Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs
The Government has today advised universities of their 2026 allocations of international student places. These are within the approved National Planning Level for international education to manage growth in a sustainable way.
Consistent with the 2026 National Planning Level announced in August, public universities were invited to express interest in securing a share of the additional 17,500 places made available.
Growth in overall student commencements has moderated strongly, with visa applications down 26% as compared to last year.
Five universities did not ask for any growth, while 32 sought some increase in their international student profile. Allocations have been driven by each institution’s demonstrated delivery against government priorities of new housing, south-east Asian engagement and market diversification.
Regional universities have secured strong growth in their allocations, consistent with the Government’s policies to share the benefits of international education more fairly and evenly. Charles Sturt University, Federation University, the University of Newcastle and Charles Darwin University have secured the largest proportional growth in their allocations.
Universities that are building more accommodation have received increases to their international student allocations.
New student housing is now growing, with more than 11,000 new beds under construction, more than 15,000 with development approvals in place, and more than 12,000 in the planning process (latest Urbis data).
31 of the 32 institutions that sought growth have received at least 50 new student places. We are in further discussions with the remaining university about market diversification, south-east Asian engagement and its investment in new housing.
These steps are all about ensuring Australia’s international education sector operates sustainably in Australia’s national interest.
Final 2026 allocations for public universities
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“International education is an important national asset.
“It brings tens of billions of dollars into the economy each year. It also builds friendships and long-term connections around the world.
“But we need to manage it sustainably and that’s what these allocations for universities do.
“We’re making sure growth in international education happens in a way that supports the national interest and spreads benefits more evenly.
“Regional universities play a vital role in local communities and economies and we’re backing them with more places.
“We also know international education is a target for unscrupulous individuals trying to make a quick buck.
“That’s why we introduced legislation to Parliament last week to crack down on dodgy operators and practices.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill:
“International education has delivered profound benefits to Australia for decades. It’s a $51 billion sector that Australians can be proud of, educating future global leaders, strengthening international ties, and enriching our communities.
“Australians expect to see growth in student numbers supported by investment in new housing which is what the Government’s policies now incentivise, especially for the larger institutions.
“Engaging with south-east Asia is in Australia’s national interest, and the 2026 international student allocations recognise universities which are demonstrating genuine focus on our region.”
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