The Australian Government has introduced a new directive aimed at improving the processing of offshore Student visa applications. Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111), effective from 19 December 2024, replaces the previously enacted Ministerial Direction 107 (MD107). This blog unpacks what MD111 means for international students and education providers in Australia.
Revocation of MD107
Ministerial Direction 107 was introduced to address high volumes of offshore Student visa applications and support providers with strong recruitment practices. However, it was found to unevenly impact education providers, creating disparities in the processing experience. As a result, MD107 was officially revoked on 18 December 2024, paving the way for a fairer and more streamlined approach under MD111.
What Is Ministerial Direction 111?
MD111 establishes a new prioritisation framework for processing offshore Student visa applications lodged on or after 19 December 2024. It aims to create a balanced and equitable approach across all education provider types, including regional and smaller providers. MD111 is designed to:
Support the integrity and sustainability of Australia’s international education sector.
Ensure fair processing for providers across diverse locations and sectors.
Promote timely visa outcomes for students planning to begin their studies in Semester 1, 2025.
Key Features of MD111:
Priority Categories:
Priority 1 – High: Applies to applications linked to higher education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers who have not reached their prioritisation threshold.
Priority 2 – Standard: Applies once a provider reaches its prioritisation threshold or for other offshore Student visa applications.
Prioritisation Threshold: This is set at 80% of a provider’s indicative allocation of new overseas student commencements for 2025.
No Caps or Criteria Change: MD111 is not a cap on the number of visas issued nor does it alter the criteria for visa approval or refusal. The directive solely governs processing priorities.
Who Qualifies for Priority 1 Processing?
Under MD111, Priority 1 – High processing applies to:
Offshore Student visa applications linked to higher education and VET providers below the 80% threshold for new overseas student commencements.
Students in specific categories, including:
Schools sector.
Higher Degree by Research students.
Scholarship recipients.
TAFE students.
Students from the Pacific region and Timor-Leste.
Priority 2 – Standard processing applies to providers who have reached their prioritisation threshold, subsequent entrants, and other offshore Student visa applications.
Advice for Prospective Students
The Department of Home Affairs encourages all intending students to lodge their visa applications as early as possible, ensuring all required information is complete at the time of submission. This will help facilitate smooth processing and reduce delays.
Stakeholder Engagement
The development of MD111 reflects extensive consultation with the international education sector. Ongoing communication includes webinars, discussions with education peak bodies, website updates, and social media outreach. These efforts aim to keep providers and students well-informed about the new arrangements.
Why MD111 Matters
MD111 represents the Australian Government’s commitment to fostering an equitable and efficient visa processing system. By balancing the needs of various provider types and ensuring prioritisation for critical student cohorts, MD111 enhances the integrity and quality of Australia’s international education sector.
For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs’ official announcement on MD111.
Contact Us for Support
If you have questions about how MD111 may affect your visa application or need assistance lodging your application, our team of immigration experts is here to help. Contact us today to ensure a seamless and stress-free application process
The information provided in this newsletter is for general purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Content may be subject to change. For professional advice tailored to your circumstances, please consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or a qualified lawyer before submitting any application.
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