The Australian government has implemented a new regulation for onshore student visa applications in an attempt to improve the integrity of its foreign education sector. All students seeking for a student visa while in Australia will have to include a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) with their application as of January 1, 2025.
What is a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)?
A certificate of enrollment (CoE) is a formal document that an educational institution issues to verify a student’s enrollment in a course of study. Details on the student’s course, such as its length, cost, and any enrollment requirements, are provided by the CoE.
This new regulation was implemented by the Australian government to show a student’s greater dedication to their chosen school and to increase trust in the country’s international education market. In order to make sure that students are actually enrolled in a course of study and aren’t abusing the student visa program, the government requires a CoE. According to this new regulation, students must first receive a CoE from their educational institution before filing an application for a student visa. Since obtaining a CoE may take many weeks, students should make sure they allocate enough time for this process.
Some visa holders who wish to switch to a student visa while in Australia may be subject to additional limitations in order to prevent students from moving between visas. The purpose of these limitations is to stop students from utilizing the student visa program to keep their visa status in Australia. In related news, Australia raised the cost of an international student visa from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 in 2024. All new applications are subject to this increase. Students and educational institutions are advised by the Department of Home Affairs to be aware of these modifications and make sure CoEs are obtained in time for visa applications. Applications won’t be processed without a valid CoE, and applicants would have to look into alternative visa possibilities or depart the country.
In conclusion, the goal of the Australian government’s new regulation mandating a CoE for applications for onshore student visas is to improve the integrity of its foreign education system. It is important for both students and educators to be aware of this shift and make sure they meet the new standards.
