How to Migrate to Australia from Nepal: Complete 2026 Guide

Student Visa → PR (Most Common) - Study a course on the skilled occupation list (cooking, nursing, IT, accounting, engineering) - Complete a Post-Study Work visa (485) - Gain Australian work experience - Apply for PR through subclass 189, 190, or 491

Skilled Migration - Subclass 189/190 — If you already have qualifications and work experience - Subclass 491 — Regional visa with lower points threshold and pathway to PR

Employer Sponsored - Subclass 482 — Common in hospitality, aged care, and trades - Subclass 494 — Regional employer sponsored

Cooking/Chef Pathway - One of the most popular routes for Nepali migrants - Study Commercial Cookery (Certificate III + IV) → work as a chef → employer sponsorship or skilled visa

This pathway is extremely popular with Nepali applicants:

1. Study Commercial Cookery — Certificate III + IV (approximately 2 years, AUD $15,000-25,000)
2. Post-Study Work Visa (485) — 2-4 years of work rights
3. Gain 2+ years experience as a chef or cook
4. Skills assessment with TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
5. Apply for PR via subclass 189, 190, or 491

Important: Choose your institution carefully. Ensure it is CRICOS-registered and the course leads to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.

Alternatively, employers in regional areas actively seek cooks and chefs — employer sponsorship can be faster than the points-tested route.

The Department of Home Affairs closely scrutinises student visa applications from Nepal. To demonstrate you are a genuine student:

• - Explain why you chose Australia and this specific course
• - Show how the course relates to your career plans in Nepal or Australia
• - Provide evidence of previous academic performance
• - Demonstrate ties to Nepal (family, property, employment)
• - Show sufficient financial capacity
• - Avoid institutions known for compliance issues

A migration agent experienced with Nepali applicants can significantly improve your chances of approval.

Approximate costs:

• - Student visa application: AUD $1,600
• - Course fees: AUD $15,000-30,000/year
• - IELTS/PTE test: AUD $350-400
• - OSHC health cover: AUD $500-700/year
• - Migration agent (student visa): AUD $1,000-2,000
• - Migration agent (PR application): AUD $3,000-6,000
• - Living costs: AUD $24,505/year (Department requirement)

Many Nepali students work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight) to cover living expenses while studying.

Visit our dedicated Nepal migration page for links to agents who speak your language, relevant visa types, and community resources.

You can also use our Cost Estimator to get a personalised cost breakdown, or our Points Calculator to check your skilled migration score.