These Guidelines are to be read in conjunction with SAIBT’s Admissions Policy. The Australian Government introduced the Genuine Student Requirement (GSR) on 23 March 2024 to help improve the integrity of the student visa program. The GSR addresses whether the individual circumstances of a student indicate that they are a genuine student and that studying in Australia is the primary reason for their student visa.
1. Background to GSR
In order to obtain a student visa, applicants must be a genuine applicant for entry. They must stay as a student and be able to show an understanding that studying in Australia is the primary reason for their student visa. SAIBT needs to ensure that an applicant meets the GSR prior to the applicant applying for a student visa. Please see the Department of Home Affairs’ website for more information regarding the GSR.
2. Determining GSR
2.1 In order to determine whether an applicant meets the GSR, the applicant may be required to complete an assessment.
2.2 Any documentation submitted as part of the assessment process must be submitted in English, be no more than 6 months old and must be original certified documents.
2.3 If SAIBT is satisfied that the applicant meets the GSR, this will remain valid for 2 years and if the applicant defers their start date at SAIBT, they will not be required to undergo a further assessment (subject to clauses 2.4 and 3 below).
2.4 Where SAIBT determines that the applicant meets the GSR, and the applicant then applies to change to an alternative program or provides other information that may affect whether they meet the GSR, the applicant may be required to undergo a further assessment, at SAIBT’s absolute discretion.
2.5 Where SAIBT or UniSA determine that in its opinion the applicant does not meet the GSR, the applicant will be ineligible for admission into SAIBT either direct or through a package with UniSA for a period of two 2 years from the date of the assessment. If the applicant does not disclose a previous GSR decision by SAIBT or UniSA and an Offer of Admission or Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) document is given, SAIBT or UniSA reserves the right to withdraw any Offer of Admission for that applicant (in accordance with clause 3.4 below).
2.6 In the event that the Department of Home Affairs refuses to grant the applicant a student visa the applicant will be ineligible for admission into SAIBT or admission to UniSA for a period of two 2 years from the date that SAIBT becomes aware of such refusal.
3. Withdrawal of Offers
3.1 If SAIBT gives an applicant an Offer of Admission and the applicant fails to complete any required assessment or SAIBT determines that in its opinion the applicant does not meet the GSR, SAIBT may withdraw any Offer of Admission.
3.2 If SAIBT gives an applicant an Offer of Admission and it later determines or reasonably suspects that information or documentation supplied by the applicant or their representative during the assessment process was incorrect or fraudulent, SAIBT reserves the right to withdraw any Offers of Admission for that applicant and may at its discretion not consider any further applications for admission from the applicant at SAIBT or admission to UniSA for a period of 2 years.
3.3 If an applicant has an Offer of Admission but was not required to complete a GSR assessment before obtaining the Offer, SAIBT can at its discretion require the applicant to complete a GSR assessment. If the applicant does not complete the assessment or does complete the assessment but fails to demonstrate that they meet the GSR, SAIBT has the right to withdraw an Offer of Admission for that applicant and may at its discretion not consider any further applications for admission at SAIBT or admission to UniSA from the applicant for a period of 2 years.
3.4 SAIBT reserves the right to withdraw Offers of Admission at any time, this includes when an applicant signs and returns their Acceptance and Payment Form and pays any monies required and even if a CoE has been issued.
4. Miscellaneous
4.1 SAIBT reserves the right to vary these Guidelines at any time.
4.2 The process, assessment, and results of any GSR assessment are confidential to and will remain the exclusive property of SAIBT. SAIBT shall not be under any obligation to disclose or provide a copy of the process, assessment or results to applicants, any educational institution or other third party unless required by law to do so but can at its discretion disclose GSR assessment results to UniSA.
Guidelines on Genuine Student Requirement CRICOS Provider No. 02193C
Updated: March 2024 Page 1 of 1