Australia is one of the world’s top study-abroad destinations. It hosts thousands of students from around the world each year. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is mandatory for all international students hoping to gain education in Australia. It assesses one’s intention to enter the country temporarily and ensures that people won’t use their student visa solely as a means to remain permanently or gain citizenship in the country. To comply with GTE requirements, applicants must submit a GTE letter. This personal statement should demonstrate their intent to enter Australia to pursue their studies and return to their home country after completing their courses.
Why do students need to write a GTE letter?
The Australian government requires students to write a GTE personal statement to ensure that the visa program is accessed as intended. Without GTE approval, international students won’t be allowed to pursue an education in the country. Thus, it’s undoubtedly a crucial part of the visa application process.
What should be included in a GTE personal statement?
The GTE requirement identifies individuals who may be using the student visa program for motives other than gaining education. To prove that they’re entering Australia for the sole purpose of going to school, the student should include the following information in their GTE personal statement:
- Previous study: Previous education, academic achievements and details of study gaps
- Current employment: Employer information, nature of work, period of employment and references
- Ties to country of residence: Proof of social, family and financial ties
- Financial capacity: Employment or business activities, potential employment offers, income tax returns and bank statements
- Supporting evidence: Documents backing up claims made in the statement, including educational diplomas and awards, employment certificates, property documents, etc.
How is the GTE requirement assessed?
The GTE requirement is assessed based on a student’s situation in their respective home country (or country of residence), their potential situation in Australia, the value of the course to their future and their immigration history. If the student is a minor, the intentions of their parent, legal guardian or spouse are considered.
Let’s break down these core assessments and how students can address them in their GTE personal statement.
Situation in the student’s home country
The GTE checks a student’s reason for choosing to study in Australia instead of their home country or another destination, especially if there is a similar course available elsewhere. It also considers the individual’s ties to their home country—whether or not these are enough to return to after completing their education. In some cases, the GTE may also look into the situation in the student’s country of residence, particularly concerning political and civil unrest.
The student must provide an adequate explanation as to why the specific course they’re hoping to pursue in Australia will provide them the most value. They must also give proof of substantial incentive to go back to their home country after graduation. These can be in the form of a job offer, business commitments or familial or social obligations.
Student’s potential situation in Australia
The Australian government wants to make sure that students can sustain their educational and living expenses while studying. They consider planned living arrangements and financial stability. Consequently, it’s best to provide residence details and proof of economic capacity in a GTE letter.
Value of the course to the student’s future
The GTE assesses the relation of the student’s chosen course with their current level of education, past or proposed future employment and expected salary or benefits. It ensures that these align with the student’s intentions. They may illustrate this through research into the course and the opportunities it may award later on, in comparison with other possible options.
Student’s immigration history
To qualify that an international student has an intention to remain temporarily in Australia, the GTE also considers their immigration history. This includes previous visa applications to Australia or other countries. If the student has experienced any refusals or cancellations, they should be able to explain the reasons behind these.
Tips for writing a GTE letter
Since the GTE is a major requirement to obtain an Australian student visa, it must not be taken lightly. Here are some tips that you can impart to applicants to help them with writing their personal statement.
Follow the guidelines
The GTE letter should be written in English, typically in 300 words and not exceeding 2,000 characters. Students must remember to follow these guidelines. They must also use proper English grammar and spelling in their work.
Be clear and honest
Students with a pure intent to solely gain education in Australia will greatly benefit from being clear and honest in their GTE requirement. They must lay out the facts and provide what’s needed to support that. It also helps to format the letter in a way that properly illustrates their purpose.
Provide adequate details
Students shouldn’t shy away from providing details that could back up their case. Without going over application limits, they should be as specific as they can with the information they provide.
Back it up with research
It’s easier to comply with the GTE requirement when the student also has research backing up their claims. The letter doubles as an opportunity to exhibit one’s knowledge of the course and its related industry, as well as an understanding of the Australian education system as a whole.
Learn more about the GTE with Global Study Partners
Global Study Partners (GSP) is ready to help agents and institutions connect more international students with educational opportunities in Australia. One way we’re doing this is by offering tips and information on certain requirements to study in the country, including the GTE! Contact our business development experts to learn more about the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement.
