GDML course cancellation will affect overseas students seeking to study the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) (GDML) in Australia. Under a new legislative instrument made under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, overseas students will no longer be able to enrol in or commence the GDML from 5 October 2026.
However, the changes do not mean that every current GDML student must immediately stop studying.
Students who have already enrolled in and commenced the GDML before 5 October 2026 can continue their studies with their current provider if they choose to do so.
Here is what current and prospective international students need to know.
From 5 October 2026, course providers must immediately stop offering the GDML to new overseas students. They will also no longer be able to issue new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoEs) for the course for future commencement.
This means the important date for students considering the GDML is:
5 October 2026
If an overseas student has enrolled in and commenced the GDML before 5 October 2026, they can continue studying the course with their current education provider.
Where a provider’s GDML registration is suspended because it has students already enrolled and studying, the provider can continue teaching those students until they complete or withdraw from the course.
A student commenced the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) before 5 October 2026.
That student can continue studying the GDML with their current provider if they choose to do so.
This is particularly important for students who have already accepted an offer or received a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) but have not yet commenced their GDML.
If the student has not commenced the course by 5 October 2026, they will not be able to commence the GDML on or after that date.
If they have a CoE for the GDML, that CoE will be cancelled on 5 October 2026.
Students in this situation should contact their education provider as soon as possible to discuss their options.
Depending on their circumstances, options may include:
If a student chooses another course, they should also consider how the change may affect their student visa, including applicable Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) requirements.
Some students may have a package of courses where the GDML is scheduled as a later course.
For example, a student may currently be studying another course but have the GDML included later in their package.
If the student has not commenced the GDML by 5 October 2026, they will not be able to commence it after that date and the GDML CoE will be cancelled.
The student should contact their education provider to understand what will happen to the GDML component of their package.
Depending on the circumstances, this could involve transferring to another course or receiving a refund of unspent tuition fees.
No.
From 5 October 2026, providers will not be able to:
Therefore, prospective international students considering the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) should consider alternative courses before making study arrangements.
Any alternative course should be assessed against the student’s study objectives and student visa requirements.
The impact on students may also depend on whether the suspension or cancellation of the provider’s CRICOS registration results in a provider default.
Where a provider default occurs, the education provider must tell affected students about the default and explain their options.
If the student has not commenced the GDML by 5 October 2026 and the changes result in a provider default, the provider must explain that the student cannot commence the course.
Within 14 days of the provider default, the provider must either:
The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) may be able to assist overseas students if a provider does not meet its obligations following a provider default.
Students affected by the changes should therefore keep their enrolment and payment records and seek information from their education provider about the available options.
Potentially, yes.
The Department of Education’s fact sheet specifically advises students to review information from the Department of Home Affairs if their study situation changes and to continue complying with their student visa conditions.
Importantly, the Department of Education states that it cannot provide migration advice. Education agents and education providers also cannot provide migration advice.
If your course is affected and you are unsure how a course change could affect your individual visa circumstances, you should obtain appropriate migration advice or contact the relevant Australian Government authority.
According to the Department of Education fact sheet, the Government has identified significant and systemic integrity concerns associated with the GDML.
The concerns relate to matters including:
The Government says the action is intended to protect overseas students, strengthen the integrity and reputation of Australia’s international education sector and safeguard Australia’s student visa system.
| Situation | What happens? |
|---|---|
| Student commenced GDML before 5 October 2026 | Can continue studying the GDML |
| Student has a CoE but has not commenced by 5 October 2026 | Cannot commence the GDML |
| Existing GDML CoE for future commencement | Cancelled on 5 October 2026 |
| New overseas student after 5 October 2026 | Cannot enrol in GDML |
| New GDML CoE after 5 October 2026 | Cannot be issued |
| GDML packaged as a later course but not commenced | Cannot commence the GDML |
| Student affected by provider default | Provider must explain options and applicable protections |
The Department of Education confirms that providers can continue teaching overseas students who have already commenced the GDML, but cannot enrol or commence new overseas students from 5 October 2026.
If you are currently studying the GDML, have received a CoE, or were planning to enrol in the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), the appropriate next step depends on your individual circumstances.
You may be able to continue your GDML studies with your current provider.
Contact your education provider as soon as possible to determine what options are available before 5 October 2026.
Do not assume that simply transferring to another course will have no effect on your student visa. The new course should be assessed against your visa requirements and your individual circumstances.
Consider obtaining advice about your individual circumstances before making a course change.
The GDML course cancellation does not require students who have already commenced the course before 5 October 2026 to stop studying. However, students who have not commenced the GDML by that date will not be able to start the course, and relevant CoEs will be cancelled.
For prospective students, the safest approach is to consider alternative courses and ensure that any proposed change is compatible with their study plans and student visa requirements.
If you are affected by the GDML course cancellation or are unsure about your study and visa options, we can help you understand your available pathways and the potential implications of changing your course.
Book an appointment with Migration Dreamz today to discuss your circumstances and explore the most suitable options for your Australian study and visa plans..
