The Australia Government has announced a major change affecting international students who are considering the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning). Effective from 5 October 2026, overseas students cannot newly enrol in Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), while students who already commenced with their current provider can complete the course.
The purpose of this change is to prevent new international student enrolments in the course where the course may be used to prolong their stay in Australia rather than for genuine educational purposes.
This is the first time the government has used its new course-cancellation powers as part of its efforts to strengthen the integrity and quality of Australia’s international education sector.
What is Changing?
Under the new measure, international students who have already commenced the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) will be allowed to complete their studies.
However, education providers and education agents will be prohibited from recruiting new international students into the course. Providers will also be prevented from commencing new international students in the qualification.
This means students currently considering the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) may need to explore alternative study options.
Why Is the Government Taking Action?
The government has raised concerns about the significant increase in international students transferring into the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning).
According to figures reported by the ABC, transfers into the course increased dramatically from approximately 510 students in 2020 to 4,000 students in 2025.
Of those transferring into the diploma, around 77% came from the higher education sector.
The government is concerned that some students may have transferred into the VET qualification primarily to maintain their student visa status rather than because the course was appropriate for their academic or career development.
Other concerns included a high number of students who enrolled but did not commence their studies and completion rates that were significantly lower than those of other VET courses.
There are reportedly 452 VET providers registered to deliver the qualification to international students, with more than 41,000 active confirmed enrolments, including approximately 15,772 students recorded as currently studying.
Government Focus on Genuine Students and Education Quality
Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill said the government wanted Australia to remain a trusted global education destination while protecting genuine students and preventing misuse of the student visa system.
The latest measure forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving quality and integrity across Australia’s international education sector.
Earlier in 2026, the government also introduced a 12-month freeze on applications from private colleges and training organisations seeking to register new courses for international students, giving regulators additional time to investigate concerns about quality and compliance.
What Does This Mean for Current Students?
If you have already commenced the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), the announcement indicates that you should be able to continue and complete your qualification.
However, students who have received an offer, are planning to enrol, or have not yet commenced the course should check their situation carefully with their education provider.
Students considering changing courses should also make sure that their new course is appropriate to their previous education, career goals and student visa requirements.
Part of Broader Migration Changes
The decision also comes as the Australian Government continues to manage migration levels and strengthen visa integrity.
Net Overseas Migration is currently reported to be around 300,000 people per year, while the government is aiming to bring this closer to its forecast level of 225,000 by 2028.
Other recent measures have included changes to visa processing priorities and increased scrutiny across different areas of the migration and international education systems.
What Should International Students Do?
International students affected by this change should avoid making sudden decisions about cancelling, transferring or changing their enrolment without first understanding the potential consequences.
If you are currently studying the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), have an offer for the course, or were planning to enrol, it is important to check:
- whether you are permitted to commence or continue the course;
- whether your current Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is affected;
- what alternative courses may be available;
- whether changing courses could affect your student visa; and
- whether the alternative course is appropriate for your academic background and future career plans.
Need Advice About Your Study Option?
Our team at AusStudyVisa can assist with:
- Free course enrolment assistance for International Students
- Free student visa application assistance for International Students
- Free consultation on any visa and migration pathway in Australia :
- Skilled migration visas
- State nomination applications
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Permanent residency pathways
- Family / Partner visa
Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to get professional guidance on your Australian migration journey.
Shop 48 Ground Floor, 188 Newcastle Street, Perth WA 6000
Tel: 1800 163 888 (Office)
Mobile: 0468 306 137 (Eugene)
Email: info@AusStudyVisa.com.au
Website: www.AusStudyVisa.com.au
Date Created: 07 Sept 2026
Source:
- Labor shuts down course linked to student visa misuse – ABC News
- https://www.education.gov.au/esos-framework/resources/2026-fact-sheets-graduate-diploma-management-learning-course-cancellation