Many students in Nepal dream of studying in Australia because of the quality of education and vast opportunities. However, one must be aware of how much the journey would cost. This guide will cover a broad overview of different expenses one can expect, from initial fees to living costs.
You must clearly understand all the financial commitments required before starting your educational journey to Australia. Factors such as tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and other miscellaneous costs may determine the total cost of studying in Australia. The most important thing before flying abroad is to plan your budget effectively.
To study in Australia, most universities require proof of English language proficiency. These tests are essential for admission into Australian universities and should be factored into your pre-departure expenses. The most common tests are IELTS and TOEFL.
| Test Name | Type | Fee (NRS) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | IELTS on Paper | 30,500 |
| IELTS on Computer | 24,100 | |
| UKVI Life Skills | 23,500 | |
| UKVI IELTS on Paper | 34,000 | |
| UKVI IELTS on Computer | 28,100 | |
| EOR IELTS on Computer (BAU & UKVI) | 15,500 | |
| EOR IELTS on Paper (BAU & UKVI) | 16,100 | |
| IELTS on Computer (One Skill Retake) | 17,500 | |
| TOEFL | Standard | 29,000 - 35,000 |
| PTE | Standard | 27,000 ($200) |
| CAE | Standard | 11,200 |
| OET | Standard | 48,000 - 53,000 |
In 2025, Nepalese students' minimum required financial capacity may range from NRS 26,00,000 to NRS 30,00,000 every year. Showing the financial capacity may speed up the visa process.
For studying in Australia, an international student visa (subclass 500) is required. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course, which can range from a few months to several years depending on the program you're enrolled in. As of 1st July, the student visa fee has risen drastically to about AUD 1600.
Tuition fees vary significantly based on the level of study and the institution. Here's a general overview:
Specialized programs like medicine and other top-demand courses can cost more, up to AUD 55,000 per year.
Accommodation costs can vary widely depending on location and type. Here’s an overview of typical monthly accommodation costs:
Living expenses typically range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 25,000 per year. Here’s a breakdown of average monthly expenses:
These costs can vary depending on lifestyle, location, and type of accommodation.
The total living cost will depend on your lifestyle choices and location within Australia.
Overseas Student Health Cover, or OSHC, is necessary for all international students, including Nepalese students. OSHC covers most of the medical expenses, including ambulance and limited pharmaceutical items. It can be an advantage for sudden medical treatment or emergencies. OSHC can cost an average of AUD 400 to AUD 600 per year. Cost may vary depending on the provider and coverage level.
Australia offers a wide range of job opportunities for international students. As the market is growing, the requirements for different sectors are also increasing. During the semesters, students can work up to 20 hours per week and unlimited hours during breaks. Some popular part-time jobs for international students may include waiter, hospitality jobs, sales representatives, delivery, cashier, security jobs, and many more.
Taxation may vary depending on the income of an individual. Taxation processes for residential and non-residential are different.
Studying in Australia may be the most amazing dream come true for the majority of Nepalese students. However, proper financial planning and budgeting are required in this regard. There are many expenses that one needs to calculate before stepping into this journey, from English language proficiency test fees and visa fees to tuition and living expenses.
However, with proper planning and innovative measures such as finding cheaper places to stay and student discounts, living in Australia as a student can be made easy and enjoyable. After all, the investment in education and one's future can never be evaluated. Enjoy studying, and good luck with your academic adventure in Australia.
For information on the application for a student visa and other additional expenses to study in Australia, you can contact Student Connect today for smooth processing.