The Genuine Student Test (GST) is a new component of Australia’s student visa application process which aims to assess an applicant’s genuine intention to study in Australia. It replaced the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and was introduced in March 2024.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the GST – what it involves, how it is assessed and how to prepare for it. It is an essential guide for any international student considering applying for a student visa to study in Australia.
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What is the GST?
The Genuine Student Test (GST) is a mandatory requirement for international students applying for most student visas in Australia for courses longer than 3 months. It involves a holistic assessment of an applicant’s:
- English language ability
- Academic qualifications
- Financial capacity
- Study and living plans in Australia
- Ties to their home country
Through evidence provided and an interview, the GST aims to determine if a student genuinely wants to study in Australia rather than using education as a pathway for permanent migration.
How is the GST assessed?
The GST forms part of the student visa application process rather than being a separate assessment. A visa officer will thoroughly review all application documents and interview the applicant to assess their circumstances against the following criteria:
English Language Requirements
The applicant must demonstrate a minimum English language proficiency level according to the course they wish to pursue. For most Bachelor-level degrees, they need an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5. They need to provide a valid test result not older than 3 years from an approved test centre. They can also show proof of meeting the English language requirements through alternative ways like undertaking the final years of schooling in English.
Academic Qualifications
The applicant should hold educational qualifications that meet the entry requirements of the nominated course. For Bachelor-level degrees, they generally need a high school qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12. They need to get their high school and any other higher education documents assessed by CIP, which will check if the qualifications are comparable to the Australian Qualification Framework levels. This assessment is required to ensure the applicant possesses the required academic standing.
Financial Capacity
The applicant needs to show they have funds readily available in their bank account/s or have a formal financial undertaking from approved sources like family to cover all expenses for the entire duration of the course. This includes tuition fees, living costs, potential tuition fee increase, travel costs and a return airfare. For a 1-year course, they would need around $25,000 in funds as per the current DHA requirements. Bank statements and finance undertakings must be in English and less than 3 months old.
Purpose of Study
The applicant should clearly articulate short-term and long-term goals that link to undertaking the nominated course of study in Australia. This includes why the Australian education system, course structure and career opportunities available after graduation make it the best choice. They also need to specify how the qualification will help them achieve future career aspirations back home or internationally.
Ties to Home Country
The applicant needs to prove strong residential, social, economic and family ties to their home country that will ensure their return upon completion of the temporary course. This can be shown through proof of family back home, property or business ownership, full-time job that is on hold, community involvement etc. including supporting letters from families, employers etc.
Preparing for the GST
To maximize chances of success, applicants must carefully prepare authentic supporting documentation and strong responses covering all assessment criteria:
- Improve English language proficiency through preparation courses
- Get all educational qualifications assessed
- Show proof of funds through bank statements and funding agreements
- The research proposed Australian university programs thoroughly
- Demonstrate clear post-study plans and career goals
- Emphasize ties to home e.g. through supporting family letters
- Practice mock interviews to strengthen the application
- Engage a professional student visa consultant for guidance
Outcomes of the GST
After thoroughly assessing an applicant’s situation against the GST criteria, a DHA officer will decide to either:
- Grant the student visa as the individual meets all requirements
- Request further documentation if not fully satisfied
- Refuse the visa application if they are not convinced of genuine intentions to study temporarily.
Final Thoughts
Under the GST, it is crucial for students to rigorously prepare authentic documentation and responses demonstrating educational credibility, finances and commitment solely to approved study plans in Australia temporarily. Engaging experts’ help and strictly following their advice yields the best chances for visa approval under the new stringent assessment system. If you desire to know more, then you can always knock on the doors of Cliftons Study Abroad and get all the assistance. Good luck!
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