How to Read & Understand Your COE / Offer Letter (For Nepalese Students)

Receiving an offer letter from an international university is an exciting milestone for Nepalese students! This document, along with country-specific forms like the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE for Australia), Form I-20 (USA), or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS for UK), is key to your student visa application and study journey. Understanding these documents thoroughly is crucial.

What is an Offer Letter?

An offer letter is an official document from a university or college confirming your admission to a specific program. It typically outlines:

• Your name and student ID.
• The full name of the course you've been accepted into.
• The campus location.
• The course start and end dates.
• Tuition fees for the program (often per year or per semester).
• Any conditions attached to the offer.

Types of Offer Letters

1. Unconditional Offer Letter:

   • Means you have met all the academic and English language requirements for admission.
   • You can accept this offer directly (usually by paying a deposit) to proceed.

2. Conditional Offer Letter:

   • Means your admission is subject to meeting certain conditions.
   • Common Conditions:
     • Achieving specific grades in your final exams (e.g., +2, Bachelor's).
     • Submitting final academic transcripts and completion certificates.
     • Achieving a required score in an English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).
     • Providing specific financial documents.
     • Successfully completing an interview (less common at offer stage, more for visa).
   • You cannot get your CoE/I-20/CAS or apply for a visa until these conditions are met and you receive an unconditional offer.

Key Information to Check in Your Offer Letter

• Personal Details: Ensure your name, date of birth, and other personal information are exactly as per your passport. Discrepancies can cause visa issues.
• Course Details: Verify the course name, duration, and intake (e.g., Fall 2025, Semester 1 2026) are correct.
• Tuition Fees & Payment Deadlines: Note the total fees, payment schedule, and deadlines for paying the deposit or first installment. Understand the refund policy.
• Conditions (if any): Clearly understand what you need to do to meet the conditions and the deadline for submitting proof.
• Acceptance Deadline: There's usually a deadline by which you must accept the offer and pay any required deposit.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC - for Australia): The offer letter might mention requirements for OSHC. (More on OSHC here).
• Contact Information: Note the contact details for the university admissions office for any queries.

Country-Specific Documents (CoE, I-20, CAS)

Once you have an unconditional offer and have paid any required deposit, the university will issue a country-specific document required for your visa application:

🇦🇺 Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) - Australia

• An official document issued by Australian education providers to international students.
• It confirms your enrolment in a specific course.
• You need a CoE to apply for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500).
• It contains your personal details, course information, duration, and tuition fees paid.
• Verify all details on your CoE carefully.
• Learn more on our Australia Country Guide.

🇺🇸 Form I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status") - USA

• Issued by SEVP-certified schools in the USA.
• Required to apply for an F-1 Student Visa and to enter the U.S.
• Contains your SEVIS ID, program start/end dates, estimated expenses, and funding sources.
• You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before your visa interview.
• Keep your I-20 safe; you'll need it for travel and while in the U.S.
• More info on our USA Country Guide.

🇬🇧 Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) - UK

• A unique reference number provided by your UK sponsoring institution (university).
• It's not a physical document but an electronic record.
• You need this CAS number to apply for a UK Student Visa.
• The CAS statement (a document your university might send you containing the CAS details) confirms information about you, your course, fees, and English proficiency.
• Ensure all information used by the university to assign the CAS is accurate.
• Our UK Country Guide has more visa details.

What to Do After Receiving Your Offer/CoE/I-20/CAS

1. Read Carefully: Go through every detail.
2. Meet Conditions (if any): If your offer is conditional, focus on fulfilling the requirements.
3. Accept the Offer: Follow the university's instructions to formally accept and pay any deposit by the deadline.
4. Receive CoE/I-20/CAS: Once unconditional and deposit paid, you'll receive this crucial document.
5. Prepare for Visa Application: Start gathering all other necessary documents for your student visa. Use our document checklist tool.
6. Plan Finances: Ensure you have sufficient funds as per visa requirements.
7. Attend Pre-Departure Briefings: PixarEdu offers these to help you prepare. (Services).

How PixarEdu Can Help

Navigating offer letters and visa documents can be complex. PixarEdu assists Nepalese students by:

• Helping you understand the terms and conditions of your offer.
• Guiding you on meeting offer conditions.
• Reviewing your CoE/I-20/CAS for accuracy.
• Providing comprehensive visa application support.
• Assisting with SOP writing that aligns with your offer.

Conclusion

Your offer letter and subsequent CoE/I-20/CAS are vital documents. Understanding them thoroughly ensures a smoother path to your study abroad dream. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification from your university or a trusted consultancy like PixarEdu.

Ready to take the next step? Contact PixarEdu today!