The Australian government has announced a significant expansion in international student enrolment — increasing its Student Visa quota under the 2026 National Planning Level (NPL) to 295,000 places, including an additional 25,000 seats compared with 2025.
This update follows the replacement of the previous ministerial directive MD111 with a new directive MD115, effective 14 November 2025. While visa-processing criteria remain the same, the new quota and direction will affect how applications are prioritised.
What this means for applicants
- The 2026 NPL applies only to offshore Student visa applications lodged from outside Australia.
- Applications submitted before 14 November 2025 will continue under the MD111 priority rules.
- Applications submitted on or after 14 November 2025 will follow the updated MD115 processing framework.
The government emphasises the importance of submitting a complete application — including all required documents and accurate information — to ensure timely processing and reduce the risk of refusal.
With more seats available and the same standard for visa requirements, 2026 could offer a smoother path for many prospective international students eyeing Australian institutions.