Great news if you’re applying to study in Australia from Southeast Asia! Australia has just opened up further with its international student cap set to increase from 2026, with an extra 25,000 places allowed for university enrolment.
For Southeast Asian students who have faced tougher global competition recently for limited spots in their dream Australian universities, this update prioritising this region offers more study opportunities than before.
Now’s the time to start preparing if you’re aiming for a spot in the popular February intake. With applications opening from August 2025, set yourself up for success with a practical checklist and timely IELTS preparation.
How many international students can study in Australia in 2026?
According to the recent update by the Australian Government, Australia has increased its 2026 international student cap to 295,000 for 2026, a 9% increase from 2025.
Two-thirds of these spots will go to higher education providers including universities, with the remainder allocated to vocational education.
The Australian government initially set out to curb “out of control” migration over the past two years, and has now shifted to a soft cap system in 2026 after earlier measures to limit enrolments have helped set student numbers on a more sustainable path.
More Southeast Asian students welcome in Australia
Australia wants to attract more students from Southeast Asia in 2026 as part of the government’s long-term plan to deepen ties with the region.
To enroll more international students under the new student visa policy, universities in Australia will need to have stronger ties to Southeast Asia and show a capacity to provide safe and secure housing for all students, including international students.
Australia sees how international education can contribute to greater benefits - think academic and cultural exchanges, and stronger economic cooperation.
Is 2026 the best time to study in Australia?
Additional places will be set aside for applicants from Southeast Asia in 2026. If you’re applying to an Australian university from any country in Southeast Asia, you may be one of their priority candidates and receive an offer sooner.
Australia’s Minister for Education Jason Clare assures greater certainty for international students as they continue “delivering a high-quality educational experience, while addressing national priorities.”
How will this change affect IELTS test takers and international students?
Application submission for the February 2026 intake is already underway up till November/December 2025. Prepare your documents in advance and make sure you’re taking an English test accepted for the Australian study visa.
To access Australia’s world-class universities and gain a better chance of having your student visa approved, you should meet the application criteria, apply early and take note of further changes in Australian immigration rules for students.
The current Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111), an orderly approach to process your student visa quicker, will be updated later to reflect 2026 changes with the same principles.
English test requirements still essential for Australia
Students applying for Australian universities still need to meet minimum IELTS requirements. IELTS Academic remains the primary English proficiency requirement for both student visa applications and university admissions.
It’s certain that Australia will continue to manage the growth of its international education sector. You can show your full potential for study or work in Australia by taking IELTS with IDP and achieving a strong IELTS score to help your application stand out.
Steps to prepare early and get ahead
Look up your preferred institutions and courses - start your search with IDP
Know Australia’s latest student visa requirements
Book your IELTS Academic test, either on computer or paper-based
Check the IELTS band score needed for Australia universities
Learn key techniques to score high on IELTS by IDP Prep Hub
Submit your university application early to qualify for high-priority visa processing
IELTS continues to be trusted by Australian immigration
Feel confident pursuing your goals with IELTS!
IDP Education has renewed its agreement with Australian Department of Home Affairs, confirming IELTS as the trusted English test for Australian visa applications.
“For more than two decades, IELTS has supported skilled migration and international education to Australia,” said Simon Emmett, Chief Partner Officer at IDP. “This renewed agreement is a strong endorsement of the integrity, quality, and security of IELTS.”
IELTS One Skill Retake is still accepted for most visa subclasses, including the Subclass 500 student visa, so you have greater flexibility and support on your application journey.