Sydney Student Nikhil Sapkota’s Tragic Death Shocks Nepalese Community
- Staff Writer
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
A young Nepalese student who dreamed of building a future in Australia has tragically lost his life, sparking shock and grief across the Sydney Nepalese community.
The Nepalese community has rallied around, and an online campaign to help his family navigate the heartbreak of repatriation has raised over $18,000 in two days.
Nikhil Sapkota, just 21, arrived in Sydney from Bardaghat, Nawalparasi, Nepal, less than a year ago to pursue a diploma and a new beginning. But what began with hope and promise ended in tragedy on October 5th.
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GoFund Me To Help Nikhil Sapkota's Family
Family and friends are now grappling with the loss and searching for answers amid growing calls for stronger mental health support for international students.
“We are devastated and struggling to cope,” wrote Nikhil’s brother Ganesh Regmi, in a heartfelt GoFundMe plea. The online campaign which aims to raise $22,000 has so far raised over $17,000 in two days.
“He came to Australia as an international student, full of dreams and hopes for a better future... The stress and challenges he endured became too much to handle.”
Regmi explained that Nikhil faced immense pressure from university studies and claimed that he was misled by the education consultancy that helped bring him to Australia, amplifying his difficulties.
The family, shattered by the sudden loss, is now trying to raise funds to repatriate Nikhil’s body to Nepal, where his parents hope to see him one last time and give him a dignified farewell. “Every small contribution will make a big difference,” Regmi added. “Please keep Nikhil in your prayers and help us bring him home.”
Grief And Loss In Sydney's Nepalese Community
The news quickly spread through Sydney’s Nepalese community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of grief and solidarity online. On TikTok, Aarju Bassnett—a fellow Nepalese student—shared experiences of loneliness and stress, urging that Nikhil’s death become a catalyst for meaningful change.
“This heartbreaking loss is a reminder of how urgently our community needs stronger mental health support,” Bassnett posted. “I truly hope that Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and other Nepalese groups step forward to create more accessible mental health initiatives for Nepalese students across Australia.”
As donations trickle in for Nikhil’s family, many on social media have called for better oversight of education consultancies and for universities to ramp up outreach, especially for international students who may find it difficult to ask for help until it’s too late.
Vale Nikhil Sapkota
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