On 19 December 2024, the Australian Government introduced Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111), replacing the previous MD107. This new framework aims to create a fairer and more streamlined visa process for international students, ensuring equity among education providers and offering clarity to the international education sector.
Key Updates:
- New Priority Framework:
- Visa applications are now prioritised based on education providers’ utilisation of their indicative caps (below 80%).
- Levels (1, 2, or 3) now only influence documentation requirements, not processing speeds or approval rates.
- Impact on Colleges:
- Larger-cap colleges are likely to see faster visa processing due to greater cap availability.
- Smaller-cap colleges may experience slower processing once they exceed the 80% threshold.
- Focus on Offshore Students:
- MD111 applies exclusively to offshore student visa applications.
Positive Outcomes for 2025
MD111 stabilises the international education sector following years of challenges, including COVID-19 disruptions and uncertainty under MD107. The new direction ensures a balanced approach to visa prioritisation, supporting education providers and enhancing the experience for international students.
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