Australia confirms international education settings for 2027

The Australian Government has announced its annual ‘National Planning Level’ (NPL) for new international student commencements (NOSCs). 

In 2027, the NPL will remain at 295,000, the same as in 2026.

No active international education provider in Australia will receive a lower allocation in 2027 than it did in 2026.

What does the National Planning Level do?  

Australia’s National Planning Level (NPL) is not a cap or a limit on student numbers. It is a planning level to manage the size of the international education program. This helps maintain the highest quality student experience and best possible learning outcomes.

The NPL is supported by a prioritisation system for Student visa applications. Student visa applications are processed as Priority 1 (high priority) until the chosen provider reaches 80% of their commencements allocation. After this, further visa applications are still accepted for that provider but are processed more slowly.  

Any genuine international student who meets the Student visa requirements can still apply and be granted a visa. 

What does this mean for you? 

• You can still apply for a visa as usual.  
• Fair and transparent processing continues for all eligible providers and students. 
• Arrangements for 2027 are designed to maintain a positive and high-quality experience for all students.