Starting 1 January 2025, all Student visa applicants will be required to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time application. This brings the requirements in line for both onshore and offshore applicants.
Lodging a Subclass 500 visa without the CoE will make the application invalid, meaning it is taken to have never been lodged. An invalid application can have disastrous outcomes for students who are close to visa expiries or course commencement dates, and could lead to applicants becoming unlawful.
A Letter of Offer from a college or university will no longer be accepted. Immigration advises that the change to requiring a CoE is to ensure a strong commitment by applicants to study at their chosen institution.