Australia Introduces New Student Visa Processing Directive (MD 115)
Effective from: November 14, 2025
Replaces: Ministerial Direction 111
Purpose of the Change
The Australian government is introducing a new visa processing system called Ministerial Direction 115 (MD 115)to:
- Better manage the number of international students across universities and colleges,
- Ensure quality, integrity, and sustainability in the education sector, and
- Encourage a balanced distribution of students between regional and metropolitan areas.
This new directive supports the 2026 National Planning Level (NPL), which sets official student enrolment targets for each education provider.
How the New System Works
Visa applications will now be processed based on a three-tier priority system, depending on how much a university or college has filled its international student quota (called NOSC – New Overseas Student Commencements):
Priority Level | Provider Status | Visa Processing Time (Approx.) |
Priority 1 | Under 80% of their allocation | 1–4 weeks |
Priority 2 | Between 80% and 115% of allocation | 5–8 weeks |
Priority 3 | Exceeded 115% of allocation | 9–12 weeks |
In simple terms:
If your chosen university or college already has too many international students, your visa could take longer to process.
If you apply to a provider that’s under its quota, your visa will likely be processed faster.
Effect on International Students
This new policy will have a mixed impact depending on where students apply:
✅ Positive Effects
- Faster visa processing for students applying to institutions with lower enrolments especially regional universities and smaller colleges.
- More opportunities for students to study in regional areas (since these providers are likely under their allocation).
- Higher quality assurance since the government aims to maintain system integrity and limit over-enrolment.
Challenges
- Students applying to popular universities that have already met or exceeded their quotas may face longer visa wait times (up to 12 weeks).
- It may become harder to get into oversubscribed universities as they try to stay within their limits.
- Students will need to plan and apply earlier to avoid delays or missed intakes.
- Some may have to consider alternative institutions with available allocations.
Impact on Education Providers
- Small vocational and training colleges will benefit from increased visibility and faster visa processing for their applicants.
- Large universities that exceed their enrolment limits will experience delays in visa processing for their new students.
- The new system encourages a more even distribution of international students across different types of institutions.
Government’s View
Julian Hill, Assistant Minister for International Education, stated:
“This directive will maintain the quality, integrity and sustainability of Australia’s international education system while ensuring all providers are treated equitably.”
He added that visa processing resources will now be allocated fairly, giving higher priority to institutions that follow their planned student targets.
Next Steps
- MD 115 takes effect on November 14, 2025.
- The government will hold information sessions in November and December to guide education providers.
In Summary
Australia’s new directive (MD 115) introduces a more controlled and strategic approach to student visa processing.
It aims to:
- Maintain sustainable student numbers,
- Prevent over-enrolment in certain universities,
- Support regional education growth, and
- Ensure faster processing for students applying to under-allocated providers.
For international students, it means visa outcomes will now depend not just on your own application, but also on how your chosen university manages its international student numbers.
Want to study in Australia?
Our team can guide you through university selection, visa application, and document preparation under the latest visa directive (MD 115).
Contact WAC Consultants today!
📩 Email: info@wacconsultants.com
📞WhatsApp: +92 310 7203666
🌐 www.wacconsultants.com