Student visa refusals for Nepalis
Australia refused about a third of Nepali student visa applications in 2025-26, and the early numbers for 2026-27 are far higher. Here is what the numbers do and do not say.
Last verified · how we check
We have checked Australia so far, because it publishes detailed numbers. A country average is not a verdict on one applicant. This is not migration advice.
Refusal rates by country
| Citizenship | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | 2026-27 to 31 Aug |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 19.0% | 34.1% | 70.7% |
| India | 31.7% | 36.0% | 48.6% |
| China | 7.6% | 7.4% | 8.2% |
| Bangladesh | 6.7% | 26.9% | 63.5% |
Department of Home Affairs data to 31 August 2026, as set out by One Planet Migration Law (oneplanetmigrationlaw.com.au, checked 2026-11-07). Across all applicants the refusal rate in 2025-26 was 21.8%. Decisions in the period: Nepal 45,890, India 67,624, China 78,191.
Treat the 70.7% with care. It covers only 5,027 decisions in the first two months of the year, so it could move a lot.
Why reports give different numbers
You may have read that 64% of Nepali applications were rejected, and elsewhere that the figure is 34%. Both can be true, because they count different things.
| Figure | What it counts |
|---|---|
| 34.1% | All Nepali applicants in 2025-26, in Australia and outside it (oneplanetmigrationlaw.com.au, checked 2026-11-07) |
| 47.6% | Nepali applicants outside Australia in 2025-26 (oneplanetmigrationlaw.com.au, checked 2026-11-07) |
| About 64% | Offshore applications, as reported by the Kathmandu Post in July 2026 (kathmandupost.com, checked 2026-11-07) |
| 70.7% | All Nepali applicants, 2026-27 to 31 August, a small early sample (oneplanetmigrationlaw.com.au, checked 2026-11-07) |
Always ask what period, which applicants and which kind of course a number covers.
The kind of course matters
For primary applicants from all countries, the refusal rate for higher education was 16.0% in 2025-26 and 25.8% so far in 2026-27. For vocational courses (VET) it was 47.8% and 49.2% (oneplanetmigrationlaw.com.au, checked 2026-11-07).
For Nepali applicants the Kathmandu Post reported only 56 of 549 VET applications granted (kathmandupost.com, checked 2026-11-07). If someone suggests a vocational course as the easy route, these numbers are worth a look first.
What else is known
- More than 30,000 visas were still granted to Nepali citizens in 2025-26 (oneplanetmigrationlaw.com.au, checked 2026-11-07). Many people do get through.
- About 60,000 Nepali students are enrolled in Australia, about 9% of international students, making Nepal the third-largest source (kathmandupost.com, checked 2026-11-07).
- Sector insiders told the Kathmandu Post that Nepal had recently moved from Level 2 to Level 3, the highest-risk category (kathmandupost.com, checked 2026-11-07). Check the current level with the Department of Home Affairs.
- The application fee is A$2,500 and is not refunded if you are refused (kathmandupost.com, checked 2026-11-07).
What to do with this
- Be wary of anyone who promises a visa. These numbers show why nobody can.
- Count the non-refundable fee as money at risk, and plan for it.
- Get the refund terms in writing. See before you pay.