On 4 August 2025, the Australian Government announced it would increase the international student cap to 295,000 places in 2026, up by 25,000 compared to 2025. This is the highest number since the introduction of student limits, reflecting Australia’s strong commitment to maintaining its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for international education.
This announcement is part of the Government’s broader international education reform strategy, aimed at ensuring the sector grows in a sustainable, fair, and responsible manner.
A New Growth Control System: Transparent and Selective
From 2025, the Australian Government will implement a managed growth model by setting a National Planning Level (NPL) – a limit on the number of new international students who can enrol each year at approved education providers.
Enrolment targets:
- 2025: 270,000 new international students
- 2026: 295,000 new international students
Breakdown by group:
- 145,000 new students at public universities
- 30,000 at other universities and non-university higher education providers
- 95,000 for the VET sector (vocational education and training)
Exemptions from the NPL include:
- School students
- Research students
- ELICOS students (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)
- Students under Australian Government scholarships
- Students in transnational or twinning programs
- Students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste
More Places – But Not Everyone Gets a Spot
Under the new rules, institutions allocated a portion of the international enrolment cap must meet specific criteria:
- Have plans to develop student accommodation, serving both international and domestic students
- Strengthen academic partnerships with Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam
- Prioritise students who have completed high school in Australia and are transitioning to university or TAFE
- Institutions with a high percentage of international students may receive reduced quotas to encourage a more balanced student mix
The Australian Government has confirmed it will replace Ministerial Direction No. 107 with a new legal framework to combat visa misuse and improve the overall experience for international students in Australia.
Social Services and Healthcare: Smart Choices for Now and the Future
According to reports from Jobs and Skills Australia, sectors such as social work, nursing, aged care, and disability support show stable and long-term demand across many states and territories.
With the international student cap expanded, now is the right time for international students to explore opportunities to study healthcare and social work in Australia, particularly in fields that are practical, meaningful, and contribute positively to the community:
- Social Work
- Community Health
- Nursing
- Aged Care and Disability Support
NextGem – Helping You Find the Right Path
At NextGem, we offer transparent and personalised education consulting based on the latest updates in Australia’s international student policies.
We assist students with:
- Choosing study programs aligned with enrolment trends and Australia’s labour market
- Selecting institutions and study regions based on the international student cap and priority criteria
- Supporting with document preparation, course registration, and visa application guidance
Our approach is always built on clarity, relevance, and up-to-date policy knowledge.
>> The increase in the international student intake for 2026 is a positive signal for those considering studying in Australia – especially for students interested in social services and healthcare.
If you’re looking for a study pathway that matches your interests, strengths, and international demand, don’t hesitate to connect with NextGem’s consultants for clear and accurate guidance.
Source: Australian Department of Education
