Country guide
Quick answer
Australia suits students who want a practical, career-focused degree, part-time work while studying and the option of post-study work afterwards. You'll need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), proof of funds, health cover (OSHC) and a Student visa (subclass 500).
Key takeaways
- Two main intakes: February and July (some courses also start in November)
- Part-time work is allowed during study, within a fortnightly cap
- Graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the whole visa period
- The visa assesses whether you are a genuine student, so your SOP matters
Studying in Australia: an overview
Australia combines high teaching standards with a relaxed, multicultural lifestyle. Many Nepali students choose it for courses in IT, nursing, accounting, engineering, hospitality and business, where the link between study and employment is strong.
What makes Australia different
- Quality assurance: all institutions that enrol international students must be registered on CRICOS, so you can check that your provider and course are approved.
- Choice of provider: you can choose between public universities, private higher-education providers and vocational (VET) colleges, depending on your goals and budget.
- Student protections: the ESOS framework protects international students' tuition and rights while they study.
Who it suits
Australia is a strong option if you want a recognised qualification, the chance to gain work experience while studying, and a clear understanding of what is required at each stage. It is a competitive destination, so a well-prepared file and a genuine study plan are essential.
Quick facts
- Intakes
- February and July (some November)
- Work while studying
- Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Check the latest rules with us.
- Post-study work
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), length depends on qualification
- English requirement
- Usually IELTS 6.0 for diplomas and 6.5 for degrees, or an equivalent PTE score. Some courses ask for more.
- Average tuition
- Varies by university and course. Most programs sit in the mid to high range for international students. Ask us for a costing based on your shortlist.
- Living cost
- Depends on the city and your lifestyle. Sydney and Melbourne cost more than smaller cities. We'll help you plan a realistic budget.
- Currency
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
Why study in Australia?
Internationally respected degrees
Australian universities appear regularly in global rankings and their qualifications are recognised by employers worldwide.
Practical, career-focused learning
Many courses include placements, industry projects or work-integrated learning, so you graduate with real experience.
Work while you study
Student visa holders can work part-time during term, which helps with living costs and builds your CV.
Post-study work options
Eligible graduates can apply for a Temporary Graduate visa to gain full-time work experience after their course.
A familiar community
A large Nepali community means familiar food, festivals and support networks in most major cities.
- Main intakes
- Feb & Jul
- Visa type
- Subclass 500
- Post-study visa
- Subclass 485
Ready to plan your Australia journey?
Popular courses
| Field | Levels | Career outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | Bachelor's, Master's | Software developer, data analyst, cybersecurity analyst |
| Nursing & Health | Bachelor's, Master's | Registered nurse, aged-care professional |
| Accounting & Finance | Bachelor's, Master's | Accountant, financial analyst, auditor |
| Engineering | Bachelor's, Master's | Civil, electrical or mechanical engineer |
| Hospitality & Tourism | Diploma, Bachelor's | Hotel and event management |
Cost of studying in Australia
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Tuition: undergraduate (per year) | Varies by university and course. Ask us for a costing based on your shortlist. |
| Tuition: postgraduate (per year) | Depends on the course and university. We'll calculate this for your profile. |
| Living costs (per year) | Depends on the city and your lifestyle. We'll help you plan a realistic budget. |
| Student visa application fee | Set by the government and reviewed regularly. We'll confirm the current fee when you apply. |
| Health insurance | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required for your whole stay. We'll help you compare providers. |
Figures are indicative and change with fees, exchange rates and policy. Your counsellor will confirm current costs for your course.
Eligibility by background
| Your background | Options | Academic minimum | English score |
|---|---|---|---|
| After +2 (NEB) / A-Levels | Bachelor's degree, diploma, foundation or pathway program | Good +2 results. Each university sets its own minimum, and we'll check yours against your shortlist. | Usually IELTS 6.0 for diplomas and 6.5 for degrees, or an equivalent PTE score |
| After bachelor's | Master's, postgraduate diploma or graduate certificate | A recognised 3 or 4 year bachelor's degree. Minimum grades vary by university and course. | Usually IELTS 6.5, or an equivalent PTE score. Some courses ask for more. |
Requirements
Academic
- Completed +2 for undergraduate study, or a recognised bachelor's for postgraduate study
- Minimum grades depend on the institution and course
- Study gaps should be explained with supporting documents
English
- IELTS Academic or PTE Academic accepted by most providers
- Some courses (e.g. nursing, teaching) set higher band requirements
- Score must also meet the visa's English requirement
Financial
- Proof that you can pay tuition and living costs for the period required by the visa
- Funds or loans from acceptable sources, with a clear paper trail
- Sponsor's legitimate income sources documented (tax clearance, salary, business registration)
- Evidence of funds for travel and OSHC
Documents checklist
- Valid passport
- SEE, +2 and (if applicable) bachelor's transcripts, certificates and character certificates
- English test score report (IELTS, PTE or as accepted)
- Offer letter from your institution
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Bank balance certificate and education loan letter (if any)
- Sponsor's income documents (salary, business, rent, agriculture) with tax records
- Relationship verification certificate (if sponsored by family)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Work experience letters and gap explanation (if applicable)
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Application & visa process
- 1
Free counselling
Discuss your goals, budget and academic profile with a Realpath counsellor.
- 2
Choose course & provider
Shortlist CRICOS-registered institutions and courses that fit your profile.
- 3
Apply & receive offer
Submit applications with transcripts, English scores and your SOP.
- 4
Accept offer & pay deposit
Accept the offer, arrange OSHC and pay the deposit to receive your CoE.
- 5
Prepare financial documents & NOC
Organise your funds evidence and obtain the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Education in Nepal.
- 6
Lodge the student visa
Apply online for the Student visa (subclass 500), then complete biometrics and health checks if requested.
- 7
Pre-departure briefing
Plan accommodation, travel, banking and your first weeks in Australia.
Scholarships in Australia
Many Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students, usually as a percentage off tuition. Some come automatically with your offer, while others need a short application.
- University scholarships are the most common type for Nepali students. Criteria and amounts change each year.
- Government-funded awards such as Australia Awards are highly competitive and open to selected countries.
- Regional study incentives can support students who choose campuses outside the big cities.
We check the current scholarships for every course on your shortlist, help you meet the deadlines and make sure your application shows your achievements clearly.
FAQs about studying in Australia
Yes, many students do. You'll need to explain the gap honestly and support it with documents such as work experience letters or training certificates.
Both are widely accepted by Australian institutions and for the student visa. Choose the test whose format suits you best. We can help you decide after a short assessment.
Student visa holders can often include eligible family members, but the financial requirements increase and rules can change. Speak to a counsellor about your situation.
The visa officer assesses whether you genuinely intend to study. A clear study plan, a logical course choice and honest answers in your application are important.