Study in Australia from Nepal: Costs, Visa and Work Rights
Nepali students study in Australia on a Subclass 500 student visa. You need a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered course, answers to the Genuine Student questions, proof of funds for tuition, travel and living costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover. During study periods you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and eligible graduates can apply for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
By Hub International Education counsellors · Updated
- Visa
- Student visa (subclass 500)
- Main intakes
- February and July
- Work during study
- Up to 48 hours per fortnight
- After study
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
What it costs
Tuition depends on the level and course. Vocational diplomas sit at the lower end, bachelor’s and master’s degrees higher, and medicine and some health courses far higher. Many master’s degrees in Australia take 1.5–2 years, so budget for the full course, not just one year.
For the visa you must show money for tuition, travel and the annual living-cost amount set by the Department of Home Affairs. That amount has gone up several times recently, so check the current figure before you prepare your bank documents. The visa application fee has also risen sharply.
| Cost | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Diploma / VET | Lowest tuition; check the provider’s fee |
| Bachelor’s and master’s | Mid to high tuition; varies by university and field |
| Living costs | Visa minimum set by Home Affairs; Sydney and Melbourne cost the most |
| OSHC | Required for the full visa period |
Subclass 500 visa from Nepal
Australia has also introduced limits on new international student numbers and uses processing priorities, so apply early and choose courses that clearly fit your study history.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered course.
- Genuine Student (GS) answers about your background, course choice and future plans.
- Financial capacity: bank balance, education loan or sponsor income, supported by CA valuation and tax documents.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- IELTS, PTE or another accepted English test.
- Health examination and biometrics if requested.
Work during and after study
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. After an eligible bachelor’s or master’s, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets you stay and work; the length and age limits depend on your qualification and have changed recently, so check the current rules.
Australia or Ireland?
Most taught master’s degrees in Ireland take one year, compared with 1.5–2 years in Australia, and Ireland’s visa fee and living-cost requirement are lower. Australia has a larger Nepali community and more vocational options. If cost and time matter most, compare a one-year Irish master’s before deciding.
Step by step
- 1
Free counselling
Discuss your course, budget and Genuine Student story with a counsellor.
- 2
English test
Take IELTS or PTE; PTE is widely used for Australia.
- 3
Offer and CoE
Accept an offer, pay the deposit and buy OSHC to receive your CoE.
- 4
Funds and documents
Prepare bank, loan, CA valuation, tax and relationship documents.
- 5
Lodge the visa
Apply online for the subclass 500 visa and complete health checks.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Australia from Nepal?
It depends on the course and city. Budget for full-course tuition, the Home Affairs living-cost amount for each year, OSHC, the visa fee and flights. Master’s degrees often take 1.5–2 years, which raises the total.
What is the Genuine Student requirement?
It replaced the GTE in 2024. You answer questions about your circumstances, why you chose the course and provider, and how it helps your future, so the Department can judge whether you are a genuine student.
How many hours can students work in Australia?
Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
Can I study in Australia after +2 from Nepal?
Yes. Depending on your NEB +2 grades and English score, you can apply for a bachelor’s degree, a diploma or a foundation pathway.
Is Australia or Ireland cheaper for Nepalese students?
For a master’s, Ireland is often cheaper overall because most taught courses take one year and its visa fee and funds requirement are lower. Rent in Dublin and Sydney is high in both cases.
Get free counselling
Visit our head office at Hattisar, Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu, any of our branches, or call 01-5342096.
Book a free session