*This article was originally published on 19 March 2024 and has since been updated.
As part of the recent migration review, the Australian Government has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with a Genuine Student (GS) requirement when applying for a student visa, effective for student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.
The purpose of the GS is the same as the GTE – aiming to identify students coming to Australia temporarily to seek a quality education, rather than using the visa as a way to gain permanent residence.
What was the GTE?
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement was one of the criteria for obtaining a student visa in Australia. It aimed to ensure that applicants genuinely intended to stay in Australia temporarily for the purpose of studying. In the online student visa application form, applicants needed to provide a personal statement of around 300 words, addressing why they wanted to study in Australia and explain their ties to their home country via personal relationships, employment and financial situation.
How is the GS different to the GTE?
The GS replaces a short written statement with a question-and-answer format. Targeted questions cover the applicant’s current circumstances, course choice and study history (if within Australia) among other topics.
Applicants will now need to confirm in the student declaration that they understand being a genuine student entails coming to Australia with the primary intent of studying. It will also ask applicants to confirm they have read and understood the conditions of their visa, and that they understand that opportunities for permanent migration are limited.
What will I be asked to provide in my application?
In the student visa application form, you will be asked to give details on the following:
- Explain your current circumstances. This includes ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances.
- Explain why you wish to study this course in Australia with this particular education provider. You will need to show that you understand the requirements of the course and studying and living in Australia.
- Explain how completing the course will benefit you.
- Give details of any other relevant information you would like to include.
It’s important to provide evidence to support your answers – you will be given a chance to upload supporting documents before submitting your application. This includes documents like academic transcripts, bank statements and proof of employment.
I lodged my student visa application before 23 March 2024. Do I need to redo it?
Any applications lodged before 23 March 2024 will be assessed according to the GTE. If you have already applied, you don’t need to reapply.
If you have more questions
The Department of Home Affairs has up-to-date information about Australia’s migration policy and visa subclasses.
Please note the GTE requirement will remain in place for the Student Guardian (subclass 590) Visa.
