Genuine Student (GS) Assessment

Date: 18 March 2024

Genuine Student (GS) Assessment will replace the GTE requirement for student visas from 23 March 2024

Previously, as part of student visa (subclass 500) applications, individuals were required to submit a personal statement addressing the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. However, following the Migration Strategy announcement on 11 December 2023, the GTE requirement for student visas (subclass 500) is being replaced by a Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

Proposed Changes

The new GS requirement for international students will aim 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. The 300 word statement in the Student visa application form will be replaced with targeted questions. This includes:

details of their current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances;
an explanation for the choice of course and reasons for choosing Australia as a study destination;
what benefits the course provides to the applicant;
for applicants with a study history in Australia, details of their study history;
for applicants holding a visa other than a Student visa, their reasons for applying for a Student visa; and
any other relevant information the applicant wishes to provide.

Student Visa Declaration

The Student visa declaration will be amended to require applicants to confirm that they:

understand what it means to be a genuine student for the purposes of studying in Australia;
have read, understand and commit to comply with student visa conditions and to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to their circumstances; and
understand that while post-study pathways to permanent migration are available, only a limited number of graduates will be eligible and those who are unable to remain lawfully in Australia must depart Australia.