Australia will keep its national planning level for international student commencements unchanged at 295,000 in 2027, while increasing student and temporary graduate visa fees by 25%, the Albanese government announced on Friday.
The government said maintaining the cap at the same level as 2026 will provide stability for the international education sector. The planning level remains 8% below the immediate post-COVID peak, and current trends indicate international student commencements are likely to stay below the cap in both 2026 and 2027.
According to the official data cited in the announcement, international student commencements in 2026 are 8% lower than the same period in 2025 and 13% below 2019 levels.
Visa fee changes announced
The decision to retain the 2027 planning level comes with a 25% increase in student visa and temporary graduate visa application charges.
However, the government said reduced visa fees will continue for students from Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. Lower visa charges will also apply to students from ASEAN countries, those enrolling in standalone English Language Intensive Courses (ELICOS) and non-award courses.
The government added that Pacific and Timor-Leste students, along with Australian government scholarship holders, will continue to receive high-priority student visa processing in 2027.
Providers to retain current allocations
The government said all active international education providers will receive at least their current allocation of international student places next year. Regional universities will continue to receive the higher allocations introduced in the previous allocation process.
From 2027, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission will oversee international student allocations for higher education providers, while the government will continue to set the overall national planning level.
Government cites sustainability
Education Minister Jason Clare said, "International education is an incredibly important export industry for Australia, but we need to manage it sustainably."
He added, "This is about making sure international education supports students, universities and the national interest."
Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said, "International VET strengthens outcomes for students and supports our workforce, while deepening valuable global partnerships."
He added that the announcement provides certainty for the international vocational education and training sector and supports sustainable growth.
Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill said the government would continue to manage international student numbers while welcoming genuine students seeking an Australian education.
