The Australian Government is increasing the number of international student places in Australia next year as well as introducing new measures to boost the number of students from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.
Under the new framework, a National Planning Level of 295,000 international student places will be introduced for 2026. This represents a 9% increase from 270,000 places in 2025.
Supporting partnerships with Vietnam and Southeast Asia
Significantly, Australia’s public universities will be able to apply to increase their international student allocations for 2026, by demonstrating an increased engagement with Southeast Asia, through their education offerings, partnerships, campuses, alumni and scholarships.
The universities will also be required to provide additional student accommodation to ensure both domestic and international students have access to safe and secure student housing.
The Australian Government is encouraging universities to deepen partnerships with Southeast Asia, consistent with the strategy Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
Opportunities for Vietnamese students
Australia is the third most popular destination for Vietnamese students studying overseas – with over 33,000 Vietnamese students in Australia.
The announcement has been welcomed by Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, HE Gillian Bird.
“This is great news for students from Vietnam wanting to gain a high-quality education at a world-class Australian education provider,” said Ambassador Bird.
“Education has long been a cornerstone of the relationship between Australia and Vietnam, and new efforts to boost the number of students will strengthen our people-to-people links and encourage more investment in Vietnam,” she said.
For more quotes from the Australian Education Minister Jason Clare and other Australian Ministers please see this media release.
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Ms Nguyen Le Trang, Senior Communications Officer
Tel: +84 24 3774 0216
Email: trangle.nguyen @dfat.gov.au