“How much does it actually cost?” is the first question every Nepali family asks when a student wants to study in Australia. The honest answer is: significantly more than the university’s headline tuition figure suggests. Between OSHC, airport pickup, initial accommodation deposit, laptop, and the cost of moving your life to a new country, your first-year expenses will be considerably higher than subsequent years. This guide breaks down every cost — honestly — so you can plan rather than be surprised.
Tuition Fees by Course (2026 Rates)
International student tuition in Australia is set per-institution, not nationally. The ranges below reflect what most public universities charge in 2026. Bachelor’s degrees are typically 3 years; Master’s degrees are 1.5–2 years.
| Course Field | Annual Tuition (AUD) | Example Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Business / Commerce | AUD 28,000–38,000 | UNSW, University of Melbourne |
| Information Technology | AUD 32,000–42,000 | UTS, RMIT |
| Engineering | AUD 36,000–46,000 | UQ, Monash University |
| Health Sciences / Nursing | AUD 30,000–40,000 | ACU, La Trobe |
| Hospitality / Tourism | AUD 22,000–30,000 | Blue Mountains, SAE |
| Foundation / Pathway Programs | AUD 15,000–22,000 | Various providers |
OSHC — The Hidden First-Year Cost
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for your entire student visa duration. You must purchase it before your visa is granted — it cannot be added later. Approved providers include Medibank Student, BUPA Australia, Allianz Care, NIB OSHC, and AHM.
Note: some universities have a preferred OSHC provider specified in your offer letter — check before purchasing independently.
| Coverage | Annual Cost (AUD, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Single student | AUD 682 |
| Couple (student + partner) | AUD 1,642 |
| Family (2 adults + children) | AUD 2,748 |
OSHC covers GP visits, hospital treatment, emergency ambulance, mental health support (limited), and some prescription medications. It does not cover dental, optical, or physiotherapy in most plans — these require optional extras.
Accommodation: The Biggest Living Expense
Accommodation is typically the single largest monthly cost for international students in Australia. Costs vary dramatically by city and housing type:
| Accommodation Type | Sydney (AUD/mo) | Melbourne (AUD/mo) | Brisbane (AUD/mo) | Adelaide (AUD/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share house room | 1,600–2,200 | 1,300–1,900 | 1,100–1,600 | 850–1,200 |
| On-campus dorm | 1,800–2,500 | 1,500–2,200 | 1,200–1,800 | 950–1,400 |
Monthly Living Budget Breakdown
The following estimates are for a self-sufficient single student in a share house. Students in university dorms or with dietary restrictions may see different figures.
| Category | Monthly Estimate (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 1,400–2,000 | Share house; varies by city |
| Groceries | 350–500 | Coles/Woolworths + international grocery shops |
| Eating out + coffee | 150–250 | Student-budgeted estimate |
| Transport | 100–180 | Student Opal/MyKi card; varies by city layout |
| Phone plan | 25–40 | Prepaid SIM (Aldi, Kogan, or Boost Mobile) |
| Internet | 0–80 | Often included in rent; else AUD 50–80/month |
| Subscriptions / entertainment | 30–60 | Streaming, occasional outings |
| Clothing / personal care | 100–150 | Average; higher in first month |
| Total estimated monthly | AUD 2,155–3,210 | AUD 25,860–38,520/year |
Students who share costs, cook at home regularly, and use public transport effectively can stay close to the lower bound. Those who eat out frequently or live in inner Sydney will approach or exceed the upper bound.
Part-Time Work: What Nepali Students Can Earn
Under Subclass 500 visa regulations: students can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester and unlimited hours during official breaks (Christmas/New Year period, semester breaks).
| Work Type | Typical Hourly Rate (AUD) | Monthly Earnings (48hr/fortnight) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail / cashier | AUD 22–25 | AUD 1,056–1,200 |
| Hospitality (waiter/barista) | AUD 24–28 | AUD 1,152–1,344 |
| Warehouse / delivery | AUD 25–30 | AUD 1,200–1,440 |
First-Year Setup Costs (One-Time)
These costs hit in your first year only and are often overlooked in financial planning:
| Expense | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Return flights from Nepal | 800–1,400 |
| Airport transfer / taxi on arrival | 50–100 |
| First month rent + bond deposit (2 months rent) | 3,200–5,000 |
| Bedding, kitchen essentials, household items | 200–400 |
| SIM card setup | 30–50 |
| Student ID + transport card | ~50 |
| Laptop (if needed) | 800–1,200 |
| Total one-time setup | AUD 5,130–8,200 |
Realistic First-Year Total Budget
Combining all costs, here is what the first year actually costs a Nepali student studying in Australia in 2026:
| Component | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (one year) | 28,000–42,000 |
| OSHC (single student, 12 months) | 682 |
| Flights + one-time setup costs | 5,500–8,500 |
| Living expenses (12 months) | 25,860–38,520 |
| First-Year Total | AUD 60,042–89,702 |
Scholarships That Reduce Cost
The following scholarships can meaningfully reduce what you pay:
- Australia Awards (AAS): Fully funded for eligible Master’s students — covers tuition, living, flights, and OSHC. Highly competitive (~50 spots for Nepal annually). See our full scholarship guide.
- EVEC partner university scholarships: AUD 3,000–8,000 per year tuition waiver at selected partner institutions. Automatically applied based on your academic profile — no separate application required.
- University merit scholarships: Automatically awarded at many universities for GPA 3.5+ (on 4.0 scale). Typically 10–25% tuition reduction.
Get an Honest Cost Breakdown Before You Commit
Our Australia-certified counsellors (QEAC-registered) give you a complete, personalised cost breakdown for your specific university, course, and city — including scholarships you qualify for — before you make any financial commitment. Book your free consultation today.
Get personalised guidance from EVEC certified counsellors at our study abroad consultancy in Kathmandu. Walk in Sun-Fri 9AM-7PM or book a free session online.
- Cost of living in Australia (official) (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
- Study in Australia expenses guide (www.studyaustralia.gov.au)
Get Expert Guidance from EVEC
EVEC has helped thousands of Nepali students successfully study abroad since 2005. Our AIRC-certified counsellors provide personalised guidance at every step — from choosing the right university to visa lodgement. Book your free consultation today.