Paid Your Fees but Still No COE? You’re Not Alone
Thousands of international students in Australia each year face the same issue: the COE hasn’t arrived, and time is running out to apply for a visa. For some, the delay costs them their intake. For others, the COE gets rejected outright—sometimes without a clear reason.
If you're in this situation, the good news is: most COE problems can be fixed quickly, if you know what to look for.
Let’s start with the basics: what is a COE and why does it matter?
A COE is a government-approved document issued by a CRICOS-registered institution. It confirms:
Most students get their COE within 3–10 business days after offer acceptance and payment. If it takes longer, there may be issues with your application or university processing.
Here are the most common COE rejection reasons Australia applicants are facing:
Simple errors—like an outdated passport scan, missing transcript, or unsigned offer letter—can stall or void your COE request.
If your offer was conditional on providing IELTS scores, final year results, or prerequisite subjects—and you didn’t meet them—your COE may be denied.
Mismatched details (names, dates, academic history) or suspected document tampering are automatic red flags that can lead to permanent rejection.
Universities assess your GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement and financial evidence. Weak or suspicious documentation can trigger rejection, especially under stricter 2025 student visa scrutiny.
💡 Tip: Even small errors can cause big delays. PickMyUni helps spot issues early and fix them before your COE is rejected.
Many international students face processing lags—especially close to major intake deadlines. Here are the most common causes and what to do next.
University finance teams often take 2–5 days to confirm payment—longer if sent internationally or if the amount is incorrect.
Fix: Use bank transfers with tracking and double-check payment instructions.
Even after payment, COEs won’t be issued until all required documents are reviewed and approved.
Fix: Submit clean, clearly labeled files (passport, transcripts, GTE) and avoid scanned photocopies.
Sometimes the uni is waiting for the agent, or the student assumes the agent submitted everything.
Fix: Always confirm your COE request has been submitted and follow up directly with admissions if unsure.
⏱️ For students searching COE delay fix Australia, acting early is the #1 way to avoid last-minute panic.
|
Step |
Expected Time |
Delay Risk |
Fix |
|
Offer Acceptance |
1–3 days |
High if conditional offer terms aren’t met |
Upload all required documents early |
|
Payment Processing |
2–5 days |
Slow international transfers or underpayment |
Send proof of payment + match amount exactly |
|
Document Review |
3–7 days |
Delayed if files are unclear or missing |
Submit legible, named PDFs (passport, GTE) |
|
COE Issuance |
1–3 days |
Blocked by errors, policy checks, or backlogs |
Confirm everything’s submitted; follow up |
📌 Total COE Processing Time: 7–14 days (on average)
⏳ Peak Delays: 2–3 weeks during February & July intake rush
If your COE is taking longer, reach out early. PickMyUni tracks COE status and escalates delays directly with universities so you don’t miss your visa deadline.
Need your COE urgently to apply for a visa? Here’s how to avoid delays and speed things up:
✔️ Pay the Exact Amount
Double-check your invoice and include transaction reference when sending proof.
✔️ Submit All Documents Together
Include passport, transcripts, English test, GTE statement—in clear, named PDFs.
✔️ Avoid Conditional Offers If Possible
Apply with final results and English scores to get a direct offer = faster COE.
✔️ Confirm Submission With the Uni or Agent
Don’t assume it’s done—follow up and get written confirmation.
✔️ Apply Before Peak Weeks
Submit everything at least 4 weeks before the intake closes.
If your COE is delayed or rejected, PickMyUni steps in to resolve the problem fast—so you don’t miss your visa window.
✔️ We Talk to Admissions—Not Just the Agent
We work directly with university teams to get real-time updates and speed up approvals.
✔️ We Catch What’s Missing
Our team reviews your application and fixes common issues like missing GTE, mismatched payments, or outdated documents.
✔️ We Find Backup Options Fast
If your uni is slow or full, we can switch you to a similar course—with a faster COE turnaround and PR pathway.
🎓 Don’t wait and hope—get a faster fix with PickMyUni.
→ Get COE Help Now
❓ How long does it take to get a COE after payment?
Normally 7–14 days, but it can take longer during peak intake periods or if documents are incomplete.
❓ Why hasn’t my COE been issued yet?
Common issues include conditional offers, unpaid deposits, or missing documents.
❓ Can I apply for a visa without a COE?
No. A COE is mandatory for submitting your Australian student visa application.
❓ What should I do if my COE gets rejected?
Contact the university immediately, fix the issue (e.g. GTE or payment), or ask PickMyUni for help switching to a faster option.
❓ Can PickMyUni help if I applied through another agent?
Yes. We can step in, contact the uni, and help you switch courses or fix delays—even if you didn’t start with us.
Need help now?
→ Get Expert COE Support from PickMyUni
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