Settings to support a managed system for 2027 will ensure Australia’s international education sector remains resilient, high-quality, and globally competitive.
The Australian Government has announced a National Planning Level (NPL) of 295,000 for 2027. This maintains the NPL at the same level as 2026, providing stability and continuity for the international education sector.
No active international education provider will receive a lower allocation in 2027 than 2026.
TAFE students will be exempt from the NPL in 2027, highlighting the importance of TAFE and further giving effect to Government’s TAFE at the Heart Policy. All other existing exemptions for strategically important cohorts, including Pacific and Timor-Leste students and Australian government scholarship holders, will continue for 2027.
Government will continue to use a Ministerial Direction to manage student flows through visa prioritisation.
Public universities that applied for additional growth in international student numbers in 2026 were asked to demonstrate delivery against government priorities:
- engagement with Southeast Asia; and
- the provision of adequate student accommodation for both domestic and international students.
These continue to be government priorities for 2027, and Government will continue to monitor delivery on commitments made.
More information about 2027 settings is available at Factsheet – Managed Growth for International Education – Arrangement for 2027.
Information relating to VET is available at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.
Allocations for all international education providers will be finalised in July 2026.