Student Visa Requirements to Study in Australia

To study in Australia, you need a student visa (subclass 500), which is required for all international students, no matter the course, university, or tuition fees. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the length of your study program, typically up to five years. Make sure to keep your visa valid and follow the visa conditions. You can find more information on the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.

The cost of studying in Australia for international students depends on the type of course and the university or school you choose. For example, degrees in veterinary science and medicine are much more expensive than other degrees. On average, tuition fees at Australian universities range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000 per year.

Study Program	Average Fee in AUD
School	Costs between AUD 7,800 to AUD 30,000 per year.
English Language Studies	Around AUD 350 to AUD 450 per week, depending on the course length.
Vocational Education & Training	Includes Certificate I to IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma programs, costing AUD 4,000 to AUD 22,000 per year.
UG	Typically costs AUD 15,000 to AUD 35,000 per year.
PG	Costs range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000 per year.
Doctoral Degree	Also ranges from AUD 20,000 to AUD 42,000 per year, and many universities offer generous scholarships, sometimes covering up to 100% of tuition, along with living allowances if you meet their criteria.

Scholarships for Nepalese Students to Study in Australia

Here are some popular scholarships Nepalese students can apply for to study in Australia:

Scholarship	Description
Australia Awards	These scholarships are offered by the Department of Education, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship	These fellowships aim to support outstanding female researchers from APEC countries, allowing them to carry out research in Australian institutions.
Australian Government Research and Training Program (RTP)	This funding helps both local and international students pursue a Research Doctorate or Research Master’s degree.

Note: This is just a general list. It's best to talk to your SAS counselor to find the scholarships that fit your profile.

Intakes in Australia

Unlike Nepalese universities that have one intake, Australian universities usually offer two main intakes (also called semesters):

Semester 1: Begins in late February or early March and ends in late May or early June.
Semester 2: Starts in late July or early August and continues until November.

IELTS Requirements for Studying in Australia

To get admission to an Australian university, students need to meet IELTS score requirements:

General requirement: Minimum overall band score of 5.5
Undergraduate programs: At least 6.0 overall
Postgraduate programs: Minimum 6.5 in all four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

These scores are also important for your student visa application.

Top Courses to Study in Australia

Popular courses for international students in Australia include:

Engineering
Business Analytics
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Life Sciences
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Social Sciences
Medicine

Note: All costs mentioned are approximate.

In general, courses in humanities, arts, and education are usually less expensive, while programs like medicine and engineering tend to cost more. If you're planning to study at the postgraduate level, fees are often higher and can vary depending on the specific course.

Top Universities

Job Prospects in Australia

Australia provides great job opportunities for international students and graduates. There is growing demand in sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, and education. In 2024, the unemployment rate is low at just 3.6%, showing a strong and steady job market. Many fields are facing skill shortages especially in nursing, software development, civil engineering, and teaching making them great career options for graduates. With the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), international students can stay and work in Australia after finishing their studies.

Common Job Options for Students:

On-campus jobs
Retail work
Hospitality (cafes, restaurants, etc.)
Tutoring
Office/administrative work
Freelancing
Volunteering
Other part-time or casual work

Cost of Living in Australia

Australia is ranked among the top 10 countries for quality of life. It has a strong economy (GDP), a good education system, and high purchasing power. The country also offers excellent healthcare, safety, and political stability.

When planning your budget, here are some typical weekly living expenses:

Expenses Category	Estimated Weekly Cost (AUD)
Groceries and Eating	AUD 140 – AUD 300
Gas and Electricity	AUD 15 – AUD 25
Phone and Internet	AUD 20 – AUD 35
Public Transport	AUD 35 – AUD 65
Car (after purchase)	AUD 160 – AUD 270
Entertainment	AUD 80 – AUD 160

Study in Australia