Key Takeaways:
- Education reforms in Australia have shifted since 2024, with the proposed ESOS Amendment Bill replaced by a broader managed-growth approach for international education.
- CRICOS RTOs need to plan around the 2026 National Planning Level of 295,000 new international student commencements, while recognising that visa processing settings may have an equally significant impact on recruitment.
- Australian migration policy changes continue to place greater emphasis on provider integrity, including closer scrutiny of marketing, recruitment, course duration, student support and genuine training delivery.
- CRICOS application restrictions introduced in May 2026 affect many new provider registrations and course additions, making realistic capacity planning and operational readiness more important.
- CRICOS RTOs can respond by diversifying revenue, strengthening recruitment oversight, tracking student outcomes, improving retention and updating internal systems to stay resilient as policy settings continue to evolve.
As part of Australian migration policy changes, the government has introduced reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity and sustainability of international education. If passed and implemented, these changes affect how CRICOS RTOs operate. In this blog, we explore what these reforms entail and how CRICOS-registered RTOs can effectively respond to changes in the international education sector.
What’s Changed in 2026?
Since this article was first published, Australia’s approach to international education reform has changed significantly. The proposed ESOS Amendment Bill of 2024 did not proceed, so the provider-level enrolment caps and several other powers discussed below were not introduced through that legislation.
The government has since moved towards a broader managed-growth approach. This includes National Planning Levels for new international student commencements, changes to student visa processing settings and stronger measures focused on provider integrity.
For CRICOS RTOs, the current environment includes:
- Managed Growth Settings: The 2026 National Planning Level is 295,000 new international student commencements. This is a sector-wide planning setting rather than the provider-cap framework proposed in 2024.
- Visa Processing Settings: Student visa processing priorities continue to affect international recruitment and may have a greater practical impact on some providers than a formal enrolment limit.
- CRICOS Application Restrictions: From 19 May 2026, many applications for new CRICOS provider registration and additions of new courses were temporarily paused for 12 months.
- Stronger Integrity Oversight: Recruitment, marketing, course duration, assessment integrity, recognition of prior learning, student support and genuine training delivery remain under close regulatory attention.
For a detailed explanation of the current National Planning Level and international student settings, read our guide to Australia’s cap on international students.
How do education reforms in Australia impact CRICOS RTOs?
The proposed ESOS Amendment Bill of 2024 will set allocations for the maximum number of new international student enrolments that education providers can offer.
This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to manage growth and strengthen the integrity, quality and sustainability of Australia’s international education sector. Here are some of the proposed measures that CRICOS RTOs should be aware of:
- Restrictions on Business Ownership: Providers will no longer be allowed to own agent businesses, protecting students from business motives that don’t align with their educational goals or financial capabilities.
- New Applications on Hold: Applications from new international education providers will be allowed, but applications to register new courses from existing providers to be paused for periods of up to 12 months.
- Track Record Documentation: New providers seeking CRICOS registration could be required to demonstrate a track record of quality education delivery to domestic students before being permitted to recruit international students.
- Cancellation of Dormant Registrations: Inactive registrations will be cancelled to prevent unscrupulous parties from taking advantage and using these as market-entry tools.
- Restrictions During Regulatory Investigations: Providers under serious regulatory investigation could be prevented from recruiting new international students.
- Education Agent Data: The reforms would also support greater sharing of information relating to education agents.
- Agent Commission Bans for Student Transfers: To prevent unethical student ‘poaching’, agent commissions for student transfers between providers will be prohibited.
For more details on upcoming education reforms in Australia and their impact on education providers across the board, you can read the press release here.
How can your CRICOS RTO navigate Australian migration policy changes?
These proposed education reforms in Australia can alter how CRICOS RTOs operate, but these are meant to safeguard migrant students and the VET sector. Here are a few ways your organisation can navigate these changes:
Expanding Revenue Streams
With possible limits on future international enrolments being considered, CRICOS RTOs can look at ways to strengthen domestic enrolments and reduce reliance on a single student market. Flexible learning options may also help broaden your reach, provided any online or blended delivery for student visa holders continues to meet the relevant CRICOS requirements.
Modernising Recruitment Strategies
This is a good opportunity to strengthen your own recruitment channels through digital marketing, education fairs, conferences and alumni networks. It is also worth reviewing your education agent arrangements to make sure your recruitment practices remain ethical, transparent and well managed.
Documenting Student Outcomes
If you haven’t already built a clear process for tracking student outcomes and success rates, now may be the right time to start. Better records can help your RTO understand what is working, identify areas for improvement and show the value of your training.
Improving Student Retention
By focusing on student satisfaction, support and retention, your organisation can build a more stable student base and improve the overall learning experience. This may include reviewing academic support, wellbeing services and the help available to students who need extra assistance.
Optimising Operations
With the government considering tighter controls around provider registrations, new courses and international student growth, this may also be a useful time to review your systems and internal processes. Updating outdated workflows or adopting better technology could help your RTO save time and respond more easily to future changes.
By adopting innovative strategies and continuing to focus on providing quality training, CRICOS RTOs can thrive amid education reforms in Australia and keep the country relevant in a competitive global education market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a National Planning Level and a provider enrolment cap?
A National Planning Level sets a broader target for new international student commencements across the sector. It does not automatically give each CRICOS RTO a fixed enrolment allocation, so providers still need to consider visa processing settings, student demand and their own delivery capacity.
Which government updates should CRICOS RTOs monitor?
CRICOS RTOs should monitor the Department of Education for international education policy, the Department of Home Affairs for student visa changes and ASQA for regulatory guidance. Checking official sources helps providers distinguish confirmed requirements from proposed education reforms in Australia.
How can Australian migration policy changes affect student recruitment?
Australian migration policy changes can influence visa eligibility, processing priorities, financial requirements and student demand. CRICOS RTOs should avoid relying on historical enrolment patterns alone and regularly review source markets, recruitment forecasts and student suitability processes.
Should CRICOS RTOs change their operations when a reform is first announced?
Not necessarily. Providers should first confirm whether the change has passed into law, when it commences and which organisations it affects. Acting too early can create unnecessary disruption, while acting too late may leave insufficient time to update systems, staff guidance and student communications.
How can CRICOS RTOs prepare for future policy uncertainty?
CRICOS RTOs can build resilience by maintaining realistic enrolment forecasts, diversifying student markets and reviewing staffing, facilities and support capacity. Clear internal responsibility for monitoring education reforms in Australia can also help providers respond consistently when new requirements are confirmed.
Overcoming Temporary Challenges for Long-Term Success
It can be a challenge to navigate Australian migration policy changes. However, the changes were intended to strengthen quality, integrity and sustainability across the international education sector. By adapting to these reforms, you contribute to nationwide efforts to enhance Australia’s appeal as a high-quality education destination.
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