Albanese Government has confirmed it will keep the National Planning Level (NPL) for international student commencements unchanged at 295,000 for 2027, in a move aimed at maintaining stability and managing growth in the international education sector.
The cap remains the same as 2026 and sits 8 per cent below the immediate post-COVID peak, with officials noting that current enrolment trends are already tracking below the limit.
Education Minister Jason Clare said international education remains a vital national export but must be managed carefully.
“International education is an incredibly important export industry for Australia, but we need to manage it sustainably,” he said.
“This is about making sure international education supports students, universities and the national interest.”
Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said the decision provides certainty for the vocational education sector and supports long-term outcomes.
“International VET strengthens outcomes for students and supports our workforce, while deepening valuable global partnerships,” he said.
“Today’s announcement provides certainty for the international VET sector, enabling it to continue delivering sustainable growth and high-quality skills outcomes.”
Assistant Minister Julian Hill said the government is continuing efforts to reshape the sector following rapid growth under the previous government.
“The Albanese Government inherited a mess from the Liberals in 2022, with unsustainably high growth in student numbers in the least reputable parts of the sector and student visas being misused by crooks and shonks,” he said.
“The Government will not back off from managing the size and the shape of the onshore international student market and ongoing moderation in student numbers towards a more sustainable sector.”
He said Australia would continue to welcome genuine students while strengthening integrity measures.
“Australia continues to welcome genuine international students seeking a premium Australian education which is great for our unis, domestic students and research.”
Alongside the cap, the government has confirmed a 25 per cent increase in general student and temporary graduate visa fees. Lower fee arrangements will continue for students from Pacific and Timor-Leste, while reduced rates will apply to selected ASEAN students, English language courses and non-award programs.
The government said strategically important cohorts, including scholarship holders, will continue to receive priority processing in 2027.
From 2027, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission will oversee international student allocations for higher education providers as part of broader reforms aimed at improving integrity, sustainability and sector quality.
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