- To receive a Conditional COE after your conditional offer, you must be in your final semester, have met English requirements, submit transcripts, and pay the tuition deposit.
- Your COE contains a unique code essential for the Subclass 500 visa application, making it the crucial bridge between offer acceptance and visa lodgement.
- Without a valid COE, your student visa application is considered invalid and will be refused, making this conversion your absolute priority after receiving conditional offers.
Receiving a conditional offer from an Australian university marks an exciting step forward in your study abroad plans. However, this offer is not your final ticket to Australia. You need to convert it into a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE), the official document required for your student visa application. This process involves meeting specific conditions, paying fees, and submitting required documents within strict timelines.
In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about converting your conditional offer to COE in Australia.
What is COE and Why is it Mandatory?
A Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) is an official document from Australian institutions confirming your enrollment in a CRICOS-registered course. COE is mandatory at the time of student visa application for both onshore and offshore applicants. Applications submitted without COE are considered invalid, and no bridging visa can be issued.
Your COE contains your personal details, course information, duration, fees, and a unique COE code required for your Subclass 500 visa application.
What is a Conditional Offer?
A conditional offer means the university has accepted you but requires specific conditions to be fulfilled:
- Completion of your current degree – You must successfully finish your ongoing studies
- Meeting specified academic standards – Achieving a minimum GPA/WAM (Weighted Average Mark) as required by the university
- English language proficiency – Demonstrating adequate English skills through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English Test
- Genuine Student requirement – Meeting the criteria to demonstrate you are a genuine student with authentic intentions to study
What is a Conditional COE?
To qualify for conditional COE, you must be undertaking your final semester of study, have a conditional offer for the next available intake where the only condition is to complete your current degree (may also require specified minimum WAM/GPA), and have met English language proficiency requirements.
Important: Not all programs offer conditional COE. Some programs with early deadlines don’t participate in this process.
Key Requirements for Conditional COE
To receive your Confirmation of Enrolment, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and submit the required documents. These confirm that you’re financially prepared, insured, and academically eligible to study in Australia.
- Final Semester Enrollment
You must be currently enrolled in your final semester with only your current degree completion outstanding. Submit certified transcripts up to your penultimate semester (5th or 7th semester minimum) and provide a letter from your current institution confirming your expected graduation date.
- Conditional Offer Status
Your conditional offer should have completion of your current degree as the only outstanding condition, though universities may also require specified minimum WAM/GPA and/or completing specified major/subjects.
- Tuition Fee Deposit
Most universities require an initial tuition deposit or first-semester payment before issuing COE, with processing typically taking 3-10 business days after payment confirmation. The exact deposit amount varies by institution.
- English Language Requirements
For a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you need an IELTS overall score of 6.0, though individual universities and courses may require higher scores. IELTS test results must be taken no more than one year before your visa application date.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Conditional COE
Here’s a clear roadmap of what you’ll need to complete so your chosen institution can issue your conditional Confirmation of Enrolment (COE).
- Step 1: Accept Your Conditional Offer
Formally accept the conditional offer from your university or college, usually through the online portal. Carefully review the offer letter to understand what conditions you need to meet, such as final academic results, English test scores, or other documents. - Step 2: Pay Initial Tuition Fee Deposit
Pay the tuition fee deposit as required by your institution (typically first semester fees or a specified deposit amount). Keep all payment confirmations and receipts safely for your records. - Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Submit all required documents, including academic transcripts up to your penultimate semester, passport copies, English proficiency proof, and a confirmation letter from your current institution stating your expected graduation date. - Step 4: Receive Your Conditional COE
Once your institution verifies your documents and payments, it will issue your Conditional COE (usually by email or through your student portal), typically within 3 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
Getting your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is the final step before applying for an Australian student visa. It confirms that you’ve been accepted into a CRICOS-registered course and have met all academic, financial, and health requirements. To attain a conditional COE, you must be enrolled in your final semester, hold a conditional offer where degree completion is the only outstanding condition (universities may also require specified minimum WAM/GPA), and have already met English language proficiency requirements. Once verified, your institution issues the CoE, allowing you to proceed with your Subclass 500 visa application.
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FAQs
What is a COE and why is it required for an Australian student visa?
A Confirmation of Enrolment is an official document confirming your enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, mandatory for all Subclass 500 visa applications.
Can I apply for a conditional COE if I'm in my final semester?
Yes, you may apply for a conditional COE if you’re undertaking your final semester.
How much does Overseas Student Health Cover for Australian visa typically cost annually?
OSHC typically costs between AUD 500 and AUD 700 per year for single coverage, depending on the provider and coverage level.
How long does COE processing typically take after paying the deposit?
COE processing typically takes 3 to 10 business days after your institution confirms receipt of your tuition deposit and required documents.
What financial proof is needed when applying for an Australian student visa?
You must demonstrate AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living expenses plus one year’s tuition fees to satisfy financial capacity requirements.
What happens if my student visa is refused after receiving a COE?
Your institution may refund tuition fees according to their refund policy minus administrative charges.
Can I work in Australia while holding a Subclass 500 student visa?
Yes, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
What is the validity period of a COE document?
A COE remains valid for your entire enrolled course duration unless you withdraw, defer, or your enrolment is cancelled by the institution.
What is the minimum IELTS score required for an Australian student visa in 2025?
The minimum IELTS score for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) is 6.0 overall.
Are there limits or checks on large money transfers into Australia from overseas?
For transfers into Australia, agencies such as AUSTRAC may monitor transactions (especially AUD 10,000+ in cash or equivalent) for reporting — though no specific upper limit on transfers exists.
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