Australia is making a significant change to one vocational qualification that has become popular among international students.
From 5 October 2026, international students will no longer be able to start the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), commonly known as the GDML, unless they have already commenced the course.
The Australian Government says the move is designed to strengthen the integrity of the international education and student visa systems. Here’s what students need to know.
What is changing?
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has confirmed that the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) will be automatically suspended or cancelled from CRICOS providers’ registrations.
From 5 October 2026, education providers will not be able to:
- issue new Confirmations of Enrolment (CoEs) for the course
- enrol new international students
- allow international students who have not already commenced the course to begin studying it.
However, international students who have already enrolled and commenced the course by 5 October will generally be able to continue studying and complete their qualification.
The changes only apply to overseas students. Delivery of the qualification to domestic students is unaffected.
Why is the course being cancelled?
The government says the measure is part of wider efforts to protect the integrity of Australia’s international education and student visa systems.
According to The Guardian, the qualification is currently offered by close to 450 institutions, with more than 15,000 students currently studying it and over 40,000 registered for future enrolment after completing another vocational course.
The government has raised concerns that some students were using the qualification primarily as a way to extend their time in Australia rather than for genuine study purposes.
What has been happening ahead of the deadline?
With the 5 October deadline approaching, The Guardian reports that some private colleges and education agents have been encouraging students to bring forward their enrolment or commencement dates.
Advertisements shared through social media, WhatsApp and text messages have reportedly offered discounted tuition fees and other incentives for students to start the course before the deadline. One provider reportedly advertised special intakes shortly before the course's cancellation date.
The government has warned that unusual enrolment activity around the deadline could attract scrutiny.
What if I have a future enrolment?
This is particularly important if you already have a CoE for the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) but have not commenced the course.
ASQA says CoEs associated with the GDML for students who have not commenced will be automatically cancelled on 5 October 2026.
Affected students may therefore need to consider alternative study arrangements.
Providers are expected to notify affected students, meet their placement and refund obligations, and ensure the education agents they work with provide accurate information. Students with questions about how the change affects their visa should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
Be cautious about last-minute offers
If you’re affected by the change, be careful about feeling pressured to enrol or commence the course simply to meet the deadline.
Your study choices can affect your enrolment, finances and visa, so make sure you understand exactly what you are signing up for before changing courses or bringing forward a commencement date.
If you're unsure about your options, speak directly with your education provider. For advice about your individual visa circumstances, contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
