Requirements to Study in Australia for Nepalese Students

Dreaming of studying in Australia? We get it! From stunning cities like Sydney and Melbourne to student-friendly hubs like Adelaide and Tasmania, Australia is a dream destination for Nepalese students. Every year, thousands of Nepali students choose to study in Australia for its world-class education, globally recognised degrees, affordable lifestyle options, and strong post-study work opportunities. 
 

But before you apply, you must understand the requirements to study in Australia first. From academic qualifications and English language scores to financial proof and visa documents, each requirement matters. Missing even a single document can delay your admission or even lead to visa rejection.
 

This guide is designed to walk you through everything step by step. Whether you’re planning for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or even a PhD in Australia, this blog will help you prepare with confidence. Let’s get started.

What Are the Academic Requirements to Study in Australia?

Academic requirements depend on the level of study: Bachelor’s programs require completion of 10+2, Master’s programs need a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA, and PhD programs require a Master’s degree plus a research proposal and, in many cases, supervisor acceptance. Here’s the explanation of all requirements in detail:

1. Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degree)

To pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Australia, you must complete a 10+2 or equivalent qualification in any stream, such as Science, Management, Humanities, or a Diploma. Most universities expect a minimum score of around 55%, although some may accept slightly lower marks if you enrol through a foundation or pathway program. Top universities require excellent academic records.
 

If you have backlogs or academic gaps, universities usually accept them if you provide a reasonable explanation. Academic gaps of up to two years are generally acceptable, especially if you can justify them with work experience, training, or other constructive activities.

2. Graduate Programs (Master’s Degree)

For a Master’s degree, you need a Bachelor’s degree. Both three-year and four-year bachelor’s program is accepted in Australia. Universities typically require a minimum GPA of 2.5 or roughly 55%.
 

You can pursue a Master’s in a different field from your previous degree, though you may need to provide additional training or experience documents to support your application. If you have an academic gap, it’s usually acceptable as long as you can demonstrate work experience, research, or relevant training during that period.

3. Doctoral Programs (PhD)

To be eligible for a PhD in Australia, you must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent and submit a research proposal mandatorily. While having publications can strengthen your application, they are not always compulsory. Another key requirement is supervisor acceptance. You need to have a faculty member willing to supervise your research before the university can offer admission.

4. English Language & Standardized Tests 

English language tests like IELTS and PTE are often mandatory to apply for Australian universities. The other standardized tests, like GMAT or GRE, are usually optional but required for applying to competitive programs like MBA or Engineering at top universities. SAT is rarely required for Australia’s bachelor’s programs.

Note that competitive programs in top universities require an even higher score. With the minimum score, you can get admission to most of the well-recognised universities. Make sure to check your chosen university’s website for accurate requirement details.

5. Academic Documents Required to Apply for Australian Universities

You must submit the following academic documents:

• SEE/SLC Certificate and Marksheet
• +2/Intermediate Transcript and Certificate
• Bachelor’s Degree Mark Sheets and Transcript (for Master’s applicants)
• Migration and Character Certificates
• English Language Test Results (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR) – for Master’s/PhD
• Research Proposal (PhD applicants)
• Experience Letters (if any)

What Are the Financial Requirements to Study in Australia?

To study in Australia, you must show sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and visa fees. This can include personal savings, education loans, or sponsor support, and students often supplement costs with scholarships or part-time on-campus work. Below is a detailed breakdown of the cost of studying in Australia for Nepali students:

1. Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

On average, you will need at least AUD 40,000–60,000 per year to cover all your tuition and living expenses, depending on your course and city.

2. Proof of Funds (Mandatory for Visa)

You need to show a minimum bank balance of AUD 29,710 to the Australian government, proving that you have enough funds to cover:

• Tuition fees for one academic year
• Living expenses for one year
• Travel costs
• Dependent expenses (if applying with family)

Acceptable Proof of Funds

• Bank balance certificate (must be 3–6 months old)
• Bank statements (transaction history)
• Fixed Deposit (FD) statements
• Education loan approval letter
• Income source documents of sponsors
• Scholarship letters (if funded)
• Financial Guarantee (if sponsored by an institution)

 Funds can be in Nepalese banks or international banks. However, the source of income must be clearly explained (salary, business, agriculture, rental income, etc.).

3. Scholarships and Financial Support

Studying in Australia is a significant financial commitment. Nepali students combine scholarships, part-time work, and loans to manage the costs of studying and living in Australia. Careful budgeting and financial planning also play a major role. Many Nepali students manage costs with:

• Scholarships: Scholarships in Australia for Nepalese students are often merit-based, covering anywhere from 10% to 50% of tuition, and may include support for living or study-related expenses. Some students also apply for government scholarships like the competitive Australia Awards and other fully funded scholarships.
• Bursaries & Grants: Some universities or private organisations support students from underrepresented or financially constrained backgrounds; these grants are typically smaller than full scholarships but can help offset specific costs.
• On-Campus Jobs: International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, earning extra income to manage living costs. Jobs may include library assistant, lab helper, or administrative roles within the university.
• Education Loans: Nepali students often secure loans from local banks under student loan schemes, covering tuition and sometimes living expenses, making it easier to focus on studies without financial stress.

Documents Checklist for Your Australian Education

To apply for an Australian university and student visa, you need several key documents, like academic transcripts, language test scores, financial documents, an insurance certificate, and other legal documents. Below is a comprehensive document checklist you must prepare:

• Passport: Must be valid for the entire duration of your study, as it serves as your official travel and identification document.
• Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Issued by the university after you accept the offer; this document is mandatory to apply for your student visa.
• Genuine Student (GS) Statement: A statement proving that you genuinely intend to study in Australia and will comply with visa and academic requirements.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Health insurance required for the entire duration of your course, ensuring you have access to medical care while studying in Australia.
• Academic Transcripts/Certificates: Academic records from Grade 10 onward (SEE/NEB and Bachelor’s, if applicable) to demonstrate your educational qualifications.
• English Language Test Scores: IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores to prove your ability to study in English at the required academic level.
• Proof of Financial Capacity: Bank statements, fixed deposits, or approved education loans that show you can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs while in Australia.
• Visa Application Fee Receipt: Proof that you have paid the Subclass 500 student visa fee.
• Character Certificate (Police Clearance): Confirms your good conduct and ensures you meet Australia’s character requirements for international students.
• Passport-Sized Photos: Recent photos with a white background, required for visa and university documentation.
• Medical Examination Report: Completed by an authorized panel physician to confirm that you meet Australia’s health requirements for international students.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A written document explaining your academic and career plans, your reasons for choosing Australia, and how the course aligns with your goals.

Optional/Situational Documents for Studying in Australia

Depending on your profile and the course you are applying for, you may also need the following additional documents:

Tip: Keep both hard copies and scanned soft copies of all documents. Most universities and visa applications now accept online submissions.

How to Get Admission in an Australian University?

Getting admission to an Australian university requires meeting the university’s academic criteria, preparing necessary documents, and submitting a complete application through the university portal or a registered agent. Once accepted, you receive a Conditional Offer Letter and then a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is essential for your student visa. Here is a simple and practical roadmap for Nepali students applying from Nepal.

Step 1: Choose Your Course and University

Start by selecting a course that aligns with your career goals. Australia offers thousands of programs, from IT, Nursing, Engineering, Business, Cyber Security, to Social Work. Compare universities based on course quality, tuition fees, location, scholarship options, and PR prospects. Take note of the intakes in Australia, as universities have multiple intakes. February and July are the main ones, while some programs may also open in May, June, September, or November.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Each university has its own entry criteria, but typically, you’ll need:

• Academic qualification: +2 or Bachelor’s result with the required percentage
• English language score: IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL
• Gaps: Acceptable with proper justification
• Backlogs: Depends on the program, but some universities accept them with an explanation

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can always request a free profile evaluation from a consultancy or directly from a university representative.

Talk to Our Counsellors for Free

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

To apply, you’ll need:

• Passport
• Academic transcripts & certificates
• English test score (IELTS/PTE)
• Updated CV (for Bachelor/Master programs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letter of Recommendation (for Master’s)
• Work experience letter (if applicable)

Step 4: Apply to the University

You can submit your application:

• Directly on the university website
• Through a registered Australian education agent
• Via partner portals like StudyLink or ApplyBoard

Most Nepali students prefer applying through a consultancy because it helps avoid errors and speeds up communication with universities.

Step 5: Receive Conditional Offer Letter

Once your academic background matches the program requirements, the university will send you a Conditional Offer Letter. This means your application is accepted, but you need to submit pending documents (like financial proof or final scores) to move ahead.

Step 6: Meet GTE & Financial Assessment

Australia applies a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) check to ensure international students genuinely want to study. You must:

• Justify your study purpose
• Show financial capacity to pay tuition + living costs
• Demonstrate genuine academic progression
• Attach SOP and supporting evidence

Step 7: Pay Initial Tuition Fee & OSHC

Once you pass the assessment, pay the initial tuition deposit mentioned by the university. Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for a student visa.

Step 8: Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

After payment, your university will issue a CoE, which is a legal document required to apply for your student visa. This confirms your admission is final.

How to Obtain an Australian Student Visa from Nepal?

Once you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the university, you can start applying for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) through your ImmiAccount. This visa allows you to live, study, and work part-time in Australia for the duration of your course. Here’s a simple, step-by-step visa guide for Nepali students applying from Nepal.

Step 1: Create Your ImmiAccount

Visit the official Australian immigration website and create an ImmiAccount. This is where you’ll submit your visa application and upload documents.

Step 2: Write Your Genuine Student (GS) Statement

This is one of the most important visa requirements for Australia. Your GS statement explains:

• Why you chose Australia
• Why this course and university fit your career
• Your academic and financial background
• Your genuine intention to study
• Your plan after graduation

Avoid copy-paste or generic statements; let your personal story shine.

Step 3: Gather Required Visa Documents

Before starting the application, collect all the visa documents from academic transcripts, financial documents, GS Statement, OSHC, and other legal documents.

Step 4: Submit Visa Application and Pay Fee

Submit your application online through your ImmiAccount. Upload all required documents and double-check that everything is accurate. Australian Student Visa is AUD 2000 as of October 2025. 

Apply for Your Australian Student Visa with Expert Guidance 

Step 5: Complete Biometrics & Medicals

After applying, you’ll get a notification to give Biometrics at the VFS Global Center in Kathmandu (Tripureshwor). Do a Medical Checkup at the authorized clinic (like Norvic or IOM), and receive your report.

Step 6: Wait for Visa Decision

Visa processing time varies from 1 week to 8 weeks, depending on case priority and document quality. Make sure you:

• Keep funds in your bank during the entire process
• Respond quickly to any “Request for Further Information”
• Check your email and ImmiAccount regularly

Congratulations! Once approved, you’ll receive your Visa Grant Letter via email. After that, you can start planning your travel and accommodation arrangements in Australia. Pack your essentials for studying in Australia, book your flights early, take pre-departure sessions, and prepare yourself for the Australian experience!

Tips for Nepali Students Applying to Study in Australia

Studying in Australia is a life-changing opportunity, but success begins long before you arrive there. From preparing your documents to choosing the right course, smart planning makes your journey smooth and stress-free. Here are some practical tips specifically for Nepali students:

1. Start Early

Don’t wait until the last moment. Universities, scholarships, and visa processing all take time. The ideal timeline is to start planning 6–10 months before your intake. This gives you enough time to prepare for IELTS/PTE, collect financial documents, and write a strong SOP.

2. Be Smart About University Selection

Make your decisions based on:

• Tuition affordability
• Language test score requirements
• Scholarship options
• Part-time job availability
• PR prospects of the state

South Australia and Tasmania currently offer better PR pathways than Sydney or Melbourne.

3. Invest Time in Your SOP and GS Statement

These two documents directly affect your visa chances. A strong SOP can justify academic gaps, average scores, or even a career shift. Avoid clichés—make your statement genuine and well-structured. Use your SOP to explain why you’ll return to Nepal after graduation. It is critical to prove your strong ties to Nepal for visa approval.

4. Explore Scholarships Aggressively

Many Nepali students miss out on scholarships just because they don’t apply. Check for merit scholarships up to 10%–30% offered by universities like:

• Federation University
• CQUniversity
• University of Southern Queensland
• Deakin University
• La Trobe University
• University of Tasmania

Even small scholarships reduce tuition pressure.

5. Choose Your City Strategically

Australia is not just Sydney and Melbourne. Think long-term:

6. Seek Professional Guidance

A simple mistake in documentation can cause visa rejection. Consult with trusted education advisors who understand admission rules, GS writing, financial documentation, and university requirements. Always choose a consultancy that is transparent, not one that just promises a visa.

Conclusion

Studying in Australia is more than earning a degree; it’s stepping into a world of opportunities, personal growth, and global exposure. While the process may seem challenging, careful planning, understanding requirements, and staying organized make your dream completely achievable. Remember, every document you prepare, every application you submit, and every scholarship you explore brings you one step closer to your goal.

If you’re a Nepali student aspiring to study abroad, guidance can make all the difference. SAS Education Consultancy helps you navigate university selection, admissions, visa applications, and scholarships with confidence, ensuring your journey is smooth and successful. Start your Australian education journey today! Let the experts at SAS guide your path to studying abroad. 

Wondering about the best courses to study in Australia? Explore the top in-demand courses in Australia for Nepalese Students!