The cost to study in Australia can be higher than in your home country, especially for international students.
However, there are many other factors besides just tuition fees to consider when looking at how much it costs to study in Australia from Nepal.
International students can access a wide range of courses at Australian universities, and while tuition can vary, many find living costs manageable with proper planning.
Australia has emerged as a top destination for thousands of international students, offering world-class education and relatively affordable study options compared to other Western countries.
Goreto Education is the best consultancy in Nepal for Australia study.
General Cost of Studying in Australian Universities
Are planning to study abroad in Australia but unsure about the cost? Here’s a clear breakdown of the cost studying Australia to help you plan better.
Studying in Australia for international students is on the pricier side, but in comparison to the cost of studying in the USA or the UK, it is lower.
On the positive side, many universities and government programs provide scholarships and financial aid to the deserving and needy students, reducing the financial burden.
Other costs include accommodation, food and groceries, mobile and internet, transportation, and other expeses, which depend heavily on the city and region you decide to study at.
Students are allowed to work part-time during term-time and full-time during breaks, by which these costs can be managed, if you are financially strategic.
Pre-Departure Costs
The pre-departure expenses can be broken down as given in the table below:
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Estimated Cost (NPR) |
Application fees | 50 – 150 | 4,400 – 13,200 |
English test (IELTS/TOEFL) | 350 – 400 | 30,800 – 35,200 |
Medical check-up | 200 | 17,600 |
Visa Application | 710 | 62,480 |
Airfare (one-way) | 900-2000 | 79,200-176,000 |
Tuition Fees in Australia for International Students
In Australia, a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses are available, each with varying tuition fees depending on the institution.
Moreover, the cost of studying these programs can fluctuate significantly across universities.
If you are under financial constraints, consider exploring more affordable courses, such as humanities, education, and arts.
However, if you are not constrained by tuition fees, you might consider enrolling in programs such as medicine, engineering, and other similar fields, which typically come with higher tuition fees in Australia.
The table below shows the average range of tuition fees for various levels of studies:
Courses for International Students | Average Annual Fees (AUD) | Average Annual Fees (Rs) |
Undergraduate courses | AUD 20,000 to 45,000 per year | Rs 17,60,000 to Rs 39,60,000 per year (approx) |
Postgraduate courses | AUD 22,000 to 50,000 per year | Rs 19,36,000 to Rs 44,00,000 per year (approx) |
PhD courses | AUD 18,000 to 42,000 per year | Rs 15,84,000 to Rs 36,96,000 per year (approx) |
Master of Business Administration | AUD 30,000 to 60,000 per year | Rs 26,40,000 to Rs 52,80,000 per year (approx) |
Living Expenses in Australia
In addition to excellent academic infrastructure, Australia is known for its robust post-study work opportunities and part-time work options during studies, which help students manage their living expenses more efficiently.
The table below outlines the estimated total cost to study in Australia from Nepal:
Expense Category | Cost (AUD) | Cost (NPR) |
On-campus accommodation | AUD 9,000 – 14,000/year | Rs 7,92,000 – Rs 12,32,000/year |
Shared apartment (off-campus) | AUD 400 – 900/month | Rs 35,200 – Rs 79,200/month |
Homestay (University-arranged) | AUD 450 – 1,200/month | Rs 39,600 – Rs 1,05,600/month |
Student residence (university housing) | AUD 350 – 850/month | Rs 30,800 – Rs 74,800/month |
Student visa application | AUD 710 (one-time) | Rs 62,480 |
Phone/Internet | AUD 30 – 50/month | Rs 2,640 – Rs 4,400/month |
Books and study materials | AUD 500 – 1,000/year | Rs 44,000 – Rs 88,000/year |
Personal expenses | AUD 300 – 600/month | Rs 26,400 – Rs 52,800/month |
Health insurance (OSHC) | AUD 600 – 1,000/year | Rs 52,800 – Rs 88,000/year |
Estimated Total Annual Cost | AUD 28,000 – 45,000/year | Rs 24,64,000 – Rs 39,60,000/year |
Expenses to Study in Australia
The major expenses for studying in Australia can be categorized in the following categories:
1. Book Materials
Depending on the university and program, textbooks can be quite expensive in Australia.
For example, engineering students typically spend around AUD 250 to AUD 350 per semester on books.
Courses in law, medicine, and pharmacy tend to have even higher textbook costs.
To reduce expenses, many students opt to purchase used books, use digital textbook platforms, or borrow from university libraries by getting a library membership.
2. Accommodation Costs
Australia offers a wide variety of housing options, including student residences, university-arranged homestays, shared apartments, and private studios.
The cost varies based on city, location, and amenities.
If you have friends or relatives in Australia, staying with them could significantly reduce your living expenses.
Otherwise, here are the typical accommodation options:
- Student Residences: AUD 350 – 850 per month
- University-Arranged Homestays: AUD 450 – 1,200 per month
- Shared Apartment/Rent: AUD 400 – 900 per month
- Studio/One-Room Apartment: Around AUD 1,200+ per month
- Utilities (electricity, water, heating): AUD 100 – 200/month
- Internet: AUD 60 – 80 per month
Keep in mind that rental prices can vary greatly depending on whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or regional areas.
3. Transportation Costs
Transportation in Australia is generally affordable.
one-way public transport ticket costs around AUD 3 – 5, and a monthly transport pass ranges from AUD 100 – 160, depending on the city.
Students can get discounted or concession travel cards, and those under 25 often receive additional discounts.
A taxi ride averages about AUD 2 – 4 per kilometer, depending on the city and time of day.
4. Health Expenses and Insurance
International students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before arriving in the country.
The average cost of OSHC is around AUD 600 – AUD 1,000 per year, depending on the provider and coverage level.
Some scholarships and financial aid programs may also include health insurance support.
5. Taxes and Work Rights
International students who hold a Tax File Number (TFN) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and full-time during holidays.
If you’re working, you must pay taxes on your income.
Students are required to apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study in the country. Here are the main requirements:
- Visa Application Fee: AUD 710
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian university
- Proof of Financial Capacity (to cover tuition and living expenses)
- English Language Proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE, TOEFL scores)
- Health Check-up & Insurance Proof
- No Criminal Record Certificate
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement
The student visa allows you to study and work part-time in Australia.
After completing your studies, you may also be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa, depending on your course and qualification level.
To learn more about the cost to study in Australia, you can reach out to one of the best consultancies in Nepal for Australia — Goreto Educational Consultancy Nepal.