Cost to Study in Australia: Tuition, Living & More
Every big dream comes with a price tag, and for Nepali students looking to study abroad, that dream often points to Australia. The country’s top-ranked universities, welcoming culture, and career opportunities make it a favorite destination. But the very first question that stops many students in their tracks is whether or not they can afford this education.
Studying in Australia is an investment, and like any investment, it needs clear planning. Tuition fees, living costs, visas, insurance, and even everyday expenses are all part of the journey. In this blog, we’ll break down how much it costs to study in Australia in 2025, what you should prepare for, and how to manage your budget, so you can worry less about finances and focus more on your dream.
Different Costs to Study in Australia
Overall, the major cost of studying in Australia from Nepal comprises tuition fees, financial proof requirements, living expenses for a year, visa application, and airfare. All of this can add up to AUD 64,000–87,000, which is an estimated total cost you should plan for your Australian education. Now, these numbers may feel overwhelming at first, but it helps to break them down.
Tuition Fees
On average, the total cost to study in Australia in 2025 comes to around AUD 35,000–50,000 per year for undergraduate programs and AUD 38,000–55,000 for postgraduate studies, when you include tuition fees.
Living Costs
International students spend about AUD 24,000–28,000 per year on living expenses, plus an extra AUD 2,000–3,000 on things like visas, health insurance, airfare, and study materials.
Additional Costs
Tuition covers your actual education, while living expenses make sure you’re comfortable and well-settled. Then there are the extra costs, like your student visa, health cover, and travel, that are simply unavoidable if you want to enter and stay in Australia legally. Having a clear picture of all these categories prepares you financially and avoids surprises once you land. In the next sections, we’ll go deeper into each cost so you know exactly where your money will go.
What are the Tuition Fees for Nepali Students in Australia?
For Nepali students, tuition fees in Australia usually fall between AUD 20,000 and 50,000 per year, depending on the level of study, the course you choose, and the location of your university.
Professional degrees like Medicine and Dentistry are at the very top of this range, sometimes even crossing AUD 60,000 annually, while programs such as Arts, Humanities, or Education sit at the lower end, often around AUD 22,000–28,000 per year. This wide gap means your academic interest plays a big role in shaping your overall budget.
1. Undergraduate Tuition Fees in Australia
If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree, the fees generally range from AUD 20,000 to 45,000 per year. A course like Bachelor of Arts or Teaching might cost you closer to the lower end, around AUD 22,000–28,000 annually. But if you step into competitive fields such as Engineering, Business, or Law, the tuition usually climbs to AUD 30,000–40,000 per year. And for specialist courses like Medicine or Dentistry, you’re looking at some of the highest fees, often exceeding AUD 55,000 annually at top universities.
Location also matters. Studying in Sydney or Melbourne usually comes with higher tuition costs because these cities host Australia’s leading institutions, including Group of Eight universities. In contrast, regional universities and smaller cities often offer more affordable fees, and in many cases, extra scholarships to attract international students. For example, while a business degree in Sydney might average AUD 38,000 per year, a similar program in Adelaide or Brisbane could be closer to AUD 28,000–32,000 annually.
2. Postgraduate Tuition Fees for Nepali Students
Master’s degrees are slightly more expensive, ranging between AUD 22,000 and 50,000 per year. Programs like Arts, Education, or Social Sciences tend to stay in the AUD 24,000–30,000 range, while high-demand courses such as IT, Data Science, or Engineering usually cost around AUD 35,000–45,000 annually. If you’re considering an MBA, prepare for even higher costs. These programs often range between AUD 45,000–55,000 per year, especially at well-known business schools.
Again, studying in regional universities can ease the financial load. A Master’s in IT in Melbourne may come with a tuition fee of about AUD 42,000 per year, but in a regional city like Adelaide or Perth, the same program could cost you closer to AUD 30,000–34,000 annually. Some regional universities even bundle in scholarships worth AUD 5,000–10,000, which significantly lowers the overall expense.
3. Top Universities and Their Estimated Tuition Fees (2025)
University | Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (AUD) |
| University of Melbourne | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Monash University | 28,000 – 48,000 |
| University of Sydney | 30,000 – 52,000 |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | 25,000 – 38,000 |
| University of South Australia | 22,000 – 35,000 |
Living Costs in Australia for International Students
The total cost of living in Australia can range from AUD 2,000–2,500 per month for international students. This includes rent, which is the major expense, food, commute, utilities, and personal expenses. The expenses can vary by your chosen location and lifestyle as well.
1. Average Monthly Living Expenses in Australia (2025)
Here’s what most Nepali students typically spend in a month:
Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (AUD) | Average Monthly Cost (NPR) | Notes |
| Rent | 600 – 1,200 | 56,430 – 112,860 | Shared apartments are cheaper; city-centre rentals cost more |
| Food & Groceries | 300 – 600 | 28,215 – 56,430 | Cooking at home saves money vs eating out |
| Transportation | 100 – 200 | 9,405 – 18,810 | Students often get discounted public transport passes |
| Personal Expenses | 150 – 300 | 14,107 – 28,215 | Clothing, mobile plans, leisure activities |
| Utilities & Internet | 80 – 150 | 7,524 – 14,107 | Often split among flatmates |
2. Living Costs Comparison: Sydney, Melbourne vs Other Cities
Big metropolitan cities in Australia tend to be more expensive, while smaller or regional cities are far more budget-friendly. A student in Sydney might spend nearly AUD 28,000 annually just on living expenses, while a student in Adelaide could manage the same lifestyle for AUD 20,000–22,000 annually. That’s around AUD 6,000–8,000 per year (over NPR 5–7 lakhs) of difference, which is significant when budgeting your education journey.
City/Region | Estimated Monthly Living Cost (AUD) | Remarks |
| Sydney | 2,200 – 2,800 | Australia’s most expensive city; high rent and transport costs |
| Melbourne | 2,000 – 2,600 | Slightly cheaper than Sydney but still on the higher end |
| Brisbane | 1,800 – 2,200 | More affordable lifestyle with lower rent |
| Adelaide | 1,600 – 2,100 | One of the cheapest major cities; popular with students |
| Perth | 1,700 – 2,200 | Balanced costs, especially for accommodation |
| Regional Areas | 1,500 – 2,000 | Lowest costs; universities often offer scholarships too |
3. Additional Costs Nepali Students Should Prepare For
This is the extra budget of around AUD 2,500–4,000 you should set aside for the first year. These are a few extra but unavoidable costs that Nepali students must plan for. These are often overlooked at the start, but can add up quickly.
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Details |
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) | 2000 | Mandatory application fee; additional charges may apply for biometrics or medical exams |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | 500 – 700 per year (single cover) | Required for all international students; price depends on duration and provider |
| Airfare (Nepal to Australia) | 900 – 1,500 (one-way) | Varies by airline and season; booking early helps reduce costs |
| Study Materials & Exam Fees | 500 – 1,000 per year | Includes textbooks, lab supplies, printing, and professional exam fees |
| Miscellaneous Charges | 300 – 600 | Setting up bank accounts, SIM cards, household items, etc. |
How to Manage Expenses as a Nepali Student in Australia?
To manage your living expenses in Australia, seek part-time jobs, apply for scholarships, and book your flights early to find cheaper options. The good news is that while studying in Australia requires investment, there are smart ways to balance your budget and reduce stress. The goal is to either cut the cost or increase your income.
1. Part-Time Job Opportunities for Nepali Students
As a Nepali student, you are legally allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (~24 hours per week) during your academic term and full-time during semester breaks. This flexibility not only helps cover your expenses but also gives you valuable work experience in an international environment.
Popular part-time jobs for students include roles in hospitality (cafés, restaurants, hotels), retail (supermarkets, stores, shopping centers), delivery services, and even tutoring if you excel in a subject. These jobs may not always relate directly to your field of study, but they can help you build soft skills, improve communication, and expand your network, all while easing financial pressure.
2. Average Earnings from Part-Time Jobs in Australia
The minimum wage in Australia is AUD 24.95 per hour, which is actually one of the highest minimum wages in the world. This means even entry-level student jobs can pay fairly well compared to many other countries. On average, a student working part-time can earn AUD 1,200 to 1,500 per month, depending on the number of hours and type of work.
This income can significantly offset your living expenses, often covering rent, groceries, or transport. You may even be able to contribute to your tuition fees from your second year with some savings. However, it’s important to balance work and study. Employers value reliability, and universities expect you to prioritize academics.
3. Budgeting Tips and Apps for International Students
Managing money in a new country can feel overwhelming at first, but with a few smart habits, you’ll find it much easier. Start with the basics:
Plan Your Meals Weekly
Meal prepping saves both time and money. Buying groceries in bulk from affordable stores like ALDI or Costco is much cheaper than shopping casually at Coles or Woolworths. And not to mention, cook your meals at home. It keeps you both financially and physically healthy
Opt for Shared Accommodation
College dorms are way too expensive for international students. Instead, share accommodation with flat mates to save on rent and utilities. Choose a room or a flat and join hands with a group of students to live together. This way, you enjoy both social and monetary help from your friends.
Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Your student ID can save you a surprising amount every month. From transport and cinema tickets to software and shopping, using student discounts consistently trims living expenses. Combine it with cashback apps and loyalty programs, and small savings quickly add up over the year.
Buy Second-Hand or Rent Textbooks
New textbooks can be very expensive (sometimes AUD 100–200 each). Instead, check your university’s second-hand bookshops, Facebook student groups, or websites like Student VIP to buy or rent used ones.
Use Public Libraries and Free Campus Resources
Instead of paying for software or study tools, see what’s available for free through your university library. Many campuses also provide free printing quotas, tutoring sessions, or workshops.
Track Your Work Hours Carefully
Don’t cross the 48-hour fortnightly limit for working hours. Disobeying the visa result can affect your visa status. Keep a simple record of your hours so you’re never caught off guard.
Look for Paid Internships and On-Campus Jobs
While hospitality and retail are common, on-campus jobs, like working in the library, admin office, or as a research assistant are often less stressful and more flexible with study schedules.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Nepali Students
Scholarships can significantly reduce the overall cost to study in Australia. Most scholarships cover partial tuition fees, while some may also provide living allowances, airfare, and health insurance. These are the most popular scholarships in Australia for Nepalese students:
1. Australian Government Scholarships
The Australian Government runs a few highly competitive scholarship programs for international students:
Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility & Notes |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Full tuition fees, living allowance, return airfare, OSHC | Open to students from Nepal pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs; highly competitive and focused on leadership potential |
| Destination Australia Scholarship | Up to AUD 15,000 per year | Supports students studying in regional universities; encourages diversity and affordable study in smaller cities |
| Research Training Program (RTP) | Tuition fee offset + stipend for living | Available for master’s by research and PhD students; requires a strong academic/research background |
2. University-Specific Scholarships for 2025
Many universities in Australia offer generous scholarships exclusively for international students, including those from Nepal.
University | Scholarship Examples | Value (Approx.) |
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship | AUD 10,000 – 100% tuition fee remission |
| Monash University | Monash International Merit Scholarship | Up to AUD 50,000 |
| University of Sydney | Sydney Scholars India & South Asia Award | AUD 5,000 – 40,000 |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | International Merit Scholarship | 25% of tuition fees |
| University of South Australia | International Merit Scholarship | 15% – 50% of tuition fees |
3. How to Apply for Australian Scholarships from Nepal
Applying for scholarships requires early planning and careful preparation. Here are the key steps:
Start Researching Early
Many scholarships close 6–12 months before your intake, so begin researching and preparing as soon as possible. Early planning gives you enough time to gather documents, improve your profile, and meet deadlines without stress.
Keep Records of Your Academics and Documents
Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0+ (or equivalent), so keeping your grades consistently strong is crucial. Alongside academic performance, you’ll need well-prepared supporting documents such as essays, statements of purpose (SOPs), recommendation letters, or research proposals.
Apply Directly to Universities
University-specific scholarships are usually part of the admission process. Check each university’s scholarship page carefully and submit your application along with your program admission.
Seek Expert Guidance
Consulting services or mentors can help identify scholarships suited to your profile, review your application, and advise on timing, increasing your chances of success.
Conclusion
Studying in Australia is, without a doubt, a big financial commitment, but it’s also an investment that pays off in terms of career growth, global exposure, and long-term opportunities. From world-class universities and practical learning environments to post-study work rights and pathways to permanent residency, Australia gives Nepali students the chance to build both a degree and a future.
When you plan wisely by budgeting your living expenses, applying for scholarships, and making use of part-time job opportunities, the cost to study in Australia becomes much more manageable. Remember, you’re not just paying tuition fees; you’re investing in international skills, experiences, and networks that will serve you for life.
If you’re serious about starting your journey to Australia, this is the right time to prepare. Get your finances in order, explore scholarships, and seek expert guidance. Reach Out To Us Today to plan your Australian studies!