Genuine Student Requirement (GS Requirement) for Studying in Australia

The Australian Government recently revised its student visa requirement, replacing the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) with the Genuine Student Requirement (GS Requirement). All student visa applications lodged on and after 23rd March 2024 will be assessed against revised criteria.

Table of Contents

1. What is Genuine Student Requirement (GS Requirement)

2. How to Address Genuine Student Requirement (GS Requirement)

3. What Has Changed?

• Revised English Language Requirement

• Supporting Documentation

What is Genuine Student Requirement (GS Requirement)

GS requirement for international students aims to identify students with circumstances that support a genuine intention to obtain a quality education in Australia, without reference or confusion to any future intention to migrate.

Genuine Student Requirements require visa applicants to address the following pointers and provide supporting documentation & evidence to substantiate their claims:

• The applicant's circumstances in their home country

• The applicant’s potential circumstances in Australia

• Value of the course to the primary applicant’s future

• Applicant’s immigration history

• Any other relevant matter

How to Address Genuine Student Requirement (GS Requirement)

Applicants are required to answer the following questions in no more than 150 words each while filling up their student visa application form:

1. Details of the applicant’s current circumstances. This includes ties to family, community, employment, and economic circumstances.

2. Explain why the applicant wishes to study this course in Australia with this particular education provider. This must also explain their understanding of the requirements of the intended course and studying and living in Australia.

3. Explain how completing the course will be of benefit to the applicant.

4. Give details of any other relevant information the applicant would like to include.

What Has Changed?

The recent changes include:

1. Higher English language requirement for international students (IELTS overall score of 6.0)

2. 300-word statement replaced with target question under GS Requirement

3. Student visa declaration will be amended to cover student visa conditions, and post-study pathways are available to eligible students.

4. New Genuine Student test for non-genuine students (primarily looking for work) and no further stay conditions for visitor visa holders discouraging applicants from applying for student visas onshore.

Revised English Language Requirement

• The minimum score required for a student visa from an IELTS test score increases from 5.5 to 6 (or its equivalent).

• The minimum score required to undertake a packaged ELICOS from IELTS increases from 4.5 to 5.0.

• For students studying English only through ELICOS, there will be no change.

• The test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training will be IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).

Supporting Documentation

• Generic statements unsupported by evidence are not given significant weight in the GS assessment. This means it is important to provide evidence to support a claim made by the applicant.

• Documents showing employment or business activities for 12 months before applying.

• Potential employment offers including salary and other benefits, after course completion.

• Income tax return or bank statements.

Conclusion

Understanding the Genuine Student Requirement (GS Requirement) is crucial for those aspiring to study in Australia. The recent changes in the student visa requirements, including the replacement of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) with GS Requirement, aim to ensure that students genuinely intend to obtain a quality education in Australia.