The Australian Government has announced significant changes affecting the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) (GDML) for international students.
The Assistant Minister for International Education has made a legislative instrument to suspend and cancel the CRICOS registration of the GDML under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act).
The key date for affected students is 5 October 2026.
From this date, CRICOS providers will no longer be able to issue new Confirmations of Enrolment (CoEs), enrol new overseas students, or commence overseas students who have not already commenced the GDML. Students who commence the course before 5 October 2026, however, may continue studying and complete their course.
What Is Changing from 5 October 2026?
From 5 October 2026, all providers delivering the GDML must stop offering the course to new international students at all locations.
For providers with no overseas students who have commenced the GDML by the deadline, CRICOS registration for the course will be automatically cancelled.
Where a provider has international students who have already commenced by 5 October, its GDML registration will instead be suspended. Existing students can continue their studies, but no new overseas students can enrol or commence. Once those existing students have completed or withdrawn, the provider’s registration for the course will be automatically cancelled.
Importantly, the measure applies to the course’s CRICOS registration for overseas students. Providers may continue delivering the GDML to domestic students where they remain appropriately approved under the relevant VET regulatory framework.
Why Is the Government Cancelling the GDML’s CRICOS Registration?
According to the Department of Education, the Government has identified significant and systemic integrity concerns associated with the GDML.
These concerns relate to:
- enrolment patterns;
- student transfers;
- non-commencement;
- completion outcomes; and
- potential Student visa integrity risks.
The Government states that the action is intended to protect overseas students, strengthen confidence in Australia’s international education sector and help safeguard the integrity of the Student visa system.
The legislative instrument commenced on 5 September 2026, while the key restrictions affecting new overseas students take effect from 5 October 2026.
What Happens to Students Who Have Already Commenced?
International students who commence the GDML before 5 October 2026 can continue studying and complete the course if they choose to do so.
Providers must continue to meet their obligations under the ESOS framework while delivering the course to these students.
Therefore, the Government’s decision does not mean that students who have already commenced the GDML must stop studying.
What Happens If You Have Not Commenced by 5 October 2026?
Students who have not commenced the GDML by 5 October 2026 will not be able to commence the course.
Importantly, CoEs issued to students who have not commenced will also be cancelled on 5 October 2026.
Providers are expected to contact affected students as early as possible to discuss their available options. This also includes students whose packaged study arrangements contain the GDML.
Students holding a future GDML CoE should therefore review their circumstances promptly rather than assuming that an existing CoE will allow them to commence after the deadline.
What Should Affected Students Do Now?
The first step is to determine whether you have already commenced the GDML, are scheduled to commence before 5 October, or hold a future CoE with commencement on or after the deadline.
Students should also carefully review any communication from their education provider regarding their enrolment, CoE, alternative course arrangements, refunds or tuition protection.
Providers must continue to comply with their obligations under the ESOS framework, including student communication, reporting, refunds and tuition protection.
Any decision to change courses, accept a new CoE or make changes to a Student visa pathway should be considered in light of the student’s individual circumstances.
Options EMK Global May Be Able to Assist With
Depending on each student’s circumstances, EMK Global Education & Migration may be able to assist affected students in considering alternative study options.
These may include:
- Commencing the GDML through one of the additional September or early October 2026 intakes, subject to eligibility, availability and actual commencement before 5 October 2026.
- Transferring to a suitable Bachelor’s or Master’s degree that aligns with the student’s academic background, career goals and Student visa requirements.
- Continuing with an existing eligible course and, where appropriate, applying for a new Student visa to help maintain a lawful study pathway and reduce the risk of visa complications.
These options are not part of the Government’s announcement and may not be suitable for every student. Eligibility and the appropriate pathway will depend on each student’s enrolment, academic history, CoE and visa circumstances.
Seek Advice Before the 5 October Deadline
The cancellation of the GDML’s CRICOS registration represents a significant change for international students who have not yet commenced the course.
Students who have already commenced before 5 October 2026 can continue their studies, while those who have not commenced by the deadline will not be able to start the GDML and their affected CoEs will be cancelled.
If you are currently holding a GDML CoE, have the GDML included in a packaged offer, or are planning to commence the course, contact EMK Global Education & Migration to review your circumstances and available study options as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Visa requirements and policies may change, and individual circumstances vary. Please seek advice from a registered migration agent or qualified professional before making any visa or immigration decisions.
Source: Australian Government Department of Education