Global Select Education and Visa Services
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Sunday, December 28, 2025

How Much Does It Really Cost to Study in Australia in 2026?

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Australia remains a top choice for Nepali students seeking quality education and globalcareer prospects. Its world-class universities, diverse environment, andpost-study work options attract many. However, understanding the full financialcommitment beforehand is crucial to avoid surprises.

Costsvary widely based on your university, course, and lifestyle. Some studentsunderestimate expenses and face financial stress; others overestimate and missaffordable opportunities. This guide breaks down key expenses for studying inAustralia in 2026 to help you budget wisely. Here are the major cost componentsto consider: Tuition fees, which can range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 peryear depending on the course and university. Living expenses, includingaccommodation, groceries, transportation, and entertainment, which can add upto around AUD 20,000 per year. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), amandatory health insurance that costs approximately AUD 600 per year. Textbooksand study materials, which can amount to around AUD 1,000 per year. Visaapplication fees and travel expenses should also be factored in. It's essentialto research scholarships, grants, and part-time job opportunities to ease yourfinancial burden.

Tuition Fees in Australia2026

Tuitionfees are the largest part of your study budget and depend greatly on yourcourse type, institution, and study level.In 2026, undergraduate programs canrange from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, while postgraduate programs canbe between AUD 22,000 and AUD 50,000 per year. These figures are just estimatesand can vary significantly. It's important to research specific universitiesand courses to get accurate figures. Additionally, keep in mind that somehigh-demand courses may have higher fees.Living Expenses in Australia 2026

Inaddition to tuition fees, you'll need to consider your living expenses.Australia has a high cost of living, especially in major cities like Sydney andMelbourne. On average, you can expect to spend around AUD 20,000 to AUD 25,000per year on accommodation. Other expenses such as food, transportation, andhealth insurance can add up to an additional AUD 10,000 to AUD 15,000 per year.It's important to factor in these costs when planning your budget.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Whilestudying in Australia can be expensive, there are various scholarships andfinancial aid options available for international students. These cansignificantly reduce your financial burden. Many universities offerscholarships for international students based on academic merit or specificcriteria. Additionally, the Australian government provides scholarships throughprograms like the Australia Awards. Be sure to explore these opportunities andapply well in advance.

Part-time Work Opportunities

Workingpart-time can help supplement your finances while studying in Australia.International students are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight duringsemesters and full-time during breaks. The minimum wage is quite decent,currently at AUD 20.33 per hour. However, it's important not to rely solely onpart-time work as a source of income as it may not be sufficient to cover allyour expenses.

Health Insurance

Internationalstudents are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for theduration of their study in Australia. This is an additional expense that youneed to budget for and can range from AUD 500 to AUD 2,500 per year dependingon the provider and coverage.

Overall,studying in Australia can be a rewarding but costly experience. It's crucial tocarefully plan your finances, explore scholarship opportunities, and considerpart-time work options to ensure a smooth financial journey during yourstudies.

Undergraduate Fees

At Charles Sturt University, forexample, fees range from AUD 18,880 to AUD 58,240 per year, reflectingdiscipline differences:

  • Arts & Humanities: AUD 18,880 – 25,000
  • Business & Commerce: AUD 22,000 – 35,000
  • Engineering & IT: AUD 28,000 – 42,000
  • Veterinary Science: Up to AUD 58,240

Metropolitan universities(Sydney/Melbourne) charge more than regional ones. Average undergraduatetuition hovers around AUD 30,000 to AUD 35,000 annually. Specializedfields like Medicine or Aviation can exceed AUD 60,000.

Postgraduate Fees

Postgradfees vary by program type:

  • Research-based courses (e.g., Master of Philosophy): AUD 33,120 –     39,680 annually
  • Coursework Masters (e.g., MBA): AUD 28,000 – 60,000 depending on     prestige and field

Researchprograms include added costs for supervision and materials. Many Nepalistudents start with coursework Masters for clearer fees and shorter durations.

Affordable Universities & Courses

Qualityeducation doesn’t have to be costly. Consider:

  • Charles Sturt University: From AUD 18,880/year
  • University of Southern Queensland
  • Federation University Australia
  • University of the Sunshine Coast

Arts,business, and IT programs generally cost less than medicine or engineering.Regional campuses can save you 15–30% compared to big cities.

Living Costs inAustralia for International Students in 2026

The Australian government estimatesliving expenses at AUD 24,505 per year, but actual costs vary by cityand lifestyle. Some cities like Sydney or Melbourne are more expensive thanregional areas, so it's important to consider this when budgeting for yourstudies. Additionally, part-time work opportunities can help offset costs. Keepin mind that as an international student, you may have restrictions on thenumber of hours you can work per week. It's essential to research theseregulations beforehand to ensure compliance with your visa requirements. Livingcosts in Australia can vary based on various factors such as accommodation,transportation, food, and social activities. Rent typically constitutes asignificant portion of the expenses, with shared accommodation being a moreaffordable option compared to renting a place on your own. Publictransportation is generally efficient and cost-effective, while dining outfrequently can quickly add up expenses. Exploring student discounts and cookingat home can help manage food costs. It's crucial to create a budget and trackyour expenses diligently to ensure financial stability throughout your studies.

Accommodation

Rentdepends on location:

  • Major cities (Melbourne/Adelaide):
  • Shared apartment: AUD 800–1,500/month
  • Student dormitory: AUD 900–1,800/month
  • Homestay: AUD 1,000–1,600/month

Regionalcities offer lower rents.

Food &Transportation

Budgetaround:

  • Food/groceries: AUD 400–500/month
  • Public transport: AUD 100–200/month

Other PersonalExpenses

Includephone bills, clothing, entertainment—expect about AUD 200–300 monthly.

Health CoverRequirements (OSHC)

Internationalstudents must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) during their stay.

  • OSHC costs range from AUD 600 to AUD 700 per year.
  • It covers medical treatment visits, hospital stays, ambulance     services but not all extras like dental or optical care.

Visa Fees &Financial Requirements

Student VisaApplication Fee

The fee for a student visa isapproximately AUD 710.

Financial EvidenceNeeded

Youmust prove sufficient funds to cover:

  • Living expenses for yourself: AUD 29,710/year
  • Partner (if applicable): AUD 10,394/year
  • Children (if applicable): AUD 4,449/year
  • Tuition fees upfront or evidence to pay first year’s fees

Proofincludes bank statements showing funds held for at least three months orapproved loans/scholarships. The Department requires genuine financial backing— borrowed money deposited days before applying won’t suffice.

Estimated AnnualBudget for Nepali Students Studying in Australia

Total:Around AUD 47,710 to AUD 58,910 per year depending on lifestyle andlocation.

Tips to Manage& Reduce Costs

Scholarships

Lookout for scholarships such as:

  • Australia Awards Scholarships covering tuition & living expenses
  • University merit-based scholarships reducing fees by up to 25%
  • Destination Australia Scholarships offering up to AUD15k annually     for regional study

Part-Time Work

Student visas allow working up to 48hours per fortnight during semesters and unlimited hours during breaks.Jobs include retail assistantship or campus roles paying around AUD20–30/hour,helping offset living costs.

Why Choose GlobalSelect Education?

Global Select Education specializesin guiding Nepali students through Australian study pathways with clear costbreakdowns and trusted support including visa assistance. They ensure youunderstand all expenses upfront so there are no surprises after arrival.

Witha strong reputation for providing reliable and comprehensive support, GlobalSelect Education is dedicated to making your transition to studying inAustralia as smooth as possible. Their experienced team will assist you withvisa processes, ensuring you meet all the necessary requirements. By offeringdetailed cost breakdowns upfront, they help you plan your finances effectively,minimizing any potential financial stress. With their extensive network ofpartner institutions, they can help you find the right course that suits yourinterests and career goals. Trustworthy and transparent, Global SelectEducation is your ideal partner in navigating the Australian education system.rexperienced team will assist you with visa processes, ensuring you meet all thenecessary requirements. By offering detailed cost breakdowns upfront, they helpyou plan your finances effectively, minimizing any potential financial stress.With their extensive network of partner institutions, they can help you findthe right course that suits your interests and career goals. Trustworthy andtransparent, Global SelectEducation is your ideal partner in navigating the Australian educationsystem. Whether it's providing guidance on choosing the right study program orassisting with accommodation arrangements, their dedicated team is committed toensuring a seamless and successful transition for Nepali students. So why wait?Take the first step towards your Australian dream by reaching out to GlobalSelect Education today!

 

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CourseBachelor’s DegreeMaster’s DegreeRequirements or ConsiderationsEnglish Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)Tuition Fees (per year for international students)Top Universities
Nursing
3 years1-2 yearsClinical placements required; may need specific health immunizations.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University
Information Technology
3-4 years1-2 yearsMay require programming skills or prior coursework in IT.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $50,000Australian National University, University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne
Accounting
3 years1-2 yearsNeed to meet accreditation standards by professional bodies.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $40,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland
Engineering (various fields)
4 years1-2 yearsStrong background in mathematics and physics required.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $35,000 - $45,000University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Monash University
Social Work
4 years1-2 yearsPractical experience or placements required.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $28,000 - $40,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland
Education (various fields)
4 years1-2 yearsA police clearance and working with children check required.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $28,000 - $35,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University
Psychology
3 years1-2 yearsRequires strong research and psychological theory understanding.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland
Occupational Therapy
3-4 years1-2 yearsMay require pre-registration or relevant clinical experience.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Curtin University
Architecture
3-4 years2 yearsIncludes technical and creative coursework, portfolio may be required.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $35,000 - $50,000University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University
Medicine and  Health Sciences
5-6 years2-4 yearsHighly competitive entry, includes clinical placements and internships.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $45,000 - $70,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University
State/TerritorySubclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa)
New South Wales (NSW)Required for some occupationsRequired for some occupations and regions
Victoria (VIC)RequiredRequired
Queensland (QLD)Not typically required, conditions applyRequired for some occupations and regions
South Australia (SA)Not typically required, conditions applyRequired for some occupations and regions
Western Australia (WA)Not typically requiredNot typically required
Tasmania (TAS)Not typically required, conditions applyNot typically required, conditions apply
Northern Territory (NT)Not typically requiredNot typically required
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)Required, uses Matrix systemRequired, uses Matrix system