• Australia raises the foreign student cap by 9% to 295,000 for 2026, with a focus on Southeast Asia.
• Nearly 600,000 student visas were issued in 2023 as international students return post-COVID-19.
• Two-thirds of new places will go to universities and one-third to vocational training sectors.
• New visa regulations aim to ensure quality housing and education for international students.
• The policy is part of Australia's strategy to enhance relations with Southeast Asia and reduce reliance on China.

Australia will increase its cap on foreign students from 270,000 to 295,000 for the coming year, with a clear emphasis on prioritizing applicants from Southeast Asia, according to thejakartapost. This adjustment forms part of a broader strategy initiated last year to control high migration levels that have led to soaring housing prices. An additional 25,000 student places are planned for 2026 as part of this policy.

The Australian government granted nearly 600,000 student visas in the 2023 financial year, highlighting a significant rebound of international students returning to the country post-COVID-19. Most foreign students hail from China and India, with the demand reflecting a recovery in the education sector. Education Minister Jason Clare emphasized that the objective of this increase is to align international education growth with the national interest while providing a suitable experience for students and universities, as noted by SCMP and Indiatimes.

According to remarks from International Education Assistant Minister Julian Hill, the government's decisions to limit migrant numbers have been effective, allowing for a modest increase despite previous caps that were deemed "out of control." Approximately two-thirds of the 295,000 places will be allocated to public universities, with further provisions made for vocational education providers, as highlighted by Channel News Asia and Indiatimes.

To bolster future growth, larger public universities must ensure access to safe housing for students while increasing recruitment efforts for students from Southeast Asia. Future educational policies emphasize the role of international students in enhancing Australia's soft power in the region, in line with the government’s objectives, reflecting the commitment described by education sector leaders and the government alike, according to thejakartapost and SCMP.