The Australian Government has introduced Ministerial Direction 115, effective 14 November 2025, replacing the previous Ministerial Direction 111. This new directive aims to balance the distribution of international students across universities and colleges in both regional and metropolitan areas, while ensuring fairer and more efficient visa processing for all institutions.
Why This Matters
Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill notes that the measure supports the government’s managed growth strategy, which has helped international education reach a sustainable and high-quality level. In 2025, student visa applications fell by 26%, and new commencements declined 16%, signaling a more balanced approach after years of rapid expansion.
How Students Benefit
Under the new rules:
Institutions that keep enrolments within their indicative allocations under the 2026 National Planning Level will receive higher visa-processing priority.
Smaller vocational education and training (VET) providers, especially in regional areas, will have improved access to enrolment allocations.
This means that students who carefully choose schools and regions aligned with their goals may enjoy smoother and faster visa processing.
Creating Opportunities Across Australia
The Department of Education emphasizes equitable distribution of visa-processing resources, ensuring no single institution dominates placements. This opens more doors for students to explore regional institutions, experience diverse communities, and benefit from personalized support at smaller campuses.
Information sessions in November and December 2025 will guide institutions and students on how the directive works, providing transparency and clarity for prospective international students.
Encouraging Smart Choices
Ministerial Direction 115 encourages strategic decision-making for students:
Consider both metropolitan and regional options.
Choose schools that match your academic goals and visa considerations.
Research programs and enrolment trends to increase your chances of timely visa approval.
By making informed choices, students can not only improve their visa success but also enjoy a richer, more rewarding study experience in Australia.
Consult Enhance Visa for Your Australian Student Visa
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Consult Enhance Visa to plan your Australian study journey, select the right school and region, and take the first step toward an exciting international education experience.
