What is this news about?
Australia’s international education sector (worth AUD $51 billion) is calling on the government to keep policies stable in 2026 so the country can rebuild trust with international students and education providers after a turbulent period of rule changes.
Why is policy stability such a big issue?
In 2024–2025, Australia:
- Tried (and failed) to cap international student numbers
- Introduedenrolment limits (NOSCs) for institutions
- Increased student visa fees to AUD $2,000 (the highest in the world)
- Changed visa processing rules multiple times
These frequent changes confused students, agents, and institutions, damaging Australia’s reputation as a reliable study destination.
Stakeholders now say:
Stop changing the rules repeatedly and give the sector certainty.
Key concerns raised by sector leaders
- Trust in the student visa system
Migration expert Melanie Macfarlane says:
- International students should not be treated as part of immigration problems
- They should be valued for their economic contribution and soft diplomacy
- Constant policy shifts undermine trust and planning
She wants:
- Consistent visa and education policies
- Fair regulation of education agents
- Lower visa fees for ELICOS (English language) students
- World’s most expensive student visa
- Australia’s visa fee is now AUD $2,000
- This hurts competitiveness, especially for short-term English and pathway students
- Other countries (UK, Canada, EU) are cheaper and more predictable
Sector leaders warn this could push students to alternative destinations.
- New rules institutions must adapt to
- Providers now have enrolment caps (NOSCs)
- New visa rules (Ministerial Direction 115) penalise institutions that exceed limits
- A new bill (Education Legislation Amendment Bill 2025) will:
- Expand the definition of education agents
- Increase government oversight and ministerial powers
- Focus on quality and integrity
The sector supports quality but wants clear, stable implementation.
Competition is increasing globally
According to IDP’s Jane Li:
- 85% of students consider multiple countries
- Nearly 60% consider three or more destinations
- Students compare countries based on:
- Cost
- Work rights
- Internships
- Post-study visas
- Return on investment (ROI)
Australia is no longer competing aloneit’s being compared side-by-side with emerging destinations.
New trends shaping 2026
- Offshore, hybrid, and transnational education is growing
- Students may start studying outside Australia and later move onshore
- Institutions need smarter recruitment strategies using real student data
What students really want now
Students are willing to change countries if they get:
- Guaranteed internships (69%)
- Work-integrated learning
- Post-study work rights (67%)
This means:
Education quality alone is not enough
Clear post-study pathways are critical
Big takeaway
Australia’s education sector is united on one message for 2026:
“Stop changing the rules, restore confidence, stay globally competitive.”
To rebuild trust, Australia must:
- Keep student policies stable
- Reduce financial barriers
- Protect post-study work options
- Clearly communicate that international students are welcome
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