Just A Click Away.
Australia’s 2027 International Student Planning Level: What Changed and What Stayed the Same
On 3 July 2026, Minister for Education Jason Clare, Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles, and Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill announced Australia’s international education settings for 2027.
The National Planning Level, or NPL, will remain at 295,000 new international student commencements, the same level as in 2026.
The government said maintaining the current level would provide stability and continuity for Australia’s international education sector.
International Student Commencements Are Declining
Year-to-date government data to May 2026 shows international student commencements were down 8% compared with the same period in 2025 and 13% below 2019 levels.
The 295,000 NPL is also 8% below the immediate post-COVID peak.
Current government tracking indicates that international student commencements are likely to remain below the NPL in both 2026 and 2027.
Student and Graduate Visa Fees Increased
The announcement followed a 25% general increase in Student and Temporary Graduate visa application charges from 1 July 2026.
The standard Subclass 500 base application charge for most primary applicants increased to AUD 2,500.
A lower base application charge of AUD 2,050 applies to eligible standalone ELICOS and non-award applications.
Lower charges also apply to eligible students from specified ASEAN countries. Students from Pacific countries and Timor-Leste continue to receive concessional visa charges.
These are visa application charges, not additional education-sector levies. Applicants should confirm the exact charge through the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging.
Who Is Exempt from the NPL?
The following groups will remain exempt from the 295,000 NPL in 2027:
- TAFE students
- students from Pacific countries and Timor-Leste
- Australian Government scholarship holders
The TAFE exemption supports the government’s TAFE at the Heart policy.
Pacific and Timor-Leste students and Australian Government scholarship holders will also continue to receive high-priority student visa processing.
TAFE students are exempt from the NPL, but their visa processing priority should be checked under the relevant Ministerial Direction and current Department of Home Affairs settings.
Provider Allocations for 2027
No active international education provider will receive a lower allocation in 2027 than it received in 2026.
The strong allocations provided to regional universities for 2026 will also be maintained.
Public universities seeking additional growth beyond their existing allocation will continue to be assessed against government priorities, including:
- engagement with Southeast Asia
- adequate student accommodation for domestic and international students
The government will continue monitoring universities’ delivery against commitments made under these priorities.
Final 2027 provider allocations are expected to be completed in July 2026.
ATEC’s Role from 2027
From 2027, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, or ATEC, will oversee international student allocations for higher education providers.
The Australian Government will continue to determine the overall National Planning Level.
This means ATEC will manage provider-level higher education allocations within the broader planning settings established by the government.
How International VET Will Be Managed
For the international vocational education and training sector, the government will continue relying primarily on visa processing settings and integrity reforms to manage sector size and composition.
The government has also stated that it will continue addressing poor provider practices, improving student experience and maintaining a more sustainable international enrolment trajectory.
Is the NPL a Legislative Cap?
The 295,000 figure is described as a National Planning Level rather than a simple statutory nationwide cap.
International student flows will continue to be managed through a combination of:
- provider allocations
- Ministerial Direction
- visa processing prioritisation
- integrity and compliance reforms
ATEC will have responsibility for higher education provider allocations from 2027, while the government will retain control of the overall planning level.
Key Takeaways
The 2027 National Planning Level remains at 295,000 new international student commencements.
Year-to-date commencements in 2026 are down 8% compared with 2025 and 13% below 2019.
The standard Subclass 500 base application charge has increased to AUD 2,500.
Eligible standalone ELICOS and non-award applicants may pay the lower AUD 2,050 charge.
TAFE students, Pacific and Timor-Leste students, and Australian Government scholarship holders remain exempt from the NPL.
Pacific and Timor-Leste students and Australian Government scholarship holders continue to receive high-priority visa processing.
No active provider will receive a lower 2027 allocation than it received in 2026.
ATEC will oversee higher education provider allocations from 2027, while the government continues setting the overall NPL.
Public universities seeking additional growth will continue to be assessed against priorities including Southeast Asia engagement and student accommodation.
The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.
Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer
As a regulated Australian migration law practice, Riverwood Migration provides precise, personalised advice on visa strategy, compliance, and application preparation. Speak with our expert legal team. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.
Stay Informed on Australian Immigration Law
- YouTube: Johnny Kong | Migration Lawyer
- Instagram: @johnny_migrationlawyer
- Facebook: Riverwood Migration
- TikTok: @johnny_migrationlawyer
- Linktree: linktr.ee/johnny_lawyer
