Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) for Australia: Latest Update
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) for Australia is the type of assessment that all international students must undergo to obtain a study visa. However, effective March 23, 2024, the Australian government has replaced GTE with a more intensive and stringent Genuine Student Test (GST).
In this blog, we have discussed the differences between GTE and GST, how it will affect international applicants, the nature of the test, and more.
- Study Visa for Australia from India
- Background of GTE for Australia
- Update on GTE for Australia: 23rd March 2024
- What is the Genuine Student Test?
- Advantages of Genuine Student Requirement Over GTE
- Types of Questions Asked in Genuine Student Test
- Where to Answer GST Questions?
- Required Documents for GST Questions
- Criteria for Assessing Genuine Students
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
Study Visa for Australia from India
- To pursue higher studies in Australia, Indian applicants are required to apply for a student visa (subclass 500) through ImmiAccount.
- As soon as they receive the confirmation of enrollment (CoE) from the Australian institute, they can create an account on the portal and start applying for it.
- The study visa for Australia is valid for up to 5 years and allows Indian students to move anywhere in the country.
- To apply for a study visa to Australia from India, applicants need to submit several documentary proofs, as listed below.
- Confirmation of Enrollment
- Proof of English proficiency
- Academic Transcripts
- Genuine student requirement (GS)
- Proof of Fund (AUD 29,710 or INR 16.52 lakh per year)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Health and Medical Fitness Report
- Character Certificate
- Passport
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Travel Insurance
Background of GTE for Australia
- The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) for Australia was an important aspect of the student visa application process.
- It was intended to check the genuineness or seriousness of the international applicants to pursue their studies in Australia.
- The applicants were required to submit a statement showcasing their reasons and intentions for pursuing higher education in about 300 words.
Update on GTE for Australia: 23rd March 2024
- On December 11, 2023, the Australian government announced a reform in the study visa process for international students.
- As part of its updated migration strategy, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) for Australia was replaced by a new Genuine Student requirement.
- This reform took effect on March 23, 2024, and applies exclusively to international applicants who applied or desire to apply for a study visa after this date.
What is the Genuine Student Test?
- The new Genuine Test requirement for Australian study visas requires Indian applicants to answer targeted questions instead of writing a statement.
- This allows visa decision-makers to evaluate their documentary evidence to check whether applicants are serious about their primary intentions to study in Australia.
Advantages of Genuine Student Requirement Over GTE
- Through the GS test, only those applicants are allowed to enter Australia on study visas who are serious about their educational goals.
- The Genuine Student requirement provides an indirect path for skilled graduates to apply for a work visa.
- One of the biggest advantages that GST provides is that it eliminates the pressure of leaving Australia on graduates once their studies are over.
- It encourages applicants to adapt to the new changes that the country’s policymakers have made to improve the overall quality of education and immigration policies, ultimately benefiting genuine candidates.
Types of Questions Asked in Genuine Student Test
As discussed above, the Genuine Student test is intended to ask the following types of questions.
- Why has the applicant chosen the course to study in Australia with this particular education provider (college/university)?
- Details of the applicant’s current conditions, such as
- Ties to family and community
- Personal circumstances
- Economic Circumstances
- Employment Circumstances
- How would completing the particular course benefit the applicant?
- What are the reasons to choose Australia as a study destination?
- Is there any other relevant information that the candidate would like to include?
- Previous study history in Australia (if any)
Where to Answer GST Questions?
- The whole study visa process, including the Genuine Student Test, can be completed on the ImmiAccount portal.
- Each answer should be written in about 150 words. Candidates are required to attach documentary evidence in support of their answers to GST questions.
- There might be additional questions for those who held student visas previously or are lodging their application in Australia from a non-study visa.
Required Documents for GST Questions
Indian applicants are required to submit the following documents or evidence in support of their Genuine Student Test answers on ImmiAccount.
Previous Study in India
Previous academic documents showcasing qualifications achieved, such as
- Std. 10th marksheet
- Std. 10th passing certificate
- Std. 12th marksheet
- Std. 12th passing certificate
- UG marksheets
- UG degree certificate
Previous Study in Australia (If any)
- Complete academic records
- Reasons for change of course/education providers
- Information on course progress
- Reason for study gap (if any)
Current Employment
- Details of current employer
- Details of company location
- Period of employment
- Details of the position held
- Name and contact details of any source who can confirm the circumstances of declared employment.
Circumstances in Home Country or Country of Residence
- Nature of the applicant’s personal ties, such as
- Family
- Community
- Employment
- Reasons for not studying in home country or country of residence if a similar course is available.
- Documentary evidence showcasing the reasons for leaving the home country due to civil or political unrest.
Economic Circumstances in Home Country or Country of Residence
Documents showcasing
- Employment or business activities for 12 months before lodging an application
- Details of potential employment, such as salary and other benefits, after course completion.
- Income tax return or bank statement
Criteria for Assessing Genuine Students
Australia considers the following factors to check the eligibility criteria for Genuine Students.
- Candidate’s Circumstances
- Immigration History
- Compliance with Visa History
- Situation in the home country of the candidate
- Previous study and qualifications
- Level of knowledge of the proposed course and education provider
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Applying for an Australian study visa requires candidates to provide evidence and documentary support. One of the important aspects of this requirement is to undergo the Genuine Student Test, which earlier was known as GTE. To reform the academic and immigration policies, the Australian government has enacted a new test, GST, in place of GTE.
At AdmitX, we are committed to providing applicants with every possible assistance on study visas from different countries, including Australia.
FAQs
Why was GTE replaced with GS?
Unlike GTE, the GS test allows only those applicants to enter Australia on a study visa who are serious about their educational goals in the line of a permanent migration plan or employment to contribute economically and socially to the country.
Is the GS process similar to GTE?
Both GS and GTE are intended to prove the genuineness of the applicant’s intentions to pursue higher studies in Australia. The intent of GTE is to make sure that students get back home after completing their education, whereas GS focuses on the academic and financial readiness of the applicant.
How can applicants prove their authenticity to study in Australia?
To prove the authenticity, applicants are required to submit important documents and evidence demonstrating their genuineness and seriousness regarding studying in Australia.
How long does the GS test process take?
The GS test is part of the visa application process, and it may take 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete the assessment, depending on the candidate.
Is there any separate fee for the Genuine Student Test?
There is no separate fee for the Genuine Student Test because it is an integrated part of the Australian study visa application process.
