What is Genuine Student Requirements when applying for an Australian Student Visa

Obtaining a Student Visa is one of the musts if you wish to come to Australia for study. When applying for a student visa, you may be required to complete the Genuine Student Requirement. Understanding what the Genuine Student is and how to pass this requirement are very important, which may affect your visa outcome.  

When assessing whether or not the visa applicant has a genuine study goal in Australia, the case officer may look for the below factors:   

•  Academic background and consistency 

•  Study plan and relevance to past education or career 

•  Financial capacity 

•  English proficiency 

•  Immigration history 

• Understanding of student responsibilities 

• Previous study​​ (Overseas and AU) 

• Current employment​​ 

• Economic​ circumstances in home country or country of residence. This includes: 

• Documents showing employment or business activities for 12 months before lodging an application 

• Potential employment offers including salary and other benefits, after course completion 

• Income tax return or bank statements 

To increase the rate of passing Genuine Student Requirement, the applicants need to take the following matters into consideration.  

The applicant’s circumstances in the home country: The visa applicants may wish to include: 

• Reasonable reasons for not studying in their home country if a similar course is available 

• The nature of the applicant’s personal ties to their home country, and  

• The applicant’s economic circumstances

The applicant’s potential study circumstances in Australia: You may need to show: 

• Your knowledge of living in Australia, and of your intended course and associated provider 

• the level of research you have undertaken into the proposed course of study and living arrangements 

 The value of the course to the applicant’s future: You must demonstrate that the course you are choosing is suitable and beneficial for your future, for example:  

• The course’s consistency with the applicant’s past employment and their current education level  

• The course will assist the applicant to gain employment or improve employment prospects in their home country or another country 

• Remuneration and career prospects in the applicant’s home country or another country to be gained from the course 

• Clear Statement of Purpose (SOP): This is a personal statement to explain who you are, what you want to study in Australia, why you want to study in a particular course and institution, what your career goals are, how the course helps you achieve the goals, and your intent to comply with visa rules 

• CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) 

• Academic transcripts and English test results 

• Evidence of financial capacity 

• Employment history or resume 

• GS declaration if required 

Generic or vague SOP:  

• Immigration case officers are looking for personalised, compelling stories that reflect your individual goals, academic background, and motivations. A generic SOP doesn’t demonstrate genuine intent or commitment to studying in Australia. 

• How to avoid it: It’s advisable that your SOP should reflect your own goals and circumstances 

• Explain why you chose this course, this institution, and how it fits into your long-term goals. 

• Include specifics about your academic history, work experience, career plans, and ties to your home country.

Course unrelated to your background 

• If you enroll in a course that doesn’t align with your previous studies or work experience, it may raise questions about the genuineness of your study. Therefore, it’s advisable that you may consider pursuing the course that is relevant to your previous qualification or work experience.  

How to avoid it:  

• If you need to switch your study fields, you need to justify the change clearly. For example, explain how the new course bridges a gap in your skillset or supports a specific career shift. 

• Link the course to your future employment opportunities in your home country or region. 

False or misleading record:  

• If you provide fake documents, incorrect qualifications, or incorrect finances, employment, or personal details, this may lead to visa refusal.  

• You need to be honest. Even if you have a gap in studies, financial challenges, or weak English scores, explain them truthfully with supporting documentation. 

 Using CHAT GPT or other AIs: You can use Chat GPT or other AIs to know more about GS, but avoid using these tools to write GS. The reason is that these tools normally produce general answers and not really including your own circumstances.  

If you are unsure about GS and need assistance? Contact SOL Migration for professional advice on 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com.