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 2027. This maintains the 2026 level, to provide continuity and stability under the government’s ongoing managed approach to ensuring sustainability for the international education sector.
A Ministerial Direction will continue to be used in 2027 across both the higher education and VET sectors to support a managed system for international students.
No active provider will receive a 2027 allocation lower than their 2026 allocation.
Indicative allocations for VET new overseas student commencements 2027
Further information on the approach to 2027 VET allocations and individual provider allocations will be available on this page later in July 2026.
The government continues to recognise the unique circumstances of some student cohorts, as defined by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the Department of Education. Information for the VET sector about each of these cohorts is provided in the following factsheets:
- Factsheet – Managed growth 2027 and TAFE Providers
- Factsheet – Managed growth 2027 and Pilot Training Courses
- Factsheet – Managed growth 2027 and TNE Arrangements
- Factsheet – Managed growth 2027 and VET Small Provider Pool
Further information for higher education and VET providers on the government’s managed growth arrangements for 2027 is available on the Department of Education website.
For information on the current 2026 NPL and MD115 arrangements see the Indicative allocations for VET new overseas student commencements 2026 factsheet.