Australia will raise the limit for new international student places in 2026.
On Monday, Education Minister Jason Clare announced a National Planning Level of 295,000 international student places for 2026 to manage growth in a “sustainable” way. This is a 9% increase from an earlier cap of 270,000.
To be able to apply for an increase in their international student allocation, universities will have to demonstrate stronger engagement with Southeast Asia and progress in providing secure student accommodation for both local and international students.
The focus on housing reflects the intersection between education and migration, as it was falsely reported in 2024 that students were to blame for Australia’s housing crisis.
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