07/09/2026
Graduate Diploma course cancelled for international students
The Education Services for Overseas Students (Specified Classes of Courses for Automatic Suspension and Cancellation) Instrument 2026 commencing on 5 September 2026, specifies the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) (GDML) as a class of courses under subsection 96B(1) of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, triggering the automatic suspension and cancellation provisions in sections 96D and 96E of the ESOS Act.
If 30 days after commencement, a provider still has overseas students enrolled in and undertaking the course, its registration for the course is automatically suspended, though enrolled students may continue studying until they complete or withdraw. Suspended providers cannot recruit, enrol or accept new students into the course. Once no students remain enrolled, the provider's registration for the course is automatically cancelled and any Confirmation of Enrolments (CoEs) for future commencement must be cancelled.
Under section 96C, providers cannot apply to register, renew or add the GDML while the Instrument remains in force.
This is the first use of these powers, introduced as part of the integrity reform package passed in November 2025. According to the explanatory statement, the GDML has seen rapid and disproportionate growth in overseas student enrolments, alongside high non-commencement rates, comparatively low completion rates, significant onshore transfer activity, high visa refusal rates and extensive use in packaged course arrangements.
Announcing the Instrument, Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill said the action was needed to protect the integrity of Australia's international education sector. According to the Minister's media release, 452 VET providers are registered to deliver the GDML to international students, with 41,033 active CoEs, including 15,772 students currently studying the course.
MARN 2318235
