What is a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) for Australia?

A Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) is a formal document provided by Australian educational institutions to international students who have been accepted into a particular course or program of study. Its primary function is to validate the student's enrolment. It is indispensable for acquiring a student visa to study in Australia. The COE includes vital details like the student's personal information, particulars of the educational institution, course specifics such as commencement and conclusion dates, and any prerequisites or enrolment conditions.  

A Conditional Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) offers students a chance to accept a conditional offer before final assessments are completed. Accepting this offer makes students eligible for a conditional COE, an essential component of the student visa application process. This document specifies the conditions that must be fulfilled to finalise the student's acceptance into the program.  

To qualify for a COE, students must meet the following criteria: 

• Currently enrolled in their final semester of college 

• Meeting the English language prerequisites 

• Providing official documentation verifying academic qualifications 

• Successfully finalising the application process for the conditional COE 

By meeting these criteria, students set a clear path to securing their position in the program, guaranteeing their ability to begin their studies once all conditions outlined on the COE have been met. 

The official Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) will be issued to you only upon completing the following steps: 

1. Offer Acceptance: Officially accepting the university's invitation to enrol in your chosen program. 

2. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Ensuring the payment of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) fee for the entirety of your planned visa duration. 

3. Tuition Payment: Paying the fees for the first semester of your studies, covering your tuition expenses. 

*Once you have obtained the official Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) document, you can proceed by applying for your Australian student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. 

Securing a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) involves several steps to ensure you receive the necessary documentation to commence your studies. Here's a general guide to obtaining a COE:  

1. Commence by formally accepting the offer of admission extended by your chosen educational institution. This typically involves indicating your acceptance in an online portal or submitting the necessary paperwork. 

2. Fulfil the institution's requirements by submitting the required documentation for processing your COE. This may include providing proof of identification, academic transcripts, English language proficiency test results, and any other specified documents.  

3. Ensure compliance with tuition fee obligations: To acquire a COE, you will typically be required to settle the relevant tuition fees or demonstrate your financial capacity to cover the costs of your studies. Adhere to the institution's guidelines regarding payment methods and deadlines. 

4. Arrange for health insurance coverage: International students studying in Australia are generally mandated to have an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of their studies. Make arrangements to obtain the necessary health insurance evidence of payment or coverage to the institution. 

5. Await the issuance of your COE: Following the completion of acceptance procedures, document submissions, fee payments, and health insurance compliance, the institution will initiate the processing of your COE application. The COE will be issued once all requirements are met. 

6. Proceed with your student visa application: Armed with your COE, navigate the application process through the appropriate channels. The COE is an essential document for processing your visa application successfully. 

Be sure to review the requirements and processes required as your educational institution's requirements may vary. Contact the institution's admissions or international student office for more guidance or support throughout the COE application process.  

Need more support? You can always reach out to IDP’s certified counsellors to answer all your questions and help you throughout the process. 

Your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) can be cancelled due to various reasons. Below are potential circumstances leading to the revocation of your COE:  

1. Non-enrolment or non-payment: Failure to register for courses or meet tuition payment obligations specified by the university. 

2. Academic underperformance: If your academic progress falls below the university's standards, leading to your academic suspension.  

3. Deferral, withdrawal, or transfer: Opting to defer studies, withdraw from the university or transfer to another educational institution. 

4. Early program completion: Your COE might be cancelled accordingly if you complete your studies ahead of schedule.  

If the International Student Support office cancels your COE, they will inform you of its termination date. After that, you will have 28 days to do one of the following: 

1. Depart Australia: You can leave the country within the specified timeframe. 

2. Seek an alternative visa: If eligible, apply for a different visa category. 

3. Ask for reinstatement: If you believe there are valid reasons for reinstating your COE, you may apply to the university within 28 days. 

Please comply within 28 days to avoid the potential cancellation of your student visa by the Department of Home Affairs. Adhering to the provided timeline and liaising with relevant authorities is essential to ensure visa compliance and address any COE-related concerns.  

For further information regarding Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for Australia, contact our team of international education experts who are ready to answer all your questions.  

FAQs

How many days does it take to get a COE from Australia? 

It takes around 10-15 working days to get the COE from Australia.  Contact the Global Learning office or your local university study abroad counsellor if you don’t receive it within 15 days.    

How do I apply for a COE in Australia? 

To apply for a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) in Australia, you generally need to follow these steps:  

• Apply and receive an offer of admission from an Australian education institution. 

• Accept the offer and pay the required tuition fee deposit. 

• Provide necessary documents requested by the institution, such as proof of identity, academic transcripts, and English language proficiency test results. 

• Once all requirements are met, the institution will issue the Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). 

Can I stay in Australia without a COE? 

No, you cannot legally stay in Australia to study without a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). It is a mandatory document for obtaining a student visa, which is necessary for studying in Australia for most international students.