Changes to onshore Student visa applications

Mandatory Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for Onshore Student Visa Applicants

From 1 January 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will no longer accept Letters of Offer from applicants applying inside Australia for a Student visa.
All onshore applicants must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application.

• This rule applies only to applications lodged on or after 1 January 2025.

• Visa applications submitted before this date using a Letter of Offer are not affected.

Impact of Lodging Without a CoE

Application Becomes Invalid

If an applicant fails to include a CoE, the application will be considered invalid, meaning:

• Visa decision makers cannot assess the application.

• A Bridging Visa cannot be granted, as it is linked only to valid visa applications.

Aligning Onshore and Offshore Student Visa Requirements

The goal of this change is to standardize requirements for both onshore and offshore Student visa applications.
Submitting a CoE demonstrates a stronger commitment to study at a particular institution and provides greater certainty for Australia’s international education sector.

Exceptions to the New Requirement

Alternative Evidence Still Accepted for Specific Categories

There is no change in requirements for:

• Foreign Affairs students

• Defence students

• Secondary exchange students

These applicants may continue using the approved alternative evidence of study intention. Student visa holders must also ensure they continue to maintain lawful immigration status.

What to Do If You Cannot Get a CoE in Time

If your current visa is expiring and you cannot obtain a CoE before lodging a new Student visa:

• You must depart Australia.

• Explore other visa options.

However, recent reforms to prevent visa hopping now restrict certain visa holders from applying for a Student visa while inside Australia.

Refer to “Ending visa hopping in the migration system” for details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.3  What should you do if you cannot get a CoE before your Student visa expires in Australia?

If your current visa is expiring and you cannot obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before lodging a new Student visa application in Australia, you must depart Australia and explore other visa options, as recent reforms restricting visa hopping now prevent certain visa holders from applying for a Student visa while inside Australia.

Q.4 What is the mandatory CoE requirement for onshore Student visa applications in Australia from 2025?

From 1 January 2025, the Department of Home Affairs requires all onshore Student visa applicants in Australia to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application, replacing the previously accepted Letter of Offer — this rule applies only to applications lodged on or after 1 January 2025.