Important Update for International Students: Changes to the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)
The Australian Government has introduced new rules affecting the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), commonly known as GDML, for international students studying with registered VET providers.
If you are currently studying this course, planning to start it, or have received a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), here is what you need to know.
What is changing?
Under the new rules, registered VET providers will no longer be able to continue offering the GDML to new international students.
The changes will happen in stages.
30 days after the new rules commence, providers that still have international students currently studying the GDML will have their registration for this course automatically suspended.
This does not mean that students who have already started the course must immediately stop studying.
Already studying the GDML? You can continue
If you have already started studying the GDML when your provider's registration for the course is suspended, you can continue your studies.
You can remain enrolled until you:
- complete your course, or
- choose to withdraw from the course.
In other words, the new rules include arrangements to allow existing students to finish their studies.
What about students who haven't started yet?
The situation is different if you have enrolled in the GDML but have not yet started the course.
Once the provider's registration for the GDML is suspended, the provider cannot allow an accepted international student who has not commenced the course to start studying it.
Providers also cannot recruit or enrol new international students in the GDML during the suspension.
What happens to the course in the future?
Once all existing international students have either completed or withdrawn from the GDML, the provider's registration for the course will be automatically cancelled.
If a provider has no international students studying the course at the end of the 30-day period, its registration for the course will be automatically cancelled at that point.
After cancellation, the provider must stop offering the GDML at all locations.
Any CoEs that have been issued for students who are due to start the course in the future must also be cancelled.
Why has the Government made this change?
The Government says the changes are intended to protect the integrity and reputation of Australia's international education sector and student visa program.
According to the Government's explanatory statement, concerns about the GDML include:
- rapid growth in international student enrolments;
- a high number of students not commencing the course;
- comparatively low completion rates;
- significant numbers of students transferring courses while already in Australia;
high visa refusal rates; and - extensive use of the GDML in packaged course arrangements.
Based on these factors, the Government considers that stronger controls are needed around the delivery of this course.
What if my provider can no longer deliver my course?
There are protections available to international students.
If your provider defaults and cannot meet its obligations, it may need to help you find a suitable alternative course or refund your unused tuition fees.
The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) may also assist eligible students if their provider is unable to meet these obligations.
What should students do now?
If you are currently studying the GDML, do not panic or make changes to your enrolment based only on general information about the new rules.
Your situation may depend on whether you have already commenced the course, your provider's status and your individual enrolment.
Contact your education provider directly and ask how the changes affect your enrolment and whether you need to take any action.
Key takeaway
Already started the GDML? You can continue studying until you complete or withdraw.
Enrolled but haven't started? You may not be able to commence once your provider's registration for the course is suspended.
Planning to enrol? VET providers affected by these rules will not be able to recruit or enrol new international students in the GDML once the suspension applies.
Stay in contact with your education provider and make sure you understand how the changes apply to your individual circumstances.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or migration advice. Students should contact their education provider or seek appropriate professional advice regarding their individual circumstances.