International VET providers and students on notice following the first use of new course cancellation powers

The Albanese Government is closely monitoring recent VET provider behaviour and student enrolment patterns which may raise integrity concerns following the suspension and cancellation of the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) (GDML).

From 5 October 2026, VET providers and education agents will no longer be able to recruit and enrol new international students into the GDML course, following the Assistant Minister’s decision on 4 September to use the new course cancellation powers for the first time.

During the transition period, some providers have continued to enrol large numbers of students, issuing over 1,300 new Confirmation of Enrolments and bringing forward over 1,500 student commencement dates to circumvent the deadline.

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has been closely monitoring provider behaviour and is building a strong body of evidence against providers suspected of
undermining the integrity of the international education and visa systems.

Providers with students studying the GDML must be ready to demonstrate that they are meeting their obligations under the 2025 Standards for RTOs and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, including ensuring:

• training is delivered by qualified trainers and assessors with current industry skills and knowledge relevant to the GDML; and
• facilities, resources and equipment are fit-for-purpose, safe accessible and sufficient.

The Department of Home Affairs has this week written formal letters of concern to a number of providers asking them to explain their behaviour and practices.

The Assistant Minister will be actively considering the use of powers under Section 97 of the Education Services for Overseas Student Act 2000 to suspend the ability of an international education provider to recruit new students where misuse of the migration system is established in accordance with the Act. This would be the first time these powers have been used.

International students who have commenced the GDML and are studying with their current provider before 5 October may be able to complete their studies where no
integrity breaches are identified.

Tip-offs have raised concerns, however, that international students are been pressured by providers and agents into starting the GDML before finishing their current course to meet the October deadline.

Providers and agents should not pressure students or give misleading assurances about the effect of an enrolment on a current or future student visa application. They also must not breach the transfer restriction period for students who have not completed the required period of study with an existing provider.

The Government and regulators are also carefully monitoring international students who agree to enrolment or study arrangements they do not understand or cannot genuinely undertake, including by studying two full-time courses at the same time.

Students who participate in non-genuine arrangements may put their student visa, as well as any subsequent visa applications, at risk. Before changing courses or commencing another course, students must ensure they continue to comply with all visa conditions and should seek accurate information from their provider and, where appropriate, independent migration advice.

The Department of Education will look at changes to the Education Services for Overseas Student (ESOS) framework to address any loopholes and integrity issues.

The department has issued fact sheets for providers and students to help them gain accurate and clear advice.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for International Education, Julian Hill:

“The message to providers, agents and students is simple: do not try to game this
measure.

“A paper enrolment, a rushed orientation or token activity is not a licence to evade the intent of the action and curious patterns are now being actively examined.

“Providers should expect any attempt to circumvent the intent of these measures to attract close regulatory scrutiny, looking at the substance of what occurred, not simply the paperwork.

“Students should be very wary of anyone pressuring them to start another course immediately, particularly while they are still completing their existing studies.

“Genuine students deserve clear advice and quality education—not arrangements created for someone else’s commercial benefit.

“The government will continue to act decisively to ensure Australia remains a trusted global education destination, to protect international students and to prevent misuse of the student visa system.

"Australia continues to welcome genuine international students seeking a premium education and must maintain a ruthless focus on quality, integrity and a great student experience.”