AI-powered intelligence on Australian domestic and international education

The government announces restrictions on international students bringing dependants to Australia, with 70% of dependant visa grants going to applicants from Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Sri Lanka. The changes are expected to impact the sector's demand.

Australia's international student commencements fell to 474,255 in 2025 from 564,952 in 2024. Canada recorded a significant increase in new international graduate study permits in Q2 2026.

Legislation for a 15% pay rise for early childhood educators has passed, with over 80% of eligible services already receiving government payments. New Zealand's international education sector has surpassed its pre-pandemic peak in export earnings.

One Nation's pledge to slash international student numbers and EC English's global school closures are the top stories in this brief. The university sector has responded strongly to One Nation's policy, while EC English's collapse affects over 40,000 students worldwide.

The sector data shows a significant increase in domestic commencements, with 413,133 students starting courses this year. The visa refusal rates for Nepal and India are also highlighted as concerns.

Australian students' PISA scores have recorded their worst-ever results, with 15-year-olds performing roughly two years below those tested two decades ago. The government has identified digital screen reduction and maths curriculum reform as the next priorities following this week's PISA results.

Australia's PISA results show the country above the OECD average in all three domains, with significant gains in reading and maths. The education minister cites phonics reform as a key driver of these improvements.

The government's equity reform record and the Universities Accord legislation were outlined by Clare, with a 30% rise in university enrolment since taking office. The pending needs-based funding legislation would direct demand-driven per-student payments to universities enrolling lower-SES, First Nations, and regional students.

Australia's ELT student numbers dropped 10% in 2025, with a 35% decline in student weeks, as English Australia CEO Ian Aird highlighted the 'tyranny' of Australia's visa regime. BONARD director Ivana Bartosik warned of a third year of overall decline and urged matching source market to demand.

The Department of Education has suspended the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) course for international students, citing evidence of onshore transfers by non-genuine students. IDP Education is consolidating 15 student placement offices in India due to falling placement volumes and shifting visa policies.