Study Abroad

Australia Student Visa Requirements & Application Process for Nepali Students in 2027

Making a decision to study in Australia from Nepal is not an easy task and involves much more than just selecting a university and filling out an application. Pupils must follow the university entry requirements, and in most instances be eligible for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

The normal process includes selecting an eligible course, meeting the academic and English language requirements, receiving an offer from an institution or education provider in Australia, obtaining a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), arranging health insurance and submitting a Student visa application.

It's important to be aware of these requirements early on if you're a student looking at taking a class in 2027, so that the entire process is more organised.

This guide will walk Nepali students through the primary Australia student visa conditions and application procedure step-by-step.

Who Can Study in Australia from Nepal?

If you are a Nepali student with an interest in studying in Australia, please apply for admission to the university to which you wish to study and meet the requirements of the university and the Student visa requirements.

Requirements for eligibility include:

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Previous academic qualifications
•
Academic grades
•
Chosen course and study level
•
English-language proficiency
•
Financial capacity
•
Genuine Student requirement
•
Health requirements
•
Character requirements
•
Supporting documentation

The academic requirements of Australian universities differ from one to another. Admission criteria vary according to the institution, course level and study.

1. Choose the Right Course and Education Provider

The first step is to determine what you want to learn and where you want to learn it.

There are programmes available in Australia in the following areas:

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Information Technology
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Computer Science
•
Business and Management
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Accounting and Finance
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Engineering
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Nursing
•
Health Sciences
•
Data Science
•
Artificial Intelligence
•
Education
•
Hospitality
•
Construction Management
•
Environmental Science

Your course should relate to your previous education, interests and career goals.

International students should also make sure that their selected institution and course are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). CRICOS is the Australian Government register of courses and education providers approved to teach overseas students.

Checking CRICOS should therefore be one of your first steps before proceeding with an application.

2. Meet the Academic Requirements

Academic entry requirements for Australian Universities are set by the university.

Requirements will be subject to change based on:

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University
•
Qualification level
•
Course
•
Previous education
•
Academic results
•
Prerequisite subjects
For Bachelor's Degree Applicants

Nepali students applying for undergraduate study may need:

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Grade 12 or equivalent qualification
•
Academic transcripts
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Completion certificates
•
Required academic grades
•
Relevant prerequisite subjects
•
English-language evidence

This may mean that some programmes will be more demanding than others.

For instance, in some special courses like engineering, medical science, etc., there could be a prerequisite course in these fields.

For Master's Degree Applicants

Postgraduate applicants will normally need a recognised bachelor's degree.

Depending on the programme, universities may also ask for:

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Academic transcripts
•
Relevant undergraduate background
•
CV or résumé
•
Work experience
•
Portfolio
•
Statement of purpose
•
Professional qualifications

An MBA, for example, may have different entry requirements from a Master of Information Technology.

Always check the specific requirements of the course you want to study.

3. Meet the English-Language Requirements

Students may need to demonstrate that they have sufficient English-language ability to study in Australia.

Common English tests include:

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IELTS
•
PTE Academic
•
TOEFL iBT
•
Other approved English-language tests

Note that the University English requirements and Student visa English requirements may not be identical.

Home Affairs has introduced new approved tests and scores for tests taken from 7 August 2025, affecting students sitting visa tests. Eligible ELICOS or pathway arrangements may apply and visa requirements are applicable depending on the applicants' circumstances.

Some universities may also have higher English requirements, especially for courses that require professional registration.

It is therefore advisable for students to review the university requirement as well as the Student visa requirement before enrolling in an English-language test.

4. Prepare Your University Application

Once you have selected your course and institution, you can start preparing your application.

Some of the typical documents might include:

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Valid passport
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Academic transcripts
•
Academic certificates
•
English-language test result
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CV or résumé
•
Work-experience documents where applicable
•
Statement of purpose if required
•
Portfolio for relevant programmes
•
Course-specific documents

Make sure all documents are accurate, clear and consistent.

Your application may be followed up by the universities with further information, be sure to check your email regularly.

5. Receive and Review Your Letter of Offer

If your university application is successful, the institution may issue a Letter of Offer.

Before accepting it, carefully review:

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Course name
•
Course duration
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Campus
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Intake
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Tuition fees
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Deposit amount
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Enrolment conditions
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Refund conditions
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Outstanding academic or English conditions

Your offer also has important information regarding your course, fees and enrolment conditions, so you are advised to be sure to read your offer carefully before accepting.

You can learn more about the overall process through the Australian Government's student visa application guidance.

6. Accept Your Offer and Receive Your CoE

Your education provider may provide you with your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) once you meet the conditions of your offer, accept it and make all required payments.

Your CoE will show that you are studying a course which meets the requirements for your visa and will include the following information:

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Course
•
Education provider
•
Course duration
•
CRICOS information

A valid Confirmation of Enrolment is generally required when lodging a Student visa application. Limited exceptions may apply to certain sponsored or exchange students.

Save all of your CoE and University paperwork securely during the application process.

7. Meet the Genuine Student Requirement

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is one of the critical elements in the Australian Student visa process.

The GS requirement was introduced for Student visa applications made from 23 March 2024, and superseded the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement.

The main reason for an applicant's visa application for Australia must be to engage in genuine student study, and their application must make this clear.

Students will respond to questions regarding:

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Current circumstances
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Family and community ties
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Employment
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Economic circumstances
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Previous education
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Reasons for choosing Australia
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Reasons for choosing the course
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Reasons for choosing the education provider
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Benefits of completing the qualification

Note: The online application currently contains four main GS questions covering the applicant’s present circumstances, reasons for choosing the course and provider, the benefits of completing the course and any other relevant information. An additional question applies to certain applicants who previously held a Student visa or who are applying in Australia from a non-student visa. Each response has a 150-word limit and must be written in English. You can review the official Genuine Student requirement before preparing your application

.A genuine student may later consider applying for permanent residence if eligible. A possible future migration intention does not automatically count against the applicant, but studying must be the primary reason for applying for the Student visa.

How Should Nepali Students Approach GS?

Your answers should reflect your actual academic and personal circumstances.

A logical study pathway might look like:

Previous education → chosen Australian course → skills gained → future career plan

In other words, if a student has already obtained a bachelor's degree in Information Technology and is pursuing the Master of Data Science, they should articulate how the new degree is related to their previous experience and how it will help them reach their future career aspirations.

Do not copy GS answers from friends, from the internet from the table of the previous candidate etc.

You should answer in a personal and consistent manner with the documents you submit for application.

8. Prepare Your Financial Evidence

Studying in Australia requires careful financial planning.

Students may need to demonstrate sufficient funds for expenses such as:

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Tuition fees
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Living expenses
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Travel
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Accompanying family members
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School costs for eligible dependants

Financial requirements may vary according to visa requirements, so please ensure that students apply for a visa to study in 2027 and check the latest financial requirements before they apply.

The financial-capacity requirement is a visa-assessment minimum. Your actual living expenses may be higher depending on your city, accommodation and lifestyle.

9. Make Sure Your Funds Are Genuine and Accessible

Financial evidence isn't just showing a sum of money.

If a student is asked to provide financial evidence, they might be asked to provide proof that the funds are available to help cover their educational expenses.

Evidence may include:

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Bank deposits
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Eligible education loans
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Government loans
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Scholarships
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Other acceptable financial support

In addition to the above, supporting documents must show, if a parent or another person will sponsor your studies:

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Relationship with the sponsor
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Sponsor's identity
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Income
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Source of funds
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Financial history
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Availability of funds

Ensure uniformity across all financial information throughout

10. Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required for the period of stay for most international students who are here in Australia on a Student visa.

OSHC may cover some healthcare costs like medical services, hospital treatment and some prescription medicines, if they are eligible.

But simple policies don't always have the breadth of coverage to cover all medical costs.

Students should understand what is included in their policy and maintain the required coverage throughout their stay. The Australian Government provides further information about Overseas Student Health Cover for international students.

11. Meet Health Requirements

Some applicants for a Student visa will need to have a medical examination.

It is up to your personal needs to determine whether you need one.

You must follow the directions given with your visa application if Home Affairs asks you to have a health examination.

Don't think your needs are the same as another applicant.

12. Meet Character Requirements

Student visa applicants will also be required to meet Australian character requirements.

There are questions in the visa application addressing points regarding immigration history, past behavior etc.

Depending on the applicant's situation, he or she may have to submit extra evidence.

Always supply correct and full details.

13. Prepare Your Student Visa Documents

The exact documents required can vary between applicants.

Common documents may include:

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Passport
•
Confirmation of Enrolment
•
Academic certificates
•
Academic transcripts
•
English-language evidence
•
Financial evidence where required
•
Genuine Student supporting documents
•
OSHC evidence
•
Employment evidence where relevant
•
Relationship documents for accompanying family members
•
Health documents where required
•
Character documents where required

Before submitting your application, use the official Student Visa Document Checklist Tool to understand what supporting evidence may apply to your situation.

Home Affairs particularly cautions that if English or financial proof is required on the checklist, it should be submitted with the checklist.

14. Apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500)

After the documents have been prepared, you can apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) online via ImmiAccount.

As of September 2026, the base Student visa application charge for a standard main applicant from Nepal is AUD 2,500. Additional applicant charges apply to accompanying family members, and payment surcharges or costs for health examinations, biometrics and police certificates may also apply. Limited concessions apply only to specified applicants.

Visa charges may be subject to change, so please allow students to clarify the current charge prior to application.

Before you submit your application, make sure to review it again.

15. Review Your Application Before Submitting

Before submitting your application, check everything carefully.

Review:

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Name
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Passport information
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Education history
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Employment history
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Travel history
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Previous visa history
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Course details
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CoE details
•
Financial information
•
GS responses
•
Family details

Information across different parts of your application should be consistent.

16. Complete Biometrics or Medical Checks If Requested

After lodging your application, Home Affairs may request additional steps.

Depending on your circumstances, these may include:

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Biometrics
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Medical examination
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Additional financial documents
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Identity evidence
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Further supporting documents
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Clarification of information

Follow the instructions and deadlines provided through official correspondence.

17. Wait for Your Visa Decision

Student visa processing times vary between applicants.

Processing can be affected by:

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Completeness of the application
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Additional document requests
•
Verification processes
•
Health checks
•
Character checks
•
Application volumes

Monitor your ImmiAccount and email regularly.

Do not assume your application will take exactly the same amount of time as someone else's.

18. Check Your Visa Grant Carefully

If your Student visa is granted, carefully review your visa notification.

Check:

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Personal information
•
Visa validity
•
Study conditions
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Work conditions
•
Other visa conditions

The work limit for student visa holders is usually 48 hours per fortnight while the course is ongoing, but varies for those who have started a master's degree by research or doctoral degree.

Always abide by the restrictions of your visa.

Australia Student Visa Process from Nepal: Step by Step

The process can generally be understood as:

Choose your course and university
↓
Check CRICOS registration
↓
Check academic and English requirements
↓
Submit your university application
↓
Receive your Letter of Offer
↓
Accept your offer
↓
Receive your CoE
↓
Prepare Genuine Student information
↓
Prepare financial evidence
↓
Arrange OSHC
↓
Prepare visa documents
↓
Submit your Student visa application
↓
Complete additional requirements if requested
↓
Receive your visa decision
↓
Prepare to travel to Australia
Common Mistakes Nepali Students Should Avoid
Choosing a Course Only for PR

Students need to be aware that the programme that they apply for may be because they have heard that it will result in permanent residency.

Eligibility requirements and migration policies may be amended.

Your course should primarily make sense based on your:

•
Academic background
•
Interests
•
Career plans
•
Skills you want to develop

No course or education consultancy can guarantee permanent residency.

Choosing an Unrelated Course Without a Clear Reason

Changing fields isn't necessarily bad news.

However it is important to be able to articulate clearly the academic and professional rationale for the new programme.

Answers that are copied from another person's GS.

Your answers to the GS should be your own:

•
Background
•
Education
•
Current circumstances
•
Career plans
•
Reason for choosing Australia
•
Reason for choosing the course

Copied responses may not match your actual situation or supporting evidence.

Providing Inconsistent Financial Documents

Your sponsor information, bank documents, evidence of income and source of funds must all be coherent.

In your application, it is important to be consistent.

Ignoring University-Specific Requirements

Generally, this doesn't guarantee admission to Australian universities or programmes.

Please see individual admission requirements for the course you wish to attend.

Relying on Outdated Visa Information

Visa policies for Australia are subject to change.

Content from a previous blog, social media post or video may not meet the current needs.

If you are thinking about applying in 2027, please check out some of the important requirements before applying.

Can Nepali Students Work While Studying in Australia?

Generally, eligible Student visa holders can work for up to 48 hours fortnightly during the class hours of their course but this is dependent on the conditions of their visa.

Employment may offer experience and extra income, but students are not to rely solely on employment to pay for their education.

It is crucial that there is sufficient financial planning done before travelling to Australia.

Can Nepali Students Take Their Family to Australia?

Student visa applicants could be allowed to add eligible family members to their visa, depending on their situation.

These may consist of any of the following:

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Partner
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Child
•
Partner's child

Further visa charges, financial requirements, documentation and health insurance requirements may apply.

If students are interested in family travel, they must carefully estimate the cost before submitting an application.

Final Checklist for Nepali Students

Before submitting your Student visa application, make sure you have:

1.
Selected an appropriate course
2.
Checked the provider and course on CRICOS
3.
Met academic requirements
4.
Met applicable English requirements
5.
Received your Letter of Offer
6.
Accepted your offer
7.
Received your CoE
8.
Prepared genuine GS responses
9.
Prepared financial evidence where required
10.
Arranged OSHC
11.
Prepared supporting documents
12.
Checked the application for inconsistencies
13.
Reviewed the latest Student visa requirements
Start Your Australia Journey with Raffles

Planning to study in Australia from Nepal? Raffles Educare can help you compare universities and courses based on your academic background, career goals and study plans, and guide you through the application and student visa preparation process

Click Here to Book Your Free Consultation Session Today! .

FAQ

Students undertaking an eligible programme generally apply for the Student visa (subclass 500).

In most standard applications, students need a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from their Australian education provider before lodging the Student visa application.

IELTS is not the only English-language test accepted for Australian Student visa purposes. Depending on the applicable requirements, approved alternatives can include tests such as PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT. Your institution may have its own English-language requirements as well.

The Genuine Student requirement helps assess whether studying in Australia is genuinely the primary reason for an applicant seeking a Student visa. Students need to answer questions relating to their circumstances, course choice, education provider and future benefit of their studies.

No. The Genuine Student requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement for Student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.

As of 1 July 2026, the base Student visa application charge starts from AUD 2,500, with exemptions or concessions applying in some circumstances. Always confirm the current fee before applying.

There is no single guaranteed processing time. Processing times vary according to the application, circumstances and whether additional checks or documents are required.

No. Completing an Australian qualification does not automatically provide permanent residency. Permanent migration pathways have separate requirements and can change over time.

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