More Student Visas in 2026? Key Changes for International Applicants

Australia confirms more places and faster visa decisions for students in 2026

The Australian Government has announced it will welcome 295,000 new international students in 2026. The new figure represents an increase of 25,000 to the international student National Planning Level (NPL) compared to 2025. This suggests a more open and welcoming approach to international education in Australia, particularly for university enrolments.

How Australia manages student numbers

Contrary to popular belief, the NPL is not a cap on student visa applications. Rather, it is a policy target. It is used to guide the prioritisation of offshore Student visa applications. It is also the basis for the indicative allocation of enrolments to Universities, colleges and TAFE.

Students who meet visa requirements can apply at any time, even if enrolements have exceeded the NPL. However, visa applications are processed faster when the chosen education provider has not yet reached its allocated intake level.

In early 2024, the Government attempted to pass legislation that would allow it to introduce an actual cap on international student visa numbers. However, the bill did not pass Parliament and the cap was not introduced. Instead, the Government moved forward with the current approach: using a National Planning Level to manage course enrolments.

The NPL system prioritises visa processing based on how many students a provider enrols, without limiting the total number of applicants. The change reflects a compromise between controlling student numbers and keeping Australia open to genuine international students.

What’s new for students in 2026?

In addition to the increased new enrolments planning levels for 2026, the definition 'new enrolment' will also change. The change will exempt more students from being counted as a new enrolment. This is likely to further increase the number of overseas students and allow faster processing times for more onshore applicants.

The government is favouring larger institutions and public universities by increasing their enrolment allocations. In contrast, smaller vocational colleges have not received additional places. This will have a real-life impact on applicants - visa processing times for private or smaller college students will be longer than public univerisity students.

International students who complete Australian high school or a TAFE course and then move into a public university will no longer be considered 'new enrolments.' They can expect faster visa decisions in 2026. This is also the case with students transferring providers due to a provider closing or otherwise being unable to continue training.

Stay tuned for more updates on Australia's visa system. Subscribe to the next ImmiUpdate below.

For more information please Contact Us or email elan@ryshermigration.com.au

Elan Rysher is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Student Counsellor. He is the main Writer for ImmiUpdates and the founder of Rysher Migration. Being a former migrant himself, Elan is passionate about helping others fulfil their Australian dream.

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