Australia has announced an important change in the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) (GDML) program for international students. As a result of concerns with the use of the qualification in the student visa system, the Australian Government has determined to terminate future international student enrolments in this course. The government is implementing a first in applying its new powers to suspend and cancel a particular course for international students. Students who have already begun their GDML prior to the new regulations coming into effect will, generally, be able to continue studying with their existing provider, and finish their training with them to meet the requirements for completion.
This guide will cover what Australia's new GDML enrolment changes will mean for international students in 2026. You will be informed about the students affected, when the changes are to be implemented, what will happen to current GDML students and what options may be available to students who were planning on enrolling in the course.
What Is the New Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) Update?
Australia’s new rules for international students specifically affect the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), commonly known as GDML. The Hon Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for International Education made a legislative instrument under section 96B of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act). Instrument enables the GDML course to be automatically suspended or cancelled from providers' CRICOS enrolment. Specifically, the government decision impacts on new international student enrolments in this course.
After 5 October 2026, CRICOS providers will no longer be able to:
- Provide new Confirmations of Enrolment (CoEs) for GDML
- Enrol new overseas students in the course
- Permit overseas students who have not yet started the course to begin the course
Pupils who have started their GDML course prior to this date are able to continue with their studies and finish their qualification. It is an important step as it is the first application of the Australian Government's new powers to cancel courses, in the international education sector, for a specific course.
Which Course Has Been Affected?
This course is impacted by the new Australian government rules, and is known as the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) or GDML. Changes applies to a particular course in the national course code: BSB80120, offered to international students by institutions with CRICOS registration.
The information of the impacted course being mentioned is:
- Course name: Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)
- Course code: BSB80120
- Common name: GDML
- Course type: Vocational Education and Training (VET)
New rules apply to the GDML courses offered by registered VET providers to overseas students. Internationally, 452 VET providers registered to deliver this course to students. There were 41033 registration certificates issued as Confirmations of Enrolment (CoEs) to be attached with the GDML at the time of the announcement, of which 15772 students were in present course studies.
Most students planning to begin this course in Australia were affected by the change, given the number of students in this GDML and its offerings from a diversity of providers, many of whom were international students.
Why Has Australia Stopped New Enrolments in This Course?
Australian Government has made the decision due to "critical integrity issues and deliberate misconduct" within the GDML. The government's announcement stated there was “significant evidence” that the course has been used to ‘assist onshore transfers by non-genuine students'. High visa refusal rates and non-completion of the course were also linked to the course.
In very basic terms, there was a risk that some individuals were taking the course primarily to switch course plans and/or extend their time in Australia and not because they were really finishing their plans.
The government claims that the action is supposed to:
- Maintain the integrity of Australia's student visa system
- To enhance the quality of international education.
- Tackle cultural harassment and safeguard Honest Foreign Students.
- Sustain Australia's reputation as an international education destination.Keep Australia's reputation as an international education destination.
This does not imply that all students who are learning the GDML are non-genuine students. The action is part of the government's broader strategy to tackle wider system issues related to course.
When Will the New Rules Take Effect?
New GDML rules will come into effect from 5 October 2026. This will enable overseas students to begin their studies without delay, with no further delays to the issue of new Confirmations of Enrolment (CoE) following their enrolment into a CRICOS-registered institution. They also will not be able to enrol new international students or permit non-starter students to enroll in the course.
For students who are already granted a CoE and have not taken the beginning of their GDML course this date is very significant. The difference being whether you have a commencement date, in the future, or have already commenced your course. If unsure whether commenced a course from the relevant education provider, please check with your education provider whether you were deemed to have commenced a course prior to 5th October 2026.
What Happens to Students Who Have Already Started the Course?
For current students, the great news is that international students can continue their study programme who have already started the GDML prior to 5 October 2026. They are able to stay with their current provider and do their training. The GDML will not be cancelled, but will be suspended automatically on providers' CRICOS scope if international students are already studying at them on an international course.
This means:
- Students currently in school may continue their study.
- No new overseas students can join the course
- The admission of the new students is closed after 5 October 2026.
- Staff is able to teach students currently in the provider's setting.
The GDML will be automatically cancelled from the provider's CRICOS registration when all current overseas students in the course have taken up CRICOS training or withdrawn from the course. If you have already taken up a course in GDML, and you have begun prior to the deadline, the government says that you can still finish.
What Happens If You Have a CoE but Have Not Started the Course?
This is an important part of the new GDML rules. The day on which the GDML's Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) was issued does not imply it is the day the student started the course; it merely means the student has one and will be able to start the course by 5 October 2026. Students who have not started the GDML by 5 October 2026 will have their ASQA issued CoEs automatically cancelled as per ASQA. If this is applicable, reach out to your education provider as soon as you can, to determine what options might be available.
Your student visa status could even be subject to the individual circumstances. Please consult the most up to date details provided by the Department of Home Affairs English or contact a registered migration agent for further information if you are worried about the impact these may have on your visa.
What Does CRICOS Suspension or Cancellation Mean?
Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Course for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is an online government database of institutions and courses offered for education abroad. International students who have a Student visa in Australia usually require education providers to be registered under the CRICOS.
New GDML rules allow a course to be suspended or cancelled from a provider's CRICOS listing. The difference is mainly dependent on the enrolment of international students who have already registered for the course by 5 October 2026.
Suspension: If there are international students who have already commenced the GDML by 5 October 2026 on the provider's CRICOS register, the course will be suspended on that provider's CRICOS register. The provider may teach those students who are already enrolled in the course until they finish or until they drop off the course. However, it would not be able to enrol or accept new overseas students to begin the GDML.
Cancellation: The course will be cancelled if there aren't any international students commenced by the 5 October 2026 for a provider. If the course status of a provider course shows suspended status, then the course status will also be suspended, when the course is canceled due to reaching completion of all remaining International student or International student Withdrawal from the course.
During the period that the new instrument is in force, the following is not allowed to:register, renew or add the GDML to their CRICOS registration, as providers. This results in a number of international students being unable to take up the course through these providers with the new regulations.
Are Domestic Students Affected by This Change?
New GDML restrictions are geared towards overseas students and course use in the Australian student visa system. Changes will be made to students who are studying overseas (not studying as a domestic student).
Australian Government and ASQA say that the changes do not impact domestic students. They still may be enrolled in the educational and training system to study the GDML as normal. Restrictions are only for provision of the Course on the CRICOS system for overseas students.
What Should Affected International Students Do Now?
If you are studying the GDML, or you are thinking about enrolling in the course, the first question you must ask is, "how does this impact me?". Here are some steps that can help you clarify your next steps:
- Check if you have already started the course: The key is: have you actually started the GDML before 5 October 2026? Students who have already begun can continue the study, while students, who have not started by the time of the deadline, will not be able to start GDML after the deadline.
- Call your education provider: Be sure to confirm with your education provider on enrolment and commencement. Your provider is expected to be able to answer these questions and tell you how the new rules will impact your course and may have some options available.
- Check your COE in another window: You might be losing your CoE if you have a GDML CoE, but you have not embarked on the course by 5 October 2026. Before starting your studies, talk to your provider about the status of your CoE, and the implications for study.
- Discuss other learning opportunities: Talk to your education provider about an alternative if you are unable to start the GDML. BEFORE you make a move to the destination country, please note the possible consequences of changing course and do not risk losing your enrollment by applying for a change of course too late.
- Plan a trip to a foreign land: Please contact the Department of Home Affairs if you wish to be informed about the effects any changes to GDML will have on your student visa. If your situation is complicated you may also wish to obtain the advice of a registered migration agent.
What Does This Change Mean for Australia's International Education System?
GDML decision is significant because it demonstrates the Australian Government's increased efforts to take a hardline approach to courses that have significant concerns of a systemic integrity issue. It is part of wider government reforms to safeguard Australia's international education business and student visa program, according to a statement from the Government.
New powers came in as part of integrity reforms that were passed in November 2025. The power gives the government the ability to establish a set of courses that may be suspended or cancelled automatically if, for example, there are a range of complaints about the delivery of the course, there is no alignment between courses and the skills needed in Australia, there is a public interest.
This action may also send a clear message to education providers and international students that Australia is placing greater focus on:
- Genuine study intentions
- Quality education
- Increased regulation on the international education sector.
- Ensuring the reputation of Australian qualifications
- Stopping the abuse of the student visa system
Meanwhile, the government has stated that Australia remains open to international students on education who are genuine tourists. The primary learning outcome for students is identify courses based on a clear education and career ambition and ensure they have an understanding of the requirements to obtain a student visa and enrol in Australia.
Conclusion
The decision to cease taking any new international students onto the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) (BSB80120) is significant for students wanting to study in Australia. No new CoEs will be issued after 5th October 2026, no new overseas student enrollments will be accepted after 5th October 2026, nor will new students be able to commence a GDML course without having completed the course. Learners who started the course prior to this date are able to generally carry on with their learning. If you have a CoE and have not yet begun the course, contact your education provider immediately and get the details on what you can do.
At Achievement Education & Visa Services, recognised as a Best Student Visa & Migration Consultant in Sydney, we understand how confusing it can be to choose the right study or visa pathway as Australian education and migration policies continue to change. We provide education and visa counselling to help students understand their available options and make informed decisions about their future. Our team also includes MARA-registered migration professionals who provide education, visa and migration guidance based on each client’s individual circumstances.
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FAQs on Australia Blocks New GDML Enrolments and What It Means for International Students
1. Has Australia completely cancelled the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)?
The institutional enrolment for new students from abroad has ended in the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) in Australia. Students, who have already entered the course prior to 5 October 2026, will be allowed to stay and finish their studies.
2. What is the deadline for the new GDML rules?
The big date is actually 5th October, 2026. Thereafter, providers are unable to issue a new CoE and are not allowed to enrol new overseas students or commence students overseas who have not yet begun their GDML.
3. Can I continue studying if I already started the GDML?
Yes. International students enrolled in the GDML prior to 5th October 2026 can pursue their studies and award with their current provider.
4. What happens if I have a CoE but have not started the course?
If you have not started the GDML by 5 October 2026, you will not be allowed to register for the course after this date. CoEs which have been issued to students who have not started the course will be automatically cancelled.
