18 March 2024




Genuine Student Requirement for Student Visa Application
Australia Announces New Student Visa Guidelines
There’s no doubt that Filipinos favor Australia as one of their preferred international study destinations. This is evidenced by some 17,976 Filipino students studying in Australia as of 2022, comprising the 8th largest group of international students in the Land Down Under.
On December 11, 2023, Australia introduced its Migration Strategy, which seeks to enhance the integrity and quality of the country’s international education programs. Additionally, the strategy aims to provide better protection for international students and support graduates in reaching their career aspirations.
Effective March 23, 2024, the Australian Government has implemented the following changes:
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English Language Requirements
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Genuine Student Requirement
Let’s explore further the implications of these changes and how they will impact the Student Visa application process.
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English language requirements for Student Visas
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The minimum test score for a Student visa has increased from IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 (or its equivalent).
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The minimum test score for students undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) course before their main course of study has increased from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent).
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The minimum test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training is IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). These recognized courses will be listed on the Department of Home Affairs website.
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For students studying English only through ELICOS, full time school students, secondary exchange students, and postgraduate research students, there is no change.
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2. Genuine Student (GS) requirement
The GS requirement has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for assessing Student Visa applications. Under the GS requirement, the focus is on evaluating a student’s genuine intention to study in Australia. This change aims to identify non-genuine students who may be seeking entry into Australia for purposes other than education.
As mentioned in the Department of Home Affairs website, the Student Visa applicant will has to answer the questions in the online student visa application form. The responses must be written in English, with a maximum of 150 words per question:
⦁ Give details of the applicant’s current circumstances. This includes ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances.
⦁ Explain why the applicant wishes to study this course in Australia with this particular education provider. This must also explain their understanding of the requirements of the intended course and studying and living in Australia.
⦁ Explain how completing the course will be of benefit to the applicant.
⦁ Give details of any other relevant information the applicant would like to include.
⦁ There is an additional question for those applicants who have previously held a student visa or those who are lodging an application in Australia from a non-student visa.
Applicants must also provide evidence to the following: previous offshore and onshore studies, current employment, circumstances in home country or country of residence, economic in home country or country of residence, situations in home country or country of residence, potential situation in Australia, value of course to their future, immigration history, and any other relevant matter.
A closer scrutiny of these developments points out that the overall goals of these adjustments are meant to uphold the highest quality of instruction for overseas learners and strengthen Australia’s standing as a top study-abroad destination.
Stay tuned and follow us for further updates as we guide you through your Australian journey.