Study Abroad: Australia revises onshore student visa requirements; CoE mandatory from January 2025

NEW DELHI: The department of home affairs Australia has enforced a change for onshore student visa applicants. Individuals applying for a student visa within Australia are required to include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) during the application process from January 2025.

Additionally, letters of offer from educational institutions will no longer be accepted. This new rule applies only to visa applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025. Applications submitted before this date using a letter of offer remain unaffected.

Australia Student Visa: Invalid application without CoE

CoE is an official document issued by an education provider that verifies a student's enrollment in a specific course. According to the new Australia visa rules, applications without CoE will be invalid. Consequently, visa decision-makers will be unable to process such applications, and no associated bridging visa can be issued.

The requirement does not affect alternative forms of evidence for foreign affairs, defence, or secondary exchange students, who may still follow existing guidelines.

Study Abroad: Obtain CoE before visa expiry

Candidates are required to obtain CoE before expiry of present visa. If obtaining a CoE before the expiration of their current visa is not possible, applicants will be required to leave Australia or explore other visa options. However, restrictions now apply to those attempting to apply for a student visa while holding specific visas.

Also read UK, Australia, Italy change student visa rules; new study destinations rise

Australia Student Visa: Steps to apply

Interested students can follow these steps to apply for Australia student visa.

• Candidates are required to accept the letter of offer and retain a copy for reference.
• Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the education provider.
• Provide proof of English proficiency through an approved language test certificate.
• Fulfill the Genuine Student (GS) requirement by submitting details about background, study plans, and intentions.
• Demonstrate financial capacity to cover expenses, with a minimum of $29,710 available.
• Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay.
• Meet the health requirements, which may include a medical examination.
• Satisfy the character requirements, potentially involving a police background check.
• Submit the visa application online using ImmiAccount via the department of home affairs website.