Published: 09/01/2025
New CoE Requirement for Onshore Student Visas in 2025
From January 1, 2025, Letters of Offer will no longer be accepted as part of the onshore student visa application process. This means that if you are applying for a student visa from within Australia, you must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application.
What is a CoE?
A CoE is an official document issued by your chosen Australian education provider confirming your enrolment in a specific course. It contains important details about your course, including the duration, start date, and tuition fees. It replaces the previous Letter of Offer as the primary evidence of your intended studies.
Why the Change?
This change aligns the requirements for onshore and offshore student visa applications, creating a more consistent and streamlined process. Providing a CoE upfront demonstrates a stronger commitment to studying in Australia, providing greater certainty for both students and the international education sector.
Potential Impact
Potential positive impacts of CoE:
- Streamlined Processing: The change aims for a more consistent process. This could lead to faster processing times for onshore applications, as the CoE provides upfront confirmation of enrolment.
- Reduced Fraud: Requiring a CoE upfront might deter fraudulent applications, as applicants need genuine enrolment to obtain one.
- Increased Certainty: Students have clearer confirmation of their enrolment, and institutions have more reliable data on student numbers.
Potential negative impacts of CoE:
- Increased Burden on Students: Obtaining a CoE might add an extra step and potential delays for some students, particularly those with complex circumstances or those applying close to the course start date.
- Increased Rejection Rates: If students fail to obtain a CoE before applying, their applications will be invalid.
Student Visa Application Statistics
| Onshore student visa applications | Offshore student visa applications | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 202,423 | 192,723 | 395,146 |
| 2020-21 | 176,905 | 85,728 | 262,633 |
| 2021-22 | 127,225 | 237,779 | 365,004 |
| 2022-23 | 166,629 | 423,675 | 590,304 |
| 2023-24 | 216,564 | 363,629 | 580,193 |
Data Source: Dataset originally found on data.gov.au “Student visa program”.
What This Means for You
- Applications lodged before January 1, 2025, using a Letter of Offer will not be affected.
- Applications lodged on or after January 1, 2025, must include a CoE. Failure to do so will render your application invalid, preventing its assessment and potentially impacting your bridging visa status.
- If your current visa is expiring and you cannot obtain a CoE in time, you may need to depart Australia or explore alternative visa options.
How This is Australia Can Help
Navigating these changes can be complex. This is Australia is here to provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire process.
We can assist you with:
- Liaising with your chosen education provider to ensure you receive your CoE promptly.
- Preparing a complete and compliant visa application.
- Advising you on the best visa pathway based on your individual circumstances.
- Staying up-to-date with the latest student visa regulations to ensure you receive the most accurate and current information.
Contact Us
Contact This is Australia today for personalised advice and assistance with your student visa application. We are here to help you achieve your study goals in Australia.
Call +61 (0)7 5592 0755
Or book an appointment with one of our registered migration agents .
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