For Nepali students studying in Australia in 2026, careful budgeting is necessary because first-year expenses can range from AUD 50,000 to AUD 80,000, depending on program, city, and lifestyle. Part-time employment can help defray some ongoing costs, but tuition, living expenses, visa fees, and OSHC health insurance are all required.
The current exchange rate is approximately 1 AUD = 103 NPR. (Note: Rates fluctuate daily; use this as a baseline for your planning).
One-Time Initial Costs (Pre-Departure)
You have to pay the required application and legal fees before you take off.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Estimated Cost (NPR) |
| English Test (IELTS/PTE) | $310 – $320 | रू 32,000 – रू 33,000 |
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) | $2,000 | रू 206,000 |
| OSHC (Health Insurance) | $650 – $850 (per year) | रू 67,000 – रू 87,500 |
| Medical Exam & Biometrics | $250 – $350 | रू 25,000 – रू 36,000 |
| Airfare (One-way) | $800 – $1,500 | रू 82,000 – रू 154,500 |
Note: For the duration of your visa, OSHC must be paid in full up front. You should budget between $2,100 and $2,500 AUD (NPR 216,000+) in advance for a three-year bachelor’s degree.
Tuition Fees (Recurring)
The prestige of the university and your field of study have a big impact on tuition.
Undergraduate Level Annual Estimates: $20,000–$50,000 AUD (NPR 2M–5.1M)
Postgraduate: $22,000 to $55,000 AUD (2.2 million to 5.6 million NPR)
Vocational (VET/Diploma): $8,000 – $25,000 AUD (NPR 800k – 2.5M)
Annual Estimates by Subject
| Field of Study | Undergraduate (AUD) | Postgraduate (AUD) |
| Business & IT | $25,000 – $45,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Engineering/Science | $30,000 – $50,000 | $35,000 – $55,000 |
| Arts/Humanities | $20,000 – $35,000 | $25,000 – $40,000 |
Living Expenses by City (2026 Estimates)
As of 2026, in order to obtain your visa, you must demonstrate that you have saved at least $29,710 AUD (roughly NPR 3 million) annually.
Comparison of Monthly Living Expenses (Rent + Food + Transport + Utilities):
Sydney: $2,800 to $4,200 AUD (housing competition is fierce)
Melbourne: $2,500 – $3,800 AUD
$2,100 to $3,200 AUD in Brisbane
Perth/Adelaide: $1,900–$2,800 AUD (the most affordable)
Financial Aid & Working Rights
Part-Time Employment
In 2026, international students are allowed to work an unlimited number of hours during semester breaks and 48 hours every two weeks while classes are in session.
The minimum wage is roughly $24.10 AUD per hour.
Potential Income: A student who works 24 hours a week can make about $2,300 AUD a month (before taxes), which can pay for necessities but rarely the entire cost of tuition.
Scholarships Australia Awards: Master’s programs are fully funded (high competition).
University Merit Scholarships: For Nepali students with high GPAs, the majority of universities waive tuition fees by 15% to 30%.
Destination Australia: Students studying in regional areas (away from Sydney and Melbourne) may receive up to $15,000 AUD annually.
Summary of Visa “Proof of Funds”
In order to get your visa in 2026, you have to show that you have access to a “Bank Balance” that includes:
Tuition for the first year
Living expenses per year ($29,710 AUD)
Expenses for travel ($2,000 AUD)
OSHC (Total time)
Scholarships & Financial Aid
National and Governmental Scholarships
Full funding for tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance is provided by the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS).
Scholarship for Destination Australia: AUD 15,000–22,500 annually (regional universities).
Scholarships at Universities
merit-based awards, usually tuition reductions of 10% to 50% based on field, GPA, and test results.
Stipends are a common feature of PhD programs.
Final Tips for Nepali Students
1. Apply early (6–8 months before intake)
2. Prepare strong financial documents for visa proof — banking + scholarship letters.
3. Budget realistically — rent and living costs can erode savings fast.
4. Seek scholarships and clarify work rules before you depart.
At ACCEL Education & Migration, Putalisadak, we help you explore every corner of the map — from the UK to Europe — and find the study destination that truly fits your goals…
