The Australian Government has announced new enrolment caps for international students, effective from 1st January 2025. This move is part of a broader strategy to maintain the quality and sustainability of the international education sector in Australia. If you’re an international student from Nepal planning to study in Australia, here’s what you need to know.

2025 Enrolment Caps: What Are They?

The total number of new international student commencements is capped at 270,000 for 2025. This limit is divided as follows:

145,000 places for public universities

30,000 places for private universities and higher education providers

95,000 places for VET providers

This means the number of new students in 2025 will remain similar to the intake levels of 2023.

Who is Affected?

If you’re a current international student, these changes won’t affect you. The following groups are also exempt from the enrolment cap:

School students

Higher degree by research (HDR) students

ELICOS course students (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)

Study Abroad and Exchange students

Australian Government-sponsored scholars

Students in transnational or twinning arrangements

Students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste

New Policy Changes for International Students in Australia

Along with the enrolment caps, several key policy changes have been introduced to improve the integrity of the international education system in Australia:

Genuine Student Requirement: A more rigorous set of questions during the student visa application process to ensure applicants genuinely intend to study in Australia. This is designed to reduce misuse of the student visa system.

English Language Requirements: The minimum IELTS score for a student visa has been increased to 6.0 (up from 5.5). For students taking an ELICOS course, the score requirement has risen from 4.5 to 5.0. This aims to ensure students are better prepared for their studies and future employment in Australia.

Post-study Pathways: Clearer opportunities for graduates to stay, work, and even apply for permanent residency in Australia, depending on their qualifications and career goals.

Why These Changes?

These new measures are part of Australia’s broader Migration Strategy aimed at maintaining the quality and reputation of its education sector, ensuring that genuine students from countries like Nepal have a positive experience while studying in Australia.

How to Apply for Australian Student Visa from Nepal?

If you’re a student in Nepal planning to apply for studies in Australia, the experts at AIP Education Nepal are here to guide you through the latest updates, enrolment processes, and visa applications. With the new enrolment caps in place, it’s essential to plan early and ensure your application is in line with the new requirements.

For more information on these policies, visit the official Australian Migration Strategy.

Contact AIP Education Nepal for expert guidance on your Australian education journey.