Last updated: September 2026. This change took effect on 23 March 2024. Always confirm the latest rules on the Department of Home Affairs website.
On 23 March 2024, Australia replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement for Student visa (subclass 500) applications. Many students and even some agents still talk about the “GTE statement,” so it is important to understand what has changed and how it affects your application today.
What Was the GTE?
Under the old GTE requirement, applicants wrote a long personal statement, often several pages, to prove that they only intended to stay in Australia temporarily and would return home after their studies.
What Is the GS Requirement?
The GS requirement focuses on a different question: is the applicant a genuine student? In other words, is study the main reason for coming to Australia, and does the chosen course make sense for the applicant’s background and goals?
GTE vs GS: Key Differences
| Old GTE (before March 2024) | New GS (from 23 March 2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Proving you will leave Australia | Proving study is your main purpose |
| Format | One long written statement | Short answers to set questions in the online form |
| Length | Often 1–3 pages | Up to 150 words per question |
| Future plans | Intention to stay was a concern | Accepts that some students may later apply for other visas, as long as study is the main purpose |
The GS Questions
Applicants now answer questions directly in the online visa application, in English, with a limit of about 150 words each. The questions cover:
- Your current circumstances, including your family, community, employment and financial situation
- Why you want to study this course, with this provider, in Australia
- How completing the course will benefit you
- Any other relevant information you want to include
Applicants who have held a student visa before, or who apply from inside Australia on another visa, answer an additional question explaining why they are applying for a new student visa.
What This Means for Pakistani Students
- Do not use old GTE templates. A long GTE-style statement no longer fits the new format.
- Be specific. Short answers must still explain your background, your course choice and your career plans clearly.
- Show a logical study path. Your course should connect to your previous education or work.
- Support your answers with documents, such as transcripts, employment letters and financial evidence.
Other Recent Australian Student Visa Changes (2026)
- Higher visa fee: from 1 July 2026, the standard Student visa (subclass 500) application fee increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500.
- Living costs: single applicants must show access to about AUD 29,710 per year for living expenses, in addition to tuition and travel costs.
Always check the latest amounts on the official Home Affairs fees page before applying.
Have a Question?
This guide is for general information only. For your own case, always check the official government website or consult a licensed adviser. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or migration advice. Dream Visa Guide is not affiliated with the Australian Government.
Explore more visa guides
Free, regularly updated information for Pakistani travellers and students.