Last updated: May 19, 2026
Yes, Nepali students can study at affordable universities in Australia without IELTS. Most cheap universities in Australia accept PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English as full alternatives to IELTS. The cheapest options for Nepali students include Federation University at AUD 18,000 per year, University of Southern Queensland at AUD 22,500 per year, University of the Sunshine Coast at AUD 18,000 to AUD 24,000 per year, and Charles Darwin University at AUD 27,096 per year.
Most Australian universities accept NEB Plus 2 students directly with 50 percent or higher average. English requirements include IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, PTE 50 to 58, or equivalent scores. This means your Plus 2 result from Nepal, combined with a PTE score instead of IELTS, is a completely valid path into affordable Australian universities.
One important thing every Nepali student must understand clearly. Some Australian universities accept student applications without IELTS or PTE and may provide a conditional offer letter if you meet academic requirements but have not taken an English test yet. However, for an unconditional offer and student visa Subclass 500, IELTS or PTE is mandatory.
This means you can start your application early without an English test to get a conditional offer. But you must have PTE, TOEFL, or IELTS before your visa is processed. PTE is the most popular choice among Nepali students because results come within 48 hours and it is fully accepted by all Australian universities and the Department of Home Affairs.
This guide covers the most affordable universities for Nepali students, their fees, what English alternatives they accept, Nepal-specific visa requirements, and how to reduce your total cost.
For more details on studying in Australia without IELTS, you can read our full guide on can I study in Australia without IELTS from Nepal. For total cost breakdown, you can read our guide on how much does it cost to study in Australia from Nepal.
Why Do Nepali Students Want to Study in Australia Without IELTS?
IELTS is expensive and stressful. One sitting of IELTS in Nepal costs around NPR 30,000 to NPR 36,000. If you need to retake it, that is another NPR 30,000 or more. Preparation takes 2 to 3 months for most students.
PTE Academic is becoming more popular among Nepali students for several reasons. Results arrive within 48 hours. The test is fully computer based which many students find less stressful than IELTS. Costs are slightly lower at around NPR 28,000 to NPR 32,000 per sitting. And most importantly, PTE is accepted by 100 percent of Australian universities and by the Department of Home Affairs for the student visa.
TOEFL iBT is another accepted alternative. Cambridge C1 Advanced and Cambridge C2 Proficiency are also accepted by most major universities.
The strategic truth is that PTE Academic is the safest no-risk route that guarantees acceptance by both the university and the Department of Home Affairs. It is fully computer based, has fast results, and is accepted by 100 percent of all Australian universities and the visa office.
For Nepali students specifically, Nepal is currently on Assessment Level 3 for Australian student visas as of January 8, 2026. This means every application goes through detailed manual checking. Having a proper approved English test score like PTE or TOEFL rather than just an MOI letter makes your visa application significantly cleaner and reduces the risk of delays.
What Is the Nepal-Specific Situation for Australian Student Visas Without IELTS?
This section is specifically for Nepali students because Nepal’s situation in 2026 is different from students in many other countries.
For Nepali students, you can apply and even get a conditional offer letter without an English test. But to secure an unconditional offer and Australian student visa Subclass 500, IELTS or PTE is mandatory.
Since Nepal moved to Assessment Level 3 on January 8, 2026, visa officers review every application more carefully. An MOI letter from a Nepali school alone is generally not considered strong enough English evidence for visa purposes under Assessment Level 3. Visa officers may request a standardized test score even if the university accepted an MOI letter for admission.
Nepali students must meet English proficiency scores through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. For diploma level, IELTS 6.0 no band less than 5.5 or equivalent PTE or TOEFL scores. For bachelor’s level, IELTS 6.0 no band less than 6.0 or equivalent. For master’s level, IELTS 6.5 no band less than 6.0 or equivalent.
The honest and safest advice for Nepali students is this. Use PTE Academic or TOEFL instead of IELTS if you prefer. Both are fully accepted. But do not try to avoid English testing entirely through MOI letters for the visa. Prepare for and take PTE early. A clean PTE score combined with a strong Genuine Student statement gives you the best chance of smooth visa approval.
Federation University Australia
Federation University is one of the most affordable universities in Australia with tuition fees starting from AUD 18,000 to AUD 25,000 per year. It is located in Ballarat, Victoria which is a regional city about 1.5 hours from Melbourne.
Federation University accepts PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English as full alternatives to IELTS. The minimum PTE score for most undergraduate programs is 46 to 50. This is one of the lowest English entry requirements among Australian universities.
For Nepali students, Federation University is particularly accessible because it also accepts students with GPA as low as 2.2 for some programs through diploma and foundation pathways. The diploma pathway entry requires around 2.4 GPA and PTE 46 which is achievable for most Nepali Plus 2 graduates.
Living costs in Ballarat are significantly lower than Melbourne. Studying in Ballarat qualifies as regional study which gives Nepali students 5 extra PR points, a longer 485 post-study work visa, and access to the 491 regional visa with 15 more nomination points. These PR benefits compound the value of choosing Federation University enormously for Nepali students who are thinking about long-term prospects in Australia.
Popular programs for Nepali students at Federation include Business, IT, Engineering, Education, and Health Sciences. The university has strong TAFE linkages meaning you can start with a vocational diploma and move into a bachelor’s degree with credit transfer saving both time and money.
University of Southern Queensland
University of Southern Queensland has tuition fees of around AUD 22,500 per year and offers more than 700 degrees to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students. It is headquartered in Toowoomba, Queensland which is a regional city with living costs significantly lower than Brisbane or Sydney.
University of Southern Queensland has an acceptance rate of nearly 69 percent. Students who have previously studied in English or belong to English speaking backgrounds can be accepted without IELTS.
For Nepali students specifically, USQ accepts PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English as IELTS alternatives. The minimum PTE score for most undergraduate programs is 46 to 54. This is well within reach for most Nepali students after a few weeks of focused PTE preparation.
USQ’s Toowoomba campus is in a regional area. This means Nepali students studying here get the same regional study benefits as Federation University including extra PR points and extended post-study work visas. USQ also has a Springhill campus in Brisbane city centre for students who prefer city living.
USQ offers cost effective programs in business, law, and engineering with flexible study options and strong alumni connections in over 140 countries. Its regional location helps keep living expenses low.
Popular programs for Nepali students at USQ include Business Administration, Information Technology, Engineering, Law, Education, and Health Sciences.
University of the Sunshine Coast
The University of the Sunshine Coast is one of the most affordable options for Nepali students. Located in Queensland, USC combines low tuition fees with a laid-back coastal lifestyle that reduces the overall cost of living. The average tuition fee ranges from AUD 18,000 to AUD 24,000 per year depending on the program.
USC accepts PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English as IELTS alternatives. The Sunshine Coast is a designated regional area for Australian visa purposes which gives Nepali students studying here all the regional study benefits including extra PR points and a longer post-study work visa.
The Sunshine Coast has a warm climate and a growing economy with strong job opportunities in tourism, healthcare, education, and IT. Living costs are significantly lower than Brisbane and far lower than Sydney. Part time job opportunities for Nepali students in hospitality and tourism are widely available in this region.
USC has a supportive international student community and has been growing in popularity among Nepali students in recent years because of the combination of affordable fees, regional benefits, and a liveable coastal environment.
Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University charges AUD 27,096 for undergraduate and AUD 29,352 for postgraduate programs. It is located in Darwin, Northern Territory. Scholarships like Vice Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship cover 50 percent of tuition, CDU Global Merit Scholarship covers 30 percent, and CDU International College Merit Scholarship covers 30 percent of first year tuition fees.
CDU accepts PTE Academic (minimum 46 to 54), TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English as IELTS alternatives. Darwin is one of the most affordable cities in Australia for international students with living costs around AUD 16,000 to AUD 20,000 per year.
For Nepali students, Darwin is classified as a regional area which gives all regional study benefits. The Northern Territory also has consistent skilled worker shortages in healthcare, education, and trades which means strong employment opportunities during and after study.
CDU is also notable for combining both academic university programs and TAFE vocational programs on the same campus. This gives Nepali students with lower GPAs a very clear pathway. Start with a TAFE diploma at CDU, perform well, and articulate directly into the bachelor’s degree with full credit for completed units.
If you qualify for the Vice Chancellor’s scholarship covering 50 percent of tuition, CDU becomes one of the genuinely most affordable study options in Australia at effectively AUD 13,500 per year or less.
Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University charges AUD 25,000 for undergraduates and AUD 28,500 for postgraduates. It is located in Perth, Western Australia. February, July, and October are the three intakes available. ECU requires IELTS minimum 6.5, TOEFL minimum 84, or PTE minimum 64.
ECU accepts PTE 64 and TOEFL 84 as IELTS alternatives. The English requirement at ECU is slightly higher than Federation or USQ which means Nepali students need a PTE score of 64 or TOEFL 84 for most programs. This is achievable but requires more preparation time than lower entry universities.
Perth is classified as a regional area for Australian visa purposes. This gives Nepali students studying at ECU the same regional study benefits including extra PR points and extended post-study work visas.
Perth has strong job markets in mining, construction, healthcare, and IT. For Nepali students interested in Engineering or Nursing, ECU in Perth is a strong combination of affordable fees, regional benefits, and practical employment opportunities after graduation.
ECU provides financial support through various scholarships including the 2026 International Undergraduate Scholarship.
University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong is one of the most affordable universities in Australia with tuition fees between AUD 12,000 to AUD 20,000 per year. It offers over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in arts and humanities, engineering, health and medicine, mathematics, and physics.
University of Wollongong accepts PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English as IELTS alternatives. Located just south of Sydney, it combines strong research rankings with affordable fees. Wollongong itself has lower living costs than Sydney while being close enough to access Sydney’s job market.
For Nepali students, Wollongong has a well-established pathway college that accepts students with lower academic backgrounds and English scores than the main university. The pathway programs here lead directly into UOW bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
La Trobe University
La Trobe University is based in Melbourne and accepts PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English as IELTS alternatives. Tuition ranges from approximately AUD 25,000 to AUD 35,000 per year depending on the program and campus.
For Nepali students, La Trobe’s regional campuses in Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, and Mildura are particularly interesting. These campuses charge lower tuition than the Melbourne campus and qualify for full regional study benefits. Nepali students who choose a regional La Trobe campus get extra PR points, a longer post-study work visa, and the social experience of a smaller Australian regional city which many find easier to settle into than Melbourne.
La Trobe College is the pathway provider and accepts students with relatively low GPAs and English scores for foundation and diploma entry. This makes La Trobe one of the most accessible Melbourne-affiliated options for Nepali students with average Plus 2 results.
Griffith University
Griffith University has over 200 courses offered annually and enrollment exceeding 50,000 students. It requires IELTS minimum 6.5, TOEFL minimum 79, or PTE minimum 58.
Griffith University has campuses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast campuses qualify as regional areas for Australian visa purposes. Tuition ranges from approximately AUD 26,000 to AUD 35,000 per year.
For Nepali students, Griffith’s Gold Coast campus is a popular choice because of the combination of regional visa benefits, a warm beachside lifestyle, and strong job availability in tourism, hospitality, and healthcare in that region. The PTE minimum of 58 at Griffith is achievable for most Nepali students after focused preparation.
What Is the Total Cost for Nepali Students at Cheap Australian Universities?
The total cost to study in Australia from Nepal ranges from AUD 30,000 to AUD 70,000 per year depending on the course level and lifestyle. Nepali students generally need to show a financial capacity of around AUD 60,000 covering living costs, one year of tuition fees, travel expenses, and supporting income documents. On average, families present NPR 60 to 65 lakhs.
Choosing the cheapest universities and regional cities brings this down significantly. A Nepali student studying at Federation University in Ballarat (AUD 18,000 tuition) and living frugally in shared accommodation can manage a total first year cost of around AUD 38,000 to AUD 45,000. That is NPR 38 lakhs to NPR 45 lakhs which is significantly lower than the maximum estimate.
Part time work opportunities allow students to earn AUD 20 to AUD 35 per hour depending on location and job type. Working consistently during the semester can cover most monthly living expenses reducing the total amount you need from savings or loans.
How Nepali Students Can Reduce the Total Cost
Choose a regional university. Living costs in Ballarat, Toowoomba, Darwin, and Sunshine Coast are AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000 per year lower than Sydney or Melbourne. Regional universities like Charles Darwin University and Federation University often have lower tuition and living costs and can also offer extended post-study work rights in Australia.
Apply for automatic merit scholarships. Many universities offer automatic merit bursaries of 15 to 30 percent based on your GPA. For Nepali students with GPA 3.0 or above, these scholarships are often awarded automatically during the application process without a separate application.
Take PTE instead of IELTS. PTE costs slightly less, results arrive in 48 hours, and many Nepali students find the format easier. Using PTE eliminates the possibility of having to retake an expensive IELTS test multiple times.
Work part time consistently. Students can work 48 hours per fortnight during semester and full time during breaks. At AUD 24 per hour minimum wage, this generates AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,000 per month after tax during term which covers most monthly living costs.
Share accommodation. Moving into shared housing with two or three other students reduces rent from AUD 1,200 per month to AUD 600 to AUD 800. This alone saves AUD 4,800 to AUD 7,200 per year.
Why Cheap Regional Universities Are Actually a Smart Choice for Nepali Students
Many Nepali students and families assume that a cheaper university means a lower quality education or worse career outcomes. This is a misunderstanding worth correcting directly.
All universities listed in this guide are CRICOS-registered. This means they meet Australian government quality standards and their degrees are recognized by employers worldwide. The Australian Qualifications Framework ensures every accredited degree meets national standards regardless of which university issued it.
For Nepali students specifically, regional universities offer concrete PR advantages that Group of Eight universities do not. Regional study gives you 5 bonus PR points. Working in a regional area after graduation gives you access to the 491 visa with 15 additional nomination points. A Nepali nursing or IT graduate from Federation University in Ballarat actually has a stronger PR pathway than the same graduate from UNSW Sydney because of these regional bonuses.
The University of the Sunshine Coast and other affordable universities are recognised not only for their lower tuition costs but also for their welcoming environments, quality education, and support systems for Nepali students.
The students who build the strongest long-term outcomes from Australian study are often those who chose affordable regional universities strategically, not those who spent the most money at the most famous names.
PTE vs IELTS for Nepali Students Going to Cheap Australian Universities
Since you are targeting affordable universities without IELTS, PTE Academic is the most practical English test to choose.
Both PTE and IELTS are fully accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the student visa Subclass 500. IELTS minimum is 6.0 overall and 5.5 per band. PTE minimum is 42 overall and 36 per component. Most top Australian universities require IELTS 6.5 or PTE 58 which is higher than the visa minimum.
For affordable universities like Federation University and USQ, the minimum is PTE 46 to 54 which is lower than the visa officer’s standard. This means if you score PTE 50, you meet both the university admission requirement and the visa minimum in one test. One test, one sitting, full pathway cleared.
PTE offers faster results and AI based scoring while IELTS offers a One Skill Retake option. Neither test is universally easier. It depends on your individual strengths.
For Nepali students who are less confident in speaking face to face with a human examiner, PTE is a better fit because the speaking component is done through a microphone to an AI system. For students who prefer longer reading passages and traditional academic test format, IELTS may feel more natural.
Both tests cost roughly similar amounts in Nepal. PTE at NPR 28,000 to NPR 32,000 and IELTS at NPR 30,000 to NPR 36,000. The 48 hour PTE result turnaround is a significant practical advantage when you are trying to meet university application deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Nepali students can absolutely study at affordable Australian universities without IELTS by using PTE Academic or TOEFL instead. The cheapest options start at AUD 18,000 per year at Federation University and go up to AUD 29,000 at universities like Edith Cowan and Griffith.
The most important thing to understand is that completely avoiding English testing is not possible for the Australian student visa. You must have PTE, TOEFL, or IELTS for your visa. The good news is that PTE is cheaper, faster, and accepted everywhere. Choose PTE, prepare for 4 to 6 weeks, target PTE 50 to 58, and your pathway to affordable Australian universities is clear.
Choose a regional university when possible. The combination of lower tuition, lower living costs, automatic scholarships, regional study PR bonus points, and extended post-study work visas makes regional universities the smartest financial and long-term career choice for most Nepali students.
For GPA requirements at these universities, you can read our guide on how much GPA is required to study in Australia from Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the cheapest universities in Australia for Nepali students without IELTS?
The cheapest options for Nepali students include Federation University at AUD 18,000 to AUD 25,000 per year, University of Southern Queensland at AUD 22,500 per year, University of the Sunshine Coast at AUD 18,000 to AUD 24,000 per year, and Charles Darwin University at AUD 27,096 per year. All accept PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT instead of IELTS.
Can Nepali students study in Australia without IELTS?
Yes but only up to the conditional offer stage without an English test. For an unconditional offer and the Australian student visa Subclass 500, Nepali students must submit IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL. PTE is the most popular choice among Nepali students because results come within 48 hours and it is fully accepted by all universities and the visa office.
What is the minimum PTE score for cheap Australian universities?
Federation University and Charles Darwin University accept PTE 46 for some programs. University of Southern Queensland requires PTE 46 to 54. University of the Sunshine Coast requires PTE 50 to 58. Edith Cowan University requires PTE 64 minimum. Griffith University requires PTE 58 minimum.
How much does it cost for Nepali students at cheap Australian universities?
Total first year costs including tuition, living, visa, insurance, and flights range from AUD 38,000 to AUD 55,000 for students choosing regional affordable universities. In Nepali Rupees at current exchange rates that is roughly NPR 38 lakhs to NPR 55 lakhs. Part time work during studies can significantly reduce the net cost.
Which city is cheapest for Nepali students in Australia?
Darwin, Ballarat, Toowoomba, Hobart, and the Sunshine Coast are the most affordable cities for Nepali students. Living costs in these cities range from AUD 14,000 to AUD 20,000 per year compared to AUD 24,000 to AUD 28,000 in Sydney or Melbourne.
Can Nepali students get scholarships at cheap Australian universities?
Yes. Most affordable universities offer automatic merit scholarships of 15 to 30 percent tuition reduction based on your GPA. Charles Darwin University offers up to 50 percent tuition reduction through the Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship. Destination Australia scholarships provide up to AUD 15,000 per year for students at eligible regional campuses.
Is PTE or IELTS better for Nepali students applying to Australia?
Both are fully accepted. PTE is more popular among Nepali students because results come in 48 hours, the format is fully computer based, and many find it less stressful than face-to-face IELTS speaking. IELTS offers a One Skill Retake option if you score below the requirement in just one component. Your choice should depend on which format you feel more comfortable preparing for.
Do cheap Australian universities offer good career and PR pathways for Nepali students?
Yes. All CRICOS-registered Australian universities including affordable regional ones offer the same PR pathways. Regional universities actually give Nepali students extra PR advantages including 5 bonus points for regional study and access to the 491 regional visa with 15 additional nomination points. Graduates from affordable regional universities in nursing, IT, and engineering have very strong PR pathways.
