The Australian federal government has introduced a new visa processing framework for international students, replacing its previously failed cap policy. Under the new Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111), which begins Thursday, student visa applications will be categorized into “high priority” and “standard priority” based on individual institutions’ student caps.
This change follows the rejection of a cap proposal, which aimed to limit international student enrolments to 270,000 annually. Critics, including former deputy immigration secretary Abul Rizvi, have described the new framework as largely ineffective and politically motivated, offering only minor benefits for regional universities.
University leaders have welcomed the removal of the previous cap system, calling the decision a step toward stabilizing the embattled higher education sector. However, concerns remain about the frequent shifts in policy and their potential impact on Australia’s reputation as a global education destination.
The adjustment is seen as a response to declining international student numbers, with recent data showing a significant drop from 278,000 in 2022-2023 to 207,000 in 2023-2024. Stakeholders now urge a more consistent, long-term approach to restore confidence and support economic recovery in the sector.
