The exciting news has come for international students as the Albanese government has officially announced a National Planning Level of 295,00 international student places for 2026. This strategic move is designed to ensure sustainable growth, continued success, and even greater opportunities for students as well as for universities in the upcoming year. 

A Strategic Step for Growth and Stability 

The federal government has taken this important step to support the growing international education sector with 25,000 more places compared to 2025. This increase in number indicates that every international education provider will definitely get the current number of allocations for the next year, as well.   

The 2026 Planning Level is higher than 2025, but it is still 8% lower than the immediate post-COVID peak. 

Two Key Priorities for Universities in 2026 

The government has set out two important priorities for public universities that want to increase their individual higher education allocation in 2026: 

Southeast Asia Engagement: Universities that show they are expanding partnerships, recruitment, exchanges, or educational cooperation with Southeast Asia can qualify for additional student seats. This means that students from Southeast Asia will have a higher chance of securing a place. 

Student Accommodation: The government wants to provide a secure and safe environment for every student. So, universities that show they are providing adequate housing options for international and domestic students will be able to get more spots. 

Visa Processing Changes: You Need to Know 

Along with this new planning level, visa processing is also getting an important update. The government will be replacing Ministerial Direction 111 with a new direction that aligns with the 2026 plans to make sure the student visa application process remains smoother. This plan will prioritize visa processing for the Pacific and Timor-Leste students and Australian government scholarship holders. 

Additionally, from 2026, international students transitioning from secondary school to publicly funded universities in Australia will be exempt from the National Planning Level. This allows more flexibility and smoother pathways for students who start their education journey within Australia. 

From 2027 onwards, Australia’s Tertiary Education Commission will take a bigger role in overseeing the sector’s growth in higher education. This will keep all things steady and manageable for every student and institution. 

In the international VET sector, the government plans to keep refining visa processing and integrity reforms to outline the sector’s growth.  

This long-term strategy is created to make sure that Australia’s international education sector is prepared to stay globally competitive. 

A Bright Future for International Education 

The Albanese government’s announcement of 295,000 international student places for 2026 marks a significant step towards developing sustainable growth in Australia’s international education sector. This New Planning Level ensures that international students get greater educational opportunities and make Australia a top global study destination.  

So, as a student, if you are considering studying in Australia, explore Australia’s world-class institutions and secure your place in the future of global education. Join the Growmore Community for the latest Australian immigration news and updates or reach out to us at +61 434202021 for any immigration queries. 

Source: Australian Government – Managing Sustainable International Education Sector