Australia continues to be a top destination for Pakistani students seeking high-quality education. As part of the efforts to streamline the student visa application process, the Australian Government introduced Ministerial Direction 115 (MD115), effective from November 14, 2025. This new directive brings several important updates, especially regarding the decision processing system, with the introduction of a three-tier priority system. For Pakistani students planning to study in Australia in 2026, it is essential to understand these new Australia student visa update to navigate the application process smoothly.
MD115 vs MD111 – Key Differences in Australian Student Visa Processing
| Aspect | MD111 (Previous System) | MD115 (New System) |
| Purpose | General prioritization of
student visa applications. |
Introduces a three-tier priority system
for faster processing. |
| Priority
System |
No clear priority system
based on provider enrollment. |
enrollment performance. |
| Processing
Speed |
Uniform processing time
across all providers. |
|
| Exemptions | Broad exemptions but
not specific. |
Postgraduate research, ELICOS, TAFE,
and certain government-sponsored students automatically fall under Priority 1. |
| Visa Processing Prioritization | No differentiation between institutions. | Faster processing for universities
under 80% of their allocated spots (Priority 1). |
| International Student Cap | No specific cap on
Pakistani students. |
295,000 places set for
Pakistani students in 2026. |
| Application Strategy | Apply to any institution
without considering processing times. |
Pakistani students should prioritize
Priority 1 universities for faster visa processing. |
Key Updates: Ministerial Direction 115 (MD115)
Ministerial Direction 115 primarily impacts the processing of offshore Subclass 500 student visas. This update focuses on prioritizing visa applications based on the enrollment status of educational institutions, ensuring a more efficient and transparent processing system.
What is MD115?
MD115 categorizes Australian student visa applications into three priority levels based on a university’s enrollment performance. The update replaces the previous MD111 and introduces a faster visa processing system for students applying to Priority 1 institutions.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the three priority levels under MD115:
- Priority 1: Providers under 80% of their allocation (faster processing, 1-4 weeks)
- Priority 2: Providers with 80–115% of their allocation (standard processing, 5-8 weeks)
- Priority 3: Providers over 115% of their allocation (longer processing, 9-12 weeks)
Pakistani students applying for visas should aim for Priority 1 institutions to benefit from faster processing and avoid delays.
Overview of the Three-Tier Processing System
| Priority Level | Provider Status | Estimated Processing Time |
| Priority 1 | Providers under 80% of their student allocation | 1-4 weeks |
| Priority 2 | Providers with 80-115% of their allocation | 5-8 weeks |
| Priority 3 | Providers over 115% of their allocation | 9-12 weeks |
Priority 1 universities will have faster decision processing times, typically ranging from 1-4 weeks. These universities are often smaller or regional, making them ideal for Pakistani students looking to avoid delays.
On the other hand, universities that fall under Priority 2 and Priority 3 will experience longer processing times, potentially delaying your application. Therefore, it is crucial for Pakistani students to consider the Priority status of their chosen university when applying for a student visa.
Universities Falling Under MD115 Priority Levels
To help Pakistani students make an informed choice, here’s a list of universities and their priority status under MD115. The table below shows the universities that are likely to process student visa applications faster based on their enrollment status.
Priority 1 Universities
These universities have a Priority 1 status, meaning they are under 80% of their indicative allocation and will offer faster decision processing for student visas.
| University Name | CRICOS
Code |
Indicative Allocation | Priority
Status |
| University of Melbourne | 00008C | 11,300 | Priority 1 |
| University of Sydney | 00026A | 11,900 | Priority 1 |
| Monash University | 00108D | 11,000 | Priority 1 |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | 00025B | 8,050 | Priority 1 |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | 00098G | 10,350 | Priority 1 |
| University of Technology Sydney
(UTS) |
00999F | 5,050 | Priority 1 |
Priority 2 and Priority 3 Universities
These universities are likely to have longer visa processing times due to their higher student enrollment.
| University Name | CRICOS
Code |
Indicative
Allocation |
Priority Status |
| University of Tasmania (UTAS) | 00586B | 2,250 | Priority 2 |
| University of Wollongong (UoW) | 00102E | 3,700 | Priority 3 |
| University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | 00999F | 5,050 | Priority 3 |
| Victoria University | 00124K | 2,657 | Priority 3 |
Check the list of universities below to see which fall under Priority 1, 2, or 3 under MD115. This will help you choose institutions with faster visa processing times.
Implications for Pakistani Students
For Pakistani students applying for the 2026 intake, MD115 brings several benefits and challenges. Here’s how it will affect your visa application process:
Faster Processing for Priority 1 Providers
Choose universities with Priority 1 status for faster processing times. This will give you an edge in securing your student visa quickly.
Increased International Student Cap
The international student cap has been increased to 295,000 places for 2026, meaning more opportunities for Pakistani students to secure a place in Australian universities.
Early Applications Recommended
To avoid delays, apply early, especially if your chosen university falls under Priority 2 or Priority 3. Early submission will ensure your application is processed sooner.
Financial Proof & English Proficiency
Despite the changes in processing speed, the eligibility criteria remain the same. You will still need to provide:
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Financial proof (AUD $24,505 for 12 months)
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
Application Tips for Pakistani Students
Applying for an Australian student visa requires careful planning and timely submission. To ensure a smooth process, it’s essential to follow the correct steps and choose a university that suits your goals. Partnering with the best study visa consultant in Lahore can help you with expert guidance through the application process, helping you maximize your chances of a successful visa outcome.
Apply to Priority 1 Providers
Choose universities with Priority 1 status for faster visa processing (1-4 weeks). These universities tend to be smaller or regional, so Pakistani students may find it easier to get a spot.
Ensure Your Application Is Complete
Submit all required documents, including English test results (IELTS/TOEFL), financial proof, and your GTE statement. Incomplete applications may face delays.
Monitor Provider Status
Regularly check your university’s allocation status via the Department of Home Affairs to track its priority level.
Submit Early
To avoid delays, apply as early as possible, especially if you’re considering universities that may fall under Priority 2 or Priority 3.
FAQs
What is Ministerial Direction 115 (MD115)?
MD115 is a directive introduced by the Australian Government to prioritize offshore student visa applications based on universities’ enrollment performance. It creates a three-tier system for decision processing student visas.
Can I apply for a visa under MD115 if I choose a Priority 2 or 3 provider?
Yes, you can still apply, but be prepared for longer processing times. It’s best to apply to universities with Priority 1 status for quicker results.
What are the eligibility criteria for Pakistani students to apply for an Australian Student Visa?
Pakistani students need to provide proof of acceptance at an Australian institution, meet English language requirements, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity.
How do I get the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for my Australian Student Visa application?
Once accepted by a university, the institution will issue a CoE which is required to apply for a student visa.
What are the three priority levels under MD115?
MD115 introduces Priority 1, Priority 2, and Priority 3 based on a provider’s enrollment performance, with Priority 1 offering the fastest decision processing times.
How can I check if my chosen university is in Priority 1, 2, or 3 under MD115?
You can check the priority status of your university on the Department of Home Affairs website and the official website of education.gov.au.
How can I ensure my Australian Student Visa application is complete?
Make sure to submit all required documents, such as your CoE, financial proof, and IELTS/TOEFL scores, to avoid delays.
