Ministerial Direction 111 Boosts Stability, But VET Sector Stalls

Understanding Australia’s Evolving Student Visa Landscape

Australia’s student visa system is always changing, and it’s important for prospective international students to keep up. In recent months, some developments have made a noticeable difference. Let’s break down what’s been happening and what it means for you.

What’s New with Visa Processing?

With the implementation of Ministerial Direction 111 (MD 111) late last year, changes have rolled out that affect how student visas are processed. This new directive shifts the focus back to how many students each education provider can accept, created to help manage student flows across the country.

Now, visa applications are prioritised until a provider hits 80% of its cap for new international students, known as the Net Overseas Student Commencement Number (NOSC). This means processing times are becoming more predictable, mirroring the efficiency seen before the disruptions of the pandemic.

Mike Ferguson from Charles Sturt University remarked that the recent improvements have led to more consistent processing times. “It’s a lot more predictable now, unlike last year when decisions seemed random,” he noted. This is certainly good news if you’re thinking about applying for a student visa.

The State of Education Providers

However, the situation isn’t entirely rosy. Statistics reveal that the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, which includes TAFE institutions, is lagging behind higher education in terms of reaching their National Planning Levels (NPL). As of August 2025, the higher education sector was around 83% of its cap, while VET sat at just 60%. This discrepancy raises questions about the appeal of courses in vocational training.

Ravi Lochan Singh from Global Reach suggested that more VET visas should be issued to attract students, especially from countries like India, where interest in TAFE has noticeably declined.

Concerns About Potential Changes

Topics of concern at industry conferences include a proposal that may ban onshore agent commissions, which could restrict international students from freely switching educational providers after arriving in Australia. It’s vital to consider that many students may need to change universities or colleges for legitimate reasons.

Industry experts, including Melanie Macfarlane from MM Migration and Recruitment, shared experiences of increased visa refusals in recent years, making it clear that confusion and unpredictability in decision-making persist. “I’ve never seen as many student visa refusals attached to my licence as I have in this last one to two years,” she expressed, highlighting the challenges faced by applicants.

Future Legislative Changes

The sector is also looking forward to the incoming Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislation. This will not impose strict caps but may introduce measures intended to prevent students from switching courses too often, a practice known as “course-hopping.” While some see this as necessary, others urge for a collaborative approach instead of imposing more restrictions.

Ferguson emphasised the need for the government to consult the education sector more effectively, ensuring that any new measures are mindful of real-world impacts. “While there are good intentions, some policies could yield unintended consequences for regional universities,” he warned.

The Path Forward

In summary, while the Australian student visa landscape is evolving towards more stable and predictable times, significant challenges remain. For prospective students, especially those considering VET courses, it is crucial to stay informed and prepared for the requirements of the visa process.

As you explore your options, remember that understanding these changes will help you navigate your journey to studying in Australia more smoothly.

What do you think?

Have a question about this topic or your own plans to move to Australia or New Zealand? Scroll down and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.

Thinking about moving to Australia?

Join our free and supportive community at Oz Visa Forum.
Post in our forums to get advice and support from people who’ve already made the move.

Not sure where to start? Click here to get started