Private colleges across Australia are offering discounts to attract students to a diploma that the federal government plans to cancel due to concerns over its misuse by non-genuine students. The graduate diploma of management (learning) will be deregistered on October 5 following the government's announcement in early September.
Background
The diploma is currently taught by nearly 450 institutions and has over 15,000 students enrolled, with more than 40,000 students registered for future enrollment after completing a different vocational course. The government suspects that the diploma is being exploited by students seeking to remain in Australia under false pretenses.
Current Developments
In response to the impending cancellation, various private colleges have begun promoting last-minute discounts and expedited enrollment options. Some immigration education agents have circulated messages via WhatsApp and texts, urging students to enroll in the course before it is too late. Promotions include:
- Discounted course fees
- Free certificates of enrollment for immediate joining
- Attractive commissions for agents with same-day offer letters
One college has scheduled two special intakes on September 21 and October 2, just days before the course's cancellation.
Phil Honeywood, the chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), expressed support for the government's decision, stating it would help eliminate providers exploiting the system. "The government for all the right reasons moved to stop non-genuine international students from using this course to stay in the country," Honeywood said.
