Australian Student Visa: The Genuine Student Requirement
Here's what you need to know about the new Australian student visa Genuine Student Test.
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Australia shines as a favorite spot for higher education, thanks to its outstanding universities, colorful cultural scene, and lively student life.
With the roll-out of the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, effective from 23 March 2024, the Australian Department of Home Affairs is setting a new bar for prospective international Master's students looking to dive into their studies in the beautiful land "Down Under".
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Explore Australia →What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?
The GS requirement is aims to assess whether Master's students coming to Australia genuinely want to study there.
The goal is to admit highly qualified candidates that have the potential to contribute to the Australian work market long-term.
The GS requirement will take the place of the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) starting March 23, 2024. All applications submitted prior to this date will be processed according to the GTE requirement.
GTE vs GS: what's the difference?
Overall, the Genuine Student test is stricter and more complex than its predecessor, the Genuine Temporary Entrant.
The reason for this change, according to Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, is to crack down on temporary migrants who apply for a student visa despite not actually wanting to study in Australia: “We make no apology for working with the sector to end rorts and reintroduce integrity to our higher education system.”
| GS | GTE | |
| Visa type | Student visa | Student visa |
| Overall | More complex and stricter | Simpler and less strict |
| Test structure | Targeted questions | 300-word statement |
| Evaluates | Background, life circumstances and study choice | Current circumstances and short-term study plan |
Genuine Student criteria
To evaluate your genuine intention to study for a Master's degree in Australia, your Genuine Student Test will include questions regarding:
- Your current personal, professional, and financial circumstances
- Your reasons for selecting a specific Master's program and institution
- How this program aligns with and benefits your future career goals
- Any additional relevant information that supports your application
Responses should be detailed and in English, adhering to a word limit of 150 words per question.
If you have previously been on a student visa or are transitioning from a non-student visa to a student visa for Master's studies, be prepared to answer additional questions in your application.
Prepare supporting documents
Along with the questions you'll have to answer, the Genuine Student requirement also relies on concrete proof to your claims.
You'll need to upload documentation that substantiates your personal, educational and professional history to your ImmiAccount.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs outlines the full list of documents you'll be expected to provide, but here are the key ones you should have on hand:
- Academic transcripts and certifications with details on the program and the institution you were enrolled in
- Current employment documentation, including your position and company references
- Economic documents like bank statements and tax returns
- Details on your ties to your home country, like family and wider community
- Previous visa applications and their decisions
It's crucial to stay honest and to make sure that all supporting documents are accounted for. Almost 20% of international student visa applications were rejected in January 2024.
A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson stated:
“The department received higher levels of fraudulent documents, fraud related to English language testing, non-genuine claims and non-genuine subsequent marriages being presented in student visa applications."
How the decision is made
The Genuine Student criterion assesses your personal circumstances and history in order to determine whether you're actually aiming to study in Australia.
The case officer will analyze your personal circumstances within the context of your home country situation, and the potential you may bring to Australia's workforce. They will also take into account the value of your course to your future career plans, as well as the potential salary benefits.
Tips for fulfilling the Genuine Student requirement
Ensure that your application is complete and truthful. Be transparent about your academic background, career ambitions, and reasons for choosing Australia for your Master's studies.
Explicitly explain your decision to study in Australia, including how the Master's program you've selected is instrumental in achieving your career objectives.
Compile and organize evidence to substantiate every claim you make in your application. Consider creating a checklist to ensure you cover all necessary documentation, from academic transcripts and certificates to proof of financial stability and any prior work experience relevant to your chosen field of study.
Conclusion
The Genuine Student requirement was introduced to uphold the reputation of Australia's international higher education.
We invite you to view these criteria not as a hurdle, but as a platform to demonstrate your commitment to pursuing your Master's studies and career ambitions in Australia.
For further details and support regarding the Master's student visa process and the GS criteria, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
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The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.
