Published on Jun 2024

GTE replaced with GS: A guide to Australian Student Visa Criteria Changes

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for study visa Australia has now been replaced with Genuine Student (GS) requirement by the Government of Australia. This new requirement will not be needed for those who have applied before March 24, 2024. However, the new criteria needs to be followed if applicants are submitting on or after the date mentioned.


The GS requirement will be an important process for applying for a student visa in Australia. The student must be providing an understanding that they are getting a student visa primarily for studying in Australia. 


Why the change?


The GS requirement recognizes that eligible graduates have access to post-study options leading to permanent residency. International students who complete their studies and earn their degrees in Australia might be able to provide a competent workforce that is prepared to fill skill shortages in Australia.


The change is also meant to assist the Department in identifying non-genuine students who are trying to enter Australia for reasons other than academic pursuits.



Updated GS System


Instead of the 300 words statement previously, now a set of targeted questions will be asked.

Details of the applicant’s current circumstances

Why the applicant chose Australia as the study abroad destination

How the chosen course will be beneficial for the applicant

Immigration history to Australia (if any)

Reasons for applying to student visa in case the applicant has another visa

Other relevant information


The Student visa declaration requires you to confirm that you:

Australia study visa requirements needs candidates to comprehend what it means to be a genuine student

Have read, understood, and pledged to abide by the terms of your student visa; and know that you will notify the Department of Home Affairs should your circumstances change. 

Know that although there are post-study pathways for permanent immigration, only a select few graduates will be qualified.  


What Evidence & Information to include


Previous study


  • Academic records showing qualifications achieved
  • Duration of study
  • Name of the education provider
  • Certificates of accomplishment
  • Previous study in Australia (if applicable)
  • Study record history
  • Reasons for course/university change
  • Course progress details
  • Explanation for more than 2 months study gap


Current Employment


  • Details of their present employer & company address
  • Period of employment
  • Details of job position 
  • The identity and contact information of a person who can verify the details of the stated employment


Circumstances in their home country/ country of residence


This includes the nature of the applicant's community, family, and employment in native country or residence. If a similar course is available in the applicant's country they need to provide reasons why they chose Australia. 


Economic circumstances in their home country/ country of residence


Records of work or company activity for a full year prior to applying

Possible job offers with compensation and other incentives following course completion

Bank statements or income tax returns


The Study visa Australia applicant must give their justifications and supporting documentation if there is political, civil disturbance, or military service obligations in their native country that would serve as a substantial incentive for them to leave.

GS Assessment


The evaluation of the student's genuine desire to study in Australia is the main objective of the GS criterion. The following are among the criteria it considers:

  • Circumstances
  • Immigration history
  • Adherence to visa requirements, and any other pertinent information.

This criterion recognizes the existence of post-study pathways for qualified individuals.


Circumstances in their home country


Reason for not studying the same course in their home country 

Nature of the candidate’s personal ties to their home country

Economic circumstances

Military service commitments, political or civil unrest in their resident country


Potential situation in Australia


Level of knowledge of the planned course & education provider

Previous qualifications

Financial stability

Planned living arrangements


Value of the chosen course to their future


  • If the course will help them find work or enhance their prospects for finding work in their home country or another, and whether the course is appropriate for their present level of education.
  • Expected salary and incentives in their home or another country obtained with the aspirant’s qualifications from the planned course of study.
  • If the course is pertinent to past or future employment in their home or another country
  • Immigration history (Australia/other countries)
  • Visa and travel history 
  • Previous visa applications 
  • Visa refusals or cancellations

For more details on this new criteria, you can reach out to Tutel, study abroad consultants in Kochi, Kerala.