3,000 international students rush to enrol before diploma course ban
Nearly 3,000 students enrolled in a diploma course before its October 5 cancellation to avoid new visa rules.
International students and education agents are flooding a diploma course with last-minute enrolments before it is cancelled on October 5. The graduate diploma of management (learning) has been cancelled.
The government says some non-genuine students used it to stay in Australia without genuine study. Since the ban was announced September 4, more than 1,300 new enrolments have been issued.
More than 1,500 students have moved their planned start dates forward. Education agents promoted the course via WhatsApp and text messages.
They offered discounted fees and free certificates of enrolment. Some colleges scheduled special intakes for just days before the cancellation deadline.
The government is examining students studying two full-time courses at the same time. Hill said regulators were ready to use powers not previously used on colleges that broke the rules.
This could stop them from recruiting new students. 'Do not try to game this measure,' Hill said.
- Graduate diploma of management (learning)
- Course being cancelled
- October 5
- Cancellation date
- September 4
- Ban announced
Why it mattersStudents in rushed non-genuine arrangements risk visa cancellation. Colleges face government action if caught breaking the intent of the rule change.
AustraliaAustralia's visa system is being tested as education providers and agents attempt to circumvent new rules designed to prevent fake study enrolments.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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