Do you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to apply for an Australian student visa? This resource explains everything you need to know, from the basics to detailed step-by-step advice, including challenges, benefits, costs, updates, and guidance for a wide range of applicants. Whether you're applying yourself, assisting a family member, or advising others, this guide covers every important detail for your Australian migration journey.

Do I Need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to Apply for a Student Visa?

What is a CoE and Why is it Important?

A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official document issued by an Australian education provider, such as a university, TAFE, or registered training organisation (RTO). It confirms that you have accepted an offer of a place in a course and have paid any required fees or met other prerequisites needed to secure your enrolment.

Key Points:

The CoE is a unique code and a PDF document.
It is generated through the Department of Education PRISMS system.
Without a valid CoE, you cannot apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500) for full-time study.

The CoE is one of the most critical elements in the student visa process because:

It proves you are a genuine temporary entrant for the purpose of study.
It confirms your eligibility for a Student Visa (subclass 500).
The Department of Home Affairs will not process a Student Visa application without a valid CoE.

How Do You Get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)?

Apply for Admission: Submit an application to your chosen Australian education provider.
Receive an Offer: If successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer.
Accept and Pay: Accept the offer formally and pay required fees (such as tuition deposit, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and possibly an accommodation deposit).
Meet Conditions: Satisfy any conditional requirements, such as English proficiency (IELTS/PTE), academic results, or other prerequisites.
Receive CoE: Upon completion of the above, your education provider will issue your CoE via PRISMS. You will receive an electronic version (PDF and code) to use in your visa application.

Tip for Families, Carers & Disability Applicants:
If you require support during the admissions or enrolment process, most providers offer accessibility/disability services—ask your provider for tailored assistance.

The Role of CoE in Australian Migration

In the context of Australian migration, especially under the Student Visa (subclass 500) program, a CoE is your official evidence that you are enrolled in a Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)-registered course.

You must include your CoE code(s) in your visa application form (ImmiAccount).
If studying more than one course (e.g., package programs like English + Bachelor), you must provide a CoE for each.
You must maintain a valid CoE throughout your stay, or your visa may be cancelled.

Key Benefits and Features of a CoE

Visa Eligibility: Core document for the visa process.
Multiple Courses: Package offers allow streamlined progression between courses.
Access to Student Benefits: Enables eligibility for OSHC, work rights (generally up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods), scholarships, and student services.
Link to PRISMS: Ensures real-time update/monitoring of your enrolment status by the government.
Compliance: Helps maintain visa compliance, reducing the risk of accidental breaches.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Conditional Offers

Solution: Ensure you satisfy all English and academic requirements prior to payment.

Challenge 2: Delays in Issuing CoE

Solution: Act promptly on acceptance letters, submit clear documentation, and confirm payment has cleared.

Challenge 3: CoE Cancellation (e.g., withdrawal, non-payment, unsatisfactory progress)

Solution: Communicate with your provider, attend support meetings, and be proactive about issues.

Challenge 4: Applying for Multiple Courses

Solution: Request package CoEs upfront to avoid additional applications/fees and explain your study pathway in your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement.

Challenge 5: Accessibility Needs

Solution: Most providers have a dedicated disability/accessibility team—register with them early in the process to get required adjustments.

Challenge 6: Course Transfer

Solution: If you change providers, you must obtain a new CoE from the new provider and inform the Department of Home Affairs.

Common Professions and Types of Applicants

Students come from all backgrounds, but common groups include:

International high school graduates (arts, science, engineering, IT, nursing, teaching, business)
Research and postgraduate students (PhD, Masters)
Trade and vocational education applicants (Automotive, Hospitality, Community Services, Aged Care, Disability Support)
Family members applying on dependants’ visas (such as children of primary applicants)
Carers or support persons on special visa streams

Scenarios:

Nursing Student from Nepal: Completes diploma, applies for bachelor’s degree—a CoE is needed for both the diploma and bachelor program.
Indian IT Graduate: Takes English preparation, then a Master’s in Data Science—must have packaged CoEs showing both courses.
Vietnamese School Leaver: Receives conditional offer for a Bachelor of Commerce—obtains CoE after passing IELTS.
Family Applications: Children enrolled in primary school as dependants—schools issue individual CoEs.

Costs Associated with CoE

CoE Itself: