Australian Student Visa Update: New Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

Considering education in Australia? The Australian government has announced updates to the student visa process effective March 23, 2024, with more changes expected later this year. Discover key information about the Australian Genuine Student criteria and its implications on Myvysa.com

New Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

Previously, international students were required to complete the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) or GTE Australia, assessment. GTE Assessment ensured the genuine aspirations of international students to engage in high-quality education in Australia. This process included a questionnaire, a 300 word personal statement and in some cases, an interview.

From March 23, 2024, the Australia student visa assessment process will include the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This means students/applicants will no longer need to provide a 300-word statement. This GS procedure will instead require answers to specific or targeted questions.

GS Requirements Questions

The new questions for Australia's Genuine Student (GS) requirement aim to provide visa decision-makers/visa officers with a more personalized and clear assessment by focusing on the individual intentions and circumstances of each student. Below are some of the questions for the GS requirement:

• Provide details of your current circumstances, which should include your connections to family, community, work, and financial situation.
• Explain your reasons for selecting your specific course and for choosing Australia as your place of study.
• Describe how you anticipate benefiting from your chosen course of study.
• Provide details of any previous study you have undertaken in Australia.
• If you currently hold a different type of visa, please explain your reasons for applying for a Student visa now.
• Include any additional relevant information you wish to share.

Changes to Student Visa Declaration

The Student visa declaration has also been changed. It now requires students/applicant to confirm that they:

• Understand what it means to be a genuine student
• Have read, understand and commit to comply with student visa conditions and to notify the Department of Home Affairs if your circumstances change.
• Understand that while post-study pathways to permanent migration are available, only a limited number of graduates will be eligible

English Language Proficiency Requirement Changes

The Australian Government has announced changes to the English language test requirements for Studentand Temporary Graduate visa applicants. On December 11, 2023, it was declared that starting in early 2024, the necessary English language test scores would be changed. The minimum required score for student visas will increase from 5.5 to 6.0, and for temporary graduate visas, the minimum score will increase from 6.0 to 6.5.

Here is an overview of the English language requirement changes:

• Temporary Graduate visa will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 6.0 to 6.5 
• Student visa will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5 to 6.0
• ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 4.5 to 5.0
• University foundation or pathway programs that deliver English language training will be an IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5  

What This Means for International Students

Understanding the upcoming changes is important if you plan to apply for a Student visa in Australia. You will need to be ready to offer comprehensive details about your academic situation, your history of study, and why you have chosen Australia for your education.

To prepare for the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, consider how you would respond to possible questions. Draft various answers and seek feedback from friends or family you trust or even from MyVysa Experts. Additionally, it's advisable to take practice English language proficiency tests in advance to confirm that your score meets the updated minimum criteria.

To get the most recent updates and advice, check the website of Australia's Department of Home Affairs.