Top 10 Countries Nepali Students Prefer for Higher Studies; Budget, Jobs & Living Reality |

Sujal October 03, 2025
Top 10 Countries Nepali Students Prefer for Higher Studies; Budget, Jobs & Living Reality.

Top 10 Countries Nepali Students Prefer for Higher Studies; Budget, Jobs & Living Reality.

A practical guide focused on costs, part-time earnings, post-study work and everyday life.

Thinking of studying abroad? Don’t let brochures or a single consultancy decide for you.

Nepali students usually balance: affordability, work while studying, post-study job/PR chances, and day-to-day living quality. Below are detailed information for the top destinations, each includes why students choose it, budget reality, earning/work notes, living standard, and quick tips you can act on.

On this page --> Quick links

1. Australia

Why Nepalis choose it?

~Australia offers a wide range of study options from TAFE/vocational to top universities. Students like the clear pathway from study to work and eventual migration options, plus strong Nepali communities in cities like Melbourne and Sydney, which make settling easier.

Budget snapshot:

~Tuition fees varies a lot: vocational courses are cheaper, while universities (especially masters) can be pricey. Living costs in major cities are high, rent is the biggest cost. Expect to show one year’s funds during visa processing.

Earnings & work:

~International students are allowed to work part-time (hours depend on visa rules). Many find hospitality and retail jobs to cover living costs. Post-study work visas exist but the duration and eligibility rules change periodically.

Living standard:

~High quality of life, excellent healthcare and services, but bigger cities are expensive. Smaller cities give a lower cost of living and still good opportunities.

Quick tip:

~Consider regional universities or smaller cities (Adelaide, Hobart, Wollongong) to reduce rent and daily expenses without sacrificing post-study options.

2. Canada

Why Nepalis choose it?

~Canada is famous among Nepali students for its friendly immigration policies and clear post-study work routes (PGWP). Big Nepali communities in Toronto and Vancouver provide social support and job leads.

Budget snapshot:

~Tuition ranges from modest to high depending on program and province. Living costs differ with cities like large metros are pricier. You’ll typically need to prove funds for first-year expenses during visa application.

Earnings & work:

~Students can work part-time; co-op programs and internships are common and highly valuable. PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) often lets graduates stay and work for up to three years -- a major reason students choose Canada.

Living standard:

~Very good public services, safe cities, and inclusive campuses. Healthcare access varies by province and sometimes requires additional insurance for international students.

Quick tip:

~Pick programs eligible for PGWP and consider smaller cities (e.g., Hamilton, Halifax) for lower rent and still-strong job markets.

3. United Kingdom

Why Nepalis choose it?

The UK attracts students who want fast, respected degrees, one-year master’s are common and strong university brand recognition globally. Many students like the concentrated study period which can reduce overall cost.

Budget snapshot:

~Tuition is generally high for international students. Choosing a 1-year master’s reduces total program cost but living in London can be expensive. Universities outside London often give better value.

Earnings & work:

~Part-time work is permitted for students and the Graduate Route gives post-study work time (commonly two years for most graduates). Check the latest immigration rules as they evolve.

Living standard:

~Excellent transport, cultural life, and strong student services. Cost varies greatly between cities, London vs. Nottingham or Glasgow is a big difference.

Quick tip:

~If budget matters, aim for reputable universities outside London, you’ll often get similar academic quality for much less rent.

4. United States

Why Nepalis choose it?

~The U.S. offers top-ranked research universities, generous scholarship opportunities (for a few), and huge variety in program types. It’s the go-to for students focused on cutting-edge research and big-brand degrees.

Budget snapshot:

~Generally one of the most expensive destinations, tuition plus living can be high. Scholarships, assistantships, and in-state public schools can lower costs but competition is fierce.

Earnings & work

~On-campus jobs are common; off-campus work requires authorization (CPT/OPT). OPT provides up to 12 months (plus STEM extension) to work after graduation is very useful for practical experience.

Living standard:

~Varies drastically -- coastal metros are expensive, while smaller college towns can be affordable and student-friendly.

Quick tip:

~Look for assistantships (TA/RA) or scholarships if you want to manage costs. State universities often give the best price-to-quality ratio.

5. Germany

Why Nepalis choose it?

~Germany is popular for low or no tuition at public universities, especially for engineering and applied sciences. English-taught programs are increasing, making it accessible even if you don’t know German yet.

Budget snapshot:

~Tuition at public universities is very affordable (many charge no tuition), though there are semester fees. Living costs are moderate but vary by city (Munich vs. Leipzig).

Earnings & work:

~Students can work limited hours; internships and industry placements are common. After graduation, there’s a job-seeker visa that lets you stay and look for work.

Living standard:

~High-quality public services, inexpensive public transport passes for students, and safe cities. Learning German helps for day-to-day life and job hunting.

Quick tip

~Start learning German early --> even basic skills will expand job opportunities and social life.

6. New Zealand

Why Nepalis choose it?

~New Zealand appeals for its safety, manageable city sizes, and friendly communities. It’s a good fit for students who prefer a quieter, outdoors-oriented life and clear migration paths in some sectors.

Budget snapshot

Tuition and living costs are moderate compared to Australia; however, wages and job volumes can be smaller because the market is smaller.

Earnings & work:

~Students can work part-time; post-study work visas are available with lengths depending on qualification and where you studied.

Living standard:

~High quality of life, clean environment, friendly towns. Good for those who value safety and outdoor access over big-city buzz.

Quick tip

~Check demand in your field. For example healthcare, IT, and trades often hire faster than saturated fields.

7. Japan

Why Nepalis choose it?

~Japan attracts students with generous scholarships (MEXT), strong tech/manufacturing sectors, and an improving number of English-taught programs.

Budget snapshot:

~Tuition is generally moderate; Tokyo has higher living costs while regional cities are much cheaper. Scholarships can make Japan highly affordable.

Earnings & work:

~Part-time work is allowed (with limits); Japanese language ability opens most full-time job opportunities. Many tech firms value practical skills and local language.

Living standard:

~Top-tier public transport, safe cities, and excellent services. Culture shock can be real if you don’t prepare for social norms and language differences.

Quick tip:

~If you want to work in Japan long-term, invest in Japanese classes early N3/N2 levels dramatically improve employability.

8. South Korea

Why Nepalis choose it?

South Korea offers scholarships, strong ICT and engineering programs, and increasing English-language options. It’s cost-friendly compared to many English-speaking destinations.

Budget snapshot:

~Tuition and living costs are often lower than in Anglophone countries, particularly outside Seoul. Scholarships (university/government) are common.

Earnings & work:

~Part-time jobs are available; good Korean skills lead to better full-time hiring. Internships with tech companies are becoming more accessible to internationals.

Living standard:

~Modern cities, excellent internet and transport, and a high standard of living. For Competitive job market, language helps a lot.

Quick tip:

~Learn Hangul and basic Korean phrases --> they improve daily life and job prospects immediately.

9. Ireland

Why Nepalis choose it?

~Ireland is small but punchy: English language, friendly immigration for skilled graduates, and major global tech firms centered in Dublin attract students who want IT and business roles.

Budget snapshot:

~Tuition and living costs are similar to the UK; Dublin rent is high but salaries in tech can offset costs post-hire.

Earnings & work:

~Students may work part-time; post-study work permits support staying to look for skilled employment. The strong tech presence creates internships and graduate roles.

Living standard:

~High quality of life, lively cultural scene, and easy access to Europe for travel. English makes daily life simple for Nepali students.

Quick tip:

~Target programs with ties to Dublin’s tech companies for better internship and placement chances.

10. Netherlands

Why Nepalis choose it?

~The Netherlands is popular for many English-taught programs, practical internships, and strong industry-university links in engineering and IT. Cultural openness and high English proficiency make life easy for internationals.

Budget snapshot:

~Tuition is moderate for non-EU students; living costs vary by city but are generally reasonable compared to the UK. Programs often include internships or career services.

Earnings & work:

~Students can work part-time; the country offers an orientation year after graduation to look for work (the "zoekjaar"/orientation year permit), which helps graduates land jobs.

Living standard:

~Excellent public services, bike-friendly cities, and high English usage. Safe and easy to get around with good work–life balance.

Quick tip:

~Choose programs with integrated internships and strong career service departments to maximize your odds of local employment.

Quick comparison (approximate annual ranges)

These are ballpark annual ranges for tuition and living -->convert to NPR and confirm on official university/immigration pages before making decisions.
Country Tuition (annual) Living (annual) Post-study work
Australia $10k – $30k $12k – $20k 2–4 years (varies)
Canada $8k – $25k $10k – $18k Up to 3 years (PGWP)
United Kingdom $12k – $30k $12k – $20k ~2 years (grad route)
United States $20k – $50k+ $12k – $20k 1 year OPT (+ STEM ext.)
Germany $0 – $5k $8k – $14k Job-seeker / work permit options
New Zealand $12k – $25k $12k – $18k Up to 3 years (varies)
Japan $5k – $15k $10k – $15k Varies — often change to work visa
South Korea $4k – $12k $8k – $12k Varies (1–2 years common)
Ireland $10k – $25k $12k – $18k ~2 years (varies)
Netherlands $8k – $18k $10k – $14k Orientation year ~1 year

FAQs

Which country is cheapest to study in?

Germany (public universities) often results in the lowest tuition bill. However, living costs vary by city and your personal lifestyle. Scholarship availability and part-time work also change the final cost.

Which country gives the best PR chances?

Canada and Australia traditionally offer clearer student-to-work-to-PR routes. Rules and priorities change, so always verify the current immigration policies with official government sites.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, most countries allow limited part-time work for students. It helps cover living costs but rarely covers tuition fully.

How can I reduce study costs?

Choose smaller cities, public universities, apply for scholarships, look for paid internships or assistantships, and manage lifestyle expenses carefully.

Note: This guide is a practical overview for Nepali students. Always cross-check fees, visa rules and program eligibility with official university and immigration websites before applying.

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