Journal · Australia
Australia 2026: more places for new international students
Australia set its 2026 National Planning Level at 295,000 new international student commencements, 25,000 more than 2025. Some students, such as those moving from embedded pathway providers into affiliated public universities, are not counted against it.
What changed
- The Department of Education set a National Planning Level of 295,000 new overseas student commencements for 2026, 25,000 more than 2025.
- From 2026, students moving from Australian secondary school, from embedded pathway providers or TAFE into affiliated public universities, and students moving after a provider closes are not counted against the level.
- Each provider has its own allocation within this level.
What it means for you
- Places at each university are planned, so apply early for your preferred intake.
- Ask your university whether a pathway programme connects to your degree.
Sources
- Department of Education: Managed growth for a sustainable international education sector (checked 10 November 2026)
- Department of Education: Factsheet, managed growth arrangement 2026 (PDF) (checked 10 November 2026)
Rules change. Always confirm on the official page before you act.
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