Using Genuine Temporary Entrant Strategies to Answer Genuine Student Statement

For years, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement was the ‘make or break’ document for an Australian Subclass 500 visa. However, as of March 23, 2024, the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) officially replaced the GTE form with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

While the purpose of documents remains the same, that is, finding international students with a ‘genuine’ intent of studying, a big shift has been observed in evaluating potential immigrants. This has also significantly altered the format of this document.

If you have been researching GTE strategies, do not discard that work. While the rules have changed, the core principles of proving you are a legitimate student remain. Here is how to adapt your GTE knowledge to ace the new GS Statement.

What is a Genuine Student (GS) Statement? How is it Different from Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)?

Before we learn to write the GS Statement requirement for the Australia Visa Subclass 500, let us first understand what a Genuine Student (GS) is and how it is similar or different from the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Form.

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Form was a vital part of the Australian student visa application, which was used by the visa officers to understand the visitor’s intention to stay in Australia. The idea was to identify potential immigrants on a Subclass 500 visa category.

This requirement was swapped with a Genuine Student (GS) Statement, though the principle of demonstrating temporary, study-focused intent remains crucial for visa approval.

The Big Shift: From GTE’s Temporary to GS’s Genuine

Initially, the GTE form was designed to assess international applicants’ desire to visit Australia only for studying and filter out potential immigrants. However, with the increasing demand for skilled international graduates in various fields, the GS Statement has been designed to approve students with the initial goal of studying, even if in the long run they wish to stay back for work.

Interestingly, the GS Statement allows international students to have aspirations for post-study work or even permanent residency (PR), provided their immediate goal is completing their education. While the GS Statement requirement acknowledges that genuine students who obtain valuable skills needed in Australia may explore post-study work or permanent residency pathways, the stresses that the primary purpose of the visa must remain education.

Quick Comparison: GTE vs. GS

The key similarities and differences between the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Form and the Genuine Student (GS) Statement are listed below:

Note: Applicants should not appear to be using the visa as a back door to residency, under the new Genuine Student criteria.

As Australia tightens its visa framework under the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement, DHA has shifted toward high-scrutiny assessment. Industry reports for 2026 indicate a dramatic increase in visa interview quotas, as part of a broader ‘Integrity Reset’ to identify non-genuine applicants.

A minor inconsistency between your 150-word GS responses and your provided documentation, such as bank statements or employment history, is now a primary trigger for an interview or an immediate refusal. In the current landscape, template answers are a major red flag. To protect your 99% success rate, a GS Strategy Audit is no longer optional; it is a critical safety net to ensure your narrative is bulletproof.

With a strict limit of 150 words per question, you cannot afford fluff. Every sentence must provide evidence of your research, finances, or career logic. Master the art of the 150-word response with AECC expert strategies. Register with us for expert guidance and ensure your answers are concise, factual, and high impact.

How to Write GS Statement: 4 Core Questions & Sample Answers

Unlike the unorganised statement of the GTE, the GS is assessed via four targeted questions asked directly within the online ImmiAccount application. Your responses must be concise, specific, and consistent with the supporting documents you attach.

Here’s how to repurpose the strategies and evidence pillars of the GTE in answering the GS questions using examples.

Applicant Profile

Name: <Applicant's Name>
Course: Master of Information Technology | Specialisation: Cyber Security
Institution: University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Country: <Applicant's Home Country>
Remember: Each answer must be concise, factual, and not exceed 150 words.

Note: The sample responses are based on a common profile: ‘an applicant with a background in Engineering who is applying for a Master of Information Technology (IT) in Australia.’

Q1: Give details of the applicant’s current circumstances.

Goal: To establish your current stability and the logical starting point for your decision to study abroad. This includes ties to family, community, employment, and economic circumstances.

GTE Resemblance: Section 4 on Visa & Family History
GTE Strategy: Proved strong ties to your home country, so you had to return.
GS Focus Shift: Do not over-emphasise the promise to return. Focus on your current stability as the basis for your future career plan.

Key Content

• Employment/Study: Your current job title, company, or the degree you just completed.
• Family Ties: Briefly mention your immediate family (parents, spouse, children) and any major family responsibilities or ties.
• Economic Stability: State your current financial foundation (e.g., family business, consistent employment, or specific assets/property) that enables you to fund your studies.

Sample Answer to Question 1: Your Current Circumstances

I hold a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from <ABC University, City> and have worked as a Network Engineer for 3 years at <PQRS Pvt Ltd, City>, managing critical infrastructure. My primary responsibility is supporting my retired parents who live in <City, Country>. I also volunteer weekly at a community education centre, teaching basic computer skills. My economic ties are strong: my family owns a primary residence, and my education is fully sponsored by a secured education loan of AU $70,000 and combined family savings, covering all tuition and living expenses. These factors establish a stable foundation that my new qualification will build upon.

Q2: Explain why the applicant wishes to study this course in Australia with this particular education provider.

Goal: To demonstrate thorough research and a logical, well-informed choice. This must also explain their understanding of the requirements of the intended course and studying and living in Australia.

GTE Resemblance: Section 8: Agent Validation (Research into Australia vs. Home)
GTE Strategy: Research why you chose Australia over your home country.
GS Focus Shift: This section requires hyper-specificity. Move beyond generic praise (world-class). Be highly specific about the curriculum and the institution’s unique offering.

Key Content

• Course Fit: Name the degree and mention 2-3 specific modules, specialisations, or practical components that are directly relevant to your career goal.
• Provider Choice: Justify why this university/college is superior. Mention specific research labs, faculty expertise, industry partnerships, or campus facilities unavailable in your home country.
• Australia Justification: Explain why Australia's educational system or research environment is essential for this specific qualification.
• Preparedness: Briefly confirm your understanding of the course duration, tuition fees, and initial living arrangements, such as accommodation and chosen city.

Sample Answer to Question 2: Why this Course & Provider?

I chose the MIT at UTS for its industry-leading focus on Cyber Security, which is essential to bridge my current skillset gap in network architecture and advanced threat analysis. I specifically identified the ‘Ethical Hacking’ and ‘Applied Cryptography’ modules as critical for my career transition. UTS is preferred over local options due to its state-of-the-art Data Arena facility and its strong industry partnership with Microsoft, offering unique, practical exposure absent in my home country. I understand the course is 2 years full-time, requires a minimum 70% pass rate, and I have budgeted AU $29,710 annually for living costs in Sydney, with OSHC arranged.

Before you proceed, ask yourself - ‘Is the approach of your GS Statement study first or stay first?’ The biggest mistake is using an old GTE template that over-emphasises your intent to return, while the DHA now prioritises your academic ROI.

Register with AECC today for a GS Strategy Audit. Our experts will help you pivot your existing GTE research into a career-focused GS narrative that satisfies the Integrity Reset.

Q3: Explain how completing the course will be of benefit to the applicant.

Goal: To connect the Australian qualification to a clear, realistic career progression back home (or in a third country).

GTE Resemblance: Section 8: Career Plans (Relevance to background)
GTE Strategy: Talked about ROI through jobs.
GS Focus Shift: This is a Career Return on Investment (ROI) explanation. It must show that the qualification is a crucial professional tool.

Key Content

• Career Progression: Name the specific job title or promotion you expect to achieve upon completion.
• Industry Gap: Explain the skills or knowledge gap in your home country’s job market that the Australian qualification will fill.
• Tangible Value: Mention the expected salary increase or business advantage/expansion that the degree will facilitate.
• Logical Link: Ensure the benefit directly flows from the specific skills you mentioned in Question 2.

Sample Answer to Question 3: Benefit to Your Future

Upon graduation, the MIT qualification will enable me to transition from a general Network Engineer role to a highly specialised Cyber Security Analyst role in the rapidly expanding FinTech sector in [Home Country]. This specialisation is highly valued; a local degree would not provide the practical skills in penetration testing and system security gained at UTS. I have an attached letter from my current employer stating that with the Australian qualification, I am eligible for a Senior Security Consultant position with an estimated 40% salary increase. This clear career progression and economic benefit are my primary motivations for undertaking this course.

Q4: Give details of any other relevant information the applicant would like to include.

Goal: To address any potential concerns, study gaps, or unique circumstances.

GTE Resemblance: Section 6: Supporting Documentation
GTE Strategy: Explained gaps in your CV.
GS Focus Shift: Use this space efficiently to clear up anything that might raise a "red flag" for the visa officer.

Key Content

• Inconsistencies: Use this to clearly explain any significant gaps in your study/employment history, a change in your career field, or any previous visa refusals.
• Compliance Statement: A short, strong statement confirming your commitment to comply with all visa conditions (full-time study and work limits, among others).
• Financial Summary: Briefly confirm that you have sufficient funds available to cover the full duration of your studies, acting as a genuine student.

Sample Answer to Question 4: Other Relevant Information

I wish to address the two-month gap between my resignation (July 2025) and my course commencement (September 2025). This period was dedicated to obtaining my PTE score and finalising my visa documents. I also confirm that I have no previous visa refusals for Australia or any other country, and I have fully disclosed all academic and employment history. I understand that studying is the primary purpose of the Student Visa (Subclass 500) and commit to maintaining full-time enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and strictly adhering to the student work limitations throughout my stay in Australia.

Did You Know?
There is a fifth question in the GS Statement for onshore applicants only.

Q5: If you are currently holding an Australian visa, please explain why you are applying for a Student visa (Subclass 500) and how this is a logical progression from your current visa subclass.

Goal: The GS has this fifth question for international students applying from within Australia to address the logic of staying in the country or changing academic paths.

Focus: Use this space efficiently to clear up anything that might raise a red flag, such as visa hopping (constantly switching visas to stay in Australia) or choosing a course that has no relation to your previous studies.

Key Content

• Logical Progression: Explain how the new course builds on your current experience or previous Australian studies.
• Compliance History: Briefly mention your history of following visa conditions while in Australia.
• Reasons for the Switch: If moving from a different visa (like a Visitor or Subclass 485 visa), explain why you have now decided to pursue this specific qualification.
• Course Changes: If changing courses, explain why the original course was no longer suitable and how the new one better serves your career goals.

Sample Answer to Question 5 for Onshore Applicants Only: Applying with a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

Since completing my Bachelor of IT on my 485 visas, I have worked as a Junior Developer. My professional experience has highlighted a critical industry need for specialised Cloud Architecture skills, which I currently lack. Applying for this Master of IT (Cloud Computing) is a logical progression as it allows me to deepen my technical expertise in a niche field. Throughout my four years in Australia, I have strictly complied with all visa conditions, maintained continuous insurance, and demonstrated that my primary intent is to gain advanced qualifications. This specialised degree is the final step in my academic plan before pursuing senior roles in the global tech sector.

DHA has significantly increased scrutiny under the Integrity Reset. Industry reports indicate that interview quotas have surged by 300%, and case officers now have the authority to manually verify bank statements and telephone referees directly. One slight inconsistency between your 150-word GS responses and your financial documents can trigger an immediate refusal or a gruelling department interview.

The rules for onshore switching have never been stricter for those who are currently in Australia on a Subclass 485, Subclass 408, or Visitor Visa. As the DHA is actively targeting ‘visa hopping’ to manage net migration, it is hard to secure your stay. Hence, your Question 5 response must demonstrate a flawless academic ROI and a clear logical progression that justifies your continued residence in Australia.

Don't risk an onshore refusal—protect your 99% success rate. Register with AECC for an expert Onshore Transition Review. Get a pre-submission mock review from our senior agents, simulating a department interview to ensure your story is bulletproof.

Mistakes to Avoid in GS Response

Here are the DOs and DON’Ts to keep in mind while answering the Genuine Student (GS) Statement in the best way possible.

DOs in Your GS Statement

Be Concise: Adhere strictly to the 150-word maximum per question. Visa officers prefer direct, data-driven responses over fluffy prose.

Be Consistent: Your answers must perfectly mirror your supporting evidence. If you claim a specific salary increase in your home country, ensure it is supported by a job offer or industry report.

Highlight Logical Progression: The DHA now places high value on how this course fits into your past education and future career. Explain why you are not doing this course in your home country if a similar one exists.

Include Unit-Level Knowledge: Specifically naming two or three subjects you are excited to study demonstrates deep research.

Support with Evidence: Every factual claim, such as job title, specific savings amount, previous degree, and more, must be supported by a document attached to your ImmiAccount application.

DON’Ts in Your GS Statement

Do Not Stress about Temporary Intent: Unlike the old GTE, the GS requirement explicitly allows you to acknowledge post-study work or permanent residency (PR) pathways, as long as your primary purpose is study.

No Generic Statements: Avoid saying ‘Australia is a beautiful country’ or ‘The education is world-class’. These waste your limited word count and add zero value to your case.

Avoid AI-Generated Responses: Institutions now use advanced detection software. A personalised, honest response—even with minor grammatical imperfections—is viewed more favourably than a perfect but generic AI essay.

Do Not Hide Immigration History: Disclose all previous visa refusals (for any country). Failure to do so is considered a breach of integrity and often leads to an automatic refusal.

GS Statement: Visa Fees, Eligibility, Other Details

2026 Integrity Alert for GS Statement

For South Asian Applicants: Effective January 8, 2026, the Department of Home Affairs reclassified India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan to Evidence Level 3, the highest risk tier. This move means that upfront financial and academic proof is now non-negotiable for these applicants. You must provide verified bank statements covering 3–6 months and genuine English test results at the time of lodgement to avoid immediate refusal.

Identifying the key similarities and differences between the GTE Form and the GS Statement is the first step. While the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Form was about proving you would leave Australia, the Genuine Student (GS) Statement is about proving you are there to learn. The transition from GTE to GS is a move toward transparency and career logic.

Standing out among thousands of international student applications requires more than just a good essay; it requires a total application strategy. By using your GTE research to build a factual, career-focused GS statement, you demonstrate that you are a genuine student who has made an informed future investment.

As your end-to-end partner, AECC manages your university choice, financial verification, GS Statement drafting, and the new Ministerial Direction 115 priority system requirements. Register with our experts who specialise in mapping out academic pathways that satisfy both university admissions and DHA integrity standards.