Australia's International Student caps: what they mean for you

The Australian Government has just announced long-awaited details on their 'enrolment caps,' which will put a limit on the number of international students commencing their studies in Australia each year. These caps are called a 'National Planning Level' or NPL. 

If you are a current international student, don't worry, you won't be affected by these changes! 

What are the cap numbers?

The limit of international student commencements for 2025 as set by the Australian Government is 270,000. This cap will apply for the calendar year of 2025, and will take effect from 1st January 2025. It will be divided between universities, higher education providers, and VET providers: 

• 145,000 commencements allocated to public universities. 
• 30,000 commencements allocated to private universities and higher education providers. 
• 95,000 commencements allocated to VET providers. 

For 2025, new international student commencements will be similar to 2023 levels.

Am I affected? 

All current international students will not be affected by these changes. 

Other student cohorts that will not be affected include: 

• School students
• Higher degree by research students
• Students undertaking standalone ELICOS courses
• Non-award students, including Study Abroad and Exchange students
• Australian Government sponsored (and partner sponsored) scholars
• Students that are a part of an Australian transnational education arrangement or twinning arrangement
• Key partner foreign government scholarship holders
• Students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste

Other recent policy changes

The Australian Government's Migration Strategy has introduced some other policy changes, aimed at strengthening the integrity and sustainability of the international education sector. In a nutshell, these include: 

• Genuine Student requirement: this is a set of questions within the student visa application, which will help the Department of Home Affairs assess if the applicant is a genuine student. It aims to reduce the number of people entering Australia on a student visa with no intention to study. 
• English language requirements: the minimum test score for a student visa has increased from 5.5 to 6.0, and for those undertaking an ELICOS course, it has increased from 4.5 to 5.0. These are International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. The new requirements aim to ensure new students are better prepared for learning and employment in Australia.
• Clear post-study pathways: these include opportunities to stay and work in Australia for a limited time and, for some graduates, pathways to permanent residency.

The Migration Strategy is designed to improve the quality and integrity of Australia's international education programs, better protect genuine international students, and support graduates to achieve their career goals. To read the Migration Strategy in full, click here.