“It’s very weird, I see a lot of people who launched a visa after me, like five or six months, they got the visa already … so I feel like, what happened to my visa?”

The government will issue a new ministerial direction to outline conditions for visa approvals and institution quotas under the National Planning Level, which will allow a total of 295,000 places.

Australian Education Minister Jason Clare says 295,000 international students will be offered placements in 2026. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Judy is unsure what the news means for her, but is concerned that the extra spots will be filled by master’s and undergraduate students, not those who do research.

SBS News understands that there is no restriction on the level of qualification for the additional 25,000 places, meaning PhD applicants will be considered.

International students torn about applying to Australia

“First you’re waiting every morning, you open your phone, check your email. Nothing, nothing, nothing. You’re angry.”

Genming Zhang says he has spent around $60,000, including my housing expenses, transportation, and living costs in Sydney since February. Source: Supplied

In response to a complaint to Home Affairs, he was told to wait. He now says he feels helpless and that there is “nothing” he can do.

He says he has spent around $60,000, including my housing expenses, transportation, and living costs in Sydney since February.

However, Nishidhar Borra, president of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India, said the government’s changes could attract students amid global uncertainty.