Public universities will continue to account for the majority of commencements, while allocations for vocational education and training (VET), private higher education providers and other institutions will remain broadly in line with 2026.
In a joint press release, Minister for Education Jason Clare, Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles, and Assistant Minister for International Education as well as Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said maintaining the National Planning Level would provide "stability and certainty" while ensuring Australia's international education sector remained resilient, high quality and globally competitive.
"International education is an incredibly important export industry for Australia, but we need to manage it sustainably. This is about making sure international education supports students, universities and the national interest," Clare said.
University students walk on the campus of the University of Sydney following a graduation ceremony in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Reuters
The government also confirmed that all active international education providers will receive at least the same student allocation in 2027 as they did in 2026, preserving the higher quotas granted to regional universities last year.
