Australia Introduces Mandatory CoE: The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced a significant change in the student visa application process, effective from January 1, 2025. In an official notice, the Department stated that Letters of Offer from educational institutions will no longer be accepted as part of the application. Instead, applicants must submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application. This change aims to enhance the integrity of Australia’s visa system and ensure that only genuine students are granted visas.
What are the changes to Visa applications in Australia
From January 2025, all onshore student visa applications must include a CoE. Applications without a CoE will be deemed invalid, and visa decision-makers will be unable to process them. Furthermore, invalid applications will not qualify for associated Bridging visas, which could leave applicants without lawful status if their current visas expire.
The change does not impact visa applications submitted before January 1, 2025, using Letters of Offer. Additionally, Foreign Affairs, Defence, and secondary exchange students can continue to use alternative forms of evidence for their intended courses of study.
Check the complete notice here.
What is a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)?
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official electronic document issued by Australian educational institutions. It confirms a student’s enrolment in a registered course after they have paid the required tuition fees and secured a place in the programme. The CoE includes essential details such as the student’s information, the course of study, programme duration, and costs.
In contrast, the Letter of Offer, previously accepted for visa applications, merely outlined the admission offer, including tuition fees, course details, and visa application prerequisites. While it sufficed in the past, its lack of binding commitment made it less effective in preventing misuse of student visas.
What the change implies for student applicants?
Students planning to apply for a visa in 2025 or later must secure admission to a registered course at an Australian institution, pay the required tuition fees, and obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the institution. This CoE must then be submitted as part of the visa application process. Failure to provide a CoE at the time of application will render the application invalid, preventing its assessment and making the applicant ineligible for a Bridging visa.
Students unable to obtain a CoE before their current visas expire may need to explore alternative visa options or leave Australia to remain compliant with immigration laws.
Why a change has been introduced?
The shift from accepting Letters of Offer to requiring CoEs stems from rising concerns over the misuse of student visas. Australian authorities observed that some individuals used student visas to enter the country but failed to enrol in educational programmes.
By mandating CoEs, the government aims to ensure that only genuine students are granted visas. Requiring proof of enrolment upfront demonstrates a student’s commitment to pursuing education in Australia. This measure also filters out fraudulent applications and strengthens the overall visa process.
Earlier, in December 2024, the Australian government also implemented Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) to expedite offshore student visa processing, replacing the criticized MD107.
Additionally, the cost of international student visas was increased significantly in July 2024, from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600. These changes reflect Australia’s efforts to tighten its immigration policies while maintaining its position as a leading destination for international students.