Are you considering studying abroad in Australia? As you prepare to apply for courses and your student visa, it’s important to understand how the Genuine Student (GS) requirement works, and how it fits into the study abroad application process. Read on to learn more about the GS requirement criteria, common supporting documents, and how you can write compelling answers to the GS requirement questions.
Note: The content in this post is provided as information only. For current and official visa guidance, visit the Australian government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
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About the Genuine Student Requirement
Within Australia’s student visa application process, the Genuine Student requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (or GTE) requirement in 2024. This means student visa applicants no longer need to provide a 300-word statement, which makes the process more streamlined.
Now, future students (and their dependents, if they’re accompanying the student) must answer a series of questions and provide related documents to support their answers. How applicants respond to the GS requirement helps visa processing teams to get a clearer, more personalized view of each applicant’s intentions and circumstances.
The GS requirement criteria recognizes that some international students may explore post-study work or permanent residence pathways after graduation, but helps to ensure the primary reason the applicant is coming to Australia is to study.
While the Genuine Student requirement is a crucial part of the Australian student visa application process, many Australian universities will also ask to see the applicant’s GS requirement responses during their admission process. Universities may also conduct an interview with student applicants on GS-related topics.
GS Requirement Format and Questions
Let’s take a look at some of the question topics for the Genuine Student requirement:
- Provide details about your current situation, such as your current connections to your family, broader community, work, and your financial status.
- Explain why you chose your specific course and why you selected Australia as your study destination. Also, speak to what living and studying in Australia will be like for you.
- Describe how your chosen course will benefit you, and provide information about any previous studies you’ve undertaken in Australia.
- If you currently hold a different type of Australian visa, explain why you’re applying for a Student visa.
All Genuine Student requirement responses must be written in English, and each response must be 150 words or fewer.
Students must also include supporting documents which verify the claims they make in the questions. Depending on the student’s circumstances, supporting documents could include academic transcripts, bank statements, employment details and contact information, tax returns, or diploma/degree certificates.
After submission, each applicant is assessed based on a number of factors. These include their individual circumstances, the value of the course to their future, their travel and immigration history, and their compliance with visa conditions.
Student Visa Declaration
Along with the GS requirement, the updated Student visa declaration also requires applicants to confirm that they:
- Understand what it means to be a genuine student while studying in Australia.
- Have read, understand, and will follow the rules of their student visa, and to notify the Department of Home Affairs if their circumstances change.
- Understand that while some circumstances allow certain students to reside in Australia permanently, only a limited number of graduates will be eligible to do so. And, those who are not eligible must leave Australia after their studies end.
Remember to submit your student visa application with the correct visa application fee! As of July 1, 2025, the fee increased from A$1,600 to A$2,000.
English Language Proficiency Changes
In early 2024, the minimum English language requirements for international students studying in Australia were updated. The Australian government also updated the language requirement for the post-study Temporary Graduate visa class. Here are the current minimum English language proficiency levels:
- Student visa applicants who are taking at least a 20-week English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program before their principal course: a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 (or equivalent)
- Student visa applicants who are taking a 10+ week ELICOS program, a Foundation (Standard/Extended) program, or an eligible Pathway program that delivers English language training before their principle course: a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 (or equivalent)
- Student visa applicants require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent)
- Temporary Graduate visa applicants require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent)
Why are there different English levels for different students?
Adjusting the required English proficiency level by study pathway is Australia’s way of providing multiple routes to success for international students. Students with lower English proficiency can take an ELICOS or pathway course to boost their language skills, and then take a degree or diploma course.
Unsure about taking a practice proficiency test? Here are five reasons why you should take a practice IELTS test before the real deal.
What These Changes Mean for International Students
If you’re planning to apply for a Student visa in Australia, it’s essential to understand how these requirements work. Be prepared to share details about your academic circumstances, study history, and why you chose Australia as your study destination.
It’s wise to prepare for the Genuine Student requirement by thinking about how you’ll answer the GS questions. Take time to draft different responses and get feedback from trusted friends or family members. We also recommend taking practice English language proficiency tests beforehand to help ensure your score meets the updated requirements.
Ready to start your study journey to Australia? Visit the ApplyBoard platform to explore your options.
