Australia has moved to stop new international student enrolments in the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) (GDML), citing concerns over the misuse of the course and its impact on the integrity of the country’s student visa system. The Albanese government said there was significant evidence that the course was being used by non-genuine students to facilitate onshore transfers.
The qualification, identified as BSB80120, has also been associated with high rates of visa refusals and course non-completion. The government said the action is aimed at addressing systemic integrity issues and protecting the reputation of Australia’s international education sector. The decision affects the course’s CRICOS registration across providers offering it to overseas students.
The move will affect 452 vocational education and training (VET) providers offering the course, with reports indicating that more than 40,000 students have been enrolled across these providers. However, the decision does not affect students who have already commenced the qualification. Existing students will be allowed to continue their studies and complete the course with their current provider.
The suspension and cancellation of the course’s CRICOS registration will take effect from October 5, 2026. Australia’s Education Department said the action is the first use of new powers allowing authorities to suspend or cancel courses where significant and systemic issues threaten the integrity of the international student visa system.