Studying in Australia in 2026? Visa, Work & Spouse Rules Nepali Students Need to Know

Planning to study in Australia from Nepal in 2026? There are a few important rules you should understand before applying for your Student Visa (Subclass 500).

Australia is still welcoming genuine international students, but visa costs, work rights, financial requirements and visa processing rules have changed over the past few years.

Here are the key things Nepali students should know in 2026.

Australia Student Visa 2026: Quick Overview

Australia increased the Student Visa application charge from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 on 1 July 2026 for most applicants.

How Many Hours Can International Students Work?

Students holding a Subclass 500 visa can generally work up to 48 hours every fortnight while their course is in session.

During scheduled course breaks, eligible students can work unlimited hours.

Students studying a Master’s by Research or doctoral degree can work more than 48 hours per fortnight after their course begins.

That makes understanding your exact visa conditions important before taking a job in Australia.

Can Your Spouse Work in Australia?

Yes. A spouse or de facto partner can be included as a secondary applicant on a Student visa, provided the relationship and other visa requirements are met.

Their work rights depend on what you study.

• If you are studying most undergraduate or lower-level programs, your spouse can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is running.
• If you are studying a Master’s by Coursework or Master’s Extended, your spouse can generally work more than 48 hours per fortnight.
• If you are studying a Master’s by Research or PhD, both you and your eligible family member can generally work more than 48 hours per fortnight after the course starts.

This is one of the most important things couples should check before planning finances for Australia.

How Much Money Do You Need to Show?

For an Australian Student visa, applicants may need to demonstrate that they can cover costs such as:

• Travel
• Tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Expenses for accompanying family members
• School costs for dependent children, where applicable

The current financial-capacity figure for an individual student is at least AUD 29,710, which is approximately NPR 32.6–32.7 lakh based on current exchange rates. Actual living costs can be higher depending on the city, accommodation and lifestyle.

Students should therefore treat this as a minimum financial requirement, not the total cost of studying and living in Australia.

What Documents Are Important for an Australia Student Visa?

Your exact checklist can vary, but commonly required evidence may include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Passport and identity documents
• Financial evidence
• English-language evidence, where required
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Academic documents
• Genuine Student information

Australia uses the Genuine Student (GS) requirement to assess Student visa applicants. Students are asked about their current circumstances, why they selected their course and institution, and how the course relates to their future.

The goal is not simply to write a convincing statement. Your course choice and supporting documents should make sense together.

Is Australia Cutting International Student Numbers?

Australia is managing student growth, but this does not mean international students cannot apply.

The 2026 National Planning Level is 295,000 new overseas student commencements, which is 25,000 higher than the 2025 level. The government describes the system as a visa-processing prioritisation mechanism rather than a direct cap on individual student applications.

For students applying from Nepal, choosing the right institution and submitting a complete, genuine application therefore remains important.

Planning to Study in Australia from Nepal?

Australia continues to offer strong opportunities for international students, but studying there in 2026 requires more careful planning around course selection, finances, visa documentation and work rights.

At Goreto Educational Consultancy, we help students explore suitable Australian institutions, understand current Student visa requirements and plan their study journey based on their academic and career goals.

Connect with Goreto and explore your options.