The Australian Government remains committed to a high quality, resilient international education sector with sustainable, modest growth.
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The Government has announced a National Planning Level of 295,000 for 2026. This is 25,000 places more than 2025, to support government’s commitment to managed growth and a sustainable international education sector.
A Ministerial Direction will continue to be used in 2026 across both the higher education and VET sectors to support a managed system for international students.
No active provider will receive a 2026 allocation lower than their 2025 allocation.
Indicative allocations for 2026 to support implementation of a new Ministerial Direction have been finalised for VET providers.
Further information on the approach to 2026 VET allocations and individual providers’ indicative allocations is available at:
Indicative allocations for VET new overseas student commencements 2026
The government continues to recognise the unique circumstances of some cohorts of students, as defined by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and Department of Education. Information for the VET sector about each of these cohorts is provided in the following factsheets:
- Factsheet – Managed growth 2026 and TAFE Providers
- Factsheet – Managed growth 2026 and Pilot Training Courses
- Factsheet – Managed growth 2026 and TNE Arrangements
- Factsheet – Managed growth 2026 and VET Small Provider Pool
Further information for higher education and VET providers on the Government’s managed growth arrangements for 2026 is available on the Department of Education website.
Information on the current 2025 NPL and MD111 arrangements is available at Indicative allocations for VET new overseas student commencements 2025.