Graduate Diploma of Management Learning cancellation: Your next steps

Update: The SB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) will be cancelled from 5th October 2026, according to the Australian Department of Education.

One of the most popular courses among international students, namely the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), will be cancelled from 5th October 2026, according to the Australian government. Fortunately, students already enrolled (who commenced their GDML studies before 5 October 2026) are not affected. But students whose GDML course starts on or after 5th October 2026 will have their CoE cancelled. This article presents fact-checked information for those students on what this means for them, their options, and possible next steps.

Note: Nothing in this article constitutes a professional recommendation or opinion. This article should be used for educational purposes only.

According to the Australian Government, they have “identified significant and systemic integrity concerns” with the GDML. The government is “committed to strengthening the integrity and quality of the international education sector”. They additionally said those concerns relate to “enrolment patterns, student transfers, students not starting the course, course completion outcomes and possible student visa integrity risks”.

The cancellation of the GDML will not only protect international students, they said, but also the integrity of Australia's international education sector and student visa system.

Students whose Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) course starts on or after 5th October 2026 should be concerned, as the Australian government will automatically cancel their CoE on that date. Students may have already received an email from their college about this.

Students whose GDML course has already started or starts before 5th October 2026 can continue and complete their course with their current college. Nothing changes for them right now. However, if they were planning their next course or visa step around a further GDML enrolment, that pathway is now closed; it's worth reviewing their study plan early.

According to the Australian Government, providers of the GDML course must, within 14 days of their default, provide the options listed below for students whose course starts on or after 5th October 2026:

• Enrolment in a different course: A bachelor's degree or another graduate diploma, depending on visa circumstances (requirements).
• Cancel the course enrolment and get a refund.

Students whose GDML starts on or after 5th October 2026 should:

First, contact their respective college. Check the status of the CoE.

After that, option 1 is to ask the college about refunds and placement obligations.

Or option 2 is to enroll in a different course with the same provider.

Providers must comply with refunds or a new course, according to the Australian government.

Or option 3 is to get a refund from the current provider and enroll in a new course with a different provider.

And as for students whose GDML course has already started or starts before 5th October 2026, don’t worry about this cancellation. But the future pathway plan may need to be revisited.

Search Education is one of the best, if not the best, migration and education consultants in Sydney. We have over 10 years of experience guiding individuals and students alike to their dreams. Our MARA-registered agent and QEAC-certified counsellors have guided and continue to guide thousands of individuals. Our team is already assisting students affected by this cancellation of the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning). We can:

• Review enrolment and CoE situation.
• Help find the right alternative course that fits your career and study goals.
• Assist with new enrolments and CoE applications before the deadline pressure builds.
• Connect you with a registered migration agent to review your visa position.

The worst thing a student can do is wait. Course places at reputable colleges will fill quickly as thousands of students move at the same time, as news of the cancellation of the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) spreads.