Complete guide to study in Australia – Education System, Colleges, Courses, Eligibility, Work, Cost, Application & Visa Procedure
Studying in Australia from Nepal is a great way to experience the unique Aussie lifestyle while gaining great new skills. Australia has world class universities, practical vocational colleges and outstanding English language schools to support international students. If you are interested in studying in Australia – you are in the right place.
Australia offers a diverse range of study options for international students, with more than 1,200 institutions and over 22,000 courses to choose from.
In Australia every course offered in a university has CRICOS Code which is given by Australian Government reflecting that the education system is fully controlled by the Government in Australia. There is no formal ranking of universities. Thus students from all around the world have long made Australia their education destination.
AUSTRALIA – MOST PREFERRED STUDY DESTINATION BY NEPALESE STUDENTS
While overseas study is expensive, Australia is more affordable than most other destinations and offers a high standard of quality education, excellent living condition and a tolerant multicultural society. Australia’s Higher Education Institutions rank among the world’s best and the quality of education they offer is correspondingly high.
Higher education in Australia provides value for money by offering shorter and more intensive courses, they quickly incorporate latest innovations in science & technology, modern trends in marketing & management in their diploma/degree programs, hence Australian education is more practical and responsive to the needs of Trade & Industry.
Table Of Content
- Why Study In Australia from Nepal
- Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)
- Type of Institution, Degrees & Courses
- Admission Requirements
- Australia Student Visa
- Student Visa Process
- Student Visa Document Checklist For Nepal
- Living Cost in Australia
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- work
- For more information, go to:
Why Study In Australia from Nepal
The following are some of the reasons that seem to attract Nepalese students from Nepal to study in Australia.
- Nepalese 12+3 is acceptable for master’s degree.
- Duration for the master’s courses is between 1, 1.5 to 2 yrs.
- Competitive costs for tuitions and living in comparison to other developed countries. Like USA, UK etc.
- Australian education is recognized worldwide from US to NZ.
- High Standard of education in international terms, good research facilities available with state of the art equipment.
- Visa process is straightforward and fair.
- Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF).
- Currently over 40000 Nepalese Students in Australia.
- Australian universities are members of an International Academic community and academic staff are frequently recruited on an international basis.
- Australian Countries and graduates are keenly recruited into institutions overseas, indicating a measure of Quality Education.
- ESOS Act to protect the interest of overseas students.
- Safe country with pleasant climate and a stable democracy
Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)

Australia has an integrated nationwide system of qualifications, known as the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which is recognized by the Australian Government. Under this, students can move easily from one level of study to the next and receive credit for previous study. It brings together the quality offered at different levels.
Type of Institution, Degrees & Courses
Type of Institution
University
There are 39 universities ranging in size from around 3,000 students to 50,000 students – 37 of these are government run. Australian universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in traditional and modern subject areas such as innovative courses in IT, electronic business and science. Australian Countries have won prestigious awards, including several Nobel Prizes, and are involved in ground-breaking research.
Vocational Education and Training in Australia (VET)
Australia offers a wide variety of vocational education and training courses. Each year increasing numbers of international students are choosing the TAFE option, either as a means of training and qualifying for a highly skilled job in business, the arts, or industry, or as an alternative pathway into university degree studies. The advantages for international students choosing to undertake TAFE studies are numerous but lower fees is one of the main criteria.
Courses available at Under Graduate & Graduate Level
Awarded courses vary considerably with the higher education sector in the form of entry requirements, duration and method of assessment.
The following awards are offered by Australian Universities:
- Doctoral Degree
- Masters Degree
- Graduate Diploma / Graduate Certificate
- Bachelors Degree
- TAFE Certificate III & IV
- Undergraduate Diploma / Advanced Diploma and
- Associate Diploma/ AQF (Australian Quality Framework) Diploma
Types of Degrees
Undergraduate Studies: Bachelor programs may vary from 3 to 4 years. They are available across all faculties of Arts Commerce, Science, IT.
Postgraduate Studies: Australia offers a wide variety of choices for post graduate studies .The individual universities offer different strengths and capabilities, providing a diverse base for research for students. Australian Universities pride themselves on a strong research base and sate of the art equipment to their Universities.
Courses:
Humanities : English, Philosophy, History, Foreign Language Studies, Communications, Psychology
Education : Education Studies, Teaching, Early Childhood, Special Education
Social Studies : Geography, Behavioral Studies, Welfare And Counseling, Sport And Recreation, Sociology
Mathematics And Computing : Mathematics And Statistics, Computer Based Information System, Computer Science
Science : Science Pharmacology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biotechnology
Visual And Performing Arts : Art, Graphic Arts, Fashion Design, Crafts, Performing Arts, Music
Engineering : Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Structural, Mechanical, Automotive, Aeronautical, Mining, Industrial, General Engineering, Computer, Telecommunications, Mechatronics, Polymer, Environmental
Business Administration And Law : Economics, Accounting, Commerce, Management, Administration, Marketing, Finance, HR
Health Sciences : Nursing, Nutrition, Environmental Health, Personal And Family Health Care, Pharmacy, Veterinary Sci, Public Health, Physiotherapy.
Agriculture : Agriculture, Forest, Horticulture
Hospitality & Tourism : Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Commercial Cookery.
Intake
Australia generally has two intakes i.e. February and July, with few Universities offering multiple intake in September & November. It is suggested that you should start making applications ideally 7-8 months prior to the intake. University generally takes around 4-6 weeks to process the applications.
Admission Requirements
Documents needed for making an application are resume, statement of purpose, mark sheets and passing certificates from 10th onwards, two reference letters from colleges / employers and passport copy or birth certificate & IELTS score sheet.
Vocational Education and Training in Australia
- A good academic record in High School Certificate or 12 years of schooling
- Some courses such as Computing and Engineering will require Mathematics and /or Science as prerequisites
- 5.5 IELTS
Undergraduate – Bachelors
- A good academic record in High School Certificate or 12 years of schooling
- Some courses such as Computing and Engineering will require Mathematics and /or Science as prerequisites
- 6.0 IELTS
Postgraduate – Masters
- A good academic record in Bachelors Degree from a recognized university is necessary
- Any work experience in the field will be helpful
- For MBA programs at some Universities students need to have work experience along with their Bachelors Degree
- 6.5 IELTS
The entry requirements mentioned Above are the basic entry requirements to give you an idea about requirements for studying in Australia in different degree level. Entry requirements can vary from program to program or university to university
Australia Student Visa
Every student seeking for high quality of education and training system in Australia for more than 3 months has to apply for the student visa.The study courses which are under 3 months of period will be considered for the visitor visa or working holiday visa. Visas will be issued by the Australian DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship). It will be issued only if your study program is a fulltime registered course (which is offered by Australian government for international students) or a part of a registered course.
Know more about Registered Courses. Issuance of Australian student visa has become easy today, with the adaptation of e-visa system through the approved education agents. The number of student visas being granted for the Nepalese students is steadily increasing. In the year of 1994-95, Australia has issued 270 student visas for Nepalese students, which in 2007 has grown to 97,035 and is also forecasted to reach 1,00,000 student visas every year, by 2025.
Student Visa Process
Step by Step Process for Australia Student visa Application from Nepal along with required document
1. Apply for admission in university in desired course.
Past School/ University Records
IELTS/ PTE Score Card
Statement of Purpose
Any previous work experience for credits
2. Receive offer letter.
Sign and accept Letter of Offer
Email Back to University/ College
3. Confirmation of ENROLLMENT (eCOE)
Meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
Make payment of tuition and other fees (Overseas Student Health Cover and application fee, if any)
Show financials for living expenses
Sufficient fund to cover fees and living expense
4. Visa Documentation and lodgement
Electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (eCoE).
Meet health and character requirements
Meet English and Character requirements
Bio metric Arrangement
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Student Visa Document Checklist For Nepal
Nepalese Students applying for Australian student visa have to submit the following list of documents to file for the visa processing:
- Visa Application Charge 635 AUD payable through Credit Card
- Additional Information Form 956A
- Letter of Offer issued by your education provider for the course(s) you are undertaking stating the course, total tuition fees, duration and the course start date.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from MOE
- Electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (eCoE) issued by your education provider for the course(s) you are undertaking stating the course, total tuition fees, duration and the course start date along with OSHC.
- Original Passport (min 6 months validity)
- Four recent passport sized photographs (Light colored back ground)
- Statement of purpose (Original – Signed by the student)
- Academic Certificates
- Work Experience Certificate (on the original letter heads)
- IELTS Score Card
- Evidence of Liquid Funds
- Evidence of Income
- Complete Medical check from IOM Migration Health Assessment Center (MHAC) OR Norvic International Centre For Health Evaluation (NICHE)
- Complete Biometric Data Collection from VFS GLOBAL
- Affidavit of Support by the Sponsors
- Student Affidavit, if the student is self sponsoring for his studies in Australia
- Evidence of Relationship with Sponsors
- Documents of dependents included in the application- Birth Certificate, Marriage certificate and evidence of marriage (Photos etc.)
- If any of your dependents are 5-17 years of age (inclusive in the application), documentation confirming their enrollment in an Australian school and Under 18 Consent Form.
- If the applicant is under 18 years of age you will have to show evidence that appropriate arrangements have been done for your welfare before you lodge your application.
Living Cost in Australia
Home stay or Farm stay – A$110-A$270 a week
Gain access to the Australian lifestyle in a natural and friendly way through Home stay. This is popular with younger students and those studying short-term English courses. Meals are usually included in the cost. Single or shared rooms may be offered and the cost will vary accordingly. Self-catering Home stay is sometimes available cheaply. Farm stay offers the same services in a rural setting.
Institutions maintain a register of families prepared to board international students during the academic year. Education institutions ensure that Home stay families are reputable and that they offer accommodation of a reasonable standard.
Hostels and Guest Houses – A$80-A$135 a week
Hostels are usually run by organizations such as Youth Hostels Australia and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Shared Accommodation – A$50-A$160 a week
Rental accommodation – A$70-A$350 a week
Students often share with fellow students. They advertise on notice boards and in newspapers. Students may have to provide their own furniture.
When renting a house, apartment or bedsitter, landlords require rent to be paid in advance and will require a security bond equal to one month’s rent.
Boarding Schools – A$8000-A$11000 a year
Many private secondary schools provide accommodation, meals and laundry services for international students.
Note: Tuition fees are in addition to the boarding fees
University Accommodation – A$80-A$250 per week
Most universities offer a variety of accommodation on or near to campus such as university apartments, residential colleges or halls of residence. Halls of Residence are usually cheaper and a popular option with full-time international students. The cost ranges depending on the type of accommodation.
University Apartments
Most universities offer a variety of accommodation on or near to campus such as university apartments, residential colleges or halls of residence. Halls of Residence are usually cheaper and a popular option with full-time international students. The cost ranges depending on the type of accommodation.
University Residential Colleges
Residential colleges provide accommodation with meals. They are slightly more expensive than university Halls of Residence. The college undertakes cleaning and household tasks. Sporting and social facilities, tutoring, libraries and (generally) computer access are also provided.
Halls of Residence
Halls of residence are located on or near university campuses and are generally cheaper than residential colleges. International students find them an attractive option. Students usually have meals and some cleaning services provided. Students need to apply early because of the high demand for places.
Four levels of Australian Research Council (ARC), fellowships are awarded:
- Australian Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Australian Research Fellowships
- Queen Elizabeth II Awards and
- Senior Research Fellowships
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarships and Financial aid available for International Students in Australia
- Scholarships in Higher Education In Australia, scholarships, fellowships, awards and other sources of funding for students are available through the Higher Education Group, DEST.
- Applying for Scholarships The Commonwealth Learning Scholarships, Australian Postgraduate Awards and Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship programmes are administered on behalf of the Australian Government by individual higher education providers. The providers are responsible for conducting their ownapplication and selection procedures, in line with guidelines issued by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). Potential applicants need to direct their enquiries on application procedures, deadlines, etc to their higher education providers.
- Commonwealth Learning Scholarships The Commonwealth Learning Scholarships Programme was introduced in 2004 to assist students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those from rural and regional areas and Indigenous students, who are Australian citizens or holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas, with costs associated with higher education. There are two scholarships – one for educational costs and one for accommodation costs. Both are merit based, non-repayable and target students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
- Australian Postgraduate Awards To enhance research training opportunities in the higher education sector, the Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA) provides scholarship support to postgraduate students of exceptional promise who undertake their higher degree by research at an eligible Australian provider.
- Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships The Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) was established to develop international research linkages and aims to attract top quality international postgraduate students to areas of research strength in Australian institutions.
- Indigenous Researchers Development Scheme The Indigenous Researchers Development Scheme aims to encourage participation in, and to improve the standard of, research conducted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.The programme commenced in 1996 and in its early years will provide support for research projects and for training and development in research methodology and the preparation of research proposals by Indigenous researchers. In 1999, nine Indigenous Researchers Development grants were approved for funding at a cost of $0.13 million in 1999.
- Research Fellowships This provides opportunities for outstanding individual researchers to undertake research of national and international significance at postdoctoral level and beyond.
work
International students seeking to work in Australia after their education have to apply for the work permit from DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship).As in the US and UK, students who go to Australia for full-time studies can work up to 20 hours per week part-time and 40 hours per week full-time during vacation periods. However, spouses of students can work for unlimited time, if the student goes for Masters level education. Spouses of other students can only work up to 20 hours.
All international students have to apply for and obtain Tax File Number (TFN) before applying for a job in Australia – even part-time job. Obtaining TFN is easy, since that can be done online, once the student reaches Australia. When the student visa is received, the government lets one in on basis of temporary entry for study with the understanding that one will leave upon completion of course and before the visa will expire. However, Australia continues to have demand for foreign workers, and students that have earned a degree in Australia have a special work visa category. There are also several other visa categories open to international students, and Australia has a very straightforward path to permanent residency using a points system. If one wants to stay and work after one graduate, one must apply and obtain a work visa.
For more information, go to:
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
www.border.gov.au
www.vfsglobal.com/Australia/Nepal/