Australian student visa now only accepts 'genuine' students
As of 2025, the Australian Government will be reviewing student visas (Subclass 500) much more than before. demanding and strict I changed it.
Nowadays, you can no longer get a student visa by simply saying, โI am going to study.โ
Australia is 'Genuine Student' criteriaBy introducing this system, the government is showing a strong will to thoroughly filter out immigrants disguised as students.
So, what exactly has changed about the Australian student visa in 2025?
If you want to get a visa in the future, you must check the following!
Why has it become so difficult to get a visa?
Since COVID, Australia has been actively encouraging the influx of international students, but it has been taking advantage of the gap. Illegal immigrants, immigrants pretending to study abroadThe number of fields has also increased rapidly.
As cases of student visa abuse as a means of employment or settlement in Australia increased, the government took strong action.
Especially after entering the country for study abroad from certain countries such as India, Nepal, Nigeria, and Colombia. Low attendance or engaging in illegal employmentAs the workload increased, educational institutions also suffered.
Now the Australian government Clearly distinguishing between immigration and educationI want to.
Why should you keep reading? Check out the specific requirements for a 'real student' below!
What is a 'Genuine Student'?
From March 2024, the existing Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) standard will be abolished and replaced by Genuine Student (GS) standardThis was introduced.
This criterion does not simply ask about the intention of temporary stay, Whether the applicant is truly coming to Australia for the purpose of studyingWe evaluate from various angles.
The main evaluation criteria are as follows:
- The connection between studies and careers
- Circumstances in your home country (e.g. economic conditions, education system, etc.)
- Past study abroad and visa history
- Specificity and feasibility of academic plan
- Plans to return home after graduation
In other words, it is a structure in which visa approval cannot be guaranteed with just a simple admission permit and proof of funds.
Summary of key changes to visa requirements
| Changes | Before 2024 | After 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| GTE Evaluation | Temporary stay intention focused | Replaced with Genuine Student standard |
| English Score Requirements | IELTS 5.5 (passway possible) | IELTS 6.0 or higher required |
| Visa processing | Paper-based, automated | Interview, including detailed career review |
๐ก As such, you canโt be at ease just by preparing the documents. Be sure to refer to the checklist below!
Two additional key conditions have been strengthened:
1. โSignificant increaseโ in financial proof amount
What you need to prove when applying for a student visa The annual cost of living is AU$$29,710has risen significantly.
This is a measure to weed out students who are unable to focus on their studies and are only focused on part-time jobs.
The source of the support (parents, savings, etc.) will also be examined more carefully, so you should be careful when preparing.
2. Restrictions on visa approval for โrisk-levelโ educational institutions
The government Low-reliability vocational training (VET)We are cracking down on this.
If you enter a school like this, even if your personal qualifications are excellent, Visa refusal due to school's own credibility issues It is highly likely.
Before admission, you must CRICOS registered educational institutionMake sure you are aware of it.
๐ Additional tips: Always check the 'risk rating' of the school you are considering attending on their official website. They may be a risky institution without you knowing.
Things you must prepare when applying for a student visa
- A clear statement of purpose
- Proof of finances (tuition + living expenses)
- Proof of previous academic/career history
- Official English transcript
- Previous visa history and entry/exit records
๐ In particular, the Statement of Purpose A genuine narrative that connects to your own plans, not just a simple templateThis is required.
Tips to avoid visa rejection
1. If you have been away for too long, you must explain your career gap.
Rather than just covering up the gap period, describe in detail what you did during it.
2. Donโt hide your โpast visa rejectionโ history
Rather, it is evaluated more positively to honestly state the reason and areas for improvement.
3. The purpose and the process must be connected.
Example: If you majored in nursing in Korea and then completed an aged care diploma course in Australia, it would be more convincing.
๐ More specific SOP writing methods will be covered in the next post. Bookmark it!
conclusion
You must have realized by now that the Australian student visa is no longer the 'easy visa' it used to be. It is no longer possible to guarantee visa approval with a vague plan like 'let's go to Australia first and start studying English'. The Australian government is now carefully selecting only applicants who focus on a single, clear purpose, 'study', rather than tourism or employment.
However, that does not mean that the path to studying abroad in Australia is completely closed. Rather, it is still a visa that is wide open to applicants who prepare sincerely and have a clear purpose for their future studies. Sincere preparation is not simply about preparing documents, but rather the process of finding your own answer to the question, 'Why should I study in Australia and not in another country?' The key is to clearly demonstrate with logic how the degree you are applying for will become a strong bridge between your past career and future goals.
The criteria for a 'Genuine Student' are undoubtedly strict. However, passing this high standard is, paradoxically, the first step to proving that you are close to the type of talent that Australian society wants. The reason why the Australian government wants 'genuine students' is because they are likely to successfully complete their studies and become high-quality professionals who can contribute to Australian society. After successfully completing their studies, they will have the opportunity to build a career in Australia through a Temporary Graduate visa, which can be the most standard stepping stone to obtaining permanent residency through skilled immigration in the long term.
Therefore, if you thoroughly prepare by thinking of the current change as an 'opportunity' to think more deeply and design your future rather than simply thinking of it as a 'barrier', the Australian student visa will be the most important turning point in your life.
๐ If you have any questions or requests for SOP revisions, please leave a comment or send me an email. We will continue to cover this in this series!
*The ultimate guide to packing for your trip to Australia, language study, and working holiday! My top 10 essential items based on my experience โ Go see the article
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