Every year, thousands of Nepali students set their sights on studying abroad with Canada, Australia, and Japan being three of the most popular destinations. These countries offer high-quality education, global exposure, and career opportunities, but one of the biggest questions students and parents have is: “How much does it actually cost?”
The cost of studying abroad isn’t just tuition fees it includes living expenses, visa charges, insurance, and even exam preparation. In this guide, we break down the total estimated costs for Nepali students in 2025, so you can plan your budget wisely and avoid financial surprises later.
1. Cost of Studying in Canada from Nepal
Tuition Fees
Tuition varies by program and institution. On average:
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Undergraduate Programs: CAD $15,000 – $25,000/year (Approx. NPR 1.5M – 2.5M)
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Postgraduate Programs: CAD $17,000 – $30,000/year (Approx. NPR 1.7M – 3M)
Programs like Medicine, Engineering, and MBA tend to be on the higher end.
Living Expenses
Canadian immigration requires proof of at least CAD $10,000/year for living costs (Approx. NPR 1M). This covers:
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Accommodation: CAD $400 – $800/month
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Food & Groceries: CAD $200 – $400/month
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Transportation: CAD $100 – $150/month
Other Costs
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Visa Application Fee: CAD $150 (Approx. NPR 15,000)
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GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate for student visa): CAD $10,000 (Approx. NPR 1M)
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IELTS/PTE: NPR 20,000 – 25,000
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Health Insurance: CAD $600 – $1,000/year
2. Cost of Studying in Australia from Nepal
Tuition Fees
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Undergraduate Programs: AUD $20,000 – $35,000/year (Approx. NPR 1.8M – 3.1M)
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Postgraduate Programs: AUD $22,000 – $37,000/year (Approx. NPR 1.9M – 3.3M)
Fields like Law, Engineering, and Medicine have higher fees.
Living Expenses
The Australian Government recommends at least AUD $24,505/year (Approx. NPR 2.2M) for living costs:
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Rent: AUD $500 – $1,000/month
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Food: AUD $300 – $500/month
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Transport: AUD $100 – $150/month
Other Costs
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Student Visa (Subclass 500) Fee: AUD $710 (Approx. NPR 64,000)
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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): AUD $500 – $800/year
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IELTS/PTE: NPR 20,000 – 25,000
Read more
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For a detailed breakdown of expenses, check out our post on the Cost of Studying in Australia from Nepal.
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To understand visa regulations and legal part time work rights, read our guide on the Part-Time Work in Australia for Nepali Students
3. Cost of Studying in Japan from Nepal
Tuition Fees
Japan is more affordable compared to Canada and Australia:
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National Universities: JPY ¥500,000 – ¥900,000/year (Approx. NPR 4L – 7.5L)
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Private Universities: JPY ¥700,000 – ¥1,200,000/year (Approx. NPR 6L – 10L)
Japanese language schools are cheaper, usually around JPY ¥600,000/year (Approx. NPR 5L).
Living Expenses
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Rent: JPY ¥25,000 – ¥60,000/month (NPR 20,000 – 50,000)
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Food: JPY ¥15,000 – ¥30,000/month (NPR 12,000 – 25,000)
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Transport: JPY ¥5,000 – ¥10,000/month (NPR 4,000 – 8,000)
On average, students spend about JPY ¥800,000/year (Approx. NPR 6.8L) on living expenses.
Other Costs
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Student Visa Fee: NPR 7,000 – 10,000
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JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test): NPR 3,000 – 5,000
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Health Insurance: JPY ¥20,000 – ¥30,000/year (NPR 17,000 – 25,000)
4. Quick Comparison Table (2025 Estimates)
| Country | Tuition (per year) | Living Costs (per year) | Visa Fee | Total Avg. Cost (Year 1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 15L – 30L | 10L | 0.15L | 25L – 40L |
| Australia | 18L – 33L | 22L | 0.64L | 40L – 55L |
| Japan | 4L – 10L | 6.8L | 0.07L – 0.10L | 11L – 17L |
Studying in Canada, Australia, or Japan can be a life-changing experience for Nepali students but it’s important to plan financially before applying. While Canada and Australia offer higher post-study work opportunities, Japan provides a more affordable entry point with excellent cultural and language exposure.
The right choice depends on your budget, career goals, and academic interests. Always research universities, compare tuition, and explore scholarships before making a decision.
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