What is changing?
The Australian Government has made a legislative instrument under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) to suspend and cancel the CRICOS registration of the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), known as the GDML.
From 5 October 2026:
- international students will no longer be able to enrol in or commence the GDML
- Australian education providers will not issue new Confirmations of Enrolment (CoEs) for this program
- providers cannot enrol new overseas students in the GDML
- CoEs for students who have not commenced the GDML by 5 October will be cancelled.
Students who have already enrolled in and commenced the GDML before 5 October 2026 can continue studying and complete the course if they choose to do so.
Which students may be affected?
You may be supporting students who:
- have already commenced the GDML
- hold an offer or CoE but have not commenced the course
- have the GDML included in a packaged offer
- are considering applying for the course.
What education agents need to know
- Students who have already enrolled in and commenced the GDML before 5 October 2026 can continue studying and complete the course.
- Students who do not commence the GDML before 5 October 2026 cannot start the course, even if they hold an offer or a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- When discussing alternative study options, agents can help students consider courses that support their study goals and comply with their student visa requirements, including any relevant Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level requirements.
Options for affected students
Students who cannot commence the GDML should speak with their provider about the options available. If the change results in a provider default, options may include moving to another course or receiving a refund of unspent tuition fees.
If the change results in a provider default, the provider must act within 14 days by either:
- offering a suitable alternative course that the student accepts in writing
- refunding the student’s unspent tuition fees.
If the provider does not meet these obligations, the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) may be able to assist.
Students with the GDML in a packaged offer may be able to continue with the other courses in their package. Their provider can explain how the change affects their study plan.
Why is this change being made?
The Australian Government is committed to strengthening the integrity and quality of the international education sector.
The Australian Government has identified significant and systemic integrity concerns with the GDML. These relate to enrolment patterns, student transfers, non-commencement, completion outcomes, and possible student visa integrity risks.
The action aims to protect international students, support confidence in the integrity and reputation of Australia’s international education sector, and safeguard the student visa system.
What to do next
- Identify any students affected by this change and direct them to their Australian education provider.
- Encourage affected students to contact their Australian education provider as soon as possible.
- When discussing alternative study options, help students consider courses that support their study goals and meet any relevant Student visa and Australian Qualifications Framework (AFQ) level requirements.
- Use Study Australia’s Course Search Tool to explore alternative courses.
- Refer to the Australian Department of Education for further information about the course change.
- Students with questions about their visa should review information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs or contact a migration agent registered with MARA.
- Refer students to the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) if provider default occurs and their education provider does not meet its obligations.