GS assessment holds prime importance in the Australian study visa process. Before confirming the enrollment offer letter to study abroad, Australian universities ensure that the students have cleared the Genuine Student (GS) assessment requirement of the Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government. It is a way to ensure that the student visa program is used as intended and not a way of getting permanent residency or asylum in Australia.

What is GS assessment?

The GS document is an integrity assessment prepared to substantiate a student’s goal of entering an Australian university. It is one of the mandatory obligations to be cleared by students who want to gain quality education in Australian universities.

GS Australia requirements

Now that you know the purpose of a GS assessment form, the next step is to provide the authority with adequate proof for proper verification. Below is a GS checklist for students to complete for an accurate GS assessment.

• Academic transcripts – Previous year’s academic transcripts showing the qualifications achieved, names of education providers, certificates of attainment, and length of study.
• Study gaps – Documentary proof for the gaps in studies.
• Work experience documents – These include the appointment letter, work experience letter, past six months’ salary slips, and the bank statement reflecting salary from the employer. The above documents should reflect the name of your current employer, period of employment, company’s contact details, designation of the applicant, and details of the company’s present staff who can confirm your employment circumstances.
• Social ties to home country – Proof of personal and economic ties in the home country showing your significant incentives to return home.
• Employment in any other country—Potential employment offers, including salary and additional benefits, from third countries after course completion.
• SOP – A statement of purpose (SOP) explaining your reason(s) for taking an educational course in Australia.
• Marriage certificate – If the applicant is married, they must submit the marriage certificate.
• Immigration history – In case of visa rejections, visa refusal letter submission is mandatory.
• Sponsorship details and financials – Proofs of income and identity of the primary sponsors (blood relations) or secondary sponsors (guardian) and documents verifying the sponsor’s relationship with the applicant. These documents should include the net worth certificate of the primary sponsor certified by a registered chartered accountant, 6-12 months’ bank statements, bank deposits, six months’ salary slips, GPF, EPF, PPF statement, pension documents, business registration, income tax-related documents, and education loan sanction letter reflecting loan amount, margin, tenure, moratorium period, and collateral.

As you provide the team with the above documents, they assess your credentials based on personal circumstances in the home country, potential circumstances in Australia, the program’s value for your future, immigration history, and other matters highlighting your intention to stay in Australia temporarily. If a candidate is under 18, the purposes of a parent, legal guardian, or spouse are also considered. Apart from document verification, GS interview is often conducted for much clarity.

How long does it take for GS assessment?

This is one of the popular questions asked by students applying for international education. GS Australia processing time for complete assessment generally takes 3-5 working days. However, it may take longer during peak periods. A GS rejection means that your application for abroad studies is rejected. Once the assessment is done, the relevant agent or university will contact you regarding the results and further processing.

Are GS and SOPthe  same?

Whenever applying for international education, you might have commonly heard about SOP (Statement of Purpose). SOP is one of the mandatory documents in GS requirements. GS and SOP are the most important statements that play a significant role in deciding student visa applications for Australian universities. SOP is a handwritten document by the student that highlights the student’s purpose of applying to a particular course in any university. There is a standard SOP format, including content that shows the candidate’s motivation for their chosen career path, current employment, and future goals and aspirations.

To conclude, clearing the GS assessment is one of the most significant steps if you are considering admission to any Australian university.