Australia to cap International Students at 2.95 lakh by 2026

Australia to cap international students at 2.95 lakh by 2026.

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Australia to raise cap on international student enrolments to 2.95 lakh in 2026 — a step towards managed growth in global education.

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The new 2026 cap of 2.95 lakh marks a rise from 2.70 lakh in 2025 but is still 8% below the post-COVID peak, officials said.

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Students from Pacific, Timor-Leste, and government scholarship holders to get priority visa processing in 2026.

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Students from Aussie high schools or TAFE will be exempt from national caps when joining public universities in 2026.

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Public universities – 1.45 lakh | VET providers – 95,000 | Private universities – 30,000

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Public universities can apply for more seats if they boost Southeast Asia ties and offer student housing.

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Australia’s Education Minister says the goal is to balance student benefits, economic gains, and national interests.

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Universities welcome the move as it helps plan long-term investments worth millions in global education infrastructure.

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A new regulatory body, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, may soon oversee this managed growth strategy.

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Australia promises high-quality education and a friendly environment—especially for Southeast Asian students in 2026.

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