The Albanese Government has, for the first time, exercised new legislative powers to cancel an international course over integrity concerns, banning providers from enrolling further foreign students in the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) from 5 October. Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill announced the move in a media release, warning that some Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) had rushed to lodge more than 1,300 Confirmations of Enrolment to beat the deadline. The decision follows evidence that certain providers and education agents were manipulating the qualification to facilitate extended work rights rather than genuine study. The Australian Skills Quality Authority is investigating suspected breaches, and letters of concern have been sent to multiple colleges. Under section 97 of the ESOS Act, the government can now suspend a provider’s ability to recruit new international students, a power officials say they are prepared to use again. International students caught in non-genuine arrangements risk visa cancellation and future immigration consequences. The Department of Home Affairs has advised students to seek professional advice before changing courses. The government is also considering amendments to the ESOS framework to close further loopholes and has published fact sheets outlining students’ rights and obligations. Education exporters and global mobility teams that rely on VET pathways for assignees should verify that partner providers remain compliant and prepare contingency plans for course suspensions. The episode signals a tougher compliance environment aimed at restoring confidence in Australia’s $55 billion international education market.
Source: Ministers’ Media Centre
