The Australian Government has taken action to prevent new international student enrolments in the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) (BSB80120), following concerns about the course being used by some students to facilitate onshore course transfers and maintain their stay in Australia.

This is the first time the Australian Government has used its new course cancellation powers introduced as part of recent reforms to strengthen the integrity of Australia’s international education sector.

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What has changed?

VET providers offering the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) to international students will have their CRICOS registration for this course automatically suspended or cancelled.

As a result, education providers and education agents will no longer be able to recruit new international students into the course.

Importantly, this does not mean that all students currently studying the course must stop studying. Students who have already commenced the course and remain with their current provider will be able to complete their studies.

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Why has the Government taken this action?

The Government has raised concerns about significant levels of onshore student transfers into the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), as well as visa refusals and low course completion rates associated with the course.

According to government data, 452 VET providers are registered to offer the course to international students.

There are currently 41,033 active Confirmations of Enrolment (CoEs) for the course, including 15,772 students recorded as currently studying.

ABC News has also reported that transfers into the course increased from approximately 510 students in 2020 to 4,000 in 2025, with around **77% of those transferring into the course coming from higher education.

The Government considers these patterns to raise concerns that the course has, in some cases, been used for reasons other than genuine study.

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New powers to cancel courses

The action follows changes to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework passed in 2025.

Under these reforms, the Minister for Education has the power to specify classes of courses for cancellation where certain circumstances apply, including:

• systemic issues with the standard of course delivery;
• limited alignment with Australia’s current and future skills and training needs; or
• circumstances where cancellation is considered to be in the public interest.

The Government has now used these powers for the first time in relation to the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning).

This measure also forms part of a broader series of reforms affecting Australia’s international education sector, including restrictions on education agent commissions for certain onshore student transfers and increased scrutiny of VET providers.

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What does this mean for Student visa holders?

The change highlights the Australian Government’s increasing focus on genuine study, course transfers and integrity within the international education and Student visa system.

Students considering changing their course or education provider should be particularly careful about the potential consequences.

A course transfer may involve more than simply enrolling with a different education provider. Depending on the student’s individual circumstances, factors such as their existing visa, course level, study history, reasons for changing courses and whether a new Student visa is required may need to be considered.

Students should therefore consider the immigration implications before making significant changes to their study arrangements.

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What happens once I return to Australia?

After returning to Australia on a substantive visa, you may be able to apply for a new Bridging Visa associated with your pending visa application.

For example, if you return on a Visitor visa, you may apply for an appropriate Bridging Visa while your Visitor visa remains valid. If granted, the Bridging Visa may come into effect after your Visitor visa expires, allowing you to remain lawfully in Australia while your original substantive visa application is being processed.

Keep in mind that returning on a Visitor visa may mean a temporary loss of work rights. You should also carefully check the conditions attached to any new Bridging Visa granted.

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This article provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Visa requirements and policies may change, and the appropriate option will depend on your individual circumstances.

Related：

• Student Visa Assessment