Last checked: September 2026. Australian student visa rules change often, so always confirm the latest details on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.
If you are applying for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500), the Genuine Student (GS) requirement is one of the most important parts of your application. Weak or generic GS answers are one of the most common reasons student visas are refused. In this guide, we explain what the GS requirement is, the questions you will be asked, and how to write answers that are clear, honest and convincing.
What Is the Genuine Student (GS) Requirement?
The GS requirement replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement on 23 March 2024. Its purpose is to check that your main reason for going to Australia is to study, and that your chosen course makes sense for your background and future plans.
Unlike the old GTE, the GS requirement accepts that some students may later apply for other visas, such as permanent residency. However, study must be your primary reason for applying.
How the GS Questions Work
- You answer the questions directly in the online visa application in your ImmiAccount. There is no separate essay to upload.
- Each answer has a limit of 150 words.
- All answers must be in English.
- You should upload documents that support what you write.
The GS Questions
1. Your Current Circumstances
Explain your situation in Pakistan, including your family, community, employment and financial circumstances.
What to include: your education, your current job or business (if any), your family members in Pakistan and your responsibilities towards them, and who is supporting you financially.
2. Why This Course, With This Provider, in Australia
Explain why you chose this specific course and institution, and what you understand about studying and living in Australia.
What to include: specific course subjects or features that match your goals, why this institution rather than others, why Australia rather than Pakistan or other countries, and your research on living costs and your city.
3. How the Course Will Benefit You
Explain how completing the course will help your future.
What to include: the specific jobs or career level you are aiming for, the employers or industries in Pakistan that value this qualification, and how the course builds on what you have already studied or done.
4. Any Other Relevant Information
Add anything else that supports your application.
What to include: explanations for study gaps, previous visa refusals, a change of field, or any other point the officer might question.
Additional Question (Some Applicants)
If you have held an Australian student visa before, or you are applying from inside Australia on a different visa, you will also need to explain why you are applying for a new student visa.
What Visa Officers Look For
- A logical study path: your new course should connect to your previous education or work. For example, a BS in Computer Science followed by a Master of Data Science makes sense.
- Specific, personal answers: details that could only apply to you, not a template.
- Consistency: your answers must match your transcripts, bank statements, employment letters and other documents.
- Realistic financial planning: evidence that you can pay for tuition, travel and living costs. At the time of writing, single applicants must show access to about AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, in addition to tuition and travel.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Refusal
- Copying templates or online samples: officers see thousands of applications and quickly recognise copied answers.
- Unexplained change of field: for example, moving from BBA to Nursing without a clear reason.
- Unexplained study gaps: if you have a gap of several years, explain what you did during that time.
- Choosing a lower-level course: for example, a diploma after completing a master’s degree, without a strong reason.
- Weak financial evidence: sudden large deposits or sponsors whose income does not support the costs.
- Focusing on work or PR instead of study: your main reason must be education.
- Going over the word limit or being too vague: every sentence should add useful information.
Example Answer: “Why This Course?”
This example is for illustration only. Do not copy it. Your answer must reflect your own situation.
I completed a BS in Computer Science from [University] in Lahore in 2022 and have worked for two years as a junior data analyst at [Company], where I prepare sales reports using Excel and SQL. I want to move into machine learning roles, but my current skills are limited to basic analysis. The Master of Data Science at [University] offers subjects in machine learning, big data systems and a final industry project, which directly match the skills my employer and similar companies in Pakistan are looking for. I compared similar programs in Pakistan, but they do not offer the same industry-linked projects. I chose [University] because of its research strength in data science and its partnerships with industry. I have researched living costs in [City] and my father, a business owner, will support my tuition and living expenses, as shown in the attached financial documents.
This answer works because it is specific, connects the course to the applicant’s background, explains the choice of institution and country, and refers to supporting documents.
Documents That Support Your GS Answers
- Academic transcripts and degrees
- English test results (IELTS, PTE or another accepted test)
- Employment letters and salary slips (if working)
- Explanation and evidence for any study gaps
- Financial documents: bank statements, sponsor’s income proof and relationship documents such as the FRC
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your institution
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Student Visa Fee in 2026
From 1 July 2026, the standard Student visa (subclass 500) application fee is AUD 2,500. The fee is not refunded if your application is refused, so it is worth preparing your GS answers carefully. Check the exact current fee on the official Home Affairs fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GS statement the same as the old GTE?
No. The GTE was a long statement focused on proving you would leave Australia. The GS uses short, structured questions focused on whether you are a genuine student.
Can I mention that I want to apply for PR later?
The GS requirement accepts that some students may later apply for other visas. However, your answers should focus on study as your main purpose. Answers that focus mainly on migration can weaken your application.
Can I attach a longer statement?
The Department prefers you to answer the questions in the online form. Use your 150 words wisely and support your answers with documents.
What if my visa was refused before?
Always declare previous refusals from any country, and use the “other relevant information” question to explain what has changed since then.
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 guide is for general information only and is not legal or migration advice. Dream Visa Guide is not affiliated with the Australian Government. Visa decisions are made solely by the Department of Home Affairs. For complex cases, consult a registered migration agent.
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