Proposed international student caps

The Australian Government has announced changes to international student enrolments that are likely to take effect from Semester 1, 2025. This proposal aims to place a cap on the number of international students across all higher education institutions.

Message to our students and community

The University of Sydney is firmly against these proposed international student caps and highly values the enormous contributions of international students to our campuses and to the wider community.

While the University continues to argue that this public policy should be abandoned, we must assess the potential impact on our students and community and prepare for how we will comply with the proposed legislation.

We will keep you informed about the latest developments regarding these changes and will provide updates on this page as new information becomes available.

Currently enrolled international students at the University of Sydney

Frequently asked questions relevant to currently enrolled international students at the University of Sydney.

As a current student, you will not be impacted and will be able to continue your studies as planned. The proposed caps apply to new international commencing students from 2025 onwards and do not impact existing students who are currently enrolled at the University of Sydney.

The proposed international student caps will not impact you as a current University of Sydney student transferring between courses. You can view information relating to changing your course on the current student website.

The proposed international student caps will not impact you as a current University of Sydney student who will commence another degree at the University within 12 months of completing your current degree. If you are a current student who is soon to graduate and would like to discuss enrolling in another degree at the University, email our team who will be able to assist you.

Conditional and unconditional offer holders

Frequently asked questions relevant to international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study at the University of Sydney.

Students who have a valid unconditional offer to the University of Sydney are strongly encouraged to accept their offer as soon as possible. The University may be required to withdraw offers that have not been accepted if available places are filled or to comply with government regulations. Conditional offer holders are encouraged to act quickly when meeting the conditions of their offer.

Applicants who have submitted an application for a course which is close to reaching its proposed enrolment limit may be notified they have been placed on a waitlist. Be assured that your application will be considered in any round of offers that occurs, and we will update you on your status as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee students on a waitlist will receive an offer, and as a result, cannot guarantee a timeframe on when a prospective offer may be issued.

Firstly, ensure you have provided all the supporting documentation with your credit recognition application. Your application will be assessed in due course and if successful, a new offer will be issued to you. Whilst awaiting the outcome, take the time to get everything ready for your offer acceptance. Once you receive your offer, accept it as soon as possible. The University cannot hold a place for you while your credit recognition application is under assessment. If you would like to cancel your credit recognition application in order to accept your offer, see the question below.

To secure your place, it is possible to cancel your credit recognition application. This would allow you to accept your offer. Once you have accepted your offer you can then re-apply for credit recognition.

  • Applicants who have not yet submitted their credit application can log into the Sydney Student Student Portal to cancel their application.
  • Applicants who have already submitted a credit application and are awaiting an outcome, can cancel their credit recognition application by contacting us.
  • For any other advice around credit applications, ask a question online or phone 1800 SYD UNI (1800 793 864) or +61 2 8627 1444 (outside Australia).

The duration of your degree may be impacted by the outcome of your credit application assessment. Any students considering cancelling their credit application to accept their course application should seek advice from their agent in relation to fees and visas before deciding on this option.

The University of Sydney is committed to accommodating deferral requests where possible. Applicants can submit a deferral request for the next available intake. However, an offer cannot be guaranteed.

We urge any student who is considering deferring to do so as soon as possible to ensure they can secure a place in the next available semester for their course. You can do this via your Sydney Student Student Portal. Email us if you have any queries regarding deferrals.

Future international students

Frequently asked questions relevant to international students who are considering applying to study at the University of Sydney.

Enrolment limits for international students have been proposed by the Australian Government as part of the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 (ESOS Bill 2024). The proposed legislation will give the government new powers to regulate education providers and stricter requirements around student recruitment. The legislation is currently before the Senate. If passed, it is expected the ESOS Bill 2024 will come into effect on 1 January 2025. You can read more about the Bill on the government’s website.

There are currently no changes to the admission process for international students. However, the admission process has always been competitive. The University of Sydney is working through the information provided by the Australian Government on the proposed international enrolment limits. In the meantime, be sure that you are familiar with the entry and admission requirements below:

No, the University of Sydney has taken all packaged offers into consideration. Your place in your degree will be secure as long as you meet the conditions of your packaged offer. Students who do not meet the conditions may be offered an alternative course if places are available. 

The government is continuing to finalise the details; however, we know that some students will be exempt from the proposed international student caps. If you meet the exemption criteria, we encourage you to apply as applications will remain open. The current exemptions include:

  • Current students at the University of Sydney and graduates within a maximum 12-month period since completion of previous candidature with the University
  • Higher degree by research students
  • Non-student visa holders
  • Study abroad and exchange students
  • Australian Government sponsored scholars; other Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Defence-sponsored students
  • Students from the Pacific and Timor Leste
  • Non-award study students

The Australian Government is yet to define these categories in full, we will update this list once more information becomes available.
 

Further information

We will update this page once more information becomes available. If you’re unsure whether your application is exempt from the international student caps, please contact us.