Australia Bachelor’s vs Master’s: Nepali Student Guide 2025

Sep-12-2025 Pathfinders

Australia is one of the top destinations for international students, and Nepali students are no exception. Known for its high-quality education, vibrant student communities, post-study work opportunities, and clear pathways to permanent residency, Australia has become a go-to choice for ambitious students from Nepal.

But a common dilemma arises: Should you pursue a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree in Australia? This guide will break down everything you need to know about eligibility, costs, courses, career opportunities, scholarships, and visas to make an informed decision.

Why Australia is Ideal for Nepali Students in 2025

High-quality education: Australian universities consistently rank among the top global institutions.
Work opportunities: Students can work part-time while studying and full-time during breaks.
Post-study pathways: Graduates can stay and work in Australia through temporary graduate visas.
Diverse culture: Australia offers a safe, multicultural environment for international students.

In 2025, the number of Nepali students in Australia is expected to grow, with many seeking programs that align with career ambitions and PR goals.

Bachelor’s Degree in Australia

Who Should Consider a Bachelor’s Degree?

Students completing +2 in Nepal or equivalent are eligible. A Bachelor’s degree is ideal for those looking to build a strong academic foundation, explore new fields, and gradually adapt to life in Australia.

Eligibility and Academic Requirements

Completion of +2 (50–60% depending on the university)
Age: Typically 17–25 years
Health and character requirements

English Language Requirements

IELTS score: 6.0–6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
Alternatives: TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge certificates accepted by some universities

Tuition and Cost of Living

Tuition fees range from AUD 20,000–35,000 per year
Cost of living: AUD 15,000–20,000 per year, including rent, food, transport, and health insurance

Expense	Annual Cost (AUD)
Rent	8,000–12,000
Food	4,000–6,000
Transport	1,500–2,500
Health Insurance	600–800
Miscellaneous	2,000–3,000

Popular Programs

Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
IT and Computer Science
Business, Accounting, and Finance
Health Sciences and Nursing

Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree

Full exposure to Australian education and culture
Part-time work opportunities to support living expenses
Time to explore career interests before committing to a postgraduate program
Provides a pathway to PR through work experience

Master’s Degree in Australia

Who Should Consider a Master’s Degree?

Students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, either in Nepal or elsewhere, and want to specialize in a particular field, boost career prospects, or fast-track PR options.

Eligibility and Academic Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
Minimum GPA: 2.5–3.0
Some programs require letters of recommendation or work experience

English Language Requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL or PTE alternatives accepted

Tuition and Cost of Living

Tuition fees: AUD 25,000–45,000 per year
Living costs are similar to Bachelor’s students, though city choice can influence expenses

Expense	Annual Cost (AUD)
Rent	9,000–14,000
Food	4,000–6,000
Transport	1,500–2,500
Health Insurance	600–800
Miscellaneous	2,000–3,000

Popular Master’s Programs

Business & Management (MBA, Project Management)
STEM (Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity)
Health Sciences (Public Health, Nursing, Healthcare Management)

Benefits of a Master’s Degree

Advanced specialization and skill development
Better networking opportunities and industry exposure
Higher earning potential after graduation
Shorter duration than a Bachelor’s if already holding a degree
Stronger PR points for skilled migration

Bachelor vs Master: Comparing Costs, Duration, and Opportunities

Feature	Bachelor	Master
Duration	3–4 years	1–2 years
Tuition	AUD 20,000–35,000/year	AUD 25,000–45,000/year
Living Costs	AUD 15,000–20,000/year	AUD 15,000–20,000/year
Work Opportunities	Part-time jobs, internships	Mid-level jobs after graduation
Average Salary	AUD 50,000–65,000	AUD 70,000–90,000
PR Pathway	Via work experience and skill points	More points through advanced qualification

Other points to consider:

Bachelor’s provides a longer period for adaptation and experience-building.
Master’s allows for quicker specialization and higher starting salaries.
Both allow work while studying, but post-graduation jobs differ in level and pay.

Making the Right Choice for Nepali Students

Students Just Finishing +2

Bachelor’s is usually the better choice.
Provides a gradual introduction to Australian education and culture.
Gives access to scholarships, internships, and work experience for PR.

Students with a Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s is more suitable.
Shorter duration and advanced knowledge make you more competitive in the job market.
Higher salaries and faster career progression are common.

Practical Factors to Consider

Career goals and future plans
Budget and living expenses
Scholarships and financial support
Permanent residency ambitions

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Nepali students can access several scholarship opportunities:

Australia Awards Scholarships – Fully funded by the Australian government
University-specific scholarships – Merit-based and need-based
Examples: Monash, UNSW, UQ, University of Melbourne
Check official sources for eligibility and deadlines (Australian Scholarships Database)

Visa Requirements

Nepali students need a Student Visa (Subclass 500):

Proof of admission to a recognized Australian university
Minimum academic percentages or GPA
IELTS or equivalent English test scores
Health and financial documentation
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Conclusion

Choosing between a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Australia depends on your background, goals, and budget.

+2 graduates: Bachelor’s gives a solid foundation, work opportunities, and PR pathways.
Bachelor’s graduates: Master’s offers specialization, higher salaries, and faster career growth.

Students should also explore scholarships, cost of living, and visa requirements before making a decision. Consulting a professional education consultancy can help create a tailored study plan and maximize chances for scholarships and PR.

With careful planning, studying in Australia can open doors to world-class education, valuable work experience, and long-term career success.

Top 5 FAQs: Bachelor’s vs Master’s in Australia for Nepali Students

1. Can Nepali students work while studying in Australia?

Yes. International students, including Nepali students, can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays. Part-time work helps cover living expenses and gain professional experience relevant to your field.

2. What are the minimum eligibility requirements for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs?

Bachelor’s: Completion of +2 with at least 50–60% marks.
Master’s: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0.
Most universities also require IELTS or equivalent English proficiency.

3. How much does it cost to study in Australia for Nepali students?

Bachelor’s tuition: AUD 20,000–35,000 per year
Master’s tuition: AUD 25,000–45,000 per year
Living costs: AUD 15,000–20,000 per year, covering rent, food, transport, and health insurance

4. Which degree offers better career opportunities in Australia?

A Master’s degree usually leads to higher-paying roles and faster career progression.
A Bachelor’s degree is ideal for entry-level jobs, internships, and gaining local work experience.
Both provide pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) if combined with work experience.

5. Are there scholarships available for Nepali students in 2025?

Yes. Nepali students can apply for:

Australia Awards Scholarships – Fully funded
University-specific scholarships – Offered by Monash, UNSW, UQ, and more
Merit-based and need-based scholarships are available for both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
Check Australian Scholarships Database for updated options