Important update regarding Student visa to Australia !

 

The Australian Government has introduced Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111), which took effect on 19 December 2024, replacing the previous MD107. This direction applies to on-hand and new offshore Student visa applications (Subclass 500) and establishes a priority system for processing these applications.

 

Priority-Based Processing

Priority 1 – High processing is allocated to Student visa applications tied to providers in the higher education and vocational education and training (VET) sectors that have not reached their prioritisation threshold.

Once the provider exceeds the threshold (80% of their 2025 indicative allocation for new overseas student commencements as determined by PRISMS), processing shifts to Priority 2 – Standard.

 

Priority 1 applies to applications from providers below the prioritisation threshold. It also includes schools, higher degree by research students, TAFE students, ELICOS Providers, scholarship recipients, and students from Pacific nations and Timor-Leste.

 

Apparently this is Not a Cap

As per the Ministers, MD111 is not a cap on visa numbers nor a criterion for approval or refusal. All applications must still meet the relevant visa requirements, however how they will be assessed is not yet determined.

 

What intending students should do now?

– Apply Early

– Provide Complete Information

– Align your studies with your future plans

Intending students, their agents and providers are encouraged to leverage this opportunity and plan their applications thoughtfully for a seamless experience.

 

For complete details, visit the official announcement on Ministerial Direction 111 https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1282# 

 

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