The Department of Home Affairs announced that starting January 1, 2025, students applying for visas in Australia will need a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE). From this date, all applicants lodging a student visa application within Australia will have to provide a CoE at the time of submission. Letters of Offer will no longer be accepted as proof of intended study. This policy shift will only affect applications lodged on or after January 1, 2025. Applications submitted by an education provider before this date are not affected. However, applications without a CoE from January 1 onward will be deemed invalid, meaning they will not be assessed, and applicants will not be eligible for an associated Bridging visa. The new measure aims to bring onshore Student visa requirements in line with offshore applications, where a CoE has long been mandatory. The Department of Home Affairs stated that requiring a CoE demonstrates a stronger commitment by students to their chosen institution, providing greater certainty for Australia’s international education sector. “This change reflects our commitment to ensuring the integrity of Australia’s Student Visa program and strengthening confidence in our education system,” a spokesperson for the Department said. Current visa holders in Australia are advised to plan accordingly to avoid lapses in their visa status. Those unable to secure a CoE before their current visa expires will need to explore alternative visa options or depart the country. The government has also introduced restrictions to prevent “visa hopping,” which may limit certain visa holders from applying for a student visa while in Australia. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Department’s website for detailed guidance. The requirement to provide a CoE does not apply to Foreign Affairs, Defence, or secondary exchange students, who may continue to submit alternative evidence of their intended course of study.x
