student visa fees.
Australia Study Visa Processing Time The Australian student visa processing time in 2024 is 53 days. All student visa applications are under priority order Ministerial Direction no 107. They are processed in date order in each priority category, whereas the lower ones are processed later.
Therefore, it is highly advised to apply for the Australia visa processing time well in advance, that is, 124 days before the commencement of the course in Australia. Australia has multiple reasons for attracting international students from all around the world. Like all other countries, studying in Australia has become a little expensive.
Australian Education System Australia has a well-structured education system, generally divided into three parts: primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Higher education in Australia includes vocational education and training (VET), English language courses, and undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) operates the education system in Australia, ensuring the same quality across all levels of education. For international students who are studying in Australia, it offers them a wide variety of master’s programs and PhD programs.
Structure of Education in Australia:
Australia’s education system has 10 levels of degrees, from certificate 1 to doctorate. Below is the table that outlines the levels of study:
| Level of Study | Description |
|---|---|
| Diploma (Level 5) | Students gain the specialized knowledge and skills required for professional work and further learning. This course takes 1-2 years to complete. |
| Associate/Advanced Diploma (Level 6) | Students receive knowledge and skills for paraprofessional skilled work, which takes about 1.5 – 2 years to complete. |
| Bachelor’s (Level 7) | This is also called an undergraduate course, which lasts 3 – 4 years and provides knowledge about professional work. |
| Bachelor’s Honors (Level 8) | This specialized undergraduate degree provides advanced knowledge and skills for highly skilled work. This course takes 0.5 – 1 year to complete. |
| Masters (Level 9) | After graduation, this expert-level degree takes 1 – 2 years to complete. |
| Doctorate (Level 10) | A post-graduation degree that takes 3 – 4 years to complete. |
Types of Higher Education Institutions in Australia:
| Type of Institution | Description |
|---|---|
| Public Universities | Operated by the government of Australia and include some of the best universities in the country. |
| Private Universities | Offer shorter-term degree courses focusing on specialized fields, including religious courses. |
| Institutes of Technology / Australian Technology Network (ATN) | Focus on technology and practical education, providing students with hands-on experience in various fields. |
| TAFE (Technical and Further Education) | Focus on vocational courses, apprenticeships, and work experience, offering practical learning opportunities. |
| Private Colleges | Offer undergraduate and graduate programs to students looking for more specialized and flexible learning paths. |
Australia’s New Visa Rules 2024/25:
On March 23, 2024, Australia brought in 5 major new changes in the rules of immigration laws for international students. These rules are as follows:
- Replacement of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) with Genuine Student (GS): The student must answer a set of questions in 150 words or less for the immigration department to evaluate the student visa application.
- Revised Language Eligibility Scores: The minimum score for demonstrating English proficiency has increased from 6.0 to 6.5. The validity of these tests is now reduced from 3 years to 1 year.
- Increased Financial Requirement: International students must now demonstrate savings of at least $29,710, reflecting a 21% increase (AUD 5,205).
- Reduction of Age Limit: The maximum age limit for students applying for an Australian student visa is now lowered to 35 years from 50 years.
- Condition of ‘No Further Condition’: International students who have completed their study period and visa validity are not allowed to apply for a work visa or permanent residency while in Australia, except under specific conditions approved by the government.
Top Universities to Study in Australia:
Australia’s education system attracts over 700,000 students globally. Below are the top universities in Australia, their QS rankings, and average tuition fees:
| QS Ranking | Name of the University | Average Annual Tuition Fees (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | Australian National University | AUD 33,000 – 50,000 |
| 38 | University of Sydney | AUD 30,000 – 59,000 |
| 37 | University of Melbourne | AUD 30,000 – 48,000 |
| 43 | University of New South Wales (UNSW) | AUD 16,000 – 40,000 |
| 47 | University of Queensland (UQ) | AUD 30,000 – 43,000 |
| 58 | Monash University | AUD 25,000 – 37,000 |
| 93 | University of Western Australia | AUD 23,000 – 53,000 |
| 108 | University of Adelaide | AUD 23,000 – 53,000 |
| 133 | University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | AUD 20,000 – 37,000 |
| 193 | University of Wollongong | AUD 20,000 – 30,000 |
Popular Courses to Study in Australia:
Here are the most popular courses in Australia that attract international students:
| Name of the Course | Top Universities | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accountancy | University of Melbourne, Australian National University | AUD 50,000 – 90,000 |
| Actuarial Science | Australian National University, University of New South Wales | AUD 60,000 – 100,000 |
| Agricultural Sciences | University of Melbourne, University of Queensland | AUD 45,000 – 80,000 |
| Architecture | University of Sydney, RMIT University | AUD 55,000 – 75,000 |
| Biomedical Engineering | Monash University, University of New South Wales | AUD 60,000 – 100,000 |
| Core Engineering | Australian National University, University of Melbourne | AUD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Earth Sciences | University of Western Australia, University of Queensland | AUD 30,000 – 45,000 |
| Psychology | University of Sydney, Monash University | AUD 50,000 – 90,000 |
| Computer Science & IT | Australian National University, University of Melbourne | AUD 40,000 – 60,000 |
| Tourism & Hospitality | Griffith University, University of Queensland | AUD 45,000 – 70,000 |
Confused about the course you should choose? Avail Next EduPath Course Recommendation Services to get personalized assistance!
Admission Requirements for Studying in Australia
The admission requirements for international students who want to study at Australian universities vary based on their course level and the specific university.
Below is a list of all Australian student visa requirements for Nepalese students:
- Electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (eCoE) certificate
- Clear statement proving the intention and purpose of the student to study in Australia and not settle down
- Application fee for the Australian student visa
- A valid passport
- Academic documents and transcripts from the previous institution
- Four recently clicked passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial ability (living expenses, expenses of documents, tuition fees) so that the student can fund their stay in Australia
- 2 – 3 Letters of recommendation from concerned people
- Health Insurance policy (OSHC)
Financial Considerations to Study in Australia
The cost of studying in Australia for international students is AUD 29,710 per year. While Australia has a steady influx of international students, the cost of living in Australia has also increased.
Australia has many reasons for attracting international students from all around the world. Like all other countries, studying in Australia has become slightly more expensive.
Tuition fees in Australia vary depending on the course and the university attended by international students. Here is a breakdown of the cost of studying in Australia based on the level of courses pursued:
Average Costs by Education Level in Australia
These figures do not include high-value courses such as veterinary or medical degrees, which may have slightly higher tuition fees. According to the official fee estimates provided by the Australian National University, the total annual cost of studying for an undergraduate degree in Australia is around AUD 42,560 for a Bachelor of Arts program and AUD 47,940 for a Bachelor of Science or Medical Science program.
| Level of Education | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | AUD 20,000 – 45,000 |
| Postgraduate Master’s degree | AUD 22,000 – 50,000 |
| Doctoral degree | AUD 18,000 – 42,000 |
| Vocational Education and Training | AUD 4,000 – 22,000 |
| English Language Studies | AUD 50,000 – 90,000 per week |
Living Expenses in Australia for Nepalese Students
Apart from studying, international students must consider the cost of living in Australia. These costs vary based on location and type of accommodation. Below are the estimated costs per month based on accommodation, food, utilities, and entertainment:
| Expenses | Cost of Expenses (per week) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 160 – 440 |
| Food and Groceries | AUD 140 – 280 |
| Transportation | AUD 30 – 60 |
| Gas and Electricity | AUD 10 – 20 |
| Phone and Internet | AUD 15 – 30 |
| Entertainment | AUD 80 – 150 |
Types of Accommodation:
| Type of Accommodation | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel and guesthouses | AUD 90 – 150 per week |
| Shared Rental | AUD 95 – 215 per week |
| On campus | AUD 110 – 180 per week |
| Homestay | AUD 235 – 325 per week |
| Rental | AUD 185 – 440 per week |
| Boarding schools | AUD 11,000 – 22,000 per year |
City-wise Cost of Studying in Australia
When considering Australian universities, applicants should always check the cities, their location, and cost of living. While some Australian cities can be expensive, others may be more affordable.
Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is the most expensive city, while Darwin is the most inexpensive city. Therefore, applicants who want to save on living expenses can shortlist universities based on their location.
Below is a table showing the city-wise living expense for Nepalese students:
| City | Average Expense per Week (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Adelaide | AUD 571.5 |
| Melbourne | AUD 643.5 |
| Sydney | AUD 690.5 |
| Perth | AUD 619.5 |
| Brisbane | AUD 610.5 |
| Canberra | AUD 700.5 |
| Hobart | AUD 583.5 |
| Darwin | AUD 546.5 |
Scholarships to Study in Australia
Are you a Nepalese student looking to save money and start your study adventure in Australia?
A variety of scholarships are available for international students to study in Australia. Over 1,000 scholarships for international students are available at top Australian universities for the academic year 2025-2026.
These scholarships offer an average monthly stipend of AUD $20,000, tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and a travel allowance.
Over 120,000+ scholarships to Australia are available for international students. These scholarships are offered by universities or government-funded bodies.
Here are some of the scholarships available for Nepalese students:
Scholarships for Nepalese Students to Study in Australia
Which scholarships can I get to study in Australia?
| Name of the Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Award Scholarship | Graduates applying for engineering, construction, energy, and resources | Full tuition fee, some part of living expenses, Overseas student health care cover, and Air travel |
| Global Excellence Scholarship | Undergraduate and Post-graduate | Varies by university |
| Australian Government Research and Training Program | Undergraduate and graduate courses in the department of education by certain universities | Full tuition fee + Partial stipend |
| Destination Australia International scholarship | Research, postgraduate, and undergraduate studies in regional Australian Universities | AUD 45,000 – 60,000 |
| Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship | Women researchers in the fields of science, math, Technology, and Engineering | AUD 300 a month + establishment and travel allowance |
| International Postgraduate Research Fellowships | Students pursuing postgraduate research degrees | Covers tuition fee + health insurance |
Education Loan Options for Nepalese Students to Study in Australia
Enrolment rates in Australian universities are increasing by 4-5% each year. Nepalese students who wish to study in Australia for higher education must pay the total tuition fees before leaving their country of departure. Only a limited number of banks on Australia’s acceptable list can offer educational loans to international students. Other than scholarships, students choose education loans to study in Australia. Here is a list of secured and unsecured loans for Australia:
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for an Education Loan to Study in Australia
- The student must be a citizen of Nepal.
- The student must have obtained confirmation of acceptance from a recognized university in Australia.
- The candidate must have a strong academic record.
- The student must have a minimum age of 18.
Work Opportunities for Nepalese Students in Australia
An individual requires a new visa if they wish to stay and work part-time while studying in Australia upon completion of studies. After completing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctoral degree, an individual is eligible for post-study work in Australia for the temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa stream. In many cases, the employer also sponsors the new visa.
After availing of the Australia student visa (subclass 500), students can work part-time while studying in Australia in any field during their stay. They can work 20 hours a week during their term classes. During breaks, international students can work for unlimited hours in Australia. However, research and PhD students can work part-time for unlimited hours during their research period.
Recently, the government of Australia has permitted international students to work even before the commencement of the course. International students get to work with the best brands in the market that can help them advance their careers. With part-time work while studying in Australia, international students can earn an average hourly pay of AUD 34.64.
Part-Time Work Regulations
- International students studying in Australia are permitted to work part-time while studying in Australia for 20 hours a week or 40 hours a fortnight.
- Students can take up employment until their session begins.
- If the fieldwork is a normal part of the curriculum of the course they are studying and they are enrolled in, then this limit does not apply. This is applicable in the case of compulsory internships of integrated courses.
- Research and PhD students can work part-time while studying in Australia for unlimited hours during their research period.
- Students enrolled in an Australian student visa cannot apply for a Post Study Work in Australia.
