In a significant policy shift, Australia’s government has announced the introduction of a National Planning Level (NPL) for international student admissions for the 2025 calendar year. This new cap aims to reduce the number of foreign students entering Australia back to pre-pandemic levels, setting a maximum of 270,000 slots for the upcoming year. This is a notable change from the previous system, which had no such limits.

The NPL will be split between the higher education and vocational education and training (VET) sectors. For higher education, publicly-funded universities will be allocated 145,000 spots. Other universities and non-university higher education providers will have 30,000 slots available. Additionally, the government is encouraging universities to expand their student housing facilities to support both domestic and international students, ensuring better living arrangements as part of this growth.

In the VET sector, a total of 95,000 slots will be available. This allocation is intended to support sustainable growth in vocational training opportunities for international students, complementing the education provided to Australian students.

Certain groups will be exempt from this new cap. These include students enrolled in standalone English language courses, those participating in Australian transnational education programs, and students from the Pacific region and Timor-Leste.

These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2025, contingent on the passage of the relevant legislation. The new NPL aims to manage the flow of international students more effectively, balancing the needs of the Australian education system with the goal of sustainable growth in student numbers.

For more information or assistance with applying for an Australian student visa, please contact us.