Australia remains a top study destination globally and continues to welcome international students from around the world with the highest quality learning experience.

The Australian Government has announced its 2026 National Planning Level (NPL) for new international student commencements, set at 295,000. The 2026 NPL has 25,000 more international student allocations than the 2025 target.

Student visa processing prioritization applies only to visas lodged outside Australia, and applications are processed as high priority until providers reach their NPL allocation. Beyond this, visas are still accepted but processed more slowly.

Things to note:

• 25,000 more new student commencements than in 2025.
• The NPL is not a cap or limit on student numbers but a prioritization system for Student visa applications.
• Genuine students who meet Student visa requirements can still apply. The NPL ensures the growth of the international student program while maintaining quality outcomes.

• Students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste, Australian Government scholarship holders, foreign government scholarship holders, and other specified cohorts will retain priority visa processing.
• From 2026, international students progressing to public universities from secondary school in Australia, recognized pathway providers, or TAFE institutes will not count toward the university’s NPL allocation.
• Fair and transparent processing for all eligible providers and students.
• The 2026 arrangements are designed to ensure a positive and high-quality experience for all international students.