Under a new national framework, Australia will raise its cap to 295,000 international student placements for 2026 - a 9% increase from the 270,000 slots allocated in 2025.

Significantly, public universities in Australia will be allowed to apply for expanded international enrollment for 2026 by demonstrating stronger engagement with Southeast Asia through training programs, partnerships, satellite campuses, alumni networks, and scholarships.

Universities are also required to provide additional student accommodation to ensure safe and adequate housing for both domestic and international students.

This move aligns with Australia’s "Invested" strategy - its Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 - which encourages deeper educational ties with the region.

Australia is currently the third most popular study destination for Vietnamese students, hosting over 33,000 Vietnamese learners. Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Gillian Bird, welcomed the announcement and emphasized: “This is exciting news for Vietnamese students seeking access to Australia’s world-class education institutions.”

According to Ambassador Bird, education has long been a foundational element of the Vietnam-Australia relationship, and new efforts to increase student numbers will help further strengthen people-to-people ties and spur future investment in Vietnam.

PV