Total Money Required to Study in Australia from Nepal - Complete Cost Guide 2026
Studying in Australia is a dream for many Nepali students due to its world-class education, diverse culture, and excellent post-study opportunities. However, before applying, it’s important to understand the total money required to study in Australia from Nepal. This includes not only tuition fees but also accommodation, travel, health insurance, visa charges, and other hidden expenses.
In this blog, we’ll break down all the major costs step by step to give you a clear picture of your financial planning for studying in Australia.
Table of Contents
- Tuition Fees in Australia for Nepalese Students
- Accommodation Costs in Australia for Nepalese Students
- Living Expenses (Food, Transport, Utilities) in Australia
- Travel Expenses from Nepal to Australia
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Cost for International Students in Australia
- Student Visa Fee (Subclass 500) for Australia from Nepal
- Initial Setup Costs for Students in Australia: Getting Settled
- Hidden Costs and Emergency Fund for Students in Australia
- Financial Management Tips for Nepalese Students Planning to Study in Australia
- Conclusion: Your Investment in the Future
- FAQs - Total Money Required to Study in Australia from Nepal
Tuition Fees in Australia for Nepalese Students
Tuition fees are the biggest expense for international students which can range from AUD 10,000 - AUD 50,000 per year. The amount depends on the level of study and the university.
- Diploma/Certificate Courses: AUD 10,000 – AUD 20,000 per year
- Bachelor’s Degree: AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000 per year
- Master’s Degree: AUD 22,000 – AUD 50,000 per year
- Doctoral (PhD): AUD 18,000 – AUD 42,000 per year
In Nepali Rupees (NPR): 1 AUD ≈ 88 – 90 NPR (exchange rate may vary).
So, tuition fees may range between NPR 9,00,000 – 45,00,000+ per year.
Money-Saving Tips for Tuition
- Apply for scholarships early (Australia Awards, university-specific scholarships)
- Consider regional universities for lower fees
- Look into pathway programs that may offer reduced costs
- Some universities offer payment plans to spread costs
Accommodation Costs in Australia for Nepalese Students
The Australian Government recommends AUD 29,710 as annual living expenses but this amount may differ depending on your city and lifestyle preference while in Australia. It depends on whether you live on-campus, off-campus, or with homestay families.
- On-Campus Housing: AUD 90 – AUD 280 per week
- Shared Apartment/Flat: AUD 150 – AUD 400 per week
- Homestay: AUD 200 – AUD 450 per week
On average, a Nepali student spends AUD 15,000 – AUD 25,000 (NPR 1,300,000 – 23,00,000) per year on accommodation.
Accommodation Money-Saving Tips
- Share with other students to split costs
- Look for accommodations further from city centers
- Consider homestay for initial months to settle in
- Book early for better rates and availability
Living Expenses (Food, Transport, Utilities) in Australia
Besides tuition and rent, students spend a significant amount on daily living. Australia has a relatively high cost of living compared to Nepal, but with part-time jobs, students can manage. Cooking at home saves money, while public transport passes reduce travel costs.
- Food & Groceries: AUD 80 – 200 per week
- Public Transport: AUD 40 – 70 per week
- Utilities (Internet, Phone, Electricity): AUD 30 – 60 per week
Total estimated living expenses: AUD 12,000 – 18,000 (NPR 11,00,000 – 16,00,000) per year.
Travel Expenses from Nepal to Australia
Students must also budget for airfare from Nepal to Australia. The cost depends on the airline, season, and how early you book. Kathmandu has connecting flights to major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
- One-Way Ticket: AUD 700 – 1,200 (NPR 64,000 – 1,10,000)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Cost for International Students in Australia
The Australian government requires all international students to have OSHC insurance. The cost for the OSHC varies slightly depending on the various OSHC providers in Australia (Medibank, Bupa, AHM, NIB) and also depending on the number of applicants. The approximate costs for the OSHC are:
- Single student: AUD 500 – 700 per year
- Couple cover: AUD 3,000 – 4,000 per year
- Family cover: AUD 5,000 – 6,000 per year
What OSHC Covers
- Doctor visits and medical consultations
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency ambulance services
- Prescription medications (may be partial)
Important Notes
- OSHC is mandatory for the entire duration of your student visa
- You must purchase before applying for your visa
- Family members need additional coverage
Student Visa Fee (Subclass 500) for Australia from Nepal
Applying for an Australian student visa (Subclass 500) involves official fees that are non-refundable. This includes the visa processing charge, biometric collection, and a compulsory medical check-up.
- Visa Application Fee: AUD 2,000 (≈ NPR 1,84,000)
- Biometric Fee: NPR 2,300 - 2,500 (≈ AUD 25 - 27)
- Medical Examination Fee: NPR 9,000 – 15,000 (≈ AUD 100 – 165)
Together, these costs add up to almost AUD 2,125 – 2,192 (≈ NPR 1,95,300 – 2,01,500).
Initial Setup Costs for Students in Australia: Getting Settled
When Nepali students first arrive in Australia, there are several one-time expenses to get settled. These setup costs are often overlooked in budgeting but are essential for a smooth transition into student life.
First Month Essentials
- Security Deposit (Accommodation): $1,000 - $2,000 AUD
- Basic Furniture / Household Items: $500 - $1,500 AUD
- Bank Account Setup: $0 - $50 AUD
- Mobile Phone Connection: $50 - $100 AUD
- Initial Groceries: $200 - $300 AUD
Technology and Study Materials
- Laptop/Computer: $800 - $2,000 AUD (Optional)
- Textbooks: $300 - $800 per semester
- Stationery and Supplies: $100 - $200 AUD
Hidden Costs and Emergency Fund for Students in Australia
Unexpected costs can arise anytime, so students should maintain an emergency fund. This helps avoid financial stress in case of medical, travel, or study-related emergencies.
Unexpected Expenses
- Medical Emergencies: $500 - $2,000 AUD
- Urgent Travel Home: $2,000 - $4,000 AUD
- Equipment Replacement: $200 - $1,000 AUD
- Assignment Printing/Binding: $50 - $150 per semester
Recommended Emergency Fund
- Maintain 3 - 6 months of living expenses as emergency fund
- Minimum Emergency Fund: $6,000 - $10,000 AUD
Financial Management Tips for Nepalese Students Planning to Study in Australia
Before Departure
- Calculate Total Costs: Plan for at least 2-3 years of expenses
- Currency Exchange: Monitor AUD/NPR rates and exchange strategically
- Bank Arrangements: Set up international banking facilities
- Scholarship Applications: Apply 12-18 months before intended start date
Money Management in Australia
- Open an Australian bank account within 6 weeks of arrival
- Use student discounts wherever possible
- Track expenses using budgeting apps
- Consider part-time work (20 hours/week allowed on student visa)
Income Opportunities
- Part-time Work: $20 - $30 per hour (minimum wage $24.95)
- On-campus Jobs: Often flexible with study schedules
- Tutoring: $25 - $50 per hour for subject expertise
- Internships: May be paid or unpaid, valuable for experience, and may lead to full-time job opportunities
Conclusion: Your Investment in the Future
Studying in Australia from Nepal requires a significant financial investment, typically ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 AUD annually. However, this investment opens doors to world-class education, international experience, and potential migration opportunities.
Key Takeaways:
- Budget Realistically: Account for all expenses, including hidden costs
- Plan Early: Start financial planning 10-12 months ahead
- Explore Scholarships: Every dollar saved through scholarships is valuable
- Consider Regional Options: Lower costs without compromising quality
- Work Opportunities: Part-time work can significantly offset living costs
Next Steps:
- Calculate your specific costs based on chosen course and city
- Explore scholarship opportunities immediately
- Consult with education agents or universities directly
- Prepare financial documentation early
- Connect with current Nepalese students in Australia for firsthand insights
Remember, while the costs are substantial, the return on investment through quality education, international exposure, and career opportunities makes Australia an excellent choice for Nepalese students willing to make this commitment.
We, at King’s Institute, Pokhara have helped thousands of Nepalese students to secure their Australian student visa and study in their dream universities with various scholarship opportunities.
So, if you are also interested in studying in Australia but are worried regarding the financial and documentation planning, book a consultation with us now and we will help you to navigate through the possibilities.
FAQs - Total Money Required to Study in Australia from Nepal
1. How much money do I need to study in Australia?
On average, international students need around AUD 40,000 – 70,000 per year (NPR 36 – 63 lakhs). This includes tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance (OSHC), visa fees, and other costs. Tuition is the largest expense, ranging between AUD 20,000 – 45,000 depending on the course and university.
2. How much does it cost to go to Australia from Nepal?
The initial cost to go to Australia from Nepal includes tuition deposit, airfare, visa fee, OSHC, and document preparation. A student usually spends NPR 20 – 25 lakhs upfront before flying (includes the initial tuition deposit made to the university).
3. How much bank balance is required for an Australian student visa from Nepal?
For an Australian student visa (Subclass 500), Nepali students must show proof of sufficient funds to cover at least 12 months of tuition and living costs. This is approximately AUD 29,710 for living plus tuition fees. On average, students need to show a bank balance of NPR 30 – 40 lakhs, depending on course and university.
4. How much GPA is required to study in Australia from Nepal?
Most Australian universities require a minimum GPA of 2.80 out of 4.0 or equivalent in previous studies. For competitive courses like Medicine, Engineering, or IT, a higher GPA may be required. Some universities also assess English proficiency and overall academic performance beyond GPA.
5. Can I study in Australia with 50% marks in 12th?
Yes, it is possible to study in Australia with 50% marks in 12th, especially for diploma or pathway programs. Many universities and colleges accept students with average scores if they meet English language requirements (IELTS/PTE) and other admission criteria. However, higher-ranked universities may require at least 60% or above.
Also Read: Australia Student Visa from Nepal - Everything You Need to Know