The Australian Government remains committed to a high quality, resilient international education sector with sustainable growth.
The Australian Government has announced a National Planning Level of 295,000 for 2026. This is 25,000 places higher than 2025, to support Government’s commitment to managed growth and a sustainable international education sector.
A Ministerial Direction will continue to be used into 2026 across both the higher education and VET sectors to support a managed system for international students.
No active provider will receive a 2026 allocation lower than their 2025 allocation.
Publicly funded universities will be able to apply for additional growth places for 2026.
To support strategic priorities, the Australian Government will work with publicly funded universities to grow international student places where institutions demonstrate:
- increased engagement with Southeast Asia, and
- provision of student accommodation to ensure safe and accessible housing for both domestic and international students.
Publicly funded universities will shortly be invited to submit applications for additional places. Final indicative allocations for publicly funded universities 2026 will be published in October 2025.
Indicative 2026 allocations for other higher education providers and VET providers have been finalised. Small providers will have greater flexibility to manage their allocations and larger providers will have a higher allocation in 2026. Further information is available:
Factsheet - Indicative allocations for higher education new overseas student commencements 2026.
Information relating to VET is available at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.
Additional information on managed growth, including factsheets for providers and on exemptions.