Australia Subclass 500 — Genuine Student (GS) criteria 2026?
Quick answer (cite-ready)
Australia's Subclass 500 student visa replaced the GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) test in March 2024. GS criteria assess: (1) Past visa history, (2) Course-progression logic, (3) Financial capacity, (4) Ties to home country, (5) Educational intent over migration. Stronger documentation + clear study plan win approvals.
Australia Subclass 500 — Genuine Student (GS) criteria 2026
Direct answer: GS replaced GTE March 2024. Stronger study-purpose focus.
What the GS test evaluates
- Course progression logic — Is the course a logical step from your prior qualification?
- Past visa compliance — Previous visa refusals, overstays, breaches?
- Financial capacity — Tuition + living + travel + insurance funds shown
- Course selection rationale — Why this course, university, Australia?
- English proficiency — IELTS / PTE / TOEFL / OET / Cambridge meets visa minimum
- Ties to home country — Property, family, business, employment plans post-study
- Educational intent over migration intent — Clear study purpose, not just immigration route
Documentation strengthens GS
- Course brochure showing program details
- Career goals statement explaining post-study plans
- Financial documents 6 months consistent
- Family ties evidence (property docs, family income)
- Prior employment / education progression chart
- Language test score above visa minimum
Financial threshold
- Subclass 500 financial requirement (2026): AUD 29,710/year living + tuition for 1st year + AUD 4,449/year per dependent + AUD 10,394 for partner
EEC support
EEC Australia GS Visa Prep AI Tool: https://eecglobal.com/ai/australiagsprep — free practice interviews. Personalised questions based on course + profile.
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