Australia’s New Immigration Policy Changes: Impact on Pakistani Students

Sydney, Australia– The Australian government has made sweeping changes to the immigration policy of international students, including Pakistan, with the recent implementation of Ministry Direction 111 (MD111). The reclassification of universities under MD111 has impacts on tuition fees, visa clarrification, and scholarship opportunities, along with MD111’s other consequences.

University Classification And Fee Changes

The new policy splits Australian universities into two groups:

1️⃣Growth-Constraining Universities *(Limited International Student Allocation)*

– **Example**: University of Sydney falls in this category

– **Impact**: Universities in this category are on enrollment caps. Consequently, these universities are increasing tuition fees. In the case of the University of Sydney, it has raised fees by 5.5% in order to maintain revenue.

– **Effect on Pakistani Students**: Increase in admission and funding will become costlier due to tougher visa reticle along with high tuition fees.

2️⃣Growth-Potential Universities *(Allowed to increase international student intake)*

– **Example**: Several regional Universities are classified under this category

– **Impact**: This group is set to include more international students, so as to encourage enrollments, some of these institutions are lowering fees. One such university has reduced tuition fees by 17%.

– **Effect on Pakistani Students**: Tuition fees are much lower while the probability of attaining a Pakistani Visa becomes much easier.

Important Changes Impacting Pakistani Students

🔹 Higher Tuition Fees at Some Universities

Tuition fees of several universities, such as the University of Sydney, have been increased by 5.5%.

Pakistani students applying to the mentioned institutions will have to bear higher costs alongside increased competition.

🔹 Lower Fees & Easier Admission at Other Universities

Some regional universities were allowed to increase the number of international students, obtaining a as primary regional marketing seats.

To gain popularity, several homes have cut tuition fees by as high as 17%.

Pakistani students are encouraged to approach this region due to the low fees and better chances of getting a visa.


🔹 Fewer Scholarships Available

The scholarship count declined from 632 in 2021 to 494 by 2025.

Pakistan no longer qualifies for the list of the most preferred countries with regard to the scholarship seats available.

Most likely, students will have to rely on private scholarships or self-financing.


🔹 Stricter Visa Processing

The trend of declining visa permits for Pakistani learners started high in 2024 and remained a theme throughout.

New priority rules by Ministerial Direction 111 seem to take aim specifically at Pakistani students.

To maximize chances of getting a visa, students should focus on universities that do not have growth constraints.

Advice for Pakistani Students

✔️ Apply to Growth-Potential Universities – Such universities have lower tuition fees compared to other institutions, as well as a higher likelihood of visa approval.✔️ Begin Visa Applications Early – Waiting to apply can have consequences on their study plans, thus applying in good time is important.✔️ Search for External Scholarships – Look towards government and privately sponsored programs to help cover educational expenses.

In summary

There are new policies for Australian immigration, which have made it increasingly difficult for students from Pakistan to pursue their higher education in Australia. Considerable increases in tuition fees for some capped access universities, limited scholarships, and more stringent visa clearance processes means there is less flexibility for students. Applying to growth-potential universities and alternative funding will be essential to studying in Australia under these new policies.

Students are recommended to visit the university’s admission offices and the Australian immigration department for immigration policy updates.