Australia introduces new visa procedure for students

Starting from 1 January 2025, Australia will implement a new visa application procedure for students, which requires that all student visa applications include a confirmation of enrollment (CoE). The Department of Home Affairs in Australia will stop accepting offer letters from those applying for a student visa. Failing to provide a CoE during the application process will render the application invalid. Decision-makers for visas are unable to evaluate an invalid application.

The alteration will only affect applications submitted on or after 1 January 2025. Visa applications submitted prior to that date relying solely on a Letter of Offer from an educational institution are unaffected. Applicants must now gain admission, pay tuition fees, and acquire a CoE before submitting a visa application.

Individuals who cannot obtain a CoE before their existing visa lapses may have to consider other visa alternatives or depart Australia to adhere to immigration regulations. This article will assist you in comprehending the alterations. A CoE is an official digital document provided by Australian educational institutions verifying a student’s registration in a registered course. It contains information like the student’s details, field of study, length of program, and costs.

The modification guarantees that only authentic students receive visas, successfully screening out fake applications, as Australian officials noted instances of people coming into the country on student visas without actually enrolling in educational programs. Importantly, exceptions are provided for Foreign Affairs, Defence, and secondary exchange students, allowing them to continue utilizing alternative proof of course enrollment. This change is part of Australia’s continual initiative to strengthen immigration regulations while preserving its attractiveness as a leading destination for international students. In addition, the government launched Ministerial Direction 111 in December 2024, substituting Direction 107, to accelerate the handling of offshore student visa requests.

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements have been substituted with Genuine Student (GS). As part of the GTE, students were required to articulate in 300 words their reasons for wishing to remain in Australia for a temporary period. According to the new regulation, you must be a legitimate student. You will be presented with several questions that you must respond to. Hence, you might need to discuss the reasons for selecting that specific university or program.

English needed: To apply for an Australian study visa, a candidate must achieve a minimum of 6.0 in the IELTS exam to qualify for a student visa. Applicants for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

Funds needed for stay: the financial requirement has risen by 21% from the prior amount, changing from AUD 24,505 to AUD 29,710.

Visa for Skills and Demand: The Skills in Demand visa offers 3 primary routes for workers. In other words, the Essential Skills Pathway, the Core Skills Pathway, and the Specialist Skills Pathway. Individuals who have finished their studies may submit an application for a visa in this category.

Australia’s revised student visa rules, which incorporate the compulsory Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and Genuine Student (GS) standards, seek to improve visa integrity while fostering a genuine international student community. With heightened financial and English prerequisites, these adjustments underscore the significance of thorough preparation for prospective students. By combining stricter regulations with strong educational and employment prospects, Australia strengthens its status as a top choice for high-caliber international education.