The Albanese Government has confirmed the National Planning Level (NPL) for international student commencements will stay unchanged at 295,000 places for 2027. Commencements are already tracking below to this level, down 8 per cent on 2025 and 13 per cent below 2019 figures.
Alongside the freeze, general student and Temporary Graduate visa fees will rise by 25 per cent, though lower fees continue for Pacific and Timor-Leste students, with new reduced rates introduced for ASEAN students, standalone English language courses, and non-award courses. Priority visa processing will continue for Pacific, Timor-Leste and scholarship students.
All active providers will keep at least their current allocation next year, maintaining strong support for regional universities. From 2027, the new Australian Tertiary Education Commission will manage individual provider allocations, while the Government continues to set the overall planning level.
Ministers said the changes aim to keep international education sustainable, high-quality and globally competitive, while continuing to crack down on poor provider practices and visa misuse.
Click here: Managing a sustainable international education sector
