Introduction
To maintain the quality of education in Australian institutions and ease the pressure on housing prices, the Australian Government introduced a cap on the number of international students that education providers can enrol. In 2025, this policy led to a noticeable reduction in the number of student visas granted. However, the outlook for 2026 is more positive. The Australian Government has announced a new international student quota for 2026, increasing the allocation by 25,000 places compared to 2025.
Details about 2026 National Planning Level
Australian Government has announced a National Planning Level of 295,000 international student places for 2026, providing more stability and certainty for the international education sector. The quota is increased compared to 2025, but it is still 8 per cent below the years post COVID peak.
Following this quota, for 2026, all active education providers will receive at least the allocation as the same as last year.
Which education providers will be allocated more international student numbers?
Australian Government will rely on two main factors to determine whether public universities can recruit more international students for 2026.
- The Government will consider if universities have been increasing engagement with Southeast Asia because these align with the Australian Government’s long-term strategic goals about economy and society.
- They will also consider if universities can provide student accommodation to ensure both domestic and international students have access to safe and secure housing. This will also help to ease the soaring housing and rental prices currently affecting communities across Australia.
Which cases will be exempted from the quota?
From 2026, international students who transition from secondary school studies in Australia, or from affiliated pathways providers, or TAFEs institutions to publicly funded universities will be exempted from the National Planning Level.
For VET sectors, from 2027, the Australian Government will continue to use visa processing and integrity to shape its size and composition. This will help to ensure Australia’s education remains its high quality and globally competitive.
What the new National Planning Level means to international students?
More places available for international students
With an increase of 25,000 places compared to 2025, international students will have more opportunities to study in Australia. This increase in the cap means there is a greater chance for new applicants to receive student visas, especially for those applying to reputable institutions actively engaged with Southeast Asia or investing in student accommodation.
Australia is going to open the door more widely to welcome international students for 2026 intakes. It is the perfect time for you to apply for their dream institutions.
Priority given to institutions offering accommodation
International students applying to universities that can provide more student accommodation may be given a preference because they properly can receive more quotas.
If you’d like to find out which universities and courses still have ample availability for the 2026 intake, feel free to contact us. As registered representatives of most universities across Australia, we receive regular updates on course availability and can help you secure your place.
Impacts on Visa processing and timelines
As the government shapes the international student intake more strategically, visa processing times may vary depending on the institution and student profile. Applicants should plan ahead, ensure their documents are in order, and apply as early as possible to account for any additional scrutiny.
Need help with application? Contact SOL Edu and Migration today at 07 3003 1899 or hello@soledu.net. Our experience counselling team will provide you with free counselling and free admissions process!