The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced a significant update regarding the processing of offshore Student Visa (Subclass 500) applications.
Effective 14 November 2025, Ministerial Direction 115 (MD 115) will revoke and replace Ministerial Direction 111 (MD 111). This new direction introduces a three-tier priority system to ensure a more structured and efficient approach to student visa processing.
Overview of Ministerial Direction 115
Ministerial Direction 115 outlines how the Department will prioritise offshore student visa applications. The priority level is determined at the time of lodgement and does not influence the visa outcome. Instead, it affects how quickly the application will begin processing.
Priority 1 – Highest Priority (Processing Commences Within 1 to 4 Weeks)
The highest priority will be given to applications from:
- School students
- Non-award sector students, including short-term exchange students
- Standalone ELICOS students
- Students enrolled with a TAFE provider (including identified TAFE courses at Charles Darwin University)
- Students enrolled in recognised pilot training courses
- Postgraduate research (PhD) students
- Students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Department of Defence
- Students receiving foreign or Australian government scholarships
- Transnational education students
- Students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste
- Subsequent entrants where the application includes a minor (a child under 18 years of age)
Priority 2 – Moderate Priority (Processing Commences Within 5 to 8 Weeks)
Applications in this category include:
- Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) students whose education providers have reached 80% of their New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) allocation in 2025
- Subsequent entrants without a minor
Priority 3 – Lowest Priority (Processing Commences Within 9 to 12 Weeks)
This category applies to:
- Higher Education and VET students whose providers have exceeded their NOSC allocation by 15% or more
Implementation Details
- Ministerial Direction 115 applies to all offshore Student Visa (Subclass 500) applications lodged on or after 14 November 2025.
- Ministerial Direction 111 will continue to apply to any offshore Student Visa (Subclass 500) lodged and not finally determined before 14 November 2025.
Applicants and education providers are encouraged to review the full Ministerial Direction on the Department of Home Affairs website for more detailed information, including how packaged courses will be assessed under the new framework.
How EMK Global Can Help
At EMK Global, we specialise in providing expert guidance for students aspiring to study in Australia. Our experienced team helps applicants understand eligibility requirements, prepare complete documentation, and submit strong visa applications in line with the latest government directions.
If you are planning to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) from overseas, our consultants can assist you with every step of the process.
Contact EMK Global today to book a consultation and receive up-to-date support for your Australian student visa journey.