Study & Student Visas
GDML closes to new international students from 5 October: what happens to existing students and CoEs?
The measure targets one specified VET qualification, not every management Graduate Diploma. Actual commencement and the 5 October 2026 cutoff matter more than an offer alone.
On 4 September 2026, Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill announced action against international enrolments in the VET Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning). Check the national course code on your documents: BSB80120.
Which course is affected?
The instrument specifies BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), delivered by registered VET providers at any location. It is not a blanket ban on Graduate Diplomas or management studies. The measure concerns this course’s CRICOS registration, not necessarily the provider’s entire registration. Domestic delivery may continue where otherwise authorised.
Three different dates
| Date | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 4 September 2026 | Announcement and registration of F2026L01160. |
| 5 September 2026 | Instrument commences, the day after registration. |
| 5 October 2026 | Restrictions on new overseas enrolments, new CoEs and commencement of students who have not already started GDML take effect. |
This is not an instruction for every student to stop studying immediately. Providers must consider their ESOS obligations during the transition. The dates are not a recommendation to rush enrolment or arrange a merely nominal start.
What happens to my place?
| Situation | Practical effect |
|---|---|
| Enrolled and started GDML before 5 October | May choose to finish with the current provider. This is not permission to restart GDML elsewhere. |
| CoE issued but GDML not started before 5 October | Cannot commence from 5 October; the GDML CoE is cancelled that day. |
| GDML is a later packaged course | Starting an earlier course is not starting GDML. Other courses may continue; check the GDML component separately. |
| Offer only or considering applying | An offer does not guarantee future commencement. Obtain written advice from the provider. |
The scale of the announcement
| Published measure | Number |
|---|---|
| Registered VET providers offering this course to international students | 452 |
| Active GDML CoEs | 41,033 |
| Students recorded as currently studying | 15,772 |
CoEs are not a unique-person count. Subtracting these figures cannot establish how many students lose places. The Government cited visa refusals, non-completion and integrity concerns, but published no refusal percentage in this release. Its rationale does not establish wrongdoing by every student.
Are fees refundable?
If the change creates a provider default for you, the education guidance describes a 14-day period to arrange a suitable alternative you accept or refund unspent tuition. TPS may assist if obligations are unmet. This is not an unconditional refund of every payment; voluntary withdrawal requires separate assessment.
Does a cancelled CoE automatically decide my visa position?
Do not infer an individual visa cancellation from this course announcement. Check enrolment, visa conditions and any pending application separately. Changing courses may raise student-visa and AQF-level issues; replacing a CoE alone does not resolve them.
What to do now
- Verify BSB80120 and actual commencement, not just the proposed date.
- Ask the provider for written CoE, continuation, alternative-course and refund arrangements.
- Keep payment and study records; review each part of a course package.
- Assess visa implications and genuine study and career goals before withdrawing or accepting a replacement.