IDP Education Launches A$50m Buyback as Visa Pressures Bite

IDP Education (ASX:IEL) has announced an on-market share buyback of up to A$50 million, set to begin on August 21, 2026. This move comes as the company faces a challenging period due to reduced student demand and tighter immigration settings in key markets.

In the first half of FY26, revenue declined by around 6% to A$462.2 million, while adjusted EBIT fell by 14% to A$87.5 million. However, management has targeted adjusted EBIT of approximately A$122 million for FY26 and is implementing cost reductions.

The buyback will involve the on-market repurchase of up to A$50 million in ordinary shares between August 21, 2026, and June 30, 2027. At the time of notification, IDP had 278,336,211 shares on issue, and management stated that the number of shares purchased will depend on prevailing market prices.