Australia’s Top Universities Limit International Student Intake for 2025

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has confirmed a temporary halt on international student admissions for the 2025 academic year. This change will place prospective students on a waiting list, with available spots to be offered progressively for programs that still have capacity.

This decision comes as a response to the Australian Government’s upcoming amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. These changes, which aim to regulate the number of international student enrollments in Australia, are set to take effect in 2025.

New Enrollment Caps for UNSW

In line with the government’s policy, UNSW will face a reduction in the number of new international students it can enroll in 2025, with the cap set at 9,500—representing a 14% decrease from the previous year’s intake. The university has previously accepted over 17,000 international students in 2024, and this sharp decline highlights the significant impact of the new enrollment restrictions.

To manage this reduction, UNSW will prioritize admissions through a merit-based waitlist system. Offers will be extended gradually for programs with remaining availability, ensuring the institution remains within its enrollment limits. This move aims to prevent surpassing the cap while maintaining the university's reputation for excellence and demand from prospective students.

Wider Impact on Australian Universities

UNSW is not alone in taking precautionary measures ahead of the new government regulations. Other institutions, such as the Australian Catholic University, have already announced a halt to international admissions for 2025 due to reaching their own enrollment caps.

The ESOS amendment bill, which will be debated in the Australian Senate on November 18, seeks to reduce the number of international students at 15 of Australia's 38 public universities, including prestigious institutions like the Australian National University and the University of Melbourne. If passed, the bill will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Ongoing Popularity of Australia as an Education Destination

Despite these restrictions, Australia remains a highly sought-after destination for international students. According to recent data from the Department of Education, nearly 944,000 international students were enrolled in Australian institutions as of July 2024, reflecting a 14% year-over-year increase. Notably, Vietnam ranks as the fifth-largest source of international students in Australia, with over 44,000 students enrolled.

As these changes unfold, international students will need to stay informed about potential shifts in admissions policies and quotas, especially at top Australian universities.