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.

The Essential Costs of Studying in Australia

Prepare for these major areas of expenses.

Pre-Departure Costs

Application fees,IELTS/TOEFL fees, medical test, visa fees and flight cost.

Tuition Cost

Annual Charges for your chosen program

Living Expenses

Accomodation, food & groceries, transportation, mobile & internet and other expenses.

Pre-Departure Costs

The pre-departure expenses can be broken down as given in the table below:

Expense CategoryEstimated Cost (AUD)Estimated Cost (NPR)
Application fees50 – 1504,400 – 13,200
English test (IELTS/TOEFL)350 – 40030,800 – 35,200
Medical check-up20017,600
Visa Application71062,480
Airfare (one-way)900-200079,200-176,000

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 StudentsAverage Annual Fees (AUD)Average Annual Fees (Rs)
Undergraduate coursesAUD 20,000 to 45,000 per yearRs 17,60,000 to Rs 39,60,000 per year (approx)
Postgraduate coursesAUD 22,000 to 50,000 per yearRs 19,36,000 to Rs 44,00,000 per year (approx)
PhD coursesAUD 18,000 to 42,000 per yearRs 15,84,000 to Rs 36,96,000 per year (approx)
Master of Business AdministrationAUD 30,000 to 60,000 per yearRs 26,40,000 to Rs 52,80,000 per year (approx)

Undergraduate Tuition Fees

  • Australia’s average tuition fees for undergraduate international students is AUD 30,840 per year, according to Study Australia and government education statistics.
  • You can expect to pay tuition fees ranging between AUD 20,000 and AUD 45,000 depending on the course and university you choose.
  • However, programs like Bachelor’s in Medicine, Engineering, and Law are generally more expensive, which can cost between AUD 35,000 to AUD 60,000.
  • Furthermore, undergraduate programs in business and management in Australia cost approximately AUD 30,000 to AUD 40,000 per year.

Postgraduate Tuition Fees

If you want to study a master’s degree in Australia, the cost of education is still considered competitive compared to many other countries around the world. So, what will it cost to study in Australia if you’re planning to pursue a master’s degree?

  • According to Study Australia and other official sources, the average tuition fees for a postgraduate program in Australia for international students range around AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year, depending on the program and university.
  • The average annual fee for an Executive MBA in Australia is approximately AUD 60,000. Whereas, the average annual fee for a regular MBA program is around AUD 35,000 to AUD 45,000.

Keep in mind that tuition fees can vary significantly depending on the university, specialization, and duration of the program.

Ph.D. Courses

Similar to other degrees, the cost of a Ph.D. in Australia also varies depending on the course and the university.

Generally, international students pay higher tuition fees than domestic students for Ph.D. programs in Australia.

However, some Australian universities offer tuition fee waivers or scholarships that significantly reduce or eliminate the cost for international Ph.D. candidates, especially those on research scholarships.

As with other degrees, the cost of earning a Ph.D. in Australia depends on the specific program and institution.

For example, The University of Melbourne charges approximately AUD 30,000 to AUD 42,000 per year for Ph.D. programs, while The University of Queensland may charge between AUD 28,000 and AUD 40,000 annually.

Some universities also allow international Ph.D. students to pay domestic-level tuition fees if they are awarded competitive research scholarships.

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 CategoryCost (AUD)Cost (NPR)
On-campus accommodationAUD 9,000 – 14,000/yearRs 7,92,000 – Rs 12,32,000/year
Shared apartment (off-campus)AUD 400 – 900/monthRs 35,200 – Rs 79,200/month
Homestay (University-arranged)AUD 450 – 1,200/monthRs 39,600 – Rs 1,05,600/month
Student residence (university housing)AUD 350 – 850/monthRs 30,800 – Rs 74,800/month
Student visa applicationAUD 710 (one-time)Rs 62,480
Phone/InternetAUD 30 – 50/monthRs 2,640 – Rs 4,400/month
Books and study materialsAUD 500 – 1,000/yearRs 44,000 – Rs 88,000/year
Personal expensesAUD 300 – 600/monthRs 26,400 – Rs 52,800/month
Health insurance (OSHC)AUD 600 – 1,000/yearRs 52,800 – Rs 88,000/year
Estimated Total Annual CostAUD 28,000 – 45,000/yearRs 24,64,000 – Rs 39,60,000/year

"Studying in Australia taught me how to budget and manage my expenses wisely, from rent to groceries and transport. Planning ahead and making smart choices made my student life much easier and stress-free."

Sanjay Thapa
studying at Griffith University

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.

Dhiraj Kandel

Dhiraj Kandel

Sr. Student Advisor

The educations quality in Canada meets all the standards expected by employers in all fields of work. The Canadian education system is also recognized by employers globally for having really high standards. and producing graduates that are ready to face real world challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Diploma/Certificate Courses: 6 months to 2 years
  • Bachelor’s Degree: 3 to 4 years
  • Master’s Degree (Coursework): 1 to 2 years
  • PhD (Doctoral Program): 3 to 4 years

Yes, most Australian institutions require proof of English proficiency. IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL are commonly accepted.
Typical IELTS requirements:

  • Diploma/Certificate: 5.5 overall
  • Bachelor’s Degree: 6.0 – 6.5 overall
  • Master’s Degree: 6.5 – 7.0 overall

Yes, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during semester breaks. This allows students to support their living expenses.

Yes, international students can apply for PR after completing their studies, particularly if:

  • Their occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
  • They complete a 2-year course in Australia
  • They gain relevant work experience and pass point-based assessments

GTE is a requirement for student visas. It ensures that the student intends to study temporarily in Australia. You’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining your study goals, background, and intent to return home after graduation.

Yes, all international students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay in Australia.

Nation Wide Network

Find Our Branch Near You

Connect with our expert counselors at any of our strategically located offices

Book Your Free Consultation

Free Expert Guidance to Plan Your Abroad Studies

From choosing the right country to finding scholarships and housing — our counselors will guide you at every step.

Choose the right country based on your goals

Find courses that match your career plan

Get guidance on colleges and universities

Plan your finances, scholarships & part-time jobs

Plan your abroad stay & post-study plan

Dhiraj Kandel

Dhiraj Kandel

Sr. Student Advisor

Schedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study

Prakash Regmi

Prakash Regmi

Senior Counselor

Schedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study

    By submitting this form, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.