Cost of Study and Living in Australia for Nepali Students (2025 Guide)
Australia is one of the finest destinations to pursue studies in Nepal today. With its top-ranked universities, diversity, and flourishing career opportunities, no wonder. However, because you plan on migrating, you would be well advised to understand how much it actually costs to study and reside there — so that your family and you are well-positioned.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia?
Fees in Australia vary depending on your institution and course. On average, that’s what you’ll pay:
Diploma or TAFE course: AUD 10,000 – 20,000 per year
Bachelor degree courses: AUD 20,000 – 35,000 per year
Master degree courses: AUD 22,000 – 40,000 per year
Professional degrees like MBA or Engineering: AUD 35,000 – 50,000 per year
That’s NPR 8.8 lakhs to 44 lakhs per year in Nepalese currency.
Scholarships are offered in a few universities for international students, mainly for good grades academically or special conditions.
Living Expenses of Nepali Students
The Australian government recommends that international students spend a minimum of AUD 24,505 per year on living expenses. This is how your monthly expenses might look like:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) |
| Rent | 500 – 1,000 |
| Food & Groceries | 300 – 600 |
| Transport | 100 – 150 |
| Utilities | 150 – 200 |
| Misc. Expenses | 100 – 200 |
So, approximately, you’ll be spending about AUD 1,200 – 2,200 per month to live comfortably — that is NPR 1 to 1.9 lakhs per month, depending on where and how you reside. Sydney and Melbourne are expensive, but rural Australia is not.
Can You Work While Studying?
Yes! That’s one of the best things about studying in Australia. As a student, you’re allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (every two weeks) during study periods and full-time during breaks.
Common jobs for Nepali students include:
- Working in restaurants or cafes
- Retail or supermarket staff
- Delivery jobs (Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.)
- Cleaning and hospitality
- Admin or office support (for advanced English speakers)
The minimum wage in Australia today stands at approximately AUD 23.23 per hour, and therefore even in part-time employment, most students are able to earn AUD 900–1,500 per month. This is generally sufficient for paying for food, rent, and transport.
Other One-Time or Upfront Expenses
Don’t forget to plan for these upfront expenses at the beginning of your stay:
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
| Student Visa (subclass 500) | 710 |
| Health Insurance (OSHC) | 500 – 700 |
| One-way flight to Australia | 700 – 1,200 |
| Visa processing & GTE support | Varies |
Overall, you will be paying around AUD 2,000–3,000 (or NPR 1.7 – 2.6 lakhs) as upfront expenses, excluding the tuition fee and living expenses.
Total Estimated Annual Cost
Following is an approximate calculation of the yearly cost:
| Category | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Approx. Cost (NPR) |
| Tuition Fees | 20,000 – 40,000 | 17 – 35 lakhs |
| Living Expenses | 20,000 – 25,000 | 17 – 22 lakhs |
| One-Time Setup Costs | 2,000 – 3,000 | 1.7 – 2.6 lakhs |
| Total Estimated Cost | 42,000 – 68,000 | 35.7 – 59.6 lakhs |
Conclusion
Study in Australia is definitely an investment — but it’s also a passport to a brighter future. With part-time jobs, scholarships, and careful budgeting, most Nepali students have little trouble staying afloat while getting an international education.
Visit us today at Putalisadak, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu or contact us for a free counseling session. Let’s turn your study abroad dream into reality—with IDEA by your side.
IDEA Consultancy Services
Putalisadak, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal
📞 Phone: 01-547547 / 01-547548, 9761799575
🌐 Website: www.ideaconsultancysevices.com
📱 Facebook/Instagram: @ideaconsultancy7