Australia is a top choice for international students, including many from Nepal. It offers:
- A friendly, laid-back culture.
- High living standards.
- A world-class education system known for quality and innovation.
- Globally recognised qualifications.
- Diverse cities and strong support for international students.
This guide provides a clear overview of the key aspects of studying in Australia for Nepalese students, reformatted for easy reading and scanning.
The Australian Education System at a Glance
Australia’s education system is highly regarded globally (ranked 3rd by QS 2024). Key features include:
Quality Assurance & Frameworks:
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF): National policy standardizing all qualifications (schools, VET, higher education) ensuring consistency and international recognition.
- TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency): Regulates universities and higher education providers.
- ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority): Regulates vocational education and training (VET).
- ESOS Act (Education Services for Overseas Students): Protects international students’ rights and ensures quality education.
Types of Institutions:
- Universities: 43 total (mostly public), offering Bachelor, Masters, and PhD degrees. Includes the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) research-intensive universities.
- VET/TAFE: Vocational Education and Training / Technical and Further Education institutions offering practical skills and qualifications (Certificates I-IV, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas).
- ELICOS: English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students providers.
Learning Environment:
- Modeled partly on the British system, often research-focused.
- Bachelor degrees typically 3 years (less focus on general liberal arts).
- Strong emphasis on critical thinking, practical skills, and innovation.
- Universities excel in diverse fields (Engineering, IT, Health, Humanities etc.).
Admission Requirements for Nepalese Students
Meeting requirements is key. These vary by university, study level, and course.
Academic Requirements:
- Undergraduate (Bachelor):
- Nepalese SLC + 2 years HSEB Grade 12 (or equivalent recognized as Australian Year 12).
- Specific GPA/percentage varies by course/institution.
- Postgraduate (Master/PhD):
- Recognized Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to Australian Bachelor’s).
- Specific GPA required; work experience may be needed for some courses (e.g., MBA).
- Pathway Programs: Available if direct entry requirements aren’t met (e.g., Foundation Studies for UG, Graduate Diplomas for PG).
English Language Proficiency:
- •Mandatory: Proof of English proficiency required.
- •Accepted Tests: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic are common.
- •General Minimum Scores (Check specific course requirements):
- •Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0 overall (no band < 5.5 or 6.0) or equivalent.
- •Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 overall (no band < 6.0) or equivalent.
- •Note: Some courses (Nursing, Law) often require higher scores.
Application Process Steps:
1.Choose Course & University: Research options based on your goals.
2.Check Entry Requirements: Verify specific academic, English, and prerequisite needs.
3.Prepare Documents:
•Academic Transcripts & Certificates (SLC, Grade 12, Bachelor’s etc.)
•English Test Results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
•Passport Copy
•Statement of Purpose (SOP)
•Letters of Recommendation (LORs – if required)
•Work Experience Proof (if required)
•Application Fee (if applicable)
4.Submit Application: Apply directly online or via an authorized agent.
5.Receive Offer Letter: Conditional or unconditional.
6.Accept Offer & Pay Deposit: Fulfill conditions, accept, pay initial tuition.
7.Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Essential for visa application.
Costs: Tuition Fees and Living Expenses
Budgeting is crucial. Costs include tuition and living expenses.
Indicative Annual Tuition Fees (AUD):
| Study Level | Indicative Annual Fee Range (AUD) |
| Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree | 20,000−20,000 – 20,000−45,000+ |
| Postgraduate Master’s/Doctoral | 22,000−22,000 – 22,000−50,000+ |
| Vocational Education (VET) | 4,000−4,000 – 4,000−22,000 |
| English Language (ELICOS) | ~300−300 – 300−450 / week |
Note: Fees vary significantly by institution, course, and location. Always check specific university websites. Fees are usually paid per semester.
Indicative Weekly Living Expenses (AUD):
The government requires proof of funds for living costs (currently AUD $24,505/year – check official sources). Actual costs vary by city and lifestyle.
| Expense Category | Indicative Weekly Cost (AUD) |
| Accommodation (Varies widely) | 90−90 – 90−440+ |
| Food / Groceries | 140−140 – 140−280 |
| Utilities (Gas/Electricity) | 10−10 – 10−20 |
| Phone / Internet | 15−15 – 15−30 |
| Public Transport | 30−30 – 30−60 |
| Entertainment / Personal | 80−80 – 80−150 |
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):
•Mandatory: Required for the entire visa duration for students and dependents.
•Purpose: Covers essential medical and hospital expenses.
•Cost: Approx. AUD 500−500 – 500−1000+ per year for a single student (varies by provider/cover).
•Arrangement: Purchase from an approved provider (e.g., BUPA, Medibank, Allianz Care, NIB, ahm, CBHS) directly or via your university.
Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) for Nepalese Citizens
This visa is required for full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course.
Key Visa Requirements Checklist:
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Received from your institution after accepting the offer.
Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: Prove your primary intention is temporary study in Australia.
Financial Capacity: Show proof of funds for 1 year tuition, living costs (AUD $24,505/year – check current figure), and travel.
English Language Proficiency: Meet required scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc.).
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Valid cover for the entire stay.
Health Requirements: May require a medical examination.
Character Requirements: May require police certificates.
Application Process:
1.Gather all required documents (CoE, financial proof, OSHC, health/character checks, etc.).
2.Apply online via ImmiAccount.
3.Pay the visa application charge (currently AUD $710 – check current fee).
4.Await decision. Success depends on meeting all criteria, especially GS and financial capacity.
Post-Study Work: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
•Purpose: Allows eligible graduates to stay and work temporarily after studies.
•Eligibility Highlights: Held student visa, completed eligible 2+ year course in Australia, meet English requirements, under 35 years old.
•Typical Duration (Check official sources for current details):
•Bachelor / Masters by Coursework: 2 years
•Masters by Research: 3 years
•PhD: 4 years (Note: Durations and regional extensions are subject to change based on government policy.)
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Nepalese Students
Funding options can help cover costs. Key types include:
Types of Scholarships:
•Australian Government Scholarships:
•Australia Awards: Highly competitive, prestigious awards covering full costs (tuition, travel, living, OSHC) for UG/PG study. Focus on leadership and development contribution to Nepal.
•Destination Australia Program: For study in regional Australia (approx. AUD $15,000/year). Check participating institutions.
•University Scholarships:
•Offered by most universities, often based on academic merit.
•Range from partial (15-50%) to full tuition waivers, sometimes with living stipends.
•Examples: Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships, International Merit Scholarships.
•Check specific university websites for details and deadlines.
•Private/External Scholarships:
•Offered by companies, organizations (e.g., Rotary), professional bodies.
•Often have specific criteria.
Finding & Applying:
•Sources: University websites, Study Australia website, DFAT website (for Australia Awards), reputable education agents.
•Key Considerations: Check eligibility carefully, meet strict deadlines (often early), understand the application process (some automatic, some separate).
Lifestyle & Culture in Australia
Adapting to Australian life:
•Lifestyle: Generally relaxed, outdoors-focused (beaches, parks), high standard of living, good work-life balance.
•Diversity: Highly multicultural society, welcoming to international students. Religious freedom is protected.
•Safety: Considered a very safe country with low crime rates and stable government. Universities offer support services.
•Nepalese Community: Significant and growing community, especially in major cities. Offers support networks, cultural events, and connections through associations and social media.
Work Opportunities for Students
Gain experience and earn income:
Part-Time Work (During Studies – Subclass 500 Visa):
•Work Limit: Max 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions (term time).
•Unlimited Hours: During scheduled course breaks (holidays).
•Start Date: Only after your course officially commences.
•Rights: Same workplace rights as Australians (minimum wage, protection). Get a Tax File Number (TFN).
•Common Jobs: Retail, hospitality, administration, tutoring.
Post-Study Work (After Studies – Subclass 485 Visa):
•Purpose: Gain full-time work experience related to your studies.
•Duration: Typically 2-4 years (depends on qualification – check current rules).
•Benefit: Enhances employability, potential pathway to permanent residency.
Healthcare & OSHC
Understanding health cover:
- Medicare: Australia’s public system, generally not available to international students.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):
- Mandatory: Required for visa duration for students and dependents.
- Coverage (Basic): GP visits, hospital treatment (public/private), emergency ambulance, some prescription medicines.
- Exclusions (Basic): Usually excludes dental, optical, physiotherapy (need ‘Extras’ cover for these).
- Providers: Must use a government-approved provider (e.g., BUPA, Medibank, Allianz Care, NIB, ahm, CBHS).
- Cost: Varies, approx. AUD 500−500-500−1000+/year for singles (get quotes).
