Effective January 1, 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has implemented a significant change in the student visa application process. All onshore student visa applicants are now required to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application, replacing the previously accepted Letters of Offer. This policy shift aims to enhance the integrity of Australia’s visa system by ensuring that only genuine students are granted visas.

Understanding the 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 program. The CoE includes essential details such as the student’s information, the course of study, program duration, and costs.

In contrast, a Letter of Offer merely outlines 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.

Implications of the New Requirement

Applications submitted without a CoE from January 1, 2025, onward will be deemed invalid. Such applications will not be assessed, and applicants will not qualify for associated Bridging visas. This could leave applicants without lawful status if their current visas expire.

It’s important to note that this 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.

Rationale Behind the Policy Change

The Australian government has introduced this measure to prevent visa misuse and ensure that only genuine students are granted visas. There have been instances where individuals used student visas as a means to enter Australia for purposes other than study, such as work. By requiring a CoE, the government aims to ensure that applicants have a confirmed place in an educational institution, thereby reducing the likelihood of visa misuse.

Steps for Prospective Students

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.

Impact on International Education in Australia

Australia has long been a popular destination for international students, with over 786,000 international students enrolled in educational programs in 2023. The country has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world.

The introduction of stricter visa requirements is part of a broader effort to maintain the quality and integrity of Australia’s education system. By ensuring that only genuine students are granted visas, the government aims to uphold the reputation of Australian educational institutions and provide a positive experience for international students.

The new requirement for a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in student visa applications underscores Australia’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its visa system and ensuring that international students are genuine in their intent to study. Prospective students should take note of this change and ensure they obtain a CoE before submitting their visa applications to avoid any disruptions in their plans to study in Australia.