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CoE for Australia Explained – Requirements, Process & FAQs

By Pragya Sharma

Updated on Jun 23, 2025 | 1.46K+ views

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To apply for an Australian student visa, you must have a CoE for Australia—a Confirmation of Enrolment. It confirms your admission and is required for the student visa subclass 500.

This blog explains:

  • What is CoE in Australian immigration and when it's needed
  • Certificate of Enrolment Australia requirements 2025
  • The full CoE issuance process in Australia
  • Documents needed for CoE Australia
  • Common delays and rejection reasons

Use this guide if you're applying for the July 2025 intake, switching universities, or helping students apply for a visa. 

Latest Update

If you're signing up for more than one course (e.g. foundation + bachelor), list all CoE reference numbers in your Student Visa (Subclass 500) application

Start by exploring popular courses and institutions:

Why Do You Need a CoE for Australia?

CoE for Australia is mandatory for anyone applying under the student visa subclass 500. It serves as official proof that you’ve been accepted into a CRICOS-registered course and have met the Certificate of Enrolment Australia requirements 2025, including fee payment and document verification.

According to Australian immigration rules, no visa can be granted without this confirmation. It links directly to your visa application and validates your eligibility to enter and study in Australia

If you apply without a valid CoE, your visa will be refused. This makes it one of the most critical steps in the CoE application process Australia.

Mini Flowchart: Can You Get a CoE Now?

Use this quick decision guide to check if you're eligible to receive a CoE for Australia right now:​​

Step & Checkpoint

If YES

If NO

1. Received an unconditional offer letter? Go to Step 2 Wait for your offer to be issued by the university
2. Paid the initial tuition fee as per offer? Go to Step 3 Complete the payment via approved method
3. Purchased valid OSHC for full course duration? Go to Step 4 Buy OSHC and keep the policy number ready
4. Submitted all documents (passport, GTE, transcripts)? Your CoE can now be issued Upload missing files to your university portal

Once all steps are marked “YES,” you’re eligible to receive your CoE for Australia—usually within 3–10 working days

Student Visa Essentials:

Who Issues the CoE for Australia?

The CoE for Australia is only issued by universities, TAFEs, and colleges that are registered on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). You can’t receive a valid CoE from any provider that’s not CRICOS-approved.

The university CoE issuance policy Australia typically requires that you:

  • Accept your offer
  • Pay the initial tuition deposit
  • Submit all documents needed for CoE Australia (e.g. passport, academic records, English test scores)

Once these are received and verified, the institution generates and sends you the CoE.

Subclass Visa Breakdown:

CoE for Australia – Documents Required

Before a CoE for Australia can be issued, students must complete key formalities and submit all mandatory documents. 

Documents Required for CoE for Australia

Document

Purpose

Offer Letter (Unconditional)

Confirms your course and admission details

Passport Copy

Needed for identity verification

Fee Payment Receipt

Proof of tuition deposit paid as per the offer

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Mandatory health insurance for all international students

GTE Form (Genuine Temporary Entrant)

A declaration to show study intentions are genuine

Academic Transcripts

May be required by some institutions to confirm eligibility

These are the core documents needed for CoE Australia. Ensure all files are accurate, signed where required, and submitted according to your university’s CoE issuance policy.

After You Graduate:

Step-by-Step Process to Get a CoE for Australia

The Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is only issued after a university confirms your eligibility, payment, and required paperwork. Without it, your student visa subclass 500 application can’t proceed. Here's how the process typically unfolds across CRICOS-listed institutions.

Step-by-Step CoE Issuance Process

Step

Action

Why It’s Required

1. Offer Letter Issued

After your application is approved

Confirms you're accepted into a course that’s recognized by CRICOS

2. Offer Accepted

You sign and return the offer

Commits you to the program and triggers next steps

3. Tuition Fee Paid

Pay the initial deposit (as stated in your offer)

Confirms financial commitment to the institution

4. OSHC Purchased

Secure Overseas Student Health Cover

Legally required for all international students

5. Documents Submitted

Upload ID proof, transcripts, GTE form, and payment receipt

Satisfies all Certificate of Enrolment requirements

6. Processing Time

University verifies all submitted materials

Takes 5–10 business days depending on volume

7. CoE Issued

Sent by email or uploaded to your portal

Needed to file your Australian student visa application

Incomplete submissions or payments are the most common CoE Australia delay reasons—and a risk if you're applying close to the July 2025 intake deadline.

Visa Interview Readiness:

How Long Does It Take to Get a CoE for Australia?

Once you've submitted all documents and paid your initial tuition deposit, most universities issue the CoE for Australia within 3 to 10 business days. This timeline can vary depending on your university’s CoE issuance policy, time of year, and document accuracy.

Delays are common during peak periods like the CoE deadline for July intake 2025, or if your submission is incomplete. Common issues include:

  • Unverified GTE form
  • Missing academic transcripts
  • Delay in OSHC confirmation
  • Inconsistent passport details

If your CoE hasn’t arrived after 10 business days, contact your university directly. Prolonged delays may impact your visa timeline, and late submissions are a frequent cause of CoE Australia visa rejection reasons.

Tip: To avoid issues, complete all Certificate of Enrolment Australia requirements 2025 at least 4–6 weeks before your visa application deadline.

Sample Format of a CoE for Australia

Once approved, the CoE for Australia is issued as a PDF document sent to your email or uploaded to your university portal. It contains all the details immigration officials use to assess your student visa subclass 500 application.

What Does a Standard CoE Include

Field

Description

CoE Reference Number Unique ID tied to your visa application
Full Name and Date of Birth Must exactly match your passport
Course Name and CRICOS Code Confirms the program and provider are officially registered
Institution Details Name and CRICOS number of the university or college
Course Start and End Dates Used to determine visa validity
Tuition Fee Summary Total fees, paid amount, and due balance
OSHC Validity Confirms active Overseas Student Health Cover for the full course duration
Study Mode Should state on-campus, in-person, or blended delivery

Example

You must review this document carefully. According to student visa CoE rules Australia, any error—wrong course code, incorrect dates, missing OSHC—can cause visa refusal. 

If there's an issue, request a corrected version before lodging your visa application.

Can a CoE for Australia Be Cancelled or Refused?

Yes — a CoE for Australia can be cancelled or refused at any stage before visa approval. The university has full authority to withdraw or deny a CoE based on student eligibilitynon-compliance, or internal policy changes.

Common Reasons for CoE Cancellation or Refusal

Reason

What Happens

What You Should Do

Non-payment of tuition deposit

University won’t issue the CoE

Settle the amount ASAP and email your admissions officer

False or incomplete documents

CoE request is rejected or revoked

Submit verified academic transcripts and ID again

Course withdrawal or deferral

CoE becomes invalid or outdated

Request a new CoE aligned with the deferred intake

CRICOS status issue with provider

CoE may be invalid under immigration law

Choose another institution that meets Certificate of Enrolment Australia requirements 2025

Breach of offer conditions

Conditional CoEs may be cancelled

Complete pending academic or English requirements first

Under student visa CoE rules Australia, any CoE cancellation means you must stop your visa application process until a new CoE is issued. If your university refuses to reissue, apply to a different provider and start a fresh CoE application process Australia-wide.

What to Do If Your CoE for Australia Is Delayed

If your CoE for Australia hasn’t been issued within 10 working days of paying your fees and submitting documents, it’s likely stuck in verification or admin. This delay can impact your visa timeline, especially for the July 2025 intake.

Common CoE Delay Reasons:

  • Missing documents (e.g. GTE form, payment receipt)
  • Verification delays during peak intake
  • OSHC not activated
  • Name mismatch between passport and offer
  • Internal backlog at the admissions office

How to Tackle Delay in CoE for Australia

Step

Who to Contact

Why It Helps

1. Email Admissions Directly

Your assigned international officer

Get real-time status updates on document issues

2. Contact Your Agent (if any)

They can escalate internally at the university

Especially useful during busy intakes

3. Call or Use Student Portal Messaging

If email gets no reply

Increases urgency during tight deadlines

4. Escalate to Faculty Admin

If delay crosses 2+ weeks

Academic offices can fast-track internal approvals

Complete all documents needed for CoE Australia at least 30 days before the deadline to avoid escalation altogether.

Start your prep with free visa-ready resources – SOP tips, document checklists, and more.
Talk to a counselor to get step-by-step help with your CoE and visa process.

FAQs About CoE for Australia

What is the latest timeline to receive a CoE in 2025?

Does a CoE guarantee my Australia student visa approval?

What to do if my CoE has the wrong course details?

Is a conditional CoE accepted for visa filing?

How do I get a new CoE after deferring my admission?

Can I transfer to another Australian university with the same CoE?

What happens if my CoE expires before my visa is granted?

Does the CoE include my OSHC details?

Can I get a refund if my CoE is cancelled after visa rejection?

Do part-time or online programs in Australia issue CoEs?

Is CoE required for dependent visas (spouse/children)?

How can I verify if a CoE is genuine or issued by a CRICOS-accepted provider?

What are common reasons CoE applications get delayed in 2025?

Do I need a new CoE if I extend my course duration in Australia?

How do I update personal details (like passport number) on an issued CoE?

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Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor |183 articles published

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT,...

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