EDU Holdings reports a 25% increase in total student enrolments for Term 2, 2025 at its Australian Learning Group, even as new enrolments decline amid tighter visa restrictions.
- Total student enrolments up 25% year-on-year for ALG Term 2, 2025
- New student enrolments drop 32% due to stricter visa policies
- Year-to-date enrolments rise 29% compared to previous year
- Visa grant rates for VET students fall sharply between 2023 and 2025
- Government visa policy changes continue to impact international student numbers
Robust Growth Amidst Sector Challenges
EDU Holdings Limited has announced a notable 25% increase in total student enrolments for Term 2, 2025 within its vocational education arm, Australian Learning Group (ALG), compared to the same period last year. This growth underscores the company’s resilience and ability to attract and retain students despite a challenging environment for international education.
However, the headline figure masks a more nuanced story. New student enrolments for the term fell by 32%, reflecting broader sector-wide headwinds linked to tightening Australian student visa regulations. These restrictions, including the recent Ministerial Direction 111 introduced in December 2024, have significantly curtailed the inflow of international students, a vital demographic for the vocational education and training (VET) sector.
Visa Policy Impact and Sector Trends
The company’s commentary highlights a sharp decline in visa grant rates for VET students, dropping from 77.5% in 2023 to 57.4% in early 2025. Correspondingly, the volume of visa grants has plummeted by over 56%, from nearly 115,000 to just under 50,000. This regulatory tightening has created a bottleneck for new enrolments, even as existing student numbers remain robust.
Despite the drop in new enrolments, EDU Holdings’ year-to-date total enrolments have surged 29% compared to the previous year, suggesting strong retention and possibly growth in domestic or continuing international students. The slight 4% decline in total enrolments compared to the prior term (Term 1, 2025) may reflect seasonal or cyclical factors rather than a structural downturn.
Looking Ahead: Reporting and Regulatory Watch
EDU Holdings plans to continue providing regular enrolment updates for both ALG and its higher education division, Ikon Institute, with forthcoming reports scheduled through October 2025. Investors and analysts will be watching closely to see how the company navigates ongoing visa policy changes and whether it can sustain enrolment momentum amid these headwinds.
While the Government’s Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment Bill 2024 was not enacted as initially planned, the cumulative effect of visa policy tightening remains a critical factor shaping EDU Holdings’ operational outlook. The company’s ability to adapt to these regulatory shifts will be key to maintaining its growth trajectory in the competitive tertiary education market.
Bottom Line?
EDU Holdings’ enrolment growth signals resilience, but visa policy shifts pose ongoing challenges.
Questions in the middle?
- How will EDU Holdings offset declining new international enrolments amid visa restrictions?
- What strategies might EDU deploy to sustain growth in domestic or continuing student segments?
- Could further government policy changes accelerate or alleviate current visa-related pressures?