College Enrolment or Student Visa — which comes first?
College or Student Visa first? Essentially, your college enrolment is the first step to applying for your Student Visa. There’s a reason why this is so important. First of all, you have what’s called a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) that would be a document needed for your visa application. Secondly, Immigration wants Genuine Student evidence — and the CoE is the most important one.
❌ No CoE = ❌ No Student Visa application
Application ≠ Approval
What’s CoE and why is it so important?
It’s an electronic document that confirms that you are formally enrolled in a specific course. It’s recorded in the Australian government system (PRISMS).
Importance:
✅ A mandatory document for visa application
✅ Genuine student evidence
✅ Specifies specific course and education provider
✅ Gives an overview of duration of stay depending on course duration
✅ Verifies enrolment details
✅ Activates Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Ensure you’ve met all the conditions:
- Previous education requirements
- Proof of English proficiency
Every CoE has a unique:
- CoE number,
- Course details
- Start and end dates
- Your student information
Featured Sample
PTA Related Resources | For Studies
How to get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Ready to enrol? Start here.
- Find a course or choose one of the Trade courses
- Fill out the PTA Enrolment Form
- Book a FREE Education Consultation
From Enrolment to Visa Application | A Step-by-Step Guide
- Course (trade, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s)
- Institution (TAFE, private college, uni)
- Intake date
- Campus location
*Note: Make sure the course is CRICOS-registered (eligibility for student visa).
2. Prepare and submit college application
Submit the general documents needed:
- Application form
- Passport copy
- Academic transcripts & certs
- English proof (IELTS/PTE/equivalent if required)
- CV or work experience (often needed for trade courses)
At this point in the process, the school will assess the following:
- Academic requirements
- English requirements
- Genuine Student (GS) criteria
3. Receive Letter of Offer
The document includes:
- Course details & duration
- Tuition fees
- Payment schedule
- Any terms and conditions required
*Note: This statement is the basis of the student visa.
4. Accept offer and pay required fees
- Sign acceptance form
- Pay initial tuition deposit
- Settle the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
5. Get CoE
Once payment is confirmed, you’ll receive your CoE. It includes:
- Course start & end dates
- Student ID
- CRICOS course code
- Provider details
PTA Related Resources | Student Visa Application
6. Prepare documents for student visa (500)
- Documents
- Passport
- Passport-sized photo
- CoE
- Academic records
- English proficiency results
- Tuition fees
- Living costs
- Return travel
- OSHC policy
- Health examination
- Police clearance
7. Write your Genuine Student (GS) statement
This document is vital to your visa application because it explains:
- Why chose to study in Australia
- Why this course makes sense for your pathway
- How it fits your career goals and future plans
- Why you’ll comply with visa conditions
This is where your background, logic, and intention are all aligned as to why you want to pursue your studies in Australia.
PTA Related Resources | Tips from the Pros
8. Lodge the online student visa application
How to submit your online application through the ImmiAccount:
- Create/login to the ImmiAccount
- Complete 500 visa application
- Upload necessary documents
- Pay visa application fee
- Submit your application
After submission, possible:
- To receive request for more info
- To complete biometrics or medicals
9. Visa decision
If approved, you’ll receive a Visa Grant Notice. After getting this, you can make arrangements for:
- Booking flights
- Finding accommodation
- Preparing for arrival & orientation
From Process to Pathway
Going through the process of applying for a Student Visa can be tedious, however, if and when your visa is granted — so rewarding. And having an education or migration agent right there with you takes the pressure off and lets you focus on other priorities. The best thing about your journey is that we’ll be with you all the way. If you want to have a chat about your study-work-migrate plans, feel free to contact us and book a consultation with one of our agents who’d be glad to map it all out with you.
