Australia starts capping the international students in the country starting from 2025. The international student national planning by Australia will allow 270,000 foreign students from around the world.
Starting from January 1, 2025, new international student commencements will be distributed between the “Higher Education” and “Vocational Education”(VET) sectors under the National Planning Level (NPL). Public universities will be allocated approximately 145,000 quota, while private universities and non-university higher education providers (NUHEPs) will receive around 30,000 allotments. VET providers will have around 95,000 commencements.
Australia International Student Quota 2025
| Student Category | Number of Slots |
| Total International Student Commencements for 2025 | 270,000 |
| Vocational Education and Training Sector | 95,000 |
| Higher Education Sector | 175,000 |
| – Public Universities | 145,000 |
| – Private Universities & Non-University Higher Education** | 30,000 |
Why has Australia introduced a cap on international students?
Australia usually releases every year immigration level plans for permanent and temporary residence streams. But now, the government has also introduced a quota for international students as well.
Australia continues to be a leading global study destination, with significant increases in the number of students choosing to study there in recent years. To manage this growth, a new National Planning Level (NPL) student cap will be introduced.
This cap will help education and training providers in Australia maintain high standards, ensuring they can continue to deliver quality programs, provide comprehensive student support services, and effectively prepare students for future employment in their chosen careers.
Which international students will not be affected by the cap?
Current international students in Australia will not be affected by this new decision. Furthermore, the following students are also exempt from the new regulation:
- Students enrolled at an Australian provider or partner provider campus worldwide, studying through an Australian transnational education (TNE) or twinning program;
- School students;
- Higher degree by research students;
- ‘Standalone’ English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) students;
- Non-award students, including those in Study Abroad and Exchange programs;
- Australian Government-sponsored scholars, including partner-sponsored scholars.
- Students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.