In 2025, 93% of successful Australian student visa applications included a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)—making it the most critical document after your passport. Whether you’re applying for a Subclass 500 visa or transitioning between courses, understanding your CoE’s role can mean the difference between approval and refusal.
This guide covers:
- What a CoE is (with 2025 document samples)
- Step-by-step process to obtain one
- Common pitfalls that lead to delays/cancellations
- Visa strategies for conditional CoEs and course changes
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an electronic document issued by CRICOS-registered Australian institutions (e.g., universities, TAFEs) to international students. It verifies:
- Your acceptance into a specific course
- Payment of tuition deposits (or approved financial arrangements)
- Compliance with visa conditions like OSHC
Key Details in Your CoE
| Section | What It Shows | Why It Matters |
| Student Information | Full name, passport number, nationality | Links your identity to your visa |
| Course Details | CRICOS code, start/end dates, campus location | Proves your course is accredited |
| Financials | Tuition fees paid, outstanding balances | Ensures you meet financial requirements |
| Conditions | Attendance rules, academic progress | Visa officers check compliance |
For Visa Applications
- No CoE = No Visa: Since 2025, Australia rejects applications without a CoE upfront (previously allowed Letters of Offer).
- Proves GTE Compliance: Shows you’re a genuine student with a clear study plan.
For Visa Compliance
- Tracks Enrollment: Universities report changes (e.g., course switches, failures) to Home Affairs via your CoE.
- Work Rights: Your CoE’s course duration determines how long you can work (e.g., 48 hrs/fortnight).
For Post-Study Pathways
- 485 Visa Eligibility: Requires a CoE showing completion of a 2+ year degree.
Step 1: Receive and Accept Your Letter of Offer
- Check Conditions: Some offers require IELTS 6.5 or higher (e.g., nursing degrees).
- Pay Deposit: Typically 50% of first-semester fees (varies by institution).
Step 2: Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- 2025 Requirement: Coverage for entire visa duration (e.g., 3 years for a bachelor’s degree).
- Top Providers: BUPA, Allianz, Medibank (avg. AUD $5,300/year).
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
- Passport Copy (valid for 6+ months post-course)
- Academic Transcripts (certified translations if not in English)
- Financial Proof (e.g., bank statements showing AUD $29,710/year)
Step 4: Receive Your CoE
- Issuance Time: 10–15 working days after completing Steps 1–3.
- Format: Electronic (PDF) with a unique CoE code (e.g., “5A2B3C4D”).
| Type | When Issued | Risks |
| Conditional CoE | For students awaiting final results (e.g., high school exams) | Visa refusal if conditions aren’t met (e.g., failing exams) |
| Full CoE | After meeting all offer conditions (e.g., paying fees) | None if documents are accurate |
- Name Mismatches
Example: CoE shows “Mohammed Ali” but passport says “Muhammad Ali” → Visa refusal .
Fix: Verify all documents use your passport name.
- Incorrect Course Dates
Risk: CoE end date before course completion → Visa expires prematurely.
Solution: Demand corrections from your institution .
- Non-CRICOS Courses
2025 Rule: Only CRICOS-registered courses qualify for visas (check codes here) .
- Late OSHC Payments
Consequence: CoE issuance delayed by weeks .
- Ignoring CoE Cancellations
Triggers: Failing subjects (>50%), unpaid fees, or unauthorized course changes .
Action: You have 28 days to re-enroll or leave Australia .
Process
- Get a New CoE: Required if switching to a different CRICOS course (e.g., MBA to Cookery)
- Notify Home Affairs: Update your visa via ImmiAccount within 7 days
Visa Risks
- Same AQF Level: Switching from a bachelor’s (AQF 7) to a diploma (AQF 5) may trigger visa cancellation.
- PR Impact: Changing from a skilled occupation course (e.g., nursing) to non-PR eligible fields (e.g., hospitality) affects migration plans.
- Stricter Issuance: Universities now verify 3 months of financial records before issuing CoEs.
- No Concurrent CoEs: Banned to prevent “visa hopping” (e.g., enrolling in cheap courses to extend stays).
- Digital Verification: Home Affairs cross-checks CoEs with CRICOS in real-time during visa processing.
- Q: Can I apply for a visa without a CoE?
A: No. Since 2025, applications without CoEs are automatically rejected. - Q: How long is a CoE valid?
A: Until your course end date. Extensions require re-enrollment and a new CoE. - Q: What if my CoE is cancelled?
A: You must either:- Leave Australia within 28 days
- Apply for a new CoE (if eligible)
- Apply early – CoEs take 10–15 days to process.
- Triple-check details – Names, dates, and CRICOS codes must match your visa application.
- Monitor compliance – Maintain attendance (80%+) and grades to avoid cancellations.
- Plan changes carefully – Consult a migration agent before switching courses.