The Australian Government has introduced a new system to prioritize offshore student visa applications, aiming to provide equal access for students across various educational institutions.
This change comes after the government withdrew proposed legislation that would have limited the number of international students allowed to study in Australia. The new prioritization system replaces the previously considered student caps and offers a more balanced approach to visa application processing.
System Follows Rejection of Proposed Legislation
The withdrawal of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) amendment bill, which sought to impose caps on international student enrolments, paved the way for the introduction of this new system. According to TravelBiz, the change eliminates the need for student caps and ensures greater flexibility for both students and educational institutions.
Visa Processing Based on Institutional Caps
Under the new system, student visa applications will be processed until an institution reaches 80% of its allocated student cap. Once this threshold is met, applications from that institution will be deprioritized in favor of others that have not yet reached their limit. This system applies specifically to offshore student visa applications, affecting students living outside Australia.
Revocation of Student Caps for Greater Flexibility
The rejection of the ESOS amendment bill by the Australian Parliament means that there will be no caps on student enrolments under the new system. This provides increased flexibility for both students and educational institutions, allowing them to admit more international students without restrictions. Educational institutions will no longer face limits on the number of international students they can enroll.
Two-Tier Priority System for Offshore Applications
The new system divides offshore student visa applications into two priority categories:
•Priority 1: Institutions that have not yet reached 80% of their 2025 New Overseas Student Commencements (NOSC) allocation will have their applications processed first. This includes students from schools, TAFE providers, aviation pilot training programs, postgraduate research students, and Commonwealth-sponsored students, such as those from Foreign Affairs and Defence.
•Priority 2: Institutions that exceed the 80% cap will have their applications processed under Priority 2. These applications will be given lower priority until other institutions reach their caps.
Important Guidance for Applicants
Applicants are advised to submit their visa applications early and ensure that all required documents are provided. Missing or incomplete information may result in delays or visa refusals. Those who have already submitted applications will have their cases assessed under the new Ministerial Direction 111.
Fairer Access for International Students
The updated system ensures a fairer distribution of visa applications, preventing any one institution from dominating the process. With the removal of student caps, international students now have more flexibility when selecting programs at various institutions.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has also published indicative allocations for higher education and vocational training providers to promote transparency and clarity for both students and institutions.
