Australia’s government has announced a new policy limiting international student enrolments for 2025. The National Planning Level (NPL) will restrict new commencements to 270,000 across higher education and vocational education sectors, excluding schools and standalone English-language providers.   The NPL aims to bring international student numbers back to pre-pandemic levels, with the government asserting that it will restore industry balance and manage growth effectively. However, leaders in the higher education sector have strongly criticized the move. They warn that the cap. along with recent changes to immigration rules, will damage the industry and the broader Australian economy for years to come.