Australia’s New Offshore Student Visa Prioritisation

Australia’s Commitment to International Education

Australia places a high value on its international education sector. The Australian Government aims to safeguard the quality, integrity, and long-term growth of this industry.

New Prioritisation System for Offshore Student Visas

As of 19 December 2024, Ministerial Direction 111 has taken effect. This measure introduces a new approach to processing offshore student visa applications, ensuring a more equitable distribution across various education providers.

These adjustments are designed to give aspiring international students a fair opportunity to explore Australia’s diverse educational institutions and locations. The new system categorizes applications into two main priority groups:

Visa applications for higher education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions that have yet to use 80% of their indicative 2025 new overseas student commencements (NOSC) allocation will receive expedited processing.

• What counts as a NOSC?
  • An international student is usually considered a NOSC when they begin their first higher education or VET course at a particular institution, or when they start a course at a new provider.
• When is a student not counted as an additional NOSC?
  • If they move between courses within the same provider.
  • If they progress directly from one course to another at the same institution without a gap.

Once an education provider reaches 80% of its NOSC threshold, further student visa applications associated with that provider will be handled as standard priority.

Certain applicants are always placed in the high-priority category, including:

1. School students.
2. Students in the non-award sector (e.g., short-term exchange programs).
3. Independent ELICOS students.
4. Students enrolled at TAFE institutions or TAFE courses offered by Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory.
5. Students pursuing Aviation Pilot Training.
6. Students enrolled in postgraduate research programs.
7. Foreign Affairs students, Defence students, and individuals sponsored by the Commonwealth.
8. Students holding foreign government, Australian Government, or state/territory scholarships (criteria noted on the Department of Education’s website).
9. Students from certain regions in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
10. Students enrolled through Transnational Education partnerships (criteria specified on government websites).
11. Subsequent entrant applications for minors who are unmarried, under 18, and dependents of primary student visa applicants or holders (including their spouse or de facto partner).

No formal caps have been instituted. Earlier proposals for a student cap were not approved by Parliament. The Government remains committed to responsible growth in international education, maintaining Australia’s reputation for excellence and ensuring an outstanding experience for all students.

Only those applying for a student visa from outside of Australia will come under the new rules. If you’ve lodged an application that has not yet been finalized, it will now be assessed under Ministerial Direction 111.

It’s crucial to submit your student visa application as soon as you can, including all required documents and information. Missing or incorrect paperwork can cause delays or even lead to a refusal. Our Registered Migration agents can help you with you student application, please click [here] for a free consultation.

Remember, fulfilling all other visa requirements remains essential to obtaining approval.