For well over several years, Australia has remained a favored study destination for Nepalese students, and the charm increased even further in 2026. The study in Australia opens the doors to not just a degree but a globally competitive future, as a degree from an internationally recognised university, combined with post-study work opportunities, and, above all, a safe and multicultural lifestyle, guarantees everything.
However, with the changing visa policies and stricter financial requirements have turned this dream has turned into a reality that can only be achieved through proper planning and accurate information
Getting the offer letter seems to be the focus of most students. But the realities seem to hit hard much earlier. The cost of studying in Australia is so much more than just tuition fees. Other costs include living expenses, accommodation, daily expenses, health insurance, visa documentation, and pre-departure preparation. Without the right context, these factors will bring delays, added stress, and on occasion, outright rejection of a visa.
In essence, we will provide every bit of information for Nepalese students pertaining to tuition fees, living costs in different cities of Australia, visa requirements, health insurance, and above all, scholarships that would prove to be a great help in bringing down the financial burden significantly.
Before diving into specifics, it is essential to know that the total cost of studying in Australia has the following cost components:
Tuition fees are usually regarded as the highest expenditures borne while studying abroad. Tuition fees in Australia charged to international students vary widely based on the level of study and the field of specialization.
Annual Tuition Fee: AUD 12,000 - 22,000
Diploma programs make excellent entry points, especially if you're looking to transition to a bachelor's degree. Commonly, these are the programs preferred by Nepalese students because of:
Bachelor of Arts, Business, or Commerce is a standard undergraduate program, falls within this range. However, high-demand fields such as Information Technology (IT), Engineering, and Nursing, attract high tuition rates:
IT/Engineering/Nursing Bachelors: AUD 30,000 – AUD 55,000 per year
A standard 3-year Bachelor's will cost between AUD 60,000 to AUD 135,000 in total tuition.
Annual cost: AUD 22,000 to AUD 55,000 per year
Master's degrees offer advanced specialization. Like bachelor's programs, specialized fields cost more:
Master of IT/Engineering/Nursing: AUD 30,000-55,000 per year
Standard Master's Programs: AUD 22,000-45,000 per year
A typical 2-year Master's degree will range from AUD 44,000 to AUD 110,000.
Most of the time, PhD programs offer scholarships and stipends that subsidize them greatly. Many Nepali students pursuing a PhD program receive full funding, including living allowances of AUD 28,000+ per year.
This is the minimum amount that Nepali students should demonstrate to get their student visa.
| Major Cities | Regional Cities | |
|---|---|---|
| Expenses on | Sydney, Melbourne | Adelaide, Canberra, Perth |
| Accommodation | AUD 800–1,400/month | AUD 600-900/month |
| Food & Grocery | AUD 350–500/month | AUD 350-500/month |
| Transport | AUD 120–200/month | AUD 120-200/month |
| Utilities & Phone | AUD 150–250/month | AUD 150-250/month |
| Entertainment & Misc | AUD 150–300/month | AUD 150-300/month |
| Total | AUD 2,500–3,500/month | AUD 1,800-2,500/month |
| Note: These expenses are all in approximate value. It may vary person to person. | ||
The cost comparisons across cities: Which one should you choose for your study?
| City | Shared Room | Homestay | On-Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | AUD 250–400 / week | AUD 300–400 / week | AUD 400–600 / week |
| Melbourne | AUD 240–380 / week | AUD 280–380 / week | AUD 350–550 / week |
| Adelaide | AUD 180–280 / week | AUD 220–300 / week | AUD 280–450 / week |
| Perth | AUD 180–300 / week | AUD 220–320 / week | AUD 300–480 / week |
| Gold Coast | AUD 160–250 / week | AUD 190–250 / week | AUD 200–450 / week |
| 💡 Tip: Shared rooms are budget-friendly, while on-campus housing offers convenience. | |||
1. Gold Coast (Queensland)
Affordability Ranking: Highest (Most Affordable)`
Monthly Living Costs: AUD 1,800-2,300/month
Key Advantage: Gorgeous beaches, a wide student community, and cheap accommodation
Universities: Griffith University, Southern Cross University
Why Choose: Best on budget terms
2. Adelaide (South Australia)
Affordable Ranking: Second most affordable
Monthly Living Costs: AUD 1,900-2,500/month
Overall Price Comparison: 20% cheaper than Sydney
Key Benefit: Food and wine capital, outstanding universities, and lower rent (42% cheaper than Sydney).
Universities: University of South Australia, University of Adelaide, Flinders University
Why It Should Be Admitted: Balancing affordability and quality education
3. Perth (Western Australia)
Cost of Living per Month: AUD 2,000-2,600/month
Overall Comparison: Lower as compared to vintage Melbourne and Sydney
Key Benefits: Modern city, good part-time job opportunities, and less crowded than eastern cities
4. Brisbane (Queensland)
Living Cost: AUD 2,100-2,700/month.
Cost comparison: Cost is nearly 15% less than in Sydney
Key Advantage: warm weather, rapidly growing job market, affordable housing in the suburbs
Sydney
Melbourne
Pro Tip for Budget-Conscious Students: For example, consider studying in Adelaide, Canberra, or the Gold Coast, which can reduce living costs significantly without compromising your education quality.
Visa Application Fee: AUD 2,000 (Increased From AUD 1,600)
The latest update states that the application fee for the Australian Student Visa, Subclass 500, will be AUD 2,000 as of 1 July 2025, and this fee does not apply to the refund policy. In case you have applied before 30 June 2025, your application will be processed at the old rate of AUD 1,600.
To receive the visa, one will have to prove that he/she possess the financial means to support him/herself financially in TRCZof:
Tuition: AUD 35,000
Living Expenses: AUD 29,710
Airfare & Miscellaneous: AUD 3,000
Total to Prove: AUD 67,710
This financial documentation is extremely crucial. The Department of Home Affairs checks very thoroughly on proof of funds, so make sure yours is genuine and traceable.
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover ) is compulsory for international students residing in Australia. This includes the basic health coverage, which involves doctor visits, testing, and hospital treatment.
Single Student: AUD 500–750 per year
Family: Higher rates as per dependents
Some of the popular OSHC providers include:
✓ General practitioner (GP) appointments
✓ Prescription medications
✓ Accommodation in a hospital
✓ Emergency services
✗ Dental (mostly not covered-add extra budget if needed)
✗ Vision (mostly not covered)
One of the best ways to offset living costs is part-time work. The rules regarding the Australian visa for students allow international students (including those from Nepal) to work legally.
During Academic Sessions (Semester):
Maximum: 48 hours per fortnight (14-day period)
Typical Earnings: AUD 600-720/week (at AUD 25-30/hour)
Monthly Income: AUD 2,400-2,880
During Official Breaks (Semester breaks, holidays):
Unlimited working hours
Earn AUD 900-1,400/week or more
Some students earn AUD 3,000–5,000 during long breaks
While scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Australia, there is very high competition.
Fully funded
Tuition fees, living costs, and travel are covered
Applicable to select undergraduate and master’s programs
Highly competitive and merit-based
These provide partial to full scholarship programs offered by top Australian universities as follows:
University of Melbourne
Deakin University
University of Sydney
Some of the scholarships may include:
Reduction of tuition fees
Living stipends
Research grants (especially for PhD candidates)
Merit-Based Scholarships
Most universities have:
10%-25% tuition reduction
Based on academic performance
Examples include scholarships at Griffith University or Melbourne-based institutions.
PhD Scholarships:
Available for research students, which covers
Tuition fees,
Full Living allowance
Health insurance
Full Scholarships (100% Tuition + Living):
Australia Awards: Quite rare (very competitive).
Likelihood: 1-5 % chance for applicants.
Partial Scholarships (25-50 % Tuition):
University merit scholarships: More accessible.
Likelihood: 10-30 % for strong applicants.
No Scholarships:
Many deserving students do not get it.
Likelihood: 70 % of applicants.
Understanding the cost of studying in Australia for Nepali students in 2026 is more than just numbers; it's about making a wise decision in planning for your future. Tuition fees, living expenses, visa requirements, and scholarships; being informed can save time and money.
Most of the time, the education budget set can determine the right course and city, while also searching for early scholarship opportunities, so students from Nepal can turn their dreams of world-class education into reality.
Prasana International Education Consultancy continues to provide trusted counselling and end-to-end Australian study solutions for Nepali students through personalised guidance from course selection, scholarships, to visa documentation and financial planning.
1. Which are the best universities in Australia for international students?
Australia has many internationally ranked universities that are very strong in supporting international students, especially in IT, Engineering, Business and Health Sciences sectors.2. What is the process for Nepali students to get an Australian student visa?
The Process involves getting an offer letter, paying for the course and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), demonstrating financial proof, and submitting a Subclass 500 online application form.3. Are there scholarships available for Nepali students in Australia?
Yes, there are scholarships such as Australia Awards, university-specific, and merit-based scholarships, but competition is high.