Australia Student Visa 2026: How to Answer Genuine Student (GS) Questions for 2026

Introduction 

Every international student dreams of studying in Australia – a country known for its world-class education, cultural diversity, and career opportunities. But before that dream begins, you must convince the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) that you are a Genuine Student (GS) – someone who truly intends to study and comply with visa conditions. 

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement applies to all Student Visa (Subclass 500) applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024, replacing the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) rule. Applications lodged before 23 March 2024 continue to be assessed under the GTE criterion. 

At Aussizz Group, we guide students through every step – from course selection and financial documentation to preparing strong GS statements – ensuring every application meets DHA standards. 

1. Understand What the Genuine Student (GS) Requirement Really Means 

The GS requirement ensures that studying in Australia is your primary purpose for applying for a student visa – not merely a way to stay in the country. It also recognises that students who later gain skills Australia needs may go on to apply for permanent residence. 

Applicants must show genuine intent and the ability to complete their course. The assessment focuses on: 

• Your academic background and course relevance 

• Employment, financial, and immigration history 

• The value of the course to your future career 

• Any other relevant personal circumstances 

As part of your online application, you’ll answer four mandatory GS questions (maximum 150 words each): 

1. Details of your current circumstances, including family, community, employment, and financial situation. 

2. Why you wish to study this course in Australia with this education provider. 

3. How completing the course will benefit your future. 

4. Any other relevant information you’d like to include. 

If you’re applying from a non-student visa or previously held a student visa, you’ll also answer an additional question explaining why you are lodging a new student visa. 

Example: 

“After completing my Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and working in a laboratory for two years, I now wish to undertake a Master of Biomedical Science in Australia to enhance my research capabilities and career opportunities.” 

2. Explain Your Current Circumstances Clearly 

Begin with a concise summary of your education, work history, and family background. This helps officers understand your stability and motivation. 

Example: 

“I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration in 2022 and currently work as a marketing coordinator. My parents, who run a small business, will fund my studies. I’m eager to upgrade my skills in digital strategy to advance my career.” 

At Aussizz Group, we help students ensure their GS statements match supporting evidence – from academic transcripts to work records and bank statements. 

3. Justify Why You Chose Australia and This Institution 

Show that your decision is based on research and genuine interest, not convenience. Emphasise Australia’s academic quality and course relevance. 

Example: 

“I chose Australia for its globally recognised, practice-based education. I selected Torrens University because its industry-focused Business Analytics program combines data analysis and business strategy — skills directly aligned with my goal to become a Marketing Data Analyst.” 

Aussizz Group partners with leading universities and TAFEs to help you identify courses that match your academic profile, budget, and PR pathway. 

4. Show How the Course Will Benefit Your Career and Future 

The DHA checks whether your course has real career value. Explain how it fits into your professional growth plan. 

Example: 

“Studying the Master of Information Technology will strengthen my expertise in cybersecurity and cloud computing — fields growing rapidly in India’s IT sector. This qualification will help me progress from a support technician to a systems security specialist.” 

At Aussizz Group, we help align your study choice with Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL) and Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) opportunities. 

5. Demonstrate Financial Capacity and Support 

You must show you can meet tuition and living costs without relying on unauthorised work. 
As of October 2024, the annual living-cost requirement is AUD 29,710 for the main applicant. 

Provide verifiable evidence such as: 

• Tuition-fee payment receipts (6–12 months) 

• Bank statements or fixed deposits under your or sponsor’s name 

• Salary slips, tax returns, or business-income proof of your sponsor 

• Education-loan sanction letters from regulated financial institutions 

Tip: Funds must show genuine access – clearly traceable, available for use, and supported by documents. Unverified or last-minute deposits may raise questions. 

Example: 

“My parents earn a combined annual income of AUD 65,000 and have maintained sufficient savings to cover my tuition and living expenses. Bank statements, salary slips, and tax returns are attached.” 

Aussizz Group ensures your financial documentation is complete, transparent, and DHA-compliant. 

6. Include Other Relevant Information That Strengthens Your Case 

This is your chance to highlight personal motivation, home-country ties, or community involvement. 

Example: 

“After completing my Master of Social Work, I plan to return to Nepal and work with NGOs supporting vulnerable children. My prior volunteering with the Child Development Society deepened my passion for social welfare.” 

Aussizz Group reviews each GS statement for consistency and authenticity across all evidence. 

7. Supporting Evidence: Strengthen Every Claim 

Alongside your GS responses, upload supporting documents to your ImmiAccount. 
Recommended evidence includes: 

• Previous study: academic transcripts, certificates, completion letters 

• Study in Australia: course history, provider-change reasons, progress reports 

• Current employment: employer letter, payslips, contact details 

• Home-country ties: family information, property ownership, community roles 

• Economic circumstances: 12 months’ business/employment records, potential job offers, ITRs, or bank statements 

Example: 

“I attached my Diploma of Nursing transcript, internship certificate, and employment letter from St Joseph’s Hospital, confirming my continuous professional development.” 

8. How DHA Assesses Your GS Application 

When assessing your GS statement, DHA considers: 

• Your personal circumstances in your home country 

• Value of the course to your education and career 

• Your immigration history and visa compliance 

• Your understanding of the course, provider, and living conditions in Australia 

These factors are set out under Ministerial Direction No. 106 (2024), which guides DHA decision-makers when assessing the GS criterion. 

Conclusion 

Your Genuine Student (GS) statement is more than a visa formality – it’s your chance to tell your authentic story backed by facts. When your academic intent, financial readiness, and documentation align, your visa prospects improve significantly. 

Whether you’re applying for the Subclass 500 Student Visa, planning a Subclass 485 Post-Study Work Visa, or exploring PR pathways, the right guidance makes all the difference. 

At Aussizz Group, our expert education counsellors and registered migration agents provide end-to-end assistance — from admissions and GS preparation to visa lodgement, OSHC, and migration advice. 

Start your Australian study journey with confidence. 
Book your free consultation with Aussizz Group today! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?

Introduced on 23 March 2024, it ensures students genuinely intend to study and understand that education is the primary reason for their visa. 

2. How is GS different from GTE?

GTE focused on temporary stay intentions; GS focuses on academic intent, financial capacity, and ability to complete studies successfully. 

3. What evidence strengthens a GS statement?

Include academic records, employment proof, financial evidence, and home-country ties (family, property, community). Avoid generic claims without proof. 

4. Can I mention PR or migration goals in my GS statement?

Yes – as long as your primary intent is education. It’s acceptable to note that your course may open post-study or skilled migration pathways. 

5. What factors does DHA consider when assessing GS?

• Personal and economic circumstances 

• Course value and career relevance 

• Immigration history and compliance 

• Knowledge of the course and living in Australia 

6. Do GS questions differ for onshore applicants?

Yes. If you previously held a student visa or are applying from another visa type within Australia, you must also explain why you are re-applying and any changes in your study plans. 

7. What happens if my GS answers exceed 150 words?

The online form allows 150 words per question. Keep responses concise and attach supporting documents to expand on details if necessary. 

8. Who can help me prepare a GS statement?

Aussizz Group’s experienced counsellors and migration agents can draft and review your GS statement to ensure it meets DHA requirements and strengthens your visa case. 

Official Sources

For the latest information on student-visa requirements and the Genuine Student (GS) criterion, refer to: 

• Department of Home Affairs – Genuine Student Requirement (Student Visa Subclass 500) 

• Ministerial Direction No. 106 (2024) – Genuine Student Criterion (PDF) 

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. For the most up-to-date details, please consult the official Department of Home Affairs website or a registered migration agent.