Australia increases 2026 student cap to 295,000

Worried about studying in Australia amid the existing government restrictions on international student numbers? Here’s some encouraging news!  

The Australian Government has announced an increase of 25,000 student places, raising the limit to 295,000 in 2026 for international student enrolments. It’s a 9% increase from the current cap of 270,000.  

This new development brings fresh hope for aspiring students. Public sector universities also get to admit more international students, provided they meet two key government priorities: 

• Strengthened engagement with Southeast Asia, in line with Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. This means the universities need to show better ties with the Southeast Asia nations, either through institutional collaboration, student exchange programs, or academic partnerships.  

• Provision of suitable student accommodation to ensure both domestic and international students have access to safe and secure housing 

 More international students can now study at their dream universities. They will also have better access to student housing, which is important for many. 

Additionally, students from key cohorts, such as those from Pacific Island nations, Timor-Leste, and Australian Government scholarship recipients, will continue to receive priority visa processing in 2026. 

It’s also worth noting that students transitioning from Australian secondary schools, pathway providers, or TAFEs into publicly funded universities will be exempt from the 2026 national cap, ensuring continuity in their academic progression. 

There’s positive news for students interested in Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways as well. In 2027, the international VET sector will see changes to improve visa checks and admission quality. These reforms will ensure international students join genuine vocational courses that support real career goals.  

The decision to increase student allocations is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure the sustainable growth of the international education sector. This comes after an earlier move to significantly reduce international student numbers from around 600,000 in 2023, amid concerns about housing pressures and migration levels. 

Now, under a new policy, the government wants to offer more education opportunities while keeping the system fair and secure. These changes are designed to ensure that Australia remains a world-class, responsible, and attractive study destination for international students, while maintaining the quality and sustainability of its education system. 

Eager to know how this new announcement will affect your study abroad planning? Talk to an IDP counsellor today for free guidance.