Australia's University Student Caps: International Student Allocations for 2025

As Australia implements its new international student enrollment caps in 2025. The Department of Education has released indicative student profiles (ISPs) for public universities, giving us insight into how many international students each institution can accept.

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Key Numbers for Major Universities

Here are the 2025 international student commencement allocations for some of Australia's leading institutions:

Group of Eight Universities

University	2023 ISP Cap	2025 ISP Cap	% Change (2023-2025)
University of Sydney	12,790	11,900	-7%
University of Melbourne	10,000	9,300	-7%
University of New South Wales	11,075	9,500	-14%
Monash University	8,310	10,000	+20%
University of Queensland	7,040	7,050	0%
Australian National University	3,972	3,400	-14%
University of Western Australia	2,742	3,000	+9%
University of Adelaide	3,155	3,800	+20%

Other Major Universities

University	2023 NOSC	2025 ISP Cap	% Change (2023-2025)
RMIT University	6,409	6,600	+3%
Deakin University	5,448	5,800	+6%
University of Technology Sydney	4,779	4,800	0%
Macquarie University	4,556	4,500	-1%
Queensland University of Tech	4,618	4,500	-3%
Swinburne University of Tech	4,681	4,500	-4%
La Trobe University	4,095	4,100	0%
University of Wollongong	4,042	3,700	-8%
Griffith University	3,817	3,700	-3%
Edith Cowan University	3,722	3,600	-3%
Victoria University	4,046	3,600	-11%
Western Sydney University	3,461	3,400	-2%
Murdoch University	5,272	3,500	-34%
Curtin University	3,646	3,500	-4%
University of South Australia	2,676	3,050	+14%
Flinders University	2,692	3,000	+11%
University of Canberra	1,422	1,500	+5%

Regional Universities

University	2023 NOSC	2025 ISP Cap	% Change (2023-2025)
Central Queensland University	2,948	3,000	+2%
University of Tasmania	1,746	2,200	+26%
Charles Darwin University	1,997	2,200	+10%
James Cook University	1,962	2,200	+12%
Australian Catholic University	1,580	1,700	+8%
University of Newcastle	1,565	1,600	+2%
Southern Cross University	939	1,300	+38%
University of Sunshine Coast	578	1,200	+108%
Federation University Australia	2,306	1,100	-52%
Charles Sturt University	162	1,000	+517%
University of Southern Queensland	998	1,000	0%
University of New England	681	700	+3%
University of Notre Dame Australia	292	700	+140%

Note: NOSC = New Overseas Student Commencements; ISP = International Student Profile

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What This Means for Students

Understanding the Numbers

• The caps represent the maximum number of new international student commencements each university can accept in 2025

• These numbers are similar to 2023 levels for many institutions

• For some universities, there are significant changes in their proposed international student intake

  
  

Impact on Different Universities

• Regional universities are expected to see higher number of international student arrivals

• Some universities with historically high international student concentrations may see reductions

What Should You Do?

1. Start Early

   • Begin your application process well in advance

   • Research multiple universities and their specific caps

   • Consider both metropolitan and regional options

     
     

2. Seek Professional Guidance

   • Work with Skill Abroad to understand your options

   • Get help with strategic university selection based on these new caps

     
     

3. Keep Informed

   • Stay updated on any changes to these indicative numbers

   • Monitor university-specific policies and requirements

   
   

Conclusion

While these caps introduce new considerations into the university selection process, they shouldn't discourage your Australian study plans. With proper planning and guidance, there are still excellent opportunities available across Australia's higher education sector.

Need help navigating these changes? Contact Skill Abroad for personalized guidance on your Australian education journey.

Source: Department of Education