Head to head · updated July 2026
🇦🇺 Australia vs New Zealand 🇳🇿 — for Nepali students
On pure cost, New Zealand wins: a realistic first year runs Rs 30–45 lakh against Australia's Rs 35–55 lakh. But cost is only one axis — work rights, language requirements, and what happens after graduation split these two more than the price tag does. Match the bullets below against your own situation, and remember the rule that survives every comparison: the right country is the one your budget and profile can actually carry, not the one with the better reputation at your local consultancy.
The numbers, side by side
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇳🇿 New Zealand | |
|---|---|---|
| Realistic first year | Rs 35 – 55 L | Rs 30 – 45 L |
| Tuition (year 1) | Rs 18 – 30 L | Rs 20 – 28 L |
| Living / required funds | Rs ≈26 L (proof: AUD 29,710) | Rs ≈16 L (proof: NZD 20,000) |
| Visa & fees | Rs ≈2.6 L (visa + OSHC) | Rs ≈1 L |
| Work rights | Work 48 hrs / fortnight | Work 20 hrs / week |
| Intakes | Feb & Jul | Feb & Jul |
| Visa processing | ~1–4 months | ~1–2 months |
| English test needed? | Yes — IELTS / PTE | Yes — IELTS / PTE |
Estimates in NPR, July 2026, rounded. Full breakdowns: Australia cost guide · New Zealand cost guide.
Choose Australia if
- You have Rs 35 L+ and want the biggest part-time job market
- Long-term settlement matters and you can handle GS scrutiny
- You want the largest Nepali community abroad around you
Choose New Zealand if
- You like the Australia proposition but want a less crowded queue
- You’re in health, agriculture, trades, or IT — their Green List favours you
- Calmer pace matters more than the biggest job market
Australia: watch out
- Genuine Student (GS) assessment is strict — weak funds or unexplained gaps get refused
- Visa fee ≈ Rs 1.8 L and it’s non-refundable
- Sydney/Melbourne rent will shock you — budget for it
New Zealand: watch out
- Smaller job market than Australia — research your field first
- Fewer scholarships for international students
- Total cost is closer to Australia than people assume