Step-by-Step Guide to Study in Australia for Nepali Students (2026 Update)

November 23, 2025

Step-by-Step Guide to Study in Australia for Nepali Students (2026 Update)

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Nepali students to pursue their advanced studies; it is well recognized for its highly regarded universities, courses offered, and unique multicultural atmosphere. The various steps to study in Australia include counseling, offer letter receipt, Genuine Student (GS) requirements, Confirmation of Enrollment receipt, and application for a student visa. A step-by-step guide is presented here to help you in your endeavors to make the right preparations to successfully venture abroad to study in 2026.

Step 1: Counseling and Course Selection

The first and most basic step in your study-to-Australia process is personalized counselling. In this stage of your application, education consultants will evaluate your past studies, their functions, personal interests, financial capabilities, and the intended outcome to help you identify the best universities based on your situation.

These counseling sessions, especially for students from Nepal, will provide very valuable information on university rankings, course fees, internships, campus facilities, and student support. The consultants will keep you updated on deadlines and admission requirements for institutions in Australia.

Why Use a Consultancy?

Professional consultancies like Prasanna International Education Consultancy have years of experience with Nepali students. They can help provide you with correct, accurate, and up-to-date information to help you avoid expensive mistakes and thus choose a pathway with confidence in which you can achieve success. If an opportunity to connect with any consultant arises, take it early to really improve your chances of admission and success with the visa.

Step 2: Apply to an Australian University and Receive an Offer Letter

Once you choose your course and institution, it is time to apply for admission. Most of the universities in Australia receive and process applications online. Your application will require academic transcripts, English language test scores such as IELTS, etc., a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation in case your program requires them.

Once the university processes your application and you are successful, you will get a Letter of Offer from the university. The Letter of Offer confirms your provisional seat at the university, identifies tuition fees, and outlines conditions that you will need to satisfy to finalize your enrollment. Examples of conditions may be that you submit final academic transcripts or evidence of English language proficiency based on the requirements for your program.

Tips for getting Offer Letters as soon as possible

  • Please ensure that your application is as complete as you can possibly make it, with all the required documents included.
  • Apply early. One of the major barriers to admission and visa success is missing deadlines.
  • Write a clear and detailed SOP on the reasons for choosing the country of Australia and what your chosen course will provide for you in terms of future opportunities.

Step 3: Documenting the Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

New in 2024 is an added requirement for the Genuine Student test (GS). The GS replaces the previous requirement for the Genuine Temporary Entrant. The GS requires you to establish that you are a genuine student. More specifically, you will have to explain your intention to study in Australia, prove you have the financial capacity to support yourself while studying in Australia, and demonstrate that you are adequately prepared for your proposed course of study.

To meet the GS requirement, you must:

Write complete answers to explain your study plans, possible career plans, and why you have ties in Nepal.

  • Provide strong financial documents such as bank statements, income tax returns, and other proof that you're holding funds.
  • Have overseas student health cover organized.
  • Get all documents ready, such as the passport, previous academic certificates, CoE, and English tests.
  • Many students find it helpful to have expert guidance through the documentation process since Australian immigration closely scrutinizes your application.

Step 4: Getting Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)

After accepting the offer and deposit, the university will issue a Confirmation of Enrollment, CoE. The CoE is a formal document that confirms you have been accepted by a Registered Australian institution and course.

This document is required when applying for an Australian student visa, Subclass 500. If you apply for a student visa without the CoE, your application will be rejected. The CoE clearly mentions your course details, tuition fee, start and end date of your study, and conditions related to your study.

Step 5: Apply for the student visa Subclass 500

The final and most crucial step in your journey of application is submitting the application for an Australian student visa. It involves the following steps for submitting the visa application:

  • Creating an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
  • Filling out the online visa application form and uploading the required documents: passport, CoE, proof of finances, OSHC policy, and GS statement.
  • Paying the visa application fee, which is $710 AUD (approx. 75,000 NPR).
  • Scheduling for the biometrics and health checks with an authorized center in Nepal.
  • You may have to sit for a visa interview to prove your genuine intention to study and your financial backing.

The processing timeframe for your visa is normally 4 to 6 weeks; however, if you apply early, it allows you plenty of time for any further requirements or necessary clarifications to be completed.

Additional Tips for Nepali Students

  • Start early: Start at least 6 months before your intended start date to allow time for your application process to be completed.
  • Keep a good academic record and adhere to the English Proficiency tests.
  • Ensure you are up to date with all correspondence received from your university or the Government of Australia regarding your study.
  • Know what post-study work visa options and pathways there may be to obtain permanent residency, if you are interested.

Reasons to Trust Prasanna International Education Consultancy

The prospect of applying to study abroad can often feel complicated. Prasanna International Education Consultancy provides professional character-based assistance, especially for Nepali students interested in studying in Australia. They can support students with everything from career counseling, choosing universities, to the application process, GS requirements, obtaining a CoE, and overall processing a student visa application.

When you partner with what can be referred to as Prasanna International Education Consultancy, you will be minimizing your errors, speeding up your admission, and enhancing your chances of a subsequent visa. Start your journey studying abroad with proven experts, with confidence.

Conclusion

Studying in Australia is an advantageous investment in your future, but it requires proper planning and preparation. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step approach for Nepali students in 2026, to everything from counseling and obtaining an offer letter to GS documents, obtaining a CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment), and the student visa application process.

If you want to study in Australia, the best first step is to seek professional help. Contact Prasanna International Education Consultancy to get you started! With a professional team there to assist you at each step, you can have peace of mind and secure your future in one of Australia's top universities and study to achieve your dreams!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the Genuine Student (GS) requirement mean, and how does it affect my Australian student visa?

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is a condition imposed by the Australian government to ensure an applicant is genuinely seeking to study in Australia and not obtaining student visas for other purposes. In addition to evidence of adequate finances, applicants have to submit a statement of purpose outlining their study plans, career intentions, and ties to Nepal (if a Nepali national). Satisfying the GS requirement is particularly important for the approval of student visas for Nepali students.

2. What is the processing time for a student visa (Subclass 500) for Australia from Nepal in 2026?

The processing time for student visas (Subclass 500) can vary from applicant to applicant; however, for the majority, it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. You should apply as early as possible, submit an application that is complete application with all the necessary documentation, and ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements, as this will assist with making a timely application. Delays in processing may occur if your application is referred for further information or an interview.

3. Is it possible to bring family members with me on my Student visa?  

Yes, family members such as a spouse or dependent children can apply to come with you by applying for dependent visas associated with the student visa. They are permitted to live in Australia with you and, in some cases, can also work during the duration of their student visa. Notes should be included in their visa applications.