2027 Guide · International Students
Study in Tasmania,Australia's island state.
There is a version of studying abroad that isn't about the biggest skyline — it's about wild coastlines, close-knit classrooms and a slower kind of belonging.
Smaller-city study across Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, with strong university, vocational and pathway options — known for health, marine and Antarctic science, maritime studies, agriculture, environmental science, engineering and tourism. And all of Tasmania is designated regional for migration purposes.
Tasmania Study — Quick Facts
- University of Tasmania
- 311QS World University Rankings 2027 — Tasmania's only university, also ranked first globally for climate action.
- Whole state
- RegionalAll of Tasmania is designated regional, with a Tasmania-specific second-485 exception.
- Nepali community
- 6,219Nepal-born residents in Tasmania at the 2021 Census, including 4,107 in Greater Hobart.
- Public transport
- FreeGeneral-access public transport is free statewide until 30 June 2027 under a Tasmanian Government initiative.
- Safety index
- 66.4Out of 100 on the Numbeo Safety Index 2026.
Source: QS World University Rankings 2027; Australian Department of Home Affairs; ABS 2021 Census; Tasmanian Government Transport Services; Numbeo Safety Index 2026.
Why students choose it
Why international students choose Tasmania
A globally ranked university with distinctive specialist strengths
If your interests run toward the ocean, the ice or the land itself, Tasmania has built a university around them.
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) is 311 in QS WUR 2027, with broad business, health, education, science and engineering options and specialist strengths in marine and Antarctic science, environment, agriculture and maritime education. UTAS also advertises scholarships of up to 50% off registered tuition for eligible students.
A strong regional-study setting
Few places give a graduate as much breathing room as Tasmania does.
All of Tasmania is regional: Hobart is Category 2 and Launceston, Burnie and most other locations are Category 3. A Tasmania-specific Home Affairs exception means eligible graduates may receive 2 additional years even when they study and live in Category 2 Tasmanian postcodes.
Study choices linked to workforce priorities
Useful context when choosing a course.
Skills Tasmania works with health and community services, construction, energy and infrastructure, technology, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, seafood, tourism and hospitality, and transport and logistics. A workforce priority is not a guarantee of employment or migration.
Budget-friendly shared rooms and free public transport
Every saving here adds up to more breathing room in your budget.
Listings reviewed in September 2026 show many shared-house rooms around A$190–300 per week in Hobart and Launceston, and a statewide initiative provides free travel on general-access buses and Derwent River ferries until 30 June 2027.
A welcoming community with strong Nepali networks
You won't have to build a support system from nothing.
More than 15,000 international students study in Tasmania. The 2021 Census recorded 6,219 Nepal-born residents in the state, 4,107 of them in Greater Hobart, and the Nepali Society of Tasmania (NEST), founded in 2012, runs cultural events, community support, career activities and networking.
Smaller study cities close to nature
Compact cities, with wilderness on the doorstep.
Most international students are in Hobart or Launceston, with Burnie and the North West offering smaller regional options. Around 40% of the state is protected in national parks and reserves — ideal for students who prefer a quieter lifestyle.
Source: University of Tasmania; Study Tasmania; Skills Tasmania; ABS; Nepali Society of Tasmania; Tasmanian Government Transport Services.
Regional study advantage
“2 + 2” post-study work across all of Tasmania
Tasmania is entirely within Australia's designated regional framework. From 12 September 2025, eligible graduates who study and live in Hobart and surrounding postcodes can receive a 2-year second Temporary Graduate visa — aligning Hobart with Launceston and the rest of the state.
Potential second 485 benefit
What “2 + 2” means for eligible higher-education graduates
- 12 years on the first Post-Higher Education Work stream (subclass 485) visa, for a bachelor or coursework master's degree.
- 2A further 2 years on the second 485 visa, if all Tasmanian study, residence and visa requirements are met.
- 3The outcome depends on the exact campus, qualification, residence history and visa eligibility.
Category 2 · Tasmania
Hobart and surrounding postcodes — covered by the Tasmania exception
+2 years
On a second 485 for eligible graduates, since 12 September 2025.
Category 3 · Tasmania
Launceston, Burnie and most other Tasmanian locations
+2 years
On a second 485 for eligible graduates who meet all requirements.
5 regional-study points
Applicants who satisfy all regional-study points-test criteria may be eligible for 5 points for study in a designated regional area. This is not automatic — check the current points-test rules.
No need to leave Hobart
Qualifying Category 2 and Category 3 Tasmanian study and residence combinations both count toward the two-year second visa.
Regional classification is not a guarantee
It does not guarantee employment, a skilled visa, state nomination or permanent residency. Choose your campus mainly for course quality, accreditation, career goals, budget and lifestyle, and get individual advice from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs — Regional migration; Designated regional area postcodes; Second Post-Higher Education Work stream and Tasmania-specific eligibility table.
Where you can study
Top education providers in Tasmania
Focused rather than broad: one university, the state's vocational provider and a private higher-education option in Hobart.
- QS311
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
QS World University Rankings 2027
Hobart and Launceston
Tasmania's main university, with broad programs in business, health, education, science and engineering and specialist strengths in marine and Antarctic science, agriculture, environment and maritime study.
TasTAFE
Government VET provider — QS ranking not applicable
International programs in Hobart and Launceston; wider campus network across Tasmania
Practical CRICOS programs in nursing and health, hospitality, early childhood, community services, IT, business and engineering. Course and campus availability varies.
Australian National Institute of Management and Commerce (IMC)
Private higher-education provider — QS ranking not applicable
Ground Unit 1, 73–81 Murray Street, Hobart CBD
Selected business, accounting and management programs in Hobart, including pathway and degree-level study. Confirm the exact course and intake at the Hobart campus.
Source: QS World University Rankings 2027; University of Tasmania; TasTAFE; IMC.
What to study
Popular courses to study in Tasmania
A distinctive mix of mainstream and specialist study areas.
Important: a popular course, workforce priority and migration pathway are not the same thing. Separately check accreditation, registration requirements, occupation demand and current migration rules for your intended career.
- Business, Accounting, Finance, Management and Entrepreneurship
- IT, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data and AI
- Health — Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy, Social Work, Health Management
- Engineering — Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Renewable Energy
- Marine and Antarctic Science, Ocean Science, Environmental Management
- Maritime Engineering, Nautical Science, Global Logistics, Maritime Management
- Agriculture, Aquaculture, Food and Environmental Science
- Construction, Project Management, Architecture, Built Environment
- Education and Early Childhood Education
- Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management
Where it leads
Major employment sectors in Tasmania
A smaller labour market than Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, with clear workforce priorities across health and care, construction, technology, energy, tourism, agriculture, seafood, manufacturing and logistics.
Health care and community services
Nursing, allied health, aged care, disability, community services, social work and health administration — priority areas in the Tasmanian Skills Plan.
Building and construction
Civil engineering, construction management, building design, quantity surveying and trades, with ongoing training investment.
Technology and ICT
Software, cyber security, data, systems and digital support roles across government and business.
Tourism and hospitality
Hotels, restaurants, events, visitor services and tourism operations, with current recruitment and skills programs.
Agriculture and food
Agriculture, agribusiness, horticulture, food production and related science, with strong regional links.
Seafood and aquaculture
Aquaculture, fisheries, marine science, seafood processing and technical roles — distinctively Tasmanian industries.
Energy and infrastructure
Electrical engineering, renewable energy, utilities and infrastructure, backed by a strong renewable-energy profile.
Advanced manufacturing and maritime
Mechanical engineering, manufacturing technology, automation and maritime engineering, including links to the Australian Maritime College.
Transport and logistics
Supply chain, warehousing, transport operations, maritime logistics and fleet roles supporting an island economy.
Source: Skills Tasmania — Industry Partnerships and Collaboration; Tasmanian Skills Plan; current industry skills compacts and workforce plans.
Budgeting for Tasmania
Student accommodation and rental costs
Shared accommodation is usually more realistic than renting a whole property. Listings reviewed on 9 September 2026 show private rooms around A$190–300 per week in many Hobart and Launceston areas, with more for premium rooms, studios and purpose-built student accommodation.
Launceston private room
A$120–280
per week · share house
Mowbray, Invermay, Riverside, Prospect Vale and nearby suburbs often sit below or around Hobart prices.
- Planning range
Hobart private room
A$140–300
per week · share house
Sandy Bay, South Hobart, West Hobart, Moonah and Glenorchy listings often fall in this range; bills may or may not be included.
Student accommodation / premium
A$290–400+
per week · purpose-built or studio
Purpose-built accommodation, larger rooms, studios or premium locations cost more. Check whether utilities and internet are included.
Budget tip: ask whether electricity, heating, water and internet are included. Hobart's rental market can be tight, so compare the room, transport time and total weekly cost rather than advertised rent alone.
Source: Flatmates.com.au live Hobart, Sandy Bay, Glenorchy, Moonah and Launceston-area listings reviewed 9 September 2026; Study Tasmania; TasTAFE accommodation information.
Getting around
Getting around Tasmania
Tasmania relies mainly on buses rather than metropolitan rail, and general-access public transport is currently free statewide.
UTAS campus transport. The free UniHopper links Hobart CBD and Sandy Bay on weekdays, UTAS funds free travel on selected Metro routes when the statewide initiative isn't running, and a free inter-campus service connects Newnham and Inveresk in Launceston for students with a UTAS ID.
Check services outside the cities. Services can be less frequent outside the main urban areas — check transport before choosing accommodation.
Statewide public transport
Free until 30 June 2027
- Metro, regional and rural buses
- Free
- Derwent River ferries
- Free
- UniHopper, Hobart CBD – Sandy Bay
- Free
- From July 2027, full-time students 19+
- Concession
Source: Tasmanian Government Transport Services — statewide free public transport and fare concessions; University of Tasmania — bus services and campus transport.
Earning while you learn
Working while studying in Tasmania
Tasmania is Australia's smallest state by population. Hobart and Launceston offer genuine part-time work in hospitality, tourism, retail, customer service, care and support, administration, seasonal agriculture and logistics — but fewer employers and shifts, varying by season.
48 hrs
per fortnight while your course is in session
Applies to most Student visa (subclass 500) holders. Students who have started a master's by research or doctorate have no work-hour limit — check your own conditions in VEVO.
Unlimited
hours during scheduled course breaks
Breaks line up with the Huon Valley apple and cherry harvest, roughly December to May.
Plan realistically
a smaller, seasonal job market
Part-time work should not be treated as guaranteed income or the main source of funds for tuition and living costs.
Realistic part-time job categories
Example employers only — vacancies and requirements change over time.
| Job area | Common roles | Example employers |
|---|---|---|
| Café & barista | Barista, café all-rounder, counter staff | Banjo's Bakery Café; independent cafés around Salamanca and central Launceston |
| Restaurant & hospitality | Waiter, kitchen hand, food & beverage attendant | Accor hotels (Mövenpick Hobart, ibis Styles); Salamanca Place and Launceston dining venues |
| Fast food & takeaway | Crew member, counter staff | McDonald's; Domino's; KFC |
| Retail | Retail assistant, cashier, store team member | Kmart; Target; JB Hi-Fi; Officeworks; Optus retail |
| Supermarket & grocery | Shelf filler, checkout operator | Coles; Woolworths; IGA (widely present in smaller towns) |
| Casino, gaming & entertainment | Food & beverage attendant, gaming attendant, porter | Federal Group — Wrest Point (Hobart) and Country Club Tasmania (Launceston) |
| Aged care & disability (NDIS) | Support worker, personal care assistant | NDIS-registered providers and residential aged care homes |
| Childcare & early education | Assistant educator, room aide | Long day-care centres in Hobart and Launceston |
| Tourism & visitor services | Visitor guide, venue assistant | MONA; Salamanca Market; Spirit of Tasmania; local tour operators |
| Seasonal harvest (course breaks only) | Fruit picker, packhouse worker | Huon Valley apple and cherry orchards, roughly December–May |
| Warehouse & delivery | Picker/packer, delivery driver | Australia Post; Toll Group; Uber Eats; Domino's delivery |
Café & barista
- Common roles
- Barista, café all-rounder, counter staff
- Example employers
- Banjo's Bakery Café; independent cafés around Salamanca and central Launceston
Restaurant & hospitality
- Common roles
- Waiter, kitchen hand, food & beverage attendant
- Example employers
- Accor hotels (Mövenpick Hobart, ibis Styles); Salamanca Place and Launceston dining venues
Fast food & takeaway
- Common roles
- Crew member, counter staff
- Example employers
- McDonald's; Domino's; KFC
Retail
- Common roles
- Retail assistant, cashier, store team member
- Example employers
- Kmart; Target; JB Hi-Fi; Officeworks; Optus retail
Supermarket & grocery
- Common roles
- Shelf filler, checkout operator
- Example employers
- Coles; Woolworths; IGA (widely present in smaller towns)
Casino, gaming & entertainment
- Common roles
- Food & beverage attendant, gaming attendant, porter
- Example employers
- Federal Group — Wrest Point (Hobart) and Country Club Tasmania (Launceston)
Aged care & disability (NDIS)
- Common roles
- Support worker, personal care assistant
- Example employers
- NDIS-registered providers and residential aged care homes
Childcare & early education
- Common roles
- Assistant educator, room aide
- Example employers
- Long day-care centres in Hobart and Launceston
Tourism & visitor services
- Common roles
- Visitor guide, venue assistant
- Example employers
- MONA; Salamanca Market; Spirit of Tasmania; local tour operators
Seasonal harvest (course breaks only)
- Common roles
- Fruit picker, packhouse worker
- Example employers
- Huon Valley apple and cherry orchards, roughly December–May
Warehouse & delivery
- Common roles
- Picker/packer, delivery driver
- Example employers
- Australia Post; Toll Group; Uber Eats; Domino's delivery
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500); Study Australia; Study Tasmania — student support and employment guidance.
Timing your application
Tasmania intakes in 2027 and when to apply from Nepal
There is no single deadline for every Tasmanian course. UTAS has main Semester 1 and Semester 2 starts, TasTAFE uses two major annual intakes, and pathway or specialist programs may follow other calendars.
- 1
Main intake
February – March
The University of Tasmania offers a February intake and IMC a March intake.
- 2
Mid-year intake
June – July
Timing differs by provider; most offer a July intake.
- 3
Later terms
October – November
Some providers offer later terms or course-specific sessions, more common in selected business and IT programs. IMC offers a November intake.
Apply at least five months ahead
UTAS currently recommends that students living overseas apply at least five months before the semester start date. For Semester 1, 2027, UTAS lists 18 January 2027 as the acceptance, payment and Confirmation of Enrolment deadline for South Asia.
Competitive, quota or professionally accredited courses can have earlier or different dates, so always check the exact course page before applying.
Source: University of Tasmania — 2027 key dates, application dates and international guidance; TasTAFE — 2027 Study Calendar.
After you graduate
Post-study work after studying in Tasmania
First and second Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) stay periods combined — the “+2” is the second visa available to eligible graduates under Tasmania's rules.
Bachelor degree
2 + 2 years
Master's by coursework or extended master's
2 + 2 years
Master's by research
3 + 2 years
Doctoral degree (PhD)
3 + 2 years
* Subject to current Temporary Graduate visa rules and individual eligibility. Age, qualification, English, Australian-study and visa-history requirements apply.
Tasmania at a glance
Who is Tasmania best suited for?
- Job market
- Smaller than mainland capitals, with sector-specific opportunities in health, construction, tourism, agriculture, technology, energy, maritime and logistics.
- Living cost
- Shared rooms can be manageable, especially in Launceston, but Hobart rental supply can be tight and prices vary widely.
- Regional benefit
- Very strongAll of Tasmania is regional, and eligible graduates may receive 2 additional years on a second 485 under Tasmania-specific rules.
- Education choice
- FocusedUTAS is the main university, supported by TasTAFE for vocational study and IMC for selected private higher education in Hobart.
- Career diversity
- ModerateDistinctive strengths in health, maritime, marine and Antarctic science, agriculture, environment, tourism and regional industries.
- Transport
- Bus-based, free statewide until 30 June 2027, with selected free UTAS campus and inter-campus services.
- Lifestyle
- Smaller cities, a cooler climate, less congestion and very close access to beaches, parks and wilderness.
Best suited for
Students who value regional benefits, a smaller community, specialist study areas and a quieter lifestyle over the scale of a major mainland city.
Main trade-offs
- A smaller graduate job market.
- Fewer universities and providers than mainland capitals.
- Cooler winters.
- More limited public transport outside the main urban areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
A smaller state doesn't mean a smaller welcome. The 2021 Census recorded 6,219 Nepal-born residents across Tasmania, including 4,107 in Greater Hobart. The Nepali Society of Tasmania (NEST) runs cultural events, language programs, career coaching and community activities, making it easier to connect after arrival.
Yes. The Hindu Society of Tasmania organises worship and major Hindu festivals and is working toward a permanent temple, and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Claremont is another place of worship in Hobart. NEST collaborates with Hindu community organisations for events such as Teej, and students of other faiths can find churches, Buddhist centres and multi-faith communities across the state.
Shared accommodation can be cheaper than in Sydney, although Hobart is not always a low-cost rental market. Listings reviewed in September 2026 showed many Hobart rooms around A$200–300 per week and Launceston rooms around A$190–280. Actual costs depend on suburb, room quality, bills and transport.
Start with Flatmates.com.au, realestate.com.au, Domain, University of Tasmania accommodation services and TasTAFE accommodation options. Compare the exact campus before choosing a suburb, especially if you will study in Hobart, Launceston or Burnie.
- Inspect the room in person, or use a detailed live video inspection if you are overseas.
- Confirm rent, bond, bills, move-in date and lease terms in writing.
- Verify the landlord, agent or accommodation provider before sending money.
- If possible, use short-term accommodation first and inspect long-term options after arrival.
Not necessarily. Hobart is Category 2, but a Tasmania-specific Home Affairs exception lets eligible graduates receive 2 additional years on the second Post-Higher Education Work stream for qualifying Tasmanian Category 2 and Category 3 study and residence combinations. You still need to meet all visa and residence requirements.
Choose your campus mainly for course quality, accreditation, career goals, budget and lifestyle. If migration is important to your decision, obtain individual advice from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.
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