Are you dreaming of studying in Australia? And wondering how to navigate the Australia student visa process from Nepal? Then, you’re in the right place!
This comprehensive guide will provide you a clear, step by step overview of the student visa process, ensuring you have all the information and support you need. Whether it’s choosing the right course, preparing for the English proficiency test, or understanding the financial requirements, we’ll walk you through it all.
Let’s dive into the 10 essential steps that help you make your Student Visa Process at ease.
Step by Step Process for Australia Student Visa from Nepal:
Step 1: Research for Your Intended Course, Institutions, Locations
Step 2: Seek Career Counselling and Check Eligibility Requirements
Step 3: Prepare for English Proficiency Test
Step 4: Apply for Offer Letter
Step 5: Meet GS/ GTE Requirement and Pay Tuition fee
Step 6: Prepare for Medical Health Examination and Health Insurance
Step 7: Apply for Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)
Step 8: Apply for Visa
Step 9: Attend Biometric Collection and Prepare for the interview
Step 10: Pre-departure Preparation
1. Research for Your Intended Course, Institutions, Locations
Begin by researching the courses, institutions, and locations that interest you. Consider factors such as course content, duration, cost, reputation of the institution, campus facilities, and the living environment of the city or town where the institution is located. Additionally, research different locations in Australia such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Tasmania etc., each offering unique experiences and opportunities.
2. Seek Career Counselling and Check Eligibility Requirements
Once you have a shortlist of potential courses and institutions, it’s wise to seek professional guidance. Consult with a career counsellor to help you choose the right course and institution based on your career goals. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen course, including academic qualifications, English language proficiency standards, and any specific prerequisites. Most importantly, assess your financial capacity to support your studies in Australia, including tuition fees and living expenses.
3. Prepare for English Proficiency Test
Demonstrating English language proficiency is a key requirement for obtaining an Australian student visa. The most commonly accepted tests are IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic. Each test has its own format and scoring system, so choose the one that best suits your strengths. Prepare thoroughly and schedule your test well in advance to ensure your scores are available when you need to apply for your offer letter.
Here’s a general guide to the minimum scores required:
| Test Name | Minimum Score (Bachelor Level) | Minimum Score (Master Level) |
| IELTS | Overall 6.5, no band less than 6 | Overall 7, no band less than 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 or higher | 90 or higher |
| PTE Academic | 50 or higher | 60 or higher |
NOTE: Requirements may vary by institution and course. Always check specific criteria.
4. Apply for Offer Letter
Once you have chosen your course and institution, apply for an offer letter. This involves submitting several documents. If accepted, you will receive a letter of offer, which may be conditional or unconditional. Most of the time, conditional offer letter is issued.
Required Documents for Offer Letter:
- Completed application form
- Certified copies of all academic transcripts and certificate (Marksheets, transcript, provisional certificate)
- Proof of English proficiency
- Copy of passport
- Statement of purpose (CV)
- Resume/CV (if applicable)
NOTE: You should submit your application no later than 6 weeks before your course starts, and no earlier than 12 weeks. If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental consent.
DID YOU KNOW:
From May 10, 2024, single students must show financial capacity to cover living costs of at least $29,710 AUD per year.
5. Meet GS/GTE Requirement and Pay Tuition fee
Once you receive your conditional offer letter, you will be requested to submit the financial documents which shows your financial capacity to study in Australia. This process is GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) or GS (Genuine Student) Eligibility Requirement.
Required Documents for Student Visa Process for Australia
- Detailed Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Evidence of Financial Capacity:
- Relationship Certificate
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- Annual Income Certificate and supporting documents.
- Bank Balance Certificate and Statement (recent 3 months)
- Education Loan Letter (in case of loan)
- Affidavit
- Signed Offer Letter
- All Academic Documents
- Work Experience Letter (in case of prior work experience)
- Valid Passport (Full page scanned)
- Marriage Certificate (if applying with dependents)
NOTE: All these documents should be notarized from a lawyer or authorized law firm.
Learn More ⇒ Total Cost to Study in Australa from Nepal
Financial Requirements for Student Visa to Australia
| Requirement | Single Applicant | Applicant with Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Loan/Balance | 40 to 55 Lakhs | At least 60 Lakhs |
| Matured Funds | In bank account for at least 3 months (Suitable source of cash deposits) | In bank account for at least 3 months (Suitable source of cash deposits) |
| Funds Coverage | Tuition fees, Living costs, Travel expenses | Tuition fees, Living costs for applicant and dependents, Travel expenses |
NOTE: Some institutes may require an interview as part of their criteria. So, be informed and prepare accordingly.
Once you meet the GTE criteria, the institution’s admission department will instruct you to pay the tuition fee. To do this, you need to prepare a No Objection Letter (NOC). Take your offer letter and NOC to the bank, and they will transfer the required amount to your education provider for COE processing.
6. Prepare for Medical Health Examination and Health Insurance
The next phase involves preparing for your medical health examination and arranging health insurance. You’ll need to book a medical examination at one of the approved centres in Nepal, such as IOM and Norvic.
Venue for Medical Test for Australia Student Visa
Norvic International centre for Health Evaluation (NICHE)
- Address: Maternity Hospital Road, Thapathali
- Phone: 01-5970432 Extension: 1035,6506,3005
- Email: [email protected]
- Opening Hours: By Appointment only
- For details, please refer to : NICHE Website
IOM Migration and Health Assessment Centre (MHAC)
Kathmandu
- Address: Lazimpat Sadak, Panipokhari, Ward-3, Kathmandu
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) (Except on national Holidays)
- Phone: +977 1 59 70 001
- Email: [email protected]
Damak
- Address: Devkota Chowk (New Vegetable Market), Damak, Jhapa
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) (Except on national Holidays)
- Phone: +977 980 100 4586
- Email ID: [email protected]
Online Appointment: IOM’s online appointment system.
For details, please refer to: IOM Health Assessment
In addition to the medical examination, students are required to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The cost of the health cover depending upon the provider and the duration for which you need to purchase the health cover. Allianz Care, Bupa, NIB, Medibank, and AHM are some of the popular OSHC providers in Australia.
7. Apply for Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)
Submit proof of your tuition fee payment and health insurance to the institution to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). This is a critical document required for your visa application.
Learn More ⇒ How to obtain NOC Letter in Nepal? Apply Online
8. Apply for Australia Student Visa
With your COE, you can now apply for your student visa (subclass 500) online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
You’ll need to:
- Create an ImmiAccount
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the visa application fee (visit your bank)
Your application will be allocated a unique Transaction Reference Number (TRN) by the Australian Government. You can find out about the status of your visa through online (ImmiAccount)
Required Documents for Visa Application
- Passport
- COE from your institution
- Proof of OSHC
- Financial documents
- English proficiency test results
- Medical examination results
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
9. Attend Biometric Collection and Prepare for the interview
You may be required to attend a biometrics collection appointment at the VFS Global. In some cases, immigration may randomly interview you about your documents, finances, and study plans in Australia, including your plans after graduation. It’s a simple process, but it’s recommended that students prepare basic answers to avoid confusion.
Venue for Biometric Collection for Australian Visa in Nepal
| Venue | Address | Business Hours |
| VFS Global, Thapathali | Regus Trade Tower, Ground Floor, Trade Tower Building, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal | Monday to Friday (9 AM to 4 PM) (Except on Public Holidays) |
| VFS Global, Thamel | 3rd Floor, Chhaya Complex on Amrit Marga, Bhagwan Bahal in Thamel-26, Kathmandu, Nepal | Monday to Friday (9 AM to 4 PM) (Except on Public Holidays) |
| VFS Global, Pokhara | Ground Floor, Hall Fewa Baithak, Hotel Barahi, Lakeside, Street No. 13, Pokhara-6, Nepal | Wednesday (9 AM to 4 PM) (Fortnightly – Except Public Holidays) |
10. Pre-departure Preparation
Once your visa is granted, start preparing for your departure. This includes booking flights, arranging accommodation, and packing appropriately. Attend any pre-departure briefings offered by your institution or education consultant.
Pre-departure Checklist
- Passport
- Visa
- Book flights
- Arrange airport pickup
- All Academic Documents (Original)
- Confirm accommodation arrangements
- Pack essential items (documents, clothing, medication, etc.)
- Health insurance (overseas student health cover)
- Australian or US Currencies
- Inform your institution of your arrival details
- Familiarize yourself with Australian customs and regulations
Valuable Tips from Abroad Study Insider
It’s also a good idea to connect with other Nepalese students who are already studying in Australia. They can provide valuable insights and tips for settling in. Many universities have international student associations that can be great resources for information and support.
Remember, while the process of obtaining an Australian student visa may seem complex, thousands of Nepalese students successfully navigate it each year. Stay organized, meet all deadlines, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. Your chosen institution and education agents can be valuable sources of support throughout this process.
Final Thought About Australia Student Visa Process from Nepal
Applying for a student visa for Australia from Nepal can be complex, but following these steps can make it easier. Do your research, gather the necessary documents, meet the GS requirements, and ensure you have the financial support needed. Preparing for interviews and taking care of health and insurance requirements are also important. By following these steps, you can achieve your goal and apply for your visa easily.
Good luck with your studies in Australia!
Commonly Asked About Australia Student Visa
The minimum IELTS score generally required is 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6 for undergraduate and 7.0 with not band less than 6.5 for postgraduate students, but this may vary depending on the institution and course.
The processing time for a student visa can vary, but it typically takes between 4 to 6 weeks.
Yes, student visa holders can work up to 40 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
If your visa application is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. You can appeal the decision or reapply, addressing the issues raised in the rejection letter.
Yes, all international students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay in Australia.