Confirmation of Enrolment is now required from January 2025 for Australian student visas.
Beginning January 1, 2025, international students applying for student visas in Australia must comply with new immigration regulations. The Department of Home Affairs will no longer accept Letters of Offer as part of student visa applications submitted from within Australia. Instead, foreign students must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
“The change will only affect applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025. “Visa applications submitted before that date, which rely solely on a Letter of Offer from an education provider, will not experience any impact.” states the government.
Key Dates and Deadlines for Confirmation of Enrolment Implementation
Before January 1, 2025, the authorities will process student visa applications submitted with a Letter of Offer as usual. However, beginning January 1, 2025, a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) will be required for all onshore student visa applications. Consequently, applicants should be aware of this upcoming change and ensure they have the necessary documentation ready to avoid any disruptions in their enrollment process. If you submit an application without a CoE, we will deem it invalid and will not consider it.
Letter of Offer Definition
A university in Australia issues a Letter of Offer as an official document. It details admission information, tuition fees, commencement date, and requirements for applying for a student visa.
What is Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an electronic document that confirms a student’s enrolment in a registered course at an Australian educational institution. The CoE includes details about the student, the program, its costs, and its duration.
What happens if you do not submit a Confirmation of Enrolment?
If you submit applications without a Certificate of Enrollment (CoE), we will deem them invalid.. Invalid applications will not undergo assessment, and you will not qualify for a Bridging Visa, which could result in you lacking legal status in Australia.
Important updates to note
Mandatory Certificate of Enrollment (CoE) requirement: If you submit your application without a Certificate of Enrollment (CoE), we will deem it invalid and ineligible for assessment, along with any Bridging visa issuance.
Standardized evidence criteria: Both onshore and offshore applicants must now meet identical requirements to demonstrate their intent to study.
Exemption for current applications: Applications submitted before January 1, 2025, using a Letter of Offer, will not be impacted by this change.
Experts recommend measures to ensure compliance:
- To apply for your student visa, make sure to obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution first.
- If you cannot secure a CoE before your current visa expires, you should consider leaving Australia or looking into alternative visa options to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Important Updates and Implications for International Students in Australia
Australia has recently introduced several changes to its international student visa policies, including new requirements, exemptions, and broader adjustments that affect applicants:
| Category | Details |
| Exemptions from the Confirmation of Enrolment Requirement: | Students participating in Foreign Affairs, Defense, and secondary exchange programs are allowed to submit alternative forms of evidence. |
| Who Needs a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): | Starting January 2025, all onshore student visa applications must include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for validation. |
| Current Holders of Visas: | You must obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before your visa expires, or consider other visa options |
| Recent Policy Updates: | * Increased Visa Fee: International student visa fees increased to AUD 1,600 in July 2024. * Enrollment Cap: In September 2024, a limit of 270,000 international students was established for the year 2025. * Expedited Offshore Processing: Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) was implemented in December 2024. |
| Common Fields of Study for Students: | Business – Information Technology – Engineering – Science – Hospitality |
Background and Implications
The Australian government is initiating a transition from Letters of Offer to Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) as part of its broader efforts to enhance the integrity of the international education sector. This change ensures that applicants demonstrate genuine commitment to studying in Australia. The CoE acts as proof that students have accepted an offer and paid their tuition fees, thereby confirming their enrollment in a specific program.
The Australian government has recently enacted ‘Ministerial Direction 111’ (MD111), which will take effect on December 19, 2024, to streamline the processing of offshore student visa applications. This new directive replaces the earlier ‘Ministerial Direction 107’ (MD107), which had faced criticism.
The mandatory CoE rule strengthens Australia’s reputation as a trusted destination for quality education. To avoid complications, ensure your visa application adheres to these new requirements.
For official updates and detailed guidance, please visit the website of the Department of Home Affairs.
