Australia's New Genuine Student Test
From 23 March 2024, the Department of Home Affairs replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) test for all Student visa (subclass 500) applications. This change applies to all 2026 applications.
What the GST Assesses
- Your understanding of the course and provider you have chosen
- Your English language skills and academic readiness
- Your ties to India and intention to return (or migrate via proper pathways)
- Financial capacity: AUD $29,710 for living costs per year
Pro Tip from ILOC
A strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) addressing the GST criteria can significantly reduce processing delays. ILOC's SOP coaching has a 97% first-attempt approval rate for Australian student visas.
