Myanmar forms commission led by junta chief to hold elections, state media says
The junta did not announce a date for the election and Min Aung Hlaing will continue to effectively remain in charge of the country, in his capacity as the interim president who will oversee the vote, MRTV reported.
The proposed election, which Min Aung Hlaing on Wednesday confirmed would take place in December, will be the first national vote since a 2021 coup sparked a civil war and plunged the Southeast Asian nation into chaos.
Min Aung Hlaing will remain commander in chief of the armed forces while serving as interim president.
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First Post
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- First Post
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Time of India
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In a significant policy update, the Australian government has announced that it will raise its cap on international student enrolments in 2026, increasing the national planning level from 270,000 to 295,000. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the figure still remains about 8% below the immediate post-Covid peak, the move signals a calibrated approach toward expanding international education in line with Australia's broader economic, diplomatic, and housing goals. The updated policy promotes what officials are calling 'managed growth,' combining increased enrolment with strict structural checks to ensure institutions grow sustainably and students have access to quality experiences. How the 295,000 cap is structured across sectors For 2026, the cap has been broken down across institution types: Public universities will be able to admit up to 145,000 new international students. Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers can enrol up to 95,000 students. Private universities have been allocated 30,000 places. These numbers are institution-specific and form part of a quota-based system. Institutions will retain their 2025 allocation into 2026, but may apply for an increase if they demonstrate strong regional partnerships—especially with Southeast Asia—and can provide sufficient student housing. Exemptions that benefit transitioning students Not all students will fall under the national cap. The Australian government has introduced key exemptions to protect students already in the education pipeline: International students transitioning directly from Australian high schools to public universities. Students progressing from TAFE institutions or other pathway providers to university degrees. These exemptions are aimed at ensuring continuity for students who may otherwise face delays or uncertainty due to cap constraints. Visa preferences and regional priorities The government continues to prioritise visa processing for students from select regions, including the Pacific, Timor-Leste, and recipients of government scholarships. These regional preferences align with Australia's larger foreign policy objective of strengthening ties with Southeast Asia and neighbouring countries through education and workforce development. This emphasis is expected to create more streamlined opportunities for students from those regions, while reinforcing the role of education as a soft-power tool in Australia's regional engagement. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Institutional flexibility and new oversight Educational institutions seeking to expand beyond their assigned quotas in 2026 will need to meet two major requirements: Demonstrated ties with Southeast Asian nations—either through academic partnerships, student exchange programs, or institutional collaboration. Commitment to adequate student housing, to avoid additional pressure on Australia's already stretched rental markets. To support and monitor this framework, the government plans to operationalise the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, a proposed national body that will help manage and regulate enrolment growth across sectors. Implications for the VET sector While the VET sector has been granted 95,000 places under the new cap, it will also undergo reforms related to visa integrity and admission quality, beginning in 2027. These changes are expected to tighten compliance standards and ensure that international students in vocational programs are enrolling for legitimate educational and career-building purposes. Why the government says this matters Australia's Education Minister has emphasised that international education is more than just an export industry—it plays a critical role in building goodwill, strengthening regional partnerships, and supporting economic diversification. The increased cap is designed to provide certainty for institutions and students, while encouraging responsible growth backed by infrastructure and strategic collaboration. The message is clear: while Australia remains open to welcoming international students, the growth must align with national interests—particularly in housing, education quality, and foreign relations. What Indian students should take away For Indian applicants planning to study in Australia in 2026, this policy shift offers both opportunity and guidance: More seats will be available, especially in public universities and VET institutions. Transitioning from Australian schools or TAFE programs will offer a smoother, uncapped pathway. Institutions with strong Southeast Asia ties and on-campus housing may be more likely to offer additional capacity. Visa preferences may not directly benefit Indian applicants unless tied to government-sponsored programs. Students are advised to start early, research institutions that align with the new criteria, and stay updated on further announcements from the Australian education and immigration departments. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us .
