- Canada Updates :- Canada plans to welcome 900,000 international students by 2023, with India as the top source country. This is an increase from the current target of 600,000 international students. The government is targeting India because it is the largest source of international students for Canada.
- Australia Updates :- The Australian government has announced that it is streamlining the visa processing system for international students. This means that students can expect their visas to be processed more quickly. Moreover, The Australian government has increased the number of scholarships available to international students. The new scholarships are worth up to AUD$20,000 each.
Australia Opens More Doors for International Students: 9% Cap Increase and Southeast Asia Gets Priority
Australia Opens More Doors for International Students: 9% Cap Increase and Southeast Asia Gets Priority
Australia has just shared some great news for prospective international students. Starting in 2026, the country will raise its cap on new international student places by 9%, increasing it from 270,000 in 2025 to 295,000 for 2026
This is part of Australia’s updated approach to international education. They are balancing steady educational growth with pressures like housing shortages and infrastructure demands.
Why the Change?
In past years, Australia included caps to rein in fast-growing numbers of international students—moving from nearly 600,000 student visas in 2023 to a tighter limit of 270,000 for 2025 .
The move was intended to help ease strain on housing and migration pressures. But now, with the situation stabilizing, the government sees room to allow a slight increase in enrolments, ensuring that growth supports students, universities, and national priorities.
What’s New: Who Benefits Most?
Australia isn’t just raising numbers—they’re also shifting focus toward Southeast Asia. Expect to see more applicants from countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and others in that region getting priority.
Universities will need to step up in two key ways:
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Student Housing: Especially for public institutions, they must ensure students can live in safe, secure housing.
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Regional Diversity: These universities need to show they’re recruiting more students from Southeast Asia.
What This Means for Students and Education Providers
For Students:
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More seats are open: The new cap means 25,000 extra international students can come to Australia in 2026.
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Strong demand from Southeast Asia: Indian students, too, may face stronger competition—but partnerships and outreach from universities could open the door wider.
For Universities:
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Public institutions reap the largest benefit: Most of the new spots (about two-thirds) go to universities; vocational colleges get the rest.
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Housing responsibility grows: Institutions will need to invest in supporting accommodation to attract these new numbers. For Australia’s Economy & Society:
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Boost to higher education sector: International students contribute billions to the economy—through tuition, housing, and everyday spending.
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Balanced growth strategy: Australia is trying to keep education booming while managing housing and infrastructure needs.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Cap lifted by | 9% |
| New cap for 2026 | 295,000 international students |
| Previous cap (2025) | 270,000 |
| Main focus region | Southeast Asia |
| Institutions prioritized | Public universities |
| Requirements for institutions | Housing capacity + regional outreach |
| Goals of policy | Growth, balanced with national interests |
Final Take
Australia’s decision to increase its international student cap shows a thoughtful balance between welcoming new students and managing domestic pressures. For prospective students—especially from Southeast Asia and India—this could mean more chances to study Down Under. For your agency, Blue Horse Education, now is a great time to highlight Australia’s open stance and assist applicants toward these expanded opportunities.
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