On March 23, 2024, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) replaced the previously Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

They clearly state that students applying for a student visa must demonstrate that they intend to do so with the primary intention of studying in Australia and staying as a student.

Genuine Student requirement

​​​​The Genuine Student (GS) requirement applies to student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024. We will assess applications lodged before this date under the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.

All applicants for a student visa must:

·  be a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student

·  be able to demonstrate an understanding that studying in Australia is the primary reason for applying for a student visa. 

Here, ‘primary intention’ is the key. Previously, the GTE requirement focused on identifying potential immigrants and emphasized whether the student would return to their home country upon finishing their studies in Australia. Now, with the GS requirement replacing it, this specifically focuses on how their intended education can assist them in their career or business aspirations in their home country or a third country.

The GS requirement recognizes that students may have aspirations for Post-Study Work (PSW) or even Permanent Residence (PR). It acknowledges that they may explore such opportunities after obtaining the required skills from their education and experience. However, it stresses that education should be the student’s primary goal and motivation behind applying for a Student Visa.

The GS requirement recognises that genuine students may develop skills Australia needs and may later choose to apply for permanent residence. Future intentions of this kind do not count against an applicant under GS.

As Australia tightens its visa regulations and framework under the GS requirement, including stricter English-language tests and additional verifiable financial requirements to curb ‘visa hopping’ and identity potential non-immigrants, even genuine students with good academic and financial standing, particularly from Level 3 Assessment countries, face greater scrutiny of their personal circumstances in their GS responses and may risk visa refusals.

Along with the country’s and provider’s assessment level (AL), the GS responses are pivotal to favorable or unfavorable assessments of the student’s circumstances and visa decisions by the visa officers. Basically, through your GS responses, you will need to clearly demonstrate that you are a genuine student with realistic, well-defined plans, including education and career.

Previously, the GTE focused heavily on the ‘temporary stay’ signals in your statements, and in turn, discouraged students from sounding natural and sharing their long-term plans, including staying back in Australia. The GS, on the other hand, while recognizing the student’s aspirations, allows for a concise, realistic discussion of their career objectives that is consistent with their academic plan.

Now, under the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, you need to focus on and answer targeted questions of 150 words each, tailoring them towards your long-term career goals. Under it, you need to provide specific responses to 4 questions (for Offshore Students) with supporting documents and web links as evidence to back your statements written against each question.

There is an additional question for those students who are already in Australia (Onshore Students) on a Student Visa (Subclass 500), as well as those on a  Visitor visa (Subclass 600), or Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa, who plan to transition to a student visa for study purposes in Australia.

With GS responses being assessed both by the providers and the visa officers, you have to refine your responses to remain within the word limit. In short, your answers should be Cs – Concise, Consistent, and Clear.  

The online student visa application form asks the following to address the GS criteria.

·                Give details of the applicant’s current circumstances. This includes ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances. 

·                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.

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

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

·                There is another question for applicants who have held a student visa or those applying in Australia from a non-student visa.

We prefer applicants to respond to the above questions in the application form rather than attaching a separate GS statement.

There is a text limit of 150 words per response. 

All responses must be in English.

Along with the responses included in the application form, the applicant must attach supporting documents to their ImmiAccount.

We give more weight to statements supported by evidence in assessing the GS requirement.

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/genuine-student-requirement

Genuine Student (GS) Requirement Questions

Sentences in your GS answers explaining your primary intention behind applying for a student visa to Australia should demonstrate evidence of a well-researched and planned, logical study plan, sufficient finances, and specific career plans to the visa officer. An inconsistency in your sentences and your supporting documents or evidence may trigger greater scrutiny, such as an interview, additional information (s56 Request for additional information), or visa refusals, even with or without any s56 request.

How to write strong GS responses?

Your GS responses should be specific, concise, and consistent, relating to your circumstances and goals. Crucially, they must be supported by credible, verifiable documents and information.

Here’s how you should tailor your GS responses to increase your chances of a favorable visa decision.

Question No. 1

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

Purpose: To determine your current circumstances and ascertain the rationale behind your decision to study abroad, including your ties to your family, community, employment (if applicable), and economic circumstances.

What to include:

Study and/or Employment – Mention the latest qualification you have earned, and employment details (if applicable) such as your job title, company, and remuneration.

Family and Community Ties – Explain your major family responsibilities, as well as mention the composition of your family, including extended family (in-laws), if applicable.

Economic Circumstances – Focus on stating your current financial standing, including family business, employment (yours and your family’s, if applicable), assets, education loan (if availing), and any scholarship you may have been awarded. Additionally, mention clearly who will pay for your expenses.

The responses shared here are from a student’s profile who intends to study the Master of Computer Science in Australia.

Sample Response :-
I am ABT a graduate of BIT (Computing) from XTY College, currently employed as a Software Developer at XYT. My family consists of my parents and my elder sister. My father is a retired pensioner from the BDC receiving an annual pension of AUD 6,256. My mother works as a Manager at a daycare center managed by BCD, earning AUD 3,173 annually. She also holds a part-time position at CSO, contributing an additional AUD 6,551 per year. Furthermore, our family operates a restaurant business managed by my father, generating AUD 6,367 annually. We also own land and buildings valued at AUD 352,799. The family has a loan of AUD 67,669 from YTY Bank and savings of AUD 26,396 in my mother’s account. Additionally, my maternal uncle, EFG, earns AUD 79,162 annually and will financially support me.

Question No. 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.

Purpose: This rationale is to demonstrate that you have undertaken a thorough, well-researched, and logical choice. It specifically needs to explain why you chose Australia, including your understanding of the course requirements, learning outcomes, and expectations, and about studying and living in Australia.

What to include:

Course and Career Goals Alignment – How the chosen course will align with your career goals and how it relates to your recent/previous academic qualifications or experience (if applicable). If unrelated courses, demonstrate the clear inspiration behind considering a field change, highlighting its scope in your community or country, as well as whether it relates to your previous academics and/or experience.

Provider choice – Explain your rationale behind preferring this provider over others. You can discuss the course modules/units and how they align with your interest as well as career plans, including the specific role you intend to don. Additionally, focus on the specializations, relevant facilities (state-of-the-art labs, simulation labs), teaching methods (blended, offering flexibility), practical exposure (field placements, internships), and classroom environment (small classes, facilitating personalized learning and interaction), and even emphasizing students' testimonials about the provider.

Why Australia – Demonstrate specifically how Australia’s education system, discussing specifically by focusing on the accreditation, global recognition, and experiential (hands-on) learning exposure that this country offers, and something that is lacking in Nepal. Justify your choice by attaching evidence like web links (in a separate document) and uploading it while lodging your student visa.

Understanding and preparation – Show your understanding of the course, including its duration and fees, campus location, relevant facilities, annual living costs, accommodation arrangements, and transportation plans.

Sample Response:-

I chose to pursue a Master of Computer Science at the University of XYT, Australia, because its curriculum is highly industry-relevant, compared to Nepal’s limited experiential learning opportunities, which often affect graduates’ employability. While other reputable universities such as Murdoch University, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, and the University of Western Australia offer strong programs with diverse majors, professional recognition, and research facilities, XYT stands out due to its balanced curriculum. It combines foundational computing knowledge with emerging fields like AI and Big Data, along with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). My strong interest in computers motivates me to deepen my expertise for a successful career. Additionally, Australia offers globally recognized education, a multicultural environment, and practical learning opportunities. I plan to arrange either on-campus or off-campus accommodation based on availability.

Question No. 3

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

Purpose: This question seeks to understand whether you have realistic goals and how studying this course can assist you in achieving them in your own country (or a third country).

Career Prospects and Improvement – How this qualification will assist you in qualifying you for relevant roles in this field in your country or another country. Mention some prospective employers and the role titles

Realistic Tangible Value – Clearly mention your expected remuneration/salary and prospects of an increase that this degree or the business advantage/expansion plans this qualification can facilitate.

Filling the void – Demonstrate how the intended qualification, including competencies gained, can assist you in filling the skill and knowledge gap in your country’s job market, explaining your intentions.

Progression and benefit linkage – Link how the competencies gained from this course can directly benefit, preparing you for a career progression, establishing a clear logical link.

 Sample response:

My proposed course at XYT builds directly on my Bachelor’s in Information Technology and will strengthen my career prospects. It will deepen my knowledge in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Web Designing - key areas aligned with my goal of becoming a Data Engineer. This role demands strong programming skills in object-oriented languages, advanced analytical abilities, and the capacity to work with complex datasets while integrating AI/ML into data-driven solutions. Earning a recognized degree will give me a competitive advantage in my country’s growing IT sector. Reputable companies such as Samford Technology, Induce Machines, Ryder Technology, Infinite IT Solutions, Grit Technologies, and First Soft actively seek graduates with these specialized skills. These organizations offer attractive mid-level salaries ranging from NPR 60,000 to 100,000, along with benefits like professional mentorship. This course will position me to secure such opportunities and build a strong career.

Question No. 4

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

Purpose:  The idea here is to demonstrate and explain any unique circumstances, including study gaps, health issues, or any other relevant information or potential concerns.

Circumstances and Inconsistencies – Explain clearly any gaps in your study or employment history, any change of field/course, or any previous visa cancellations or refusals to any country, including Australia, or any other crucial information.

Commitments and Adherence – State your assurance of adherence to the various visa conditions (full-time study), provider policies (at least 80% attendance), or immigration rules (assuring integrity in informing about changes in circumstances).

Reaffirm Financial Support – Confirm that you have sufficient funds, apart from reaffirming that your family’s support and financial stability to cover the entire expenses till you finish your studies.

There is a fifth GS question for those already in Australia (Onshore Applicants) and holding Australian visas, including a previous Student Visa or a Non-Student visa.

Sample response:

Neither my family nor I have ever been subject to visa cancellation or deportation from Australia or any other country, reflecting our strong compliance with immigration laws. I also do not have any relatives residing in Australia. I have previously been granted tourist visas to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, which I utilized for a short visit from 5 February 2025 to 14 February 2025. I fully complied with all visa conditions and returned to my home country within the permitted period. My family strongly supports my educational goals in Australia and is fully committed to sponsoring my temporary stay. They are prepared to bear all necessary expenses, ensuring that I can focus entirely on my studies without financial concern.

Question No. 5

Explain your reasons for applying for a student visa in Australia (or) if you are currently holding another Australian visa subclass, please explain how applying for a student visa is a logical progression from your current visa subclass.

Purpose: An integral question that specifically tries to address the logic of changing academic paths/ courses or transitioning to a Student Visa and staying in the country. Generally, if you are already on a Student Visa and would want to change course with a new provider, you must clearly and specifically explain the reasons.

If you are on a Non-Student visa, such as Temporary Activity (Subclass 408), or even if you are a Subsequent Entrant (Subclass 500), you will need to explain why you are applying for a Student (Subclass 500) visa now with specific, convincing reasons.

Sample response: 

I arrived in Australia in December 2022 on a Subsequent Entrant (SC 500) visa to support my husband’s higher education. Over the past two years, my perspective has evolved, and I now see this as an opportunity to grow independently. I have been consistently impressed by the quality of education in Australia, especially through my interactions with students and graduates who speak highly of their learning experiences. The high standards of teaching, practical approach, and strong academic resources have motivated me to pursue my own studies. I believe enrolling in a General English course is a vital first step. It will strengthen my language proficiency and build essential communication skills needed for professional success. Improving my English will help me engage confidently in business settings, expand career opportunities, and prepare for future academic pursuits while enhancing my ability to interact effectively in international environments.

From Subsequent Entrant (Subclass 500) to a Student (Subclass 500) Visa

As an Onshore Applicant, you will need to apply for a New Student Visa if you want to change your main course to a lower AQF course or a non-AQF course.

You will generally need a new student visa if you want to change your main course of study to a: lower AQF level coursenon-AQF course

If you have applied for a new student visa, you must not begin the lower-level course until we have granted you that new visa. This applies even if the new course is with the same education provider.

You would need to apply for a new visa in these example situations:

You are studying a Bachelor of Science (AQF Level 7) at a university. You want to change to a Diploma of Accounting (AQF Level 5) at the same institution.

You are studying a Certificate IV (AQF Level 4). You want to transfer to an ELICOS course (non-AQF course) at a different institution.

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-in-situation/study-situation
Again, depending upon your individual circumstances, like progressing to a higher course from a lower-AQF course that you need additional time to complete the course, which requires you to seek an extension of your stay, you will need to apply for a Student (Subclass 500) Visa extension following the same procedures.

Sample response:

In my country, my education was primarily theoretical, while my undergraduate studies in India strengthened my practical understanding through experiential learning. Upon transitioning to the Australian education system, I encountered a more rigorous academic environment that demanded consistent preparation and strong commitment. During my third semester, I struggled to meet these expectations due to the intensive workload, which included both an Engineering Practicum and Master of Engineering Project 1. These units required significant time and effort, limiting my ability to adequately focus on “Signals and Systems,” which I was unable to clear. Recognizing the importance of completing my degree, I took responsibility for this setback and significantly improved my academic discipline. I completed all subsequent units in later semesters. Although this has delayed my academic and professional plans by a few months, I am committed to completing the remaining unit and request an extension of my studies and visa to fulfill my degree requirements.

Now, let’s examine the Common Mistakes in the GS responses/statements and how we can rectify them!

Mistake No. 1 – Using ready-made, publicly available templates, including Generic AI templates

The majority of the student applicants tend to use templates available on the internet or copy AI-generated responses.

Remember, visa officers normally have limited time and have to review dozens of GS responses/statements. They are well-acquainted with technology-generated responses over personalized ones and can easily identify them. So, avoid copy-pasting from repeated templates and sentences from someone else’s GS answers.

Strategies and approaches we apply: Once our counsellors receive the student’s profile, they thoroughly review it before interviewing the students to understand their circumstances. Accordingly, we guide the students on their GS responses by providing critical feedback, including areas that can be ‘red flags’.

Mistake No. 2 – Not clearly explaining circumstances or hiding critical information

Many students fail to mention or hide crucial information, such as study gaps, backlogs, and even explain low grades or visa refusals/cancellations.

Strategies and approaches we apply: Examine closely, acknowledging and explaining the gaps with integrity, focusing on the reasons like family and/or personal circumstances, including health and other issues, work or volunteering experience, and retakes. We strive to make your decision a meticulous and well-thought-out one.

Mistake No. 3 – Generic Explanation rather than concise, specific sentences/statements

A lot of GS responses from students contain general statements or have generic information. For instance, “I plan to study in Australia because it has a world-class education” instead of ‘I chose Australia because not only are the qualifications globally recognized, but it also lays emphasis on experiential learning while extending excellent student support.”

Strategies and approaches we apply: We work with the student, focusing on concise sentences tailored to explain their specific career plans through a thoroughly researched plan, evidenced by realistic market trends and data. We align the kind of roles and realistic expected remuneration with their intended course, emphasizing how it can assist them to take on roles, both immediately and in the long run.

Mistake No. 4 – Claims of financial plans and arrangements not aligning with the documents

Now, with many South-Asian countries in critical Assessment Levels (AL) like Level 3, a heightened scrutiny of the financials is inevitable and unavoidable.  

If you examine the visa refusals cases discussed publicly, a majority of them are because of the student’s inability to demonstrate their strong ‘economic and personal ties’.

I have considered the applicant’s circumstances in their home country.

I acknowledge the applicant has personal ties in their home country in the form of their immediate family, and place some weight on that in favor of the applicant. Against that, I note that the applicant has not demonstrated strong economic ties to their home country. I weigh this more heavily. I find the applicant’s economic circumstances in their home country may serve as a significant incentive for the applicant to apply for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa as a means of obtaining entry to Australia for purposes other than study.

Weaker economic ties lead to visa refusals. Consistency in claims/sentences and document evidence is crucial for all students with diverse financial backgrounds, including those with limited financial flexibility. Even so, we at Everest Global Education guide students in aligning their GS responses with their financials, like bank statements, property valuations, income proofs, and sponsorship documents.

For GS responses/statements to stand out in the sea of thousands of international students, a meticulous, well-planned GS strategy is not optional, but essential. Encompassing all these aspects and preparing a tailored GS will make it a more convincing one.

Everest Global Education specializes in managing your course and provider choice, assisting in drafting your GS responses and visa application, among others. As your comprehensive partner, we guide you efficiently through all immigration requirements and Ministerial Directions. Our experienced, knowledgeable counsellors leave no stone unturned to ensure an accurate mapping of your profile to the appropriate academic pathways that meet both the providers’ admissions conditions and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) integrity requirements. With both local and global presence, including in Australian cities like Perth and Sydney, we believe in our competencies and our satisfied clients’ trust on us.