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MATES International Education and Visa Services
AustraliaImmigration Policy

Australia keeps its 2027 international student planning level at 295,000

Status: Announced — upcoming

The National Planning Level for new international student commencements in 2027 stays at 295,000, the same as 2026. The Government states it is not a cap: it shapes how quickly student visa applications are processed once a provider approaches its allocation.

What changed

  • The National Planning Level for new international student commencements in 2027 is 295,000 — unchanged from 2026.
  • According to Study Australia, no active provider will receive a lower allocation in 2027 than it did in 2026.

Key dates

Officially announced
Takes effect
No single start date — see details below

When it applies

The planning level applies to new international student commencements in calendar year 2027.

Who may be affected

  • Students intending to commence study in Australia in 2027.
  • According to Study Australia, applications are processed as high priority until the chosen provider reaches 80% of its commencements allocation; after that they are still accepted but processed more slowly.

Key takeaways

  • The planning level is not a cap on individual student visas. Study Australia states that any genuine student who meets the requirements can still apply and be granted a visa.
  • Your chosen provider's allocation can affect how quickly your application is processed.

What students should do

  1. Apply early for 2027 intakes, because processing can slow once a provider nears its allocation.
  2. Lodge a complete application with every requested document.

Official sources

Read the Official Update(opens Study Australia (Australian Government) in a new tab — you are leaving the MATES website)

Opens the government website in a new tab. You will be leaving the MATES website.

Before you act on this

Visa and immigration requirements can change. Review the linked official government source and confirm the latest requirements with MATES before making an application decision.

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. MATES cannot influence a government decision.

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