New Requirements for Onshore Student Visa Applications from 1 January 2025

From 1 January 2025, new rules will apply to individuals lodging a Student visa (subclass 500) application from within Australia. These changes are part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the integrity of the international education sector and bring consistency between onshore and offshore visa application processes.

Key Change: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Now Mandatory

Applicants will now be required to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application. Previously, a Letter of Offer was acceptable in some cases. This change means that students must have already accepted an offer and paid any necessary fees before lodging their visa application.

A CoE is an official document issued by a registered education provider confirming the student’s enrolment in a course of study. Applications submitted without a valid CoE will be considered invalid and will not be assessed. In such cases, applicants will also not be granted a Bridging visa, which could affect their ability to remain lawfully in Australia while awaiting a visa outcome.

Who Is Exempt?

There are a few exemptions to this new requirement. The CoE requirement does not apply to:

• Students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence

• Secondary exchange students

These applicants may still lodge an application with alternative supporting documents specific to their circumstances.

Maintaining Lawful Status

It is essential that prospective applicants maintain lawful status in Australia. If your current visa is nearing expiry and you are unable to obtain a CoE in time, your options may include:

• Departing Australia before your current visa expires

• Exploring other suitable visa options based on your circumstances

Remaining in Australia without a valid visa can have serious long-term consequences, including the risk of a re-entry ban.

Why This Change Matters

The government’s intention behind this update is to:

• Ensure that applicants are genuinely committed to studying in Australia

• Support better compliance with student visa conditions

Align the application process for all student visa applicants, whether applying from onshore or offshore

It also helps reduce the risk of misuse of the student visa program for purposes unrelated to study.

What Students Should Do

Make sure you secure a CoE before lodging your visa application. This means completing your enrolment process, paying any required fees, and ensuring your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is in place.