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MATES International Education and Visa Services
AustraliaInstitution and Provider Eligibility

Australia closes BSB80120 GDML to new overseas-student commencements from 5 October 2026

Status: In effect

From 5 October 2026, overseas students can no longer enrol in or commence the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning). Students who enrolled and commenced before that date can continue with their current provider. A CoE for students who have not commenced by then is cancelled on 5 October 2026.

What changed

  • The Assistant Minister for International Education made an instrument under the ESOS Act specifying BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) for automatic suspension and cancellation under section 96B. It is the first use of the new course cancellation powers.
  • From 5 October 2026, providers cannot enrol new overseas students in the GDML, issue new CoEs for it, or commence overseas students who have not already commenced.
  • A provider's CRICOS registration for the GDML is suspended if it still has overseas students who enrolled and commenced before 5 October 2026, and cancelled if it has none.

Key dates

Officially announced
Takes effect

Dates to keep separate

The Government announced the decision on 4 September 2026. The instrument (F2026L01160) is dated 3 September 2026, was registered on 4 September 2026 and commenced the day after registration.

The date that matters for students is 5 October 2026: from then, overseas students who have not commenced cannot enrol in or commence the GDML, and their GDML CoEs are cancelled.

Why the Government acted

The Minister's release says the course had been used to facilitate onshore transfers by non-genuine students and was associated with high rates of visa refusals and course non-completion. The Department of Education cites concerns about enrolment patterns, student transfers, students not starting the course, course completion and possible student visa integrity risks.

If your provider cannot continue your course

According to the Department of Education's student fact sheet, if the change results in a provider default, your provider must tell you and, within 14 days, either offer you a place in another course or refund your unspent tuition fees. If a provider does not meet this obligation, the Tuition Protection Service may be able to help.

Who may be affected

  • Overseas students who have applied for, or hold an offer or CoE for, the GDML but have not commenced by 5 October 2026. According to the Department of Education, they will not be able to commence on or after that date and their GDML CoE will be cancelled on 5 October 2026. Holding an offer or a CoE is not the same as having commenced.
  • Students in a packaged offer that includes the GDML as a later course: the Department says the GDML part is affected if it has not commenced by 5 October 2026, but other courses in the package may continue.
  • Not affected in the same way: overseas students who enrolled and commenced the GDML before 5 October 2026. They can continue and complete the course with their current provider.
  • This measure applies only to BSB80120. It does not cancel student visas and does not apply to other graduate diploma courses.

Key takeaways

  • Time-sensitive: action may be required before 5 October 2026.
  • If you enrolled and commenced the GDML before 5 October 2026, you can keep studying with your current provider.
  • If you have not commenced by 5 October 2026, your GDML CoE will be cancelled on that date. Your provider must explain your options; the Department of Education says these may include moving to a different course or a refund of unspent tuition fees.
  • Outcomes depend on individual circumstances, so confirm your position with your provider.

What students should do

  1. If you hold a GDML offer or CoE but have not started the course, contact your education provider as soon as possible.
  2. Ask your provider in writing what applies to you: an alternative course, a refund of unspent tuition fees, or other arrangements.
  3. If you are considering another course, check how it may affect your student visa, including Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level requirements. The Department of Education directs visa questions to the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
  4. Speak to MATES before accepting any replacement offer. Do not rush a new enrolment or a visa decision without individual advice.

Official sources

Read the Official Update(opens Department of Education (Australian Government) in a new tab — you are leaving the MATES website)

Opens the government website in a new tab. You will be leaving the MATES website.

Before you act on this

Visa and immigration requirements can change. Review the linked official government source and confirm the latest requirements with MATES before making an application decision.

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. MATES cannot influence a government decision.

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