Nepali Student Guide
to Australia
Everything you need to know about studying in Australia — from your first week to finding work, housing, and staying connected to home.
✈️ Before you arrive
Student visa (Subclass 500)
Your student visa allows you to study in Australia and work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. During scheduled course breaks you can work unlimited hours. Always check your visa grant letter for your specific conditions — they can vary.
Health insurance — OSHC
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students in Australia. Your university will either include it in your offer or require you to arrange it. Medibank, Bupa, NIB, and AHM are the main providers. OSHC covers GP visits, hospital, and some prescriptions — but not dental or optical.
What to bring from Nepal
Bring at least 3–6 months of living expenses in AUD (or have easy access to it). Bring copies of all your documents — passport, visa grant letter, university offer letter, academic certificates, and bank statements. Dal, Wai Wai, and a few packets of sel roti mix are also strongly recommended for your first week.
Sort your accommodation first
Book your first 2–4 weeks of accommodation before arriving — university student housing, a hostel, or a short-term Airbnb. Don't commit to a long lease before seeing the place in person. Facebook groups for Nepali students at your university are the best place to find a room from a trusted person.
📋 First two weeks — admin checklist
Tax File Number (TFN)
Apply for your TFN online at ato.gov.au as soon as you arrive — you'll need it before you start any job. It usually arrives by post within 28 days. Without a TFN your employer must withhold 47% tax from your pay. Apply early, even before you have a job.
Open a bank account
Open a bank account within your first 6 weeks of arriving — after that you'll need more documentation. Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac all offer accounts for international students with just your passport and student visa. Commonwealth Bank and NAB offer fee-free student accounts. Avoid monthly account fees.
Get a local SIM card
Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone are the main carriers. Woolworths Mobile and Boost Mobile offer cheaper plans using the same networks. A $30/month prepaid plan with unlimited calls/texts and 20–30GB data is typical. Buy a SIM at the airport or any phone shop.
Medicare (if applicable)
Students from countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) — including India — may be eligible for Medicare. Nepal does not have an RHCA with Australia, so Nepali students are not eligible for Medicare. Your OSHC is your primary health cover.
University orientation
Attend your university's international student orientation — it covers campus facilities, student services, academic integrity, and support resources. Most universities also have a Nepali Student Association (NSA) — find and join it in your first week.
💼 Finding part-time work
How many hours can I work?
On a student visa (Subclass 500) you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks) while your course is in session. During university holidays and scheduled breaks you can work unlimited hours. Exceeding your work limit is a visa breach — take this seriously.
Where to find part-time jobs
Seek.com.au, Indeed, and Gumtree are the main job boards. For casual hospitality and retail work, walk into cafes, restaurants, and shops with a printed resume. Nepali restaurants and grocery shops often prefer Nepali staff — check our listings and contact shops directly.
Know your rights
Australia has a minimum wage — currently $24.10/hour (2026). Cash-in-hand jobs below minimum wage are illegal. Always get a payslip. If you're not sure about your rights, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman at fairwork.gov.au — they have resources for international students.
Tax returns
Lodge a tax return every year (July–October for the previous financial year). Most students get a refund. Use myTax at ato.gov.au — it's free and straightforward. Keep payslips and group certificates. A tax agent can help if your situation is complex.
🏠 Finding a place to live
Types of accommodation
University-managed accommodation (on-campus) is convenient but fills fast — apply early. Share houses are the most common option for students — you rent a room in a house with others. Inspect in person before signing. A typical room in a shared house costs $150–$280/week depending on city.
Where to find rooms
Facebook Marketplace, flatmates.com.au, and domain.com.au are the most popular. Search for your university's Nepali Student Association Facebook group — rooms shared in the community are safest and most common.
Bond and lease
Most rentals require 4 weeks bond + 2 weeks rent upfront. Always get a written lease agreement. Take photos of every room when you move in and send them to the landlord by email — this protects your bond when you leave.
Cost of living guide
Rough weekly costs: Rent (share room) $150–$280 · Groceries $60–$100 · Transport $20–$40 · Phone $7–$15 · Eating out $30–$60. Monthly total: approximately $1,200–$1,800 depending on city. Melbourne and Sydney are the most expensive; Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra are more affordable.
🎓 University life
Academic integrity
Australia takes academic integrity very seriously. Plagiarism, contract cheating (paying someone to write your assignment), and AI-generated submissions without disclosure can result in failing the course or expulsion. Always reference your sources and submit your own work.
Student support services
Every university has free counselling, academic support, and international student services. Use them — that's what the services fees you pay are for. If you're struggling with study, mental health, or financial hardship, speak to your university's student services team early.
English language support
Most universities offer free English language support through their learning centres. If academic writing is challenging, book a session — it's free and can significantly improve your grades.
🇳🇵 Staying connected to the Nepali community
Find your local Nepali Student Association
Most major Australian universities have a Nepali Student Association (NSA) or a similar community group. They organise events, share local knowledge, and are the fastest way to make Nepali friends. Search '[Your University] Nepali Student Association' on Facebook.
Nepali food and grocery shops
Finding a plate of dal bhat or a packet of Wai Wai can make a hard week much better. Use Hamro Find to locate the nearest Nepali grocery shop and restaurant in your city.
Festivals and community events
Dashain, Tihar, and Naya Barsha are celebrated by Nepali communities in every major Australian city. These events are a wonderful way to stay connected to Nepali culture. Check our events calendar for upcoming celebrations.
Calling home affordably
The cheapest ways to call Nepal from Australia: WhatsApp and Viber (free over WiFi), Skype, or Google Voice. For mobile calling, Viber Out and Skype minutes offer very cheap per-minute rates. A good Australian mobile plan with international minutes can also cover Nepal calls.