Introduction

The Australian government has announced that the total number of new international student commencements in 2026 will be increased to 295,000, an increase of 25,000 compared to 2025. However, South Australia has tightened the rules for international students to study trade courses, which has attracted widespread attention.

Key Policy Changes

1. Policy Content

From 31 January 2026, all occupations classified as "trade apprenticeship" will no longer be able to enroll new students through purely classroom-based learning. Anyone wishing to study these trade qualifications must do so through a formal apprenticeship program with an employer (signing a training contract).

2. Impact on International Students

• Current Students: International students who have already enrolled before 31 January 2026 will be able to complete their existing courses and apply for skills assessments and Occupational Certificates from the Skills Commission afterwards.
• New Students: New international students who cannot find an employer willing to sign an apprenticeship contract will not be able to start new trade courses classified as "trade" in South Australia.

Analysis of Policy Impact

1. Legal Perspective

Legally, South Australia is not banning international students from studying trade courses altogether, but rather mandating that all trade training must be conducted within an apprenticeship framework.

2. Practical Impact

For international students, due to the difficulty of obtaining formal apprenticeships on student visas and the challenge of securing employer commitments in advance, the practical effect will be:

• It will be extremely difficult for international students to study purely classroom-based VET trade courses (such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, etc.) in South Australia in the future.
• Current international students will be able to complete their courses without being expelled mid-program.

Response Strategies

1. Choose Other States

Other states (such as QLD, WA, VIC, etc.) that still accept international students for classroom-based trade courses remain viable options.

2. Secure an Employer

International students who can find an employer willing to sign an apprenticeship contract in South Australia may consider starting an apprenticeship program there.

Data Support

1. Australian Migration Quotas

For the 2025-26 fiscal year, Australia's migration quota remains at 185,000, with:

• Skilled migration: 132,200 (approximately 71%)
• Family migration: 52,500
• Special eligibility migration: 300

This indicates that skilled migration remains the primary pathway for migration, accounting for over 70% of the total quota, reflecting the Australian government's strong support for "high-skilled, high-contribution migrants".

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

Employer-sponsored visas remain the most popular category for skilled migration, with an expected quota of 44,000. These visas offer significant advantages:

• High success rate with employer support
• Wide range of occupations, including healthcare, engineering, trades, IT, and other in-demand fields
• Most do not require scoring or EOI, with clear application pathways

Conclusion

While South Australia's tightening of trade course rules presents challenges for international students, Australia's overall skilled migration policy remains supportive of high-skilled, high-contribution migrants. International students can respond to this policy change by choosing other states or securing employer sponsorship. Employer-sponsored visas also offer a promising migration pathway.

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