Hello colleagues,
You will be aware of a number of recent announcements and policy updates flowing from the Australian Government’s migration policies. As our valued partners, we are committed to working with you in understanding and implementing these changes in a seamless manner.
Updates are underway to our systems and communications to accommodate these changes, and we look forward to working together as we strengthen the integrity and quality of the University’s international admissions processes in support of genuine students.
| What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement? |
With the implementation of the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which came into effect on 23 March 2024, the Australian Department of Home Affairs is establishing a higher standard for aspiring international students seeking to embark on their Australian academic journey. Ministerial Direction 106 (Assessing the Genuine Entry and Stay Requirements for Student Visa and Student Guardian Visa applications) provides guidance on how this requirement will be assessed, with the goal of the Genuine Student requirement being to admit highly qualified candidates that have genuine intentions to obtain quality education in Australia and have the potential to contribute to the Australian work market long-term. Under the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements students had to provide a 300-word statement in their visa application. This is no longer required, and with the Genuine Student requirement applicants will have to address specific questions aimed at giving visa decision makers an overview of the applicant and why they wish to study in Australia. Questions will cover: - details of their current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances;
- an explanation for the choice of course and reasons for choosing Australia as a study destination;
- what benefits the course provides to the applicant;
- for applicants with a study history in Australia, details of their study history;
- for applicants holding a visa other than a Student visa, their reasons for applying for a Student visa; and
- any other relevant information the applicant wishes to provide.
For more information, please see the Department of Home Affairs – Genuine Student requirement. |
| English Language Requirements |
The Australian Government is also raising the English language requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas, to support international students and recent graduates to have a positive educational experience in Australia, and give students who earn a degree in Australia and opportunity to contribute to Australia’s economic growth. To summarise the changes, the English language level changes will increase the levels of English for a student visa from 5.5 IELTS or equivalent to 6.0. The minimum score to undertake a packaged ELICOS course increases from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent). These changes apply to all student visa applications lodged as from 23 March 2024. Learn more about the recent changes to the English language requirements here. |
| Commencing from 23 March 2024, a provider’s score has now been specified as a matter for consideration in the Migration Regulations 1994, that among other factors outlined in section 97 of the ESOS Act, will inform the considerations of the Minister to issue the provider with a suspension certificate. Find additional information on this update to the ESOS Act here. |
At the University of Southern Queensland, we welcome initiatives which offer clarity and transparency for our sector as we endeavour to warmly welcome international students to Queensland to receive a quality education.
For further details regarding these changes, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs.
Kind Regards,
UniSQ International
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