The University of Sydney has been denied its request for additional international student enrolments in 2026, making it the only university among 32 that sought extra places not to receive any, the federal government announced on Tuesday.
The government allocated 295,000 places for new international student enrolments next year, after its attempt to cap new student places at 270,000 failed in parliament last year. The University of Sydney will retain the highest intake in the country with 11,900 enrolments, but was refused extra places due to lacking “realistic plans” for diversifying its student cohort, a lack of “genuine commitment” to south-east Asian engagement, and insufficient evidence of investment in new housing.
Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill stated that engaging with south-east Asia is in Australia’s national interest, and the 2026 allocations recognise universities demonstrating focus on the region. The University of Sydney vice-president Kirsten Andrews said the institution is committed to building a more diverse student community, noting increases from India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Pakistan and Africa, and that discussions with the government are ongoing.
Overall visa applications are down 26% this year compared with last year. The government has said universities building more student accommodation have received increased allocations. Monash University in Melbourne received the second highest number of places at 11,300, while regional institutions secured the largest percentage increases.
Despite the failure to pass enrolment cap legislation, the 2026 national planning level remains 8% below the post-Covid peak. Education Minister Jason Clare introduced legislation on 9 October to strengthen integrity in the international education sector, targeting unscrupulous operators.
