The Australian Government will introduce a new ministerial direction to strengthen and balance distribution of international students across education providers in regional and metropolitan locations.
Throughout 2025 we have seen the positive effect of a managed growth approach across the sector - returning student numbers to a more sustainable level. Growth has moderated, with student lodgements down by over 26% last year and commencements down on last year by 16%.
The introduction of this ministerial direction continues to build on the Government's work to maintain the quality, integrity and sustainability of our international education system.
Ministerial Direction 115 replaces Ministerial Direction 111 to support the 2026 National Planning Level for international student places and related policy measures announced in August.
It will come into effect on 14 November 2025.
Under the new direction, visa processing resources are allocated to support all education providers on an equitable basis. Higher processing priorities are afforded to providers who manage their international student enrolments broadly in accordance with their indicative allocations under the National Planning Level.
The direction will also promote greater utilisation of allocations to more fairly respond to the needs of small vocational education and training providers.
Information sessions will be held with education providers in November and December to explain the operation of Ministerial Direction 115.
