January 9th, 2025 at 03:58 am

Australia’s Mandatory COE for Student Visas in 2025: What You Need to Know

Beginning January 1, 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will implement a crucial change in the student visa application process. This update means that Letters of Offer from educational institutions will no longer be accepted. Instead, applicants must submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when applying for their student visas.

This change aims to enhance the integrity of Australia’s visa system and ensure that only genuine students receive visas.

Key Changes in Visa Applications

Starting in January 2025, all onshore student visa applications must include a CoE. Applications that do not have a CoE will be considered invalid. Consequently, visa decision-makers will not process these applications. Additionally, invalid applications will not qualify for Bridging visas. This situation could leave applicants without lawful status if their current visas expire.

It is essential to note that this change does not affect applications submitted before January 1, 2025, that utilize Letters of Offer. Furthermore, students in Foreign Affairs, Defense, and secondary exchange programs can still use alternative forms of evidence for their courses.

Understanding the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official electronic document issued by Australian educational institutions. This document confirms a student’s enrolment in a registered course after they have paid the necessary tuition fees and secured their place in the program. The CoE contains vital information, including the student’s details, course of study, program duration, and associated costs.

In contrast, the previously accepted Letter of Offer merely outlined the admission offer, tuition fees, and course details. While it served its purpose in the past, the Letter of Offer lacked a binding commitment. This deficiency made it less effective in preventing the misuse of student visas.

Implications for Student Applicants

Students intending to apply for a visa in 2025 or beyond must first secure admission to a registered course at an Australian institution. They must pay the required tuition fees and obtain a CoE from the institution. Only then can they submit the CoE as part of their visa application.

Failure to provide a CoE at the time of application will make the application invalid. This invalidation prevents any assessment and renders the applicant ineligible for a Bridging visa. Students who cannot obtain a CoE before their current visas expire may need to explore alternative visa options or leave Australia to comply with immigration laws.

Reasons for the Change

The shift from accepting Letters of Offer to requiring CoEs arises from increasing concerns about the misuse of student visas. Authorities noticed that some individuals used student visas to enter Australia but did not enroll in educational programs. By mandating CoEs, the government seeks to ensure that only genuine students are granted visas.

Requiring proof of enrolment upfront demonstrates a student’s commitment to education in Australia. This measure effectively filters out fraudulent applications and enhances the overall visa process.

In December 2024, the Australian government also introduced Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) to expedite offshore student visa processing. This change replaced the criticized MD107. Additionally, the cost of international student visas increased significantly in July 2024, from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600.

These adjustments reflect Australia’s commitment to tightening immigration policies while maintaining its status as a leading destination for international students.

In summary, the new CoE requirement marks a significant shift in Australia’s approach to student visas. Students should prepare accordingly to ensure compliance with this updated application process.