Studying in Australia has become an increasingly popular option for international students seeking a high-quality education and global opportunities. With its diverse culture, world-renowned universities, and welcoming communities, Australia has become a top destination for international students, including those from Nepal.
As an international student in Australia, you can expect to receive a world-class education that is recognized globally. Australian universities offer various academic programs, including business, engineering, healthcare, and the arts. Moreover, studying in Australia also offers the opportunity to explore a new culture, make lifelong friends, and build a global network.
One of the biggest benefits of studying in Australia is its quality of life. Australian cities consistently rank high on global livability indexes for their safety, cleanliness, and overall quality of life. International students in Australia also have access to various support services, including academic assistance, career services, and mental health support.
Nepalese students have shown a strong interest in studying in Australia recently. According to the Australian Government's Department of Education, Skills, and Employment, Nepalese students accounted for 4.6% of all international students in Australia in 2020, making Nepal the eighth largest source country for international students in Australia. This reflects the growing awareness and recognition of the benefits of studying in Australia among Nepalese students.
Entry Requirements and Application Process
Before applying to study in Australia, international students must meet certain entry requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the level of education and the institution you are applying to. Here are some entry requirements and application processes for international students to study in Australia.
International students must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language by taking an English language proficiency test such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or Pearson Test of English (PTE). here's a table of the minimum required English scores for international students applying to Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. programs in Australia:
Program |
English Language Test |
Minimum Required Score |
Bachelor's |
IELTS (Academic) |
6.0 overall, with no band less than 6.0 |
TOEFL iBT |
60 overall, with a minimum of 18 in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking |
|
PTE Academic |
50 overall, with no communicative skill, score less than 50 |
|
Master's |
IELTS (Academic) |
6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0 |
TOEFL iBT |
79 overall, with a minimum of 19 in Reading and Writing, and 18 in Listening and Speaking |
|
PTE Academic |
58 overall, with no communicative skill, score less than 50 |
|
PhD |
IELTS (Academic) |
7.0 overall, with no band less than 6.5 |
TOEFL iBT |
94 overall, with a minimum of 24 in Reading and Writing, and 20 in Listening and Speaking |
|
PTE Academic |
65 overall, with no communicative skill, score less than 58 |
Note: These are the general minimum requirements, and some universities may have higher or lower requirements.
The academic requirements may vary depending on the level of education and the institution you are applying to. These are the general average requirements; some universities may have higher or lower requirements.
Program |
Average Academic Requirements |
Bachelor's |
Completion of high school or equivalent |
Master's |
Completion of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 |
PhD |
Completion of a Master's degree or equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 and a research proposal |
International students must obtain a visa to study in Australia. The visa application process may vary depending on the country you are applying from. Generally, students must provide evidence of enrolment in a registered course, sufficient funds to cover living expenses, and health insurance.
To apply for an Australian student visa, you must first apply for admission to an Australian institution. Once you have received an offer of admission, you will receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from the institution.
You can apply for a student visa through the Department of Home Affairs website. You must provide your eCoE, evidence of sufficient funds, health insurance, and other relevant documents. Once your visa application is approved, you can travel to Australia and commence your studies.
Application Process
- The application process may vary by university and program, but it generally involves submitting an online application form and providing supporting documents.
- The documents required for application may include academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores, a personal statement, a resume/CV, and letters of recommendation.
- Application deadlines and fees may vary by university and program, but it's important to submit the application before the deadline and pay the required fee. On average, the application fee for a bachelor's program can range from AUD 50 to 150, while for a master's program, it can range from AUD 75 to 250.
- Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the university's admission office. If additional documents are required, the university will contact the applicant. The processing time may vary by university, but it generally takes several weeks to several months. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email or postal mail.
|
Cost of Studying in Australia
International students should be prepared to budget for tuition fees and living expenses when studying in Australia. Here is an overview of the cost of studying in Australia:
University |
Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (AUD) |
Australian National University (ANU) |
$45,864 - $49,680 |
University of Melbourne |
$42,536 - $73,152 |
University of Sydney |
$44,500 - $58,000 |
University of New South Wales (UNSW) |
$41,280 - $48,240 |
University of Queensland |
$39,936 - $47,904 |
Monash University |
$39,000 - $50,500 |
University of Western Australia |
$36,600 - $48,400 |
University of Adelaide |
$31,000 - $43,000 |
The cost of living in Australia can vary depending on the city and the student's lifestyle. Here's a table on the cost of living in Australia for international students:
Item |
Estimated Cost per Year (AUD) |
Accommodation |
$6,000 - $20,000 |
Groceries and food |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
Public transport |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
Mobile phone and internet |
$1,000 - $1,500 |
Textbooks and study materials |
$1,000 - $1,500 |
Health insurance |
$500 - $800 |
Entertainment and leisure activities |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
Total |
$17,000 - $35,800 |
Here are a table showing some of the scholarships and financial assistance options available for international students studying in Australia:
Scholarship/Financial Assistance Program |
Provider |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Value |
Australia Awards Scholarships |
Australian Government |
Varies by country and program |
Full tuition, living expenses |
Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarships |
Australian Government |
Varies by program and level of study |
Full tuition, travel, allowance |
Destination Australia Scholarships |
Australian Government |
Must be studying in regional Australia |
Up to $15,000 per year |
University-specific scholarships and bursaries |
Individual universities |
Varies by university and program |
Varies |
Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowships (WIRF) |
Australian Government |
Women from APEC economies studying a research master's or PhD |
Up to $23,000 |
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) |
Australian Government |
Domestic and international Ph.D. students |
Full tuition, living expenses |
International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) |
Australian Government |
International students studying a research master's or PhD |
Full tuition, living expenses |
Fulbright Scholarships |
Fulbright Commission |
US citizens studying or conducting research in Australia |
Varies |
Equity Scholarships |
Individual universities and government bodies |
Low-income, Indigenous, and other disadvantaged students |
Varies |
Student loans and financial aid programs |
Individual universities and government bodies |
Australian citizens and permanent residents |
Varies |
Part-time work opportunities in Australia for international students.
International students in Australia can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week and full-time during semester breaks. Students can find part-time work through job websites, university job boards, or by directly approaching employers. Popular part-time jobs for international students include hospitality, retail, and customer service.
The minimum wage in Australia is AUD 20.33 per hour, which gives students a decent salary. In addition to earning extra money, part-time work can also provide students with valuable work experience, improve their language skills, and help them build their professional network.
Work Industry |
Average Hourly Wage |
Retail |
AUD 20-25 |
Hospitality |
AUD 20-25 |
Customer Service |
AUD 20-25 |
Tutoring |
AUD 30-50 |
Office/Administration |
AUD 20-25 |
Post-Study Options
Australia offers a range of job opportunities for international students upon completion of their studies. Australian employers highly seek international graduates, with many offering jobs in industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance. The Australian government also offers a Temporary Graduate Visa that allows international students to work in Australia after their studies.
According to a survey by the Australian government, more than 68% of international graduates found full-time employment in Australia within four months of completing their studies. The survey also found that international graduates earned an average salary of AUD 70,000 per year, higher than the national average.
International students have several visa options after completing their studies in Australia. The most common visa option is the Temporary Graduate Visa, which allows international students to stay and work in Australia for up to two to four years, depending on their qualifications. This visa is a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
Another visa option is the Skilled Independent Visa, a points-based visa allowing skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. To be eligible, applicants must have the required skills and qualifications and pass a points test based on age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education.
Many international students continue their education in Australia after completing their studies. Australia has a world-class education system and offers a range of postgraduate courses in various fields, including business, engineering, science, and humanities. Many universities offer pathway programs and credit transfers, which allow students to continue their studies at a higher level or in a different field.
International students who complete a Ph.D. in Australia may also be eligible for the Temporary Graduate or Skilled Independent Visa. These visas offer a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, making it an attractive option for those who wish to continue their careers in Australia.