Australia continues to be a top global study destination, with significant increases in students choosing to study there in recent years. However, international students may find it tougher to get a study visa to study in Australia. The Australian Government has capped international student enrollments from 2025.
On 27 August 2024, the Australian Government introduced a National Planning Level (NPL) cap to limit the annual growth of international student programs. National Planning Level limits will apply from January 1, 2025, with a total of 270000 new international student commencements for the 2025 calendar year.
It is the actual number of international students starting a course. If a student starts a second course at the same provider, also in calendar year 2025, it will not be counted under that year’s planning limit. The changes will not impact the current international students.
Rahul Subramaniam, Co-founder, Athena Education says, “Competition for the limited spots will be intense, as demand is expected to remain high despite the cap. This may lead to more stringent admission criteria and lower acceptance rates. The increased competition and limited availability of places may force some students to reconsider their study abroad plans or explore alternative destinations.”
From 1 January 2025, new commencements will be divided between Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training (VET):
- Public universities will have a total of around 145000 commencements.
- Private universities and NUHEPs will have around 30000. NUHEPs are Non-uni higher education providers.
- VET providers will have around 95000.
“Universities with a high proportion of international students, such as the Group of Eight (Go8) institutions, will face larger reductions in their international student intakes. For example, the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney will see a 7% cut, while the Australian National University and the University of New South Wales will face 14–14.5% reductions,” adds Subramaniam.
Before announcing the National Planning Level cap limit for international students, Australian Government’s Migration Strategy was released on December 11, 2023.
Genuine student requirement
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement was introduced on 23 March 2024, requiring specific questions in student visa applications to assess genuine student status and ensure safe, supported study experiences in Australia.
English language requirements
On 23 March 2024, the English language requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas changed.
Student Visas: The minimum test score for a Student visa has increased from International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 5.5 to 6.0 (or its equivalent).
The minimum test score for students undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) course before their main course of study has increased from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent).
The minimum test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training is IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
Temporary Graduate visas (TGV): The test score required for a Temporary Graduate visa has increased from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
Further, the length of post-study work visas will also change. If you get work in a skilled job during your post-study work period, you may be eligible to apply for the new 4-year Skills in Demand visa. This visa provides a clearer pathway to permanent residency.
Meanwhile, Universities Australia is calling on the Albanese Government to revoke Ministerial Direction 107 in light of the significant effect it continues to have across the university sector.