Thinking about studying in Australia in 2027? Good news first. The Government announced next year’s settings in July 2026, and while a few things cost more, there’s plenty of stability too. Here’s what’s changing and what it means for you.
Student numbers are staying steady
Australia has set its National Planning Level for 2027 at 295,000 new international students, the same as 2026. No provider will get a smaller allocation than it had this year.
Think of it as a queue. Your visa gets priority processing until your provider fills 80 per cent of its places. After that, applications are still accepted and simply move more slowly. Genuine students who meet the requirements can still be granted a visa.
TAFE, standalone English (ELICOS), research and school students sit outside the planning level, along with students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
Our advice is to apply early, especially if you’ve set your heart on a popular uni.
Yes, visas cost more now
On 1 July 2026, the Student visa fee went up from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500. Standalone English and some non-award courses pay a little less, at AUD 2,050. If you plan to stay and work after graduating, the Temporary Graduate (485) visa now costs AUD 5,750.
Case officers are also looking closely at the Genuine Student requirement, so take your time with your answers. Explain why you picked this course, this provider and Australia, and how it connects to your study, work and future plans. With fees this high, it really pays to get it right the first time.
TAFE and trades are having a moment
TAFE students are exempt from the planning level in 2027, which makes TAFE a smoother route for visa processing.
For Australians and permanent residents, Free TAFE is now permanent, with at least 100,000 free places funded every year from 2027 in areas like care, tech, hospitality and construction. Some visa holders qualify too, depending on the state.
If you enjoy hands-on work, a trade or care qualification is worth a serious look, and Australia still needs more tradies to meet its housing goals. Just check that your occupation lines up with the skills assessment and visa lists before you enrol.
Universities are getting a new funding system
From 1 January 2027, universities move to a new Managed Growth Funding system run by the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC). The Government expects it to create an extra 82,000 funded places for Australian students by 2035.
A law passed in October 2026 also lets ATEC decide how many international places each provider gets, within the overall planning level. Daily student life won’t change much, though the number of offers a uni can make each year might.
Plan your post-study work before you pick a course
The 485 visa is still a great way to gain Australian work experience, but the rules are tighter now. Most applicants need to be under 35. Bachelor’s and coursework master’s graduates generally get two years and research graduates get three. Vocational graduates get up to 18 months if their qualification links to an occupation on the skilled list, and studying regionally can earn you extra time.
So before you enrol, ask yourself how old you’ll be when you finish and where the course can take you.
AI is changing how you’re assessed
Most students use AI tools now, and universities have noticed. The regulator, TEQSA, moved to a stricter approach on AI from 2026, so expect more in-class tasks, presentations, oral exams and supervised tests.
Read your uni’s AI policy in your first week, and ask your lecturer if you’re unsure about a task. Getting it wrong can count as academic misconduct, and for international students that can affect your visa.
Quick FAQs
1. Is there a cap on international students in 2027?
There’s a planning level of 295,000 that works through visa processing priority. Genuine students can still be granted visas.
2. How much is the Student visa fee?
AUD 2,500 for most applicants since 1 July 2026. Fees are usually reviewed every 1 July, so check before you apply.
3. Can international students get Free TAFE?
Free TAFE is mainly for Australian citizens and permanent residents. Student visa holders generally pay full fees.
Let’s talk about your plans
Not sure which path suits you? Our team at New Edge can help you choose a course that fits your goals and prepare a strong visa application. Call 1300 515 163, message +61 426 226 166 or email contact@newedgecs.com.
New Edge Education and Migration. Suhani Gupta, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2518710. General information current at 28 October 2026, not personal advice.