Starting January 1, 2025, Australia will require all international student visa applicants to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) as part of their application process. This replaces the previously accepted Letters of Offer, aiming to strengthen the integrity of the student visa system.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has clarified that visa applications submitted without a CoE will be deemed invalid. This means applicants without a CoE will not be eligible for Bridging visas, potentially risking their lawful status if their current visa expires. However, applications submitted before January 1, 2025, with Letters of Offer will not be affected by this change.
What Is a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)?
A CoE is an official document issued by Australian educational institutions confirming a student’s enrolment in a registered course. It includes key details such as the student’s personal information, course title, program duration, and tuition fees. To obtain a CoE, students must secure admission, pay tuition fees, and confirm their place in the program.
Previously, Letters of Offer served as proof of admission but lacked the binding commitment of a CoE, making them less effective in preventing visa misuse.
Why Has This Change Been Introduced?
The new requirement aims to address instances where individuals entered Australia on student visas without enrolling in educational programs. By mandating a CoE, the government seeks to ensure that only genuine students are granted visas, reducing fraudulent applications and enhancing the credibility of the system.
Certain categories, such as Foreign Affairs, Defence, and secondary exchange students, are exempt from this requirement and can continue using alternative evidence of enrolment.
Broader Immigration Reforms
This change is part of a larger overhaul of Australia’s immigration policies. In December 2024, Ministerial Direction 107 was replaced with Ministerial Direction 111 to speed up the processing of offshore student visas. Additionally, the cost of international student visas increased in July 2024, rising from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600.
These measures aim to balance Australia’s commitment to attracting international students with efforts to maintain the integrity of its immigration system.
