Foreign education is increasingly popular among students from Nepal, and Australia continues to be one of the favored destinations. The ever-increasing number of educational institutions in Australia, as well as the plethora of courses available to interested Nepali students, coupled with opportunities to work in the country after graduation, ensures that Australia continues to attract thousands of students every year.
However, one of the most important factors is the student visa, which is not as simple to obtain as one would expect due to the application procedure and the relevant eligibility criteria.
With the other aspects in mind, this guide aims at informing students from Nepal on student visa requirements for Australia in 2025.
Key Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 500 Student Visa
- Confirmed Enrollment (CoE)
Nepali students looking to get an Australian student visa should first obtain a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian educational institution. A Confirmation of Enrollment guarantees that you:
- have been accepted into a registered course
- Have met the academic entry requirements
- Paid necessary tuition deposits if applicable
Each CoE is issued with a specific identifier which must be added to your application. A CoE must be obtained before a student visa can be initiated.
Important for students, the institution must be CRICOS registered. Always check and confirm your institution's CRICOS registration before making any admissions or visa application steps.
- Financial Requirements
The Department of Home Affairs has demanded proof of financial ability to sustain yourself during your duration in Australia. This has become one of the most challenging aspects for Nepali applicants.
Minimum Financial Requirements
Nepalese students must show proof of access for:
- First-Year tuition fees: Full course fees for the first year
- General expenses: AUD 21,041 in the year 2025
- Travel Expenses: Around AUD 2,000-3,000.
- Dependent Expenses(If applicable): Additional AUD 7,362 per dependent
- School-age (per child): AUD 8,296 yearly for each school-age child.
- Acceptable Financial Evidence:
- Financial evidence for Nepalese students must be correct and very clear:
- Loans from recognized educational institutions based in Nepal.
- Bank statements bearing loans for at least 3-6 months, also known as seasoned funds.
- Scholarship or sponsorship with formal papers.
- Fixed deposits, provided they mature after course commencement.
- Money statements owned by parents with proof of relationship.
- Property appraisals and property documents that prove it can be liquidated.
- Sponsor's annual tax returns for the last 2-3 years.
Financial Documentation Requirements
All financial documents must:
- Be in English and certified by licensed translators.
- Bear the name of the account holder, account number, and bank details.
- Demonstrate uniform deposit activity (large sudden deposits raise suspicion).
- Be verified with letters from the banks affixed with seals confirming accuracy.
- Be accompanied by an explanation of the source of funds.
Sponsored students should append:
- The identification documents of the sponsor.
- Evidence of relationship to the student.
- title sponsor's employers and income
- submission of support documents for financing commitments.
- English language proficiency
Demonstration of a proficiency of the English language for Nepali students can be done through one of these accepted method:
- IELTS Academic: A minimum overall of 5.5 except no band less than 5.0.
- TOEFL iBT: scoring at least a 46 with Reading: 4, Listening: 4, Speaking: 14, Writing: 14.
- PTE Academic: a pass of no lower than 42 shall be acceptable.
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): no lower than 162 with no skill lower than 154.
Varying attending institutions may also have different higher such requirements:
- Undergraduate programs: Generally expect IELTS 6.0-6.5
- Postgraduate programs: Generally expect IELTS 6.5-7.0.
- K-Teaching programs: May expect 7.0 and 7.0 minimum in each component.
English Requirement Exemption.
For some students may exempt wrongly so those without the English test results would qualify if:
- Have 5 or more years in an English institution.
- Obtained any Australian university qualification in the last 24 months.
- Participation in the ELICOS program preapproved as part of an academic study plan.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement.
This assessment is regarded as the most important one as it determines if the applicant truly plans to reconvene in his or her home country after the foreign study programs completion.
Because of immigration issues, this is usually the most difficult requirement for students from Nepal.
An Outline of a Well-Constructed GTE Statement
In crafting your GTE statement, ensure that it addresses:
- Your education and employment activities in Nepal
o Attach all certifications for the qualifications and institutions attended.
o Expound on the professional mobility and the relation of the career to the course pursued.
- Breaks within your study schedule.
o Explain in detail for any breaks greater than 6 months.
o Add documents that justify the provided reasons for the gaps (work certificates, medical documents).
- The relevance of the Australian course with your other career plans.
o Clearly demonstrate relationship of the previous studies/work to the selected course.
o Elaborate on the qualification's impact on career advancement opportunities in Nepal.
- The economic conditions and the employment opportunities in Nepal.
o Do specific research and provide evidence on available jobs in Nepal that would use your qualification.
o Show a comparison of salaries pre and post obtaining the Australian qualification.
- Your relationships in Nepal (such as family, property and employment).
o Evidence of family in Nepal that make the obligation to return to Nepal necessary.
o Property or business ownership.
o Letters from employers or family business employment.
- The importance of a foreign Australian qualification to Nepal.
o Back it up with how one is regarded after acquiring foreign Australian qualifications, particularly in Nepal.
o Cite cases of returnees with the supposed qualifications that have been touted as evidence.
Factors to Consider in Immigration History
The above points are the highlights on which your GTE assessment will be hinged upon:
The prior applications for a visa to Australia or any other foreign countries• A record of visa rejections or cancellations
- A record of abiding by visa regulations
- Any known family members or associates who are currently residing in Australia
- Health Prerequisites
All students from Nepal need to fulfil Australia's health prerequisites:
- A medical examination by a doctor approved by the Australian government
- A chest x-ray for tuberculosis screening
- Blood tests for HIV and other diseases
- Additional tests for those pursuing placements in health-related fields or clinical positions
The health check-up has to take place at these listed authorized medical clinics in Nepal:
- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Kathmandu
- Approved panel physicians in other major cities
- Character Requirements
All visa applicants above 16 years have to meet character requirements:
- Police clearance certificates from Nepal and any country you lived for more than 12 months during the last decade
- Statement about any criminal convictions or charges
- Statutory declarations about the character if needed
Police certificates must:
- Have been issued a maximum of 1 year ago from the date of application
- Be verifiably translated into English
- Originate from the central police of Nepal
- Academic Requirements
While these may differ for each institution and its respective program, these are the common prerequisites:
- For undergraduate studies: The student must possess a Nepal Higher Secondary Education Board Certification (Grade 12) with a minimum score of 60-70 percent.
- For graduate studies: Bachelor's degree with at least a second division.
- Recognized by Australian institutions for further studies.
- No large unexplained gaps in education prospects.
All required documents must have:
- Their academic records officially and accurately translated into English.
- Officially sealed and sent transcripts that clearly indicate fetched grades/marks.
- If claimed, archived verification in official channels.
Your current and prior travel history influence your application assessment for:
- Past history of visa compliances show good immigration standing.
- Having multiple visa denials can raise flags.
- Unexplained travel movements may raise suspicion.
Clarifying prior visa refusals in your application is a positive step, include:
- Explaining the preconceived refusal expectations.
- Rationalize preemptive measures and planning relative to differing contemporaneous application.
- Evidence that mitigates previous concerns.
Understanding Post-Study Pathways
Immigration officers in Australia check how prospective applicants understand realistic post study options.
Guidelines for Financial Documents
Every financial document needs to:
- Have a professional translator render it into English
- Indicate account holder's name, account number, and bank details
- Show deposit history without unexplainable large or abrupt spikes
- Be accompanied by a clearly defined source of funds explanation
Sponsored students also require:
- Identification documents of the sponsor
- Verification of sponsor's relation to student
- Sponsor's professional details and income
- Certificate of financial sponsorship indicating the extent of the financial commitment
Step-by-Step Application Process for Nepali Students
Step 1: Set up an ImmiAccount
- Access the website of the Department of Home Affairs.
- Setup an ImmiAccount.
- This account will serve for the entire application process.
Step 2: Assemble necessary documents.
Prepare the following key documents:
- Valid passport (expiry more than 6 months from intended travel).
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
- Funds proof (bank statements/ loan approval letters).
- Results of the English test.
- All relevant academic certificates with transcripts.
- GTE statement.
- Health insurance policy (Overseas Student Health Cover).
- Passport photographs compliant with the specified dimensions.
- Fill Form 157A for offline applications.
Step 3: Complete the Visa Application Form
In your ImmiAccount do the following:
- Log into your ImmiAccount.
- Click on "New Application" and select "Student Visa (Subclass 500)".
- Provide also upload all required fields accurately.
- Provide supporting documents as specified (mostly in PDF format).
- Confirmation of all details must be done prior to submission.
Step 4: Submit the Application and Collect Evidence of Payment of Visa Application Fee.
The latest charging fee for Nepali students is AUD 710 (approximately NPR 65,000). The fee can be paid by:
- Credit or debit card.
- PayPal.
- Banking services.
- Service of bank.
Step 5: Biometrics and Medical Test
In the backdrop of these documents:
- You will get a notification to provide personal biometrics such as fingerprints and photo.
- You must book and see a medical doctor with an approved medical panel who considers health issues.
- VFS Global located in Kathmandu is the official place for collection of the biometrics.
Step 6: Interview (If Required)
An Australian visa officer may conduct an interview with any of the applicants. To get ready, you must
- Be prepared to substantiate the specific details of the application made.
- Know the specific course and career pathways.
- Clearly explain what funds you are holding.
- Show how you plan to leave towards Nepal after your studies.
Step 7: Making A Decision On the Visa Application
Stated durations may apply but it will normally start from 4-8 weeks. ImmiAccount and email will alert to the same account with a mailbox from where the outcome can be accessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible for me to engage in employment while studying?
A: Alive and well, holders of a student visa are permitted to work not exceeding 20 hours per week when classes are in session and with no work hour restriction during breaks.
Q: How long is the student visa valid?
A: The visa usually covers your entire course duration plus an additional month. Bachelor's degrees usually get a 3-4 year visa.
Q: Can I apply for Permanent Residency after studying?
A: Yes, depending on your qualification and occupation, you may be eligible under certain skilled migration pathways after completing your studies.
