Net overseas migration totalled 548,800 in the year to September 30, Australian Bureau of Statistics data published on Thursday showed.

The nation’s population grew by 2.5 per cent to 26.8 million, representing an annual increase of 659,800 people.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the government’s push to bring down net migration is unlikely to be shown in the latest data.

Following a migration review, the government has reduced the number of student visa approvals in a bid to stop the rorting of the international education system.

“Since September, the government’s actions have led to substantial declines in migration levels, with recent international student visa grants down by 35 per cent on the previous year,” Ms O’Neil said.

Government forecasts show net overseas migration will be halved by next year.

Beidar Cho, head of demography at the statistics bureau, said net overseas migration drove 83 per cent of the annual population growth, while a natural increase accounted for the remaining 17 per cent.

“Net overseas migration grew by 60 per cent compared with the previous year, driven by an increase in overseas migration arrivals (up 34 per cent), predominantly on a temporary visa for work or study,” she said.

Western Australia had the fastest growing population, up 3.3 per cent compared with the previous year.

Victoria claimed second place and grew by 2.9 per cent.

Tasmania saw the least growth, at 0.3 per cent over the same period.

On the weekend, the next round of the government’s migration commitments will come into force.

These include increasing English language requirements for student and graduate visas and the introduction of a new “genuine student” test.

This test is expected to crack down on international students coming to Australia primarily to work rather than study.

The government will also have enhanced powers to suspend high risk education providers from recruiting international students.

Known as “ghost colleges” and “visa factories”, the providers will be issued with warning notices and given six months to improve.

If they fail to do so, the providers will be suspended from recruiting international students.

Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said there was no place for dodgy providers in the education sector as they undermined the majority who did the right thing.

“Increased powers for the regulator and tougher penalties will deter dodgy providers who currently see fines as a risk worth taking or merely a ‘cost of doing business’,” he said.