Australia Holds 2027 International Student Planning Level at 295,000

Announced 15 July 2026. Australia. The Australian Government confirmed that the National Planning Level (NPL) for 2027 stays at 295,000 new overseas student commencements, the same as 2026.

How it works

• The government says the NPL is not a hard cap. It affects how fast visas are processed.
• Applications get priority processing until a provider reaches a set share of its allocation, then continue more slowly.
• Some students do not count towards it, including TAFE students, VET students at dual-sector public universities, and higher-degree-by-research students.
• No provider will get a lower allocation in 2027 than in 2026.

What it means for you

Apply early in the cycle, especially to popular providers, to benefit from priority processing. See our Australia guide.

What is the National Planning Level?

The National Planning Level is the number of new overseas student commencements the Australian Government plans for in a year. It is divided into allocations for individual education providers. The government describes it as a planning tool rather than a hard cap.

How the National Planning Level affects your visa

• Applications to a provider under its allocation threshold get priority processing.
• Once a provider passes that point, applications continue but are processed more slowly.
• Students in exempt groups, such as TAFE and higher-degree-by-research students, do not count toward it.

National Planning Level checklist for students

• Apply early in the intake cycle.
• Ask your provider how its allocation is tracking.
• Have your Genuine Student answers, OSHC and financial documents ready before you lodge.
• Consider more than one provider if your first choice is very popular.

Sources

• Study Australia: 2027 National Planning Level confirmed
• Department of Education: A managed system for international education

News summary published 28 September 2026. Policies can change quickly after publication. Check the linked sources for the latest position. This is general information, not legal advice.