As of 1 January 2025, the Department of Home Affairs no longer accepts Letter of Offers from individuals applying for a Student Visa in Australia. All onshore applications will require a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at time of application. Failure to provide a CoE at time of application, will result in an invalid visa application which will not be assessed by decision makers. In addition, associated Bridging Visa’s can not be granted where the substantive visa application is not valid. 

Why is the Department making this change?

This change will align with the requirements to provide evidence of intended course of study for both onshore and offshore Student visa applications. Providing a CoE at time of application demonstrates a genuine commitment to study for the students. This change will also offer greater certainty for Australian education providers and help maintain the high standards of Australia’s international education sector.

Who will this change impact?

The change will only impact applications lodged on or after 1 January 2025. Visa applications lodged before that date using only a Letter of Offer from an education provider are not affected.

There are also no changes for Foreign Affairs, Defence, or secondary exchange students as they can continue to use alternative forms of evidence to demonstrate an intended course of study in Australia.

Require assistance?

Navigating these chances can be complex and you are responsible for ensuring you maintain a lawful status. If you are unable to secure a CoE before your current visa expires, you must depart Australia before the expiry or explore other visa options.