All applicants for a student visa must show they are coming to Australia to gain a quality education. The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is not intended to exclude students who, after studying in Australia, develop skills Australia needs and who then go on to apply for permanent residence. This will Include a personal statement addressing the GS requirement in the application form.

In the online student visa application form, you will need to provide a personal statement in English addressing the GS requirements. This will include providing sufficient answers with 150 words for each question or relevant item of GS. This will cover addressing your circumstances for undertaking your proposed study in Australia, applicant’s immigration history, applicant’s record of compliance with any conditions subject to which visa granted and compliance with an conditions of a visa previous held by the applicant. 

Generic statements unsupported by evidence will not be weighed heavily in the GS assessment.

Previous study

• academic transcripts showing qualifications achieved.
• name of the education provider(s)
• length of study
• certificates of attainment

Gap in previous study

• reasons why there is a gap in your studies including where you did not maintain enrolment

Current employment

• your current employer
• company address
• period of employment
• details of your position
• the name and contact details of someone who can confirm the circumstances of your employment

Ties to home country or country of residence

• evidence of financial, family or social ties. You need to show you have significant incentives to return home.

Economic situation in home country or country of residence

Documents showing employment or business activities for 12 months before lodging an application. Potential employment offers including salary and other benefits, after course completion income tax return, or bank statements

Employment in a third country

Potential employment offers, including salary and other benefits, after course completion.

How they assess GS     The GS requirement is used to make sure the student visa program is accessed as intended. The student visa program is not a way for international students to maintain ongoing residency in Australia.

The GS requirement helps identify applicants who are using the student visa program for motives other than gaining a quality education.

Situations in your home country (or country of residence)

They consider your:

• reason for not studying in your home country or region if a similar course is available there
• ties to your home country that support an intention to return after study is finished
• economic situation
• military service commitments
• political and civil unrest in your home country

The potential situation in Australia

They consider your:

• ties to Australia that present a strong incentive to stay in Australia
• level of knowledge of the proposed course and education provider
• previous study and qualifications
• planned living arrangements
• financial stability

Value of the course to your future

They consider:

• if the course is consistent with your current level of education
• if the course is relevant to past or proposed future employment in your home country or a third country
• expected salary and other benefits in your home country or a third country obtained with your qualifications from the proposed course of study

Your immigration history

They consider:

• previous visa applications for Australia or other countries
• visa refusals or cancellations

If you are a minor, the department considers the intentions of your parent, legal guardian, or spouse.

For further information, please visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/genuine-student-requirement