Australia’s Student Visa Rules 2025: CoE Now Mandatory for Applications
New Australian Visa Requirement: Letters of Offer No Longer Accepted
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has introduced a significant change to its student visa application process. Starting January 1, 2025, the department will no longer accept Letters of Offer as valid evidence for processing student visa applications. Instead, applicants must submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application, underscoring Australia’s commitment to a more robust and efficient visa assessment system.
This update, detailed in an official notice, applies to onshore applicants—those currently residing in Australia and intending to apply for a student visa. While Letters of Offer have been a standard document for initial visa applications, the shift to requiring a CoE emphasizes the need for applicants to formalize their enrolment with educational institutions before lodging their applications.
Who Will Be Affected by the Change?
The new rule will apply to all student visa applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025. Applicants who submit their applications before this date, using only a Letter of Offer from an Australian education provider, will not be impacted.
However, it’s essential to note that the change does not apply to Foreign Affairs, Defence, or secondary exchange students, as alternative forms of evidence for their intended course of study remain acceptable.
Why Is a CoE Now Mandatory?
The Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) demonstrates a student’s commitment to their chosen institution and course of study. The Department of Home Affairs explained that providing a CoE at the time of application ensures the validity of the visa process. Applications lacking a CoE will be deemed invalid, preventing visa decision-makers from processing them. Moreover, no associated Bridging Visa can be granted if the substantive visa application is invalid.
This requirement eliminates uncertainties for both students and institutions, fostering a streamlined process that aligns with Australia’s rigorous education standards.
Australia: A Context of Rising Costs
This procedural update follows a substantial increase in visa fees. From July 1, 2024, the Australian government raised the fee for international student visas from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600. The adjustment aims to offset administrative costs and reflects Australia’s growing demand for quality education from international students.
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