Australian colleges warned ‘do not try to game’ student visas after last-minute enrolments for cancelled diploma soar
News Source
•Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:00:45 GMT
📰 What Happened
Private colleges have issued nearly 3,000 last-minute enrolments for a diploma course that is being cancelled. The graduate diploma of management (learning) will be deregistered on 5 October. The government says some non-genuine students used it to stay in Australia. Assistant minister Julian Hill warned providers: “do not try to game this measure”.
🔍 The Backstory
Guardian Australia revealed last month that colleges were offering discounts to rush students in. Some agents sent WhatsApp messages pushing cheap fees and free enrolment. The course is taught by about 450 institutions and has more than 15,000 students. The Department of Home Affairs has sent letters of concern to several providers. Regulators will check what really happened, not just the paperwork.
🎯 Why It Matters
International students could risk their visas if they join rushed or fake courses. The rules protect the study visa system from misuse.
Private colleges have issued nearly 3,000 last-minute enrolments for a diploma course that is being cancelled. The graduate diploma of management (learning) will be deregistered on 5 October. The government says some non-genuine students used it to stay in Australia. Assistant minister Julian Hill warned providers: “do not try to game this measure”.
Guardian Australia revealed last month that colleges were offering discounts to rush students in. Some agents sent WhatsApp messages pushing cheap fees and free enrolment. The course is taught by about 450 institutions and has more than 15,000 students. The Department of Home Affairs has sent letters of concern to several providers. Regulators will check what really happened, not just the paperwork.
International students could risk their visas if they join rushed or fake courses. The rules protect the study visa system from misuse.