Genuine Student replaced the older GTE test
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement applies to Student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024; applications lodged earlier are assessed under the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. GS asks whether you genuinely intend to study in Australia and understand that study is the primary reason for applying.
Home Affairs says a genuine student may later seek permanent residence if eligible; a possible future intention of that kind does not count against an applicant under GS. It still assesses the whole application, including circumstances, immigration history and whether the applicant intends to comply with visa conditions.
Official Genuine Student requirement · Student 500 application guide →
Plan four short, specific answers
- Current circumstances: explain relevant family, community, work, study and economic circumstances where you live.
- Course and provider: explain why this course in Australia and with this provider fits your goals, and what you understand about the course, study and living arrangements.
- Benefit: connect the qualification to your previous education or work and to realistic future opportunities.
- Anything else relevant: add material context that the other answers do not cover, rather than repeating them.
Home Affairs adds a question if you have previously held a Student visa or are applying in Australia from a non-student visa. Each response must be in English and is limited to 150 words in the online form. Home Affairs prefers answers in that form over a separate GS statement. Read the exact live wording before submitting.
Read all questions and word limits · Download the private answer planner ↓
Match each important claim to relevant evidence
Home Affairs gives more weight to statements backed by records. Depending on your circumstances, these might include academic transcripts and certificates, a course and provider record, employment details and a contact who can confirm them, financial records, or evidence of family and community ties. If you studied in Australia before, explain course or provider changes and any significant study gap with the records you have.
If a similar course is available where you live, explain your real reason for choosing Australia. Describe what you have researched about course requirements, costs and living arrangements. For a claimed career benefit, connect the course to plausible work or study plans and evidence you can provide. Do not invent ties, jobs or salary figures to fit a template.
Attach the supporting documents requested in your ImmiAccount application. The separate Student document checklist tool uses your passport country and education provider to show other evidence requirements; GS answers do not replace those requirements.
Official evidence examples · Student document checklist tool
Check consistency before lodgement
- Does the course name, provider, start date and previous-study history match the CoE and your documents?
- Are work, funding, family and residence claims accurate and supported where relevant?
- Have you disclosed visa refusals, cancellations or prior travel truthfully if the application asks?
- Does each answer address its own question within the live word limit, without copied promises or a generic migration story?
The GS answer planner is for private drafting. Put your final answers in the actual online form and attach evidence there. If your application involves a prior refusal, complex onshore status or other individual issue, seek qualified advice before relying on a generic example.
Download answer planner ↓ · Official Student 500 steps · After you apply →