🇦🇺 Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Australia Student Visa
GS Process Explained

From choosing your course to landing in Australia — a complete guide for Indian students and families. No jargon. No confusion. Just clear, expert advice from QEAC Certified Counsellor Abin Mathew Varghese.

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🛂

This Page is for Indian Passport Holders

This guide covers the Australia student visa (Subclass 500) process specifically for students holding an Indian passport. The process, documentation, and GS requirements below are relevant to Indian citizens applying from India or overseas.

Not an Indian passport holder? Guide to Heights processes applications for all nationalities. The general process is similar, but documentation requirements vary. WhatsApp us to know more about your specific country →

The Most Important Concept

What is GS — Genuine Student?

📋 GS Requirement — New from November 2024

The GS (Genuine Student) requirement is Australia's way of ensuring students applying for a student visa have a real intention to study.

In November 2024, Australia replaced the old GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) test with a new, stronger requirement called the GS (Genuine Student) Test. This change was introduced under the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act.

Under the GS requirement, Australia's Department of Home Affairs assesses whether your primary reason for coming to Australia is to genuinely study — not just to work, earn money, or migrate permanently through the back door.

The GS requirement also recognises that after studying, you may develop skills Australia needs and may later apply for permanent residence. This is completely acceptable — as long as your current genuine purpose is to study.

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What GS means for you You must genuinely intend to study in Australia. After your studies, you are fully allowed to apply for PR (permanent residency) — this does not fail the GS test. Australia actively wants skilled graduates to stay.
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What will fail your visa If your application shows your real purpose is to work, not study — or if your documents are inconsistent — Australia will refuse your visa. Visa refusals are serious and can affect future applications.
Your Complete Journey

From Choosing a Course to Getting Your Visa

Here is every step you will go through — in the exact order it happens. Guide to Heights is with you at every step.

1
📚

Choose Your Course & University

Select the right program, city, and university for your goals and budget.

Free Guidance
2
📝

Apply to University + Complete GS Questions

Fill university application forms, write GS statement answers, prepare SOP and GTE/GS responses.

With G2H
3
🎙️

IELTS / PTE English Test Preparation

Most Australian universities require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or PTE 50–58+. Prepare with G2H classes.

Classes Available
4
🎤

Prepare for Visa Interview (if required)

Some students are called for interview. Get 3 FREE mock interviews with Guide to Heights.

3 Free Mocks
5
🏆

Apply for Scholarships

Reduce your tuition cost significantly. We help you find and apply for merit and need-based scholarships.

Save Thousands
6
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Prepare Financial Documents

Bank balance proof, ITR, education loan letters. We help India and GCC-based families with everything.

Mandatory
7
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Lodge Subclass 500 Student Visa Application

Complete the online visa application form (Form 157A) on ImmiAccount with all supporting documents.

Core Step
8
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Medical Exam + Purchase OSHC

Complete your health examination at a Panel Physician. Buy OSHC (health insurance) — it is mandatory.

Mandatory
9
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Visa Granted — Skill First Program

After visa approval, join our Skill First program — part-time jobs, what to expect in Australia, and more.

G2H Exclusive
10
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Rent Accommodation + Airport Pickup

Find accommodation before you arrive. Our team assists with pre-arrival rental search and airport pickup.

G2H Support
11
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After Course — 485 Visa + Career Preparation

After graduating, apply for Subclass 485 Post-Study Work Visa. Skill First prepares you for real-world jobs.

PR Pathway
1
Step 1 of 11

Choose Your Course & University

The first and most important decision is choosing the right course and university for your goals, budget, and future PR pathway. A wrong choice here can waste years and hundreds of thousands of rupees.

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What is a CoE? Once you are admitted to a university and pay your deposit, the university issues a CoE — Confirmation of Enrolment. This is a digital certificate that proves you have a genuine offer of study. You cannot apply for your visa without a CoE.
  • ✔Choose a course that is CRICOS registered — only CRICOS registered courses qualify for a student visa
  • ✔Consider the city carefully — Melbourne and Sydney are popular but expensive; Adelaide and Brisbane offer better value
  • ✔Check if the course leads to a PR-eligible occupation on the Skills in Demand list or Medium Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • ✔Check university rankings, graduate outcomes, and Indian student support services
  • ✔Always match course to your genuine academic background — inconsistency is a red flag for visa officers
Best Courses to Study in Australia View All Courses
Students studying course options for Australia student visa
2
Step 2 of 11 — Most Important

University Application & GS Questions

When you apply for your student visa, you will be asked to answer a series of GS (Genuine Student) questions as part of the online application form. These questions are designed to assess whether you are a genuine student. Your answers are carefully reviewed by a visa officer.

The GS Questions — What You Will Be Asked

These are the actual types of questions asked on the Australia student visa application form. Guide to Heights helps all our students write strong, truthful, and compelling answers.

Q
Why do you want to study in Australia rather than in your home country or another country?
This question asks you to explain why Australia is the right choice for your education. A weak answer says "Australia has good universities." A strong answer is specific, personal, and connected to your career goals. Mention specific features of the course, the university's ranking, the quality of industry connections, and how this directly connects to your career path.
I have chosen to study a Master of Information Technology at the University of Melbourne because the course curriculum includes a specialised unit in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning that is not available at any university in Kerala. After completing my B.Tech in Computer Science from Kerala University with a CGPA of 7.8, I understand that practical exposure to Australia's technology sector will significantly strengthen my career as a software engineer upon my return to India.
Q
How will this course help your future career?
Explain the direct connection between this specific course and a specific job or career outcome you are working towards. Do not give a vague or generic answer. Mention your current qualifications, the gap this course fills, and what job you plan to do after completing the course.
After completing this Master of Nursing, I intend to register as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and gain clinical experience in aged care, which is a skills shortage area in Australia. Upon returning to Kerala, I plan to apply this international clinical experience at a private hospital. The course directly fills the gap between my current GNM qualification and the higher clinical skills required in Australia's healthcare system.
Q
How will you support yourself financially while studying in Australia?
This question is about your financial genuineness. Your answer must match the financial documents you submit. If your parents are sponsoring you, explain their income and how they will transfer funds. If you have an education loan, mention the bank and amount sanctioned. The answer must be realistic and consistent.
My studies and living expenses in Australia will be fully funded by my father, Mr. [Name], who is a government employee drawing a monthly salary of ₹95,000. His ITR for the last two financial years confirms a stable income. He has maintained a fixed deposit of ₹22 lakhs specifically for my education, as evidenced by the bank statement attached. Additionally, we have obtained an education loan of ₹12 lakhs from SBI, as per the attached loan sanction letter.
Q
What are your ties to your home country? Why will you return after your studies?
This is about showing you have strong reasons to return to India after your studies (if that is your intention). However, if you plan to apply for PR after your course, you do not need to lie — the GS test allows for future PR plans. What matters is that your current primary intention is to study. Be honest and clear.
My immediate family — my parents and younger brother — are based in Kochi, Kerala. My father runs a small business that I am expected to support in the future. I hold a strong sense of connection to my home community. After completing the course and gaining 1–2 years of Australian work experience on a post-study visa, I intend to evaluate my options which may include applying for permanent residence if I qualify, or returning to India to contribute to the healthcare sector with my international qualifications.
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Never lie on your GS statement. All answers are cross-checked with your documents. If visa officers find inconsistency between your written answers and your financial documents, transcripts, or travel history, your visa will be refused. A refusal creates a permanent record that affects all future Australian and many overseas visa applications.
3
Step 3 of 11

IELTS / PTE English Test Preparation

Australia requires all international students to demonstrate English proficiency. The two most accepted tests are IELTS Academic and PTE Academic. Your score requirements will depend on your course level and the university you apply to.

Qualification LevelIELTS RequiredPTE Required
Undergraduate / DiplomaOverall 6.0Overall 50
Postgraduate (Master's)Overall 6.5Overall 58
PhD / ResearchOverall 7.0Overall 65
Nursing (AHPRA Registration)7.0 each band65 each component
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Which test should you choose — IELTS or PTE? PTE results are typically available within 48 hours (vs 13 days for IELTS). PTE is computer-based, so it suits students who are good at computers and typing. IELTS is more traditional. Guide to Heights offers preparation classes for both — speak to our counsellors about which is better for you.
IELTS / PTE Classes at G2H Buy PTE Discount Voucher
🎓 G2H Exclusive

IELTS & PTE Preparation Classes

Join our IELTS and PTE coaching classes in Kochi or online. Our trainers are experienced in helping Kerala students achieve the bands needed for Australian university admission and student visa applications.

  • ✔Online & offline classes available
  • ✔Mock tests and result analysis
  • ✔Proven track record with Kerala students
  • ✔PTE discount exam vouchers available
Book IELTS / PTE Classes →
IELTS preparation classes at Guide to Heights Kochi PTE exam preparation and vouchers from Guide to Heights
4
Step 4 of 11

Visa Interview Preparation

Not every student is called for a visa interview. However, some applicants are asked to attend an interview with an Australian visa officer — either at the Australian consulate in Chennai or by video call. This typically happens when the visa officer needs to clarify information in your application.

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Who is most likely to be called for interview? Students with gaps in education, career changers (e.g. a commerce graduate applying for nursing), applicants with previous visa refusals, or applications with unclear financial situations are more likely to be interviewed.

Common Interview Questions

  • ✔Why do you want to study in Australia and not India?
  • ✔Tell me about your previous studies and how this course relates to them.
  • ✔Who is sponsoring your studies and how will they afford the fees?
  • ✔What do you plan to do after completing this course?
  • ✔Do you have any family members currently in Australia?
  • ✔What do you know about the course and the university?
🎯 FREE for All G2H Students

Guide to Heights provides 3 FREE mock visa interviews for all students enrolled with us.

🎤 3 Mock Interviews FREE

Free Mock Visa Interviews

Every student enrolled with Guide to Heights gets three free mock visa interviews conducted by our experienced counsellors. We simulate the real interview environment, give you detailed feedback, and prepare you to answer confidently and honestly.

  • ✔Real interview questions used
  • ✔Video call or in-person at Kochi office
  • ✔Detailed written feedback provided
  • ✔Available for GCC-based students too
Book a Free Mock Interview →
5
Step 5 of 11

Apply for Scholarships

Many Indian students don't realise that Australian universities offer generous scholarships to international students — some covering up to 25–50% of tuition fees. Applying for scholarships does not affect your student visa application.

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University Scholarships

Most universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students with strong academic records (85%+ or 8+ CGPA).

🇦🇺

Australia Awards

The Australian Government's Australia Awards scheme provides full scholarships for outstanding students from developing countries including India.

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Course-Specific Grants

Nursing, education, and STEM programs often have additional grants available. Your G2H counsellor will identify what you qualify for.

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G2H Scholarship Support — Always Included Guide to Heights identifies scholarship opportunities for every student, prepares your scholarship essays, and submits applications on your behalf. This is part of our standard service for all enrolled students — at no extra charge.

Scholarship Requirements You Should Prepare

  • ✔Academic transcripts — all years, translated into English if necessary
  • ✔Personal statement / essay — explaining your academic goals and why you deserve the scholarship
  • ✔IELTS/PTE score — strong English scores improve scholarship eligibility
  • ✔Letters of recommendation — from professors or employers
  • ✔Extracurricular achievements — awards, community involvement, leadership roles
  • ✔Financial need statement — for need-based scholarships
6
Step 6 of 11 — Critical Step

Prepare Financial Documents

Financial documentation is one of the most common reasons for Australia student visa refusals among Indian applicants. You must prove that you (or your sponsor) have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses during your entire course.

How Much Bank Balance Is Required for an Australia Student Visa?

Expense CategoryAmount (AUD/year)Approx INRNotes
Living Expenses (Visa Minimum) AUD 24,505/year ≈ ₹13.4 Lakhs/year Required by Department of Home Affairs
Tuition Fees AUD 20,000–45,000/year ≈ ₹10.9–24.5 Lakhs/year Varies by course and university
Return Airfare AUD 2,000–3,500 ≈ ₹1.1–1.9 Lakhs One-time proof required
OSHC Health Insurance AUD 700–900/year ≈ ₹38,000–49,000 Mandatory — must be purchased
TOTAL (per year estimate) AUD 48,000–75,000 ≈ ₹26–41 Lakhs/year Depends on city and course
📊

For Employed Parents in India (ITR)

If your parents are employed in India and file an Income Tax Return (ITR), we help you prepare and organise all financial evidence — salary slips, ITR filings, Form 16, and bank statements. You do not need to come to our office; we are fully online.

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For GCC & Non-Tax Countries

If your parents work in the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or any other country where personal income tax is not filed, we guide you on the specific financial documents accepted — including salary certificates, NOCs from employers, and bank statements from overseas accounts.

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Education Loan Assistance

Don't have enough savings? We help you apply for an education loan from India's leading banks approved by the Department of Home Affairs. We guide you through the loan documentation process — even if you are based in the GCC.

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What is ITR — Income Tax Return? ITR is the annual income declaration filed with India's Income Tax Department. When a parent or sponsor is employed in India and earns above the tax threshold, they file an ITR each financial year. Australian visa officers use ITR documents to verify that a sponsor's income is genuine and consistent. Guide to Heights helps you understand which ITR documents are required and how to present them correctly.
Approved Banks for Student Visa Calculate Required Funds Document Checklist Tool
7
Step 7 of 11 — Core Step

Lodging Your Subclass 500 Student Visa Application

The Subclass 500 Student Visa is the main visa for international students studying in Australia for courses longer than 3 months. The application is submitted online through the Australian Government's ImmiAccount portal.

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What is ImmiAccount? ImmiAccount is the official Australian government online portal at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au where you create an account and lodge your visa application. All documents are uploaded digitally. Guide to Heights assists you in setting up your ImmiAccount, filling every section of the form correctly, and uploading your documents.

Key Documents Required for Subclass 500

  • ●CoE — Confirmation of Enrolment from your Australian university
  • ●OSHC — Overseas Student Health Cover purchase confirmation
  • ●Passport — valid for the full duration of your course + 6 months
  • ●IELTS / PTE results — original score report
  • ●Academic transcripts — all completed qualifications
  • ●Financial evidence — bank statements, ITR, loan letter
  • ●GS answers — completed in the online form
  • ●Health examination results (upfront or as requested)
  • ●Character declaration — confirming no criminal history

Processing Time & Visa Fees

Application Lodgement

Submit online via ImmiAccount with all documents. Visa application fee: AUD 710 (approx. ₹38,700) per applicant — non-refundable.

Processing Period

Current processing time for 75% of applications: approximately 20–50 days. Some applications with additional information requests can take longer.

Biometrics & Health (if requested)

Some applicants are asked to provide biometrics at a DIBP office or complete upfront health examination.

Visa Grant

Visa grant is sent to your email. The grant letter specifies your visa conditions — including work rights (48 hours/fortnight) and study completion dates.

Check Current Processing Times
8
Step 8 of 11 — Mandatory

Medical Examination & OSHC Health Insurance

Medical Examination

Most student visa applicants from India are required to complete a medical examination at an approved Panel Physician before or after lodging their visa application. This is a standard requirement — not a sign of any problem with your application.

  • ✔Book your examination at an Australian Government-approved Panel Physician in Kerala or your city
  • ✔Tests include chest X-ray, HIV test (for those over 15), and general health assessment
  • ✔Results are transmitted directly to the Department of Home Affairs — you do not need to submit them yourself
  • ✔Cost is approximately ₹8,000–₹14,000 depending on the Panel Physician and tests required

Guide to Heights helps you book your medical examination appointment and explains exactly what to bring.

OSHC — Overseas Student Health Cover

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OSHC is Mandatory — Not Optional Every student visa applicant must purchase OSHC health insurance for the full duration of their visa. This is a strict legal requirement. Your CoE and visa application will not be processed without valid OSHC. It is not the same as travel insurance.
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What is OSHC? OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is health insurance that covers medical and hospital costs while you are in Australia as a student. It is required by the Australian Government and must cover you for your entire visa period, including your partner and children if they accompany you on a secondary visa.

Approximate OSHC costs:

  • ✔Single student: approximately AUD 700–900 per year
  • ✔Couple: approximately AUD 1,400–1,800 per year
  • ✔Family: approximately AUD 2,800–3,500 per year
Compare OSHC Providers & Best Prices →
9
Step 9 of 11

🎉 Visa Approved — Welcome to Australia!

Congratulations — your student visa has been granted! But the journey doesn't end here. Guide to Heights' exclusive Skill First Program prepares you for life and work in Australia before you even board the flight.

Skill First Program — What's Included

1

Part-Time Job Guidance

Understand where to find part-time work, how to write an Australian resume, and which industries hire international students. Most Kerala students find work in hospitality, retail, aged care, or IT.

2

What to Expect in Australia

Work culture, banking setup (how to open a Commonwealth Bank or ANZ account), Australian Tax File Number (TFN) registration, and how the superannuation system works.

3

Your Visa Conditions

Deep dive into your student visa conditions — 48 hours/fortnight work rights, course progression requirements, and what actions can put your visa at risk.

4

Community & Support Networks

Connect with our WhatsApp community of 1000+ students. Get advice from students already in Australia who have been through the same process.

📅 Pre-Departure Sessions

Before you land in Australia, join our expert-led pre-departure sessions covering everything from Australian banking, transport cards (Opal/myki), supermarket shopping tips, Indian grocery locations, accommodation setup, SIM card registration, and more.

  • ✔Available online — attend from Kerala or the GCC
  • ✔Conducted by Abin Mathew Varghese personally
  • ✔Real-life insights from students already in Australia
  • ✔Certificate of completion provided
Book Pre-Departure Session →

💰 Cost of Living

Find out exactly how much you'll spend weekly on accommodation, food, transport and lifestyle in any Australian city — shown in AUD and INR.

Living Cost Calculator →
10
Step 10 of 11

Accommodation & Airport Pickup

🏠

Renting Accommodation

Finding a house before you arrive in Australia saves enormous stress. Guide to Heights assists you with understanding the rental market, identifying affordable suburbs near your university, and preparing a rental application — including Australian references if needed.

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Airport Pickup Assistance

Arriving in a new country alone is stressful. We coordinate airport pickup assistance for G2H students, ensuring you have a safe way to reach your accommodation on your first day. Available in Melbourne, Sydney, and other major cities.

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First Week Support

Our pre-departure sessions cover your first-week checklist — from buying a SIM card and setting up your bank account to finding the nearest Indian grocery store and getting your university orientation sorted.

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Types of Student Accommodation in Australia

Shared House: Most common and affordable. Share with 3–5 other students, split rent and bills. AUD 180–350/week depending on city.

Homestay: Live with an Australian family. Includes meals and a welcoming environment — great for your first semester. AUD 280–420/week.

University Accommodation / College: On-campus or university-affiliated residential colleges. More expensive but extremely convenient. AUD 350–600/week.

Managed Student Apartments: Purpose-built with facilities like study rooms, gym, and laundry. AUD 350–550/week.
11
Step 11 of 11 — Your Future Starts Here

After Your Course — Subclass 485 Visa & Career

After completing your Australian qualification, you may be eligible for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa. This is a post-study work visa that allows you to live and work in Australia for 2–4 years after graduation, depending on your course and study location.

🌟
Subclass 485 — The Bridge to Permanent Residency The 485 visa gives you time to gain Australian work experience, which is one of the most valuable things for an Australian PR (Permanent Residency) application. Many Kerala students successfully use the 485 → skills visa → PR pathway.

Who Is Eligible for Subclass 485?

  • ✔Must have completed a CRICOS-registered course of at least 2 years duration
  • ✔Must apply within 6 months of course completion
  • ✔Must have held a valid student visa for the study period
  • ✔Must meet health and character requirements
  • ✔Graduates from regional universities may get a longer 485 visa (3–4 years)
Learn About Subclass 485 Visa →
Indian students celebrating graduation in Australia before applying for 485 visa

🚀 Skill First — Career Preparation Program

Our Skill First program begins before you graduate, helping you prepare for the Australian job market with:

  • ✔Australian-style resume writing
  • ✔LinkedIn profile optimisation
  • ✔Interview preparation for Australian employers
  • ✔Skills gap analysis for PR eligibility
Key Terminology

Important Terms — Explained in Plain English

Reading about the visa process for the first time? Here is every important term you will encounter — explained simply.

GS Test
Genuine Student Test — Australia's assessment of whether your primary purpose for applying for a student visa is genuinely to study. Replaced the old GTE test from November 2024.
GTE
Genuine Temporary Entrant — The previous test (before November 2024) that assessed whether you intended to stay temporarily in Australia. Now replaced by the GS test.
Subclass 500
The official name of the Australia student visa for international students doing courses longer than 3 months. "Subclass" is how Australian visas are categorised.
CoE
Confirmation of Enrolment — A digital certificate issued by an Australian university confirming you have been accepted and have paid your deposit. Required before you can apply for your visa.
CRICOS
Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students — The official list of Australian courses approved for international students. Only CRICOS-registered courses qualify for a student visa.
OSHC
Overseas Student Health Cover — Mandatory health insurance for all student visa holders in Australia, covering hospital and medical costs.
ImmiAccount
The Australian Government's online portal where you create an account and submit your visa application and supporting documents online.
ITR
Income Tax Return — Annual tax filing document in India. Used to prove a sponsor's income is genuine and consistent when applying for an Australian student visa.
QEAC
Qualified Education Agent Counsellor — A certification by PIER (Australia's peak body for education agents) that confirms a counsellor has been trained and assessed in Australian education and visa knowledge. Guide to Heights' Abin Mathew Varghese is QEAC #10439.
Subclass 485
The Temporary Graduate Visa that allows international students to remain in Australia and work after completing their degree. Valid for 2–4 years depending on course and location.
SOP
Statement of Purpose — A formal written document explaining why you chose this course, university, and country. Required for university admission; also provides evidence for your GS assessment.
Panel Physician
An Australian Government-approved medical doctor authorised to conduct the health examinations required for visa applications. Only Panel Physicians' results are accepted.
AHPRA
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency — The body that registers nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals in Australia. Highly relevant for Kerala nursing students who plan to register and work in Australia.
Begin Your Journey

Ready to Start Your Australia Admission?

Guide to Heights handles every step of this process with you. From choosing your course to landing in Australia — we are with you at every stage. QEAC Certified. British Council Recognised. Based in Kochi, Sharjah, and Melbourne.

💬 Free Counselling

Book a free initial consultation with QEAC Counsellor Abin Mathew Varghese. Available online for Kerala and GCC students.

Book Free Consultation →

WhatsApp Us

Message us directly on WhatsApp. We respond quickly — available for Kerala, GCC, and all other nationalities.

Message on WhatsApp

📞 Call Our Kochi Office

Prefer to call? Our team is available Monday–Saturday. We also speak Malayalam — just ask.

+91 73065 83820

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Guide to Heights · Kochi, Kerala · Sharjah, UAE · Melbourne, Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

Australia Student Visa — Questions Students & Parents Ask

The GS (Genuine Student) requirement replaced the old GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) test from November 2024. Under GTE, students had to prove they were only coming to Australia temporarily and intended to return home. The new GS test focuses on whether your primary purpose is genuinely to study — but it does not require you to prove you will return to India. If you plan to apply for Australian permanent residency after your studies, this is acceptable under GS. The Australian Government acknowledges that genuine students may develop skills Australia needs and may apply for PR. What will fail you is if your primary purpose appears to be something other than study — such as working or migrating through the back door using a student visa.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires proof that you can cover living expenses of AUD 24,505 per year (approximately Rs 13.4 lakhs at current rates), plus your full first-year tuition fee, and the cost of a return airfare. For most Indian students applying for a two-year Master's program at an Australian university, the total funds required to show are approximately AUD 70,000–80,000 (Rs 38–44 lakhs) — this includes two years of living costs plus tuition. The money does not need to be in one account but must be accessible and verifiable. Bank statements must show a consistent savings pattern — a sudden large deposit just before applying raises red flags. Education loans from approved Indian banks are also accepted as financial evidence. Guide to Heights helps all students prepare their financial documents correctly.
Several significant changes were made to Australia's student visa rules in 2024–2025. The most important change is the replacement of the GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) test with the new GS (Genuine Student) test from November 2024. The work rights for student visa holders were also changed — the unlimited work hours introduced during COVID have been removed, and students are now limited to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. The visa application fee increased to AUD 710 (from AUD 650). The Department of Home Affairs has also strengthened compliance checking and is more carefully reviewing applications from high-risk cohorts. The evidence levels required for financial documentation have been updated. Guide to Heights tracks all changes to Australian immigration rules and ensures every application we handle reflects the most current requirements.
The GS statement is not one document — it is a series of questions answered directly in the online visa application form on ImmiAccount. There is no separate "GS statement" to submit. However, the quality of your answers to the GS questions is critical. Good answers are specific, honest, consistent with your documents, and clearly explain the logic of your study choice. Guide to Heights helps every enrolled student write strong, compelling answers to all GS questions as part of our standard service. We have seen hundreds of successful applications and know exactly what visa officers are looking for. Never copy sample answers from the internet — visa officers can recognise templated responses, and an answer that doesn't match your personal situation will raise red flags. Call us or WhatsApp us to get personalised help with your GS answers.
The most common reasons Australian student visas are refused for Indian applicants are: (1) Failing the GS assessment — answers that suggest the primary purpose is not to study, or inconsistency between answers and documents; (2) Insufficient or unverifiable financial evidence — bank balance that appeared suddenly, or sponsor income that doesn't match lifestyle; (3) Weak academic-to-course connection — applying for a course completely unrelated to your previous education without a convincing explanation; (4) Previous visa refusals or immigration violations, in Australia or other countries; (5) Gaps in education or employment history that are not explained; (6) Unconvincing explanation of why Australia rather than India for the chosen course. Every one of these refusal reasons is preventable with proper guidance. That is exactly why working with a QEAC-certified counsellor matters.
As of early 2025, Australia's Department of Home Affairs processes 75% of student visa applications within approximately 20 to 50 days. However, some applications take longer if additional information is requested or if the application is in a higher-scrutiny category. Indian applicants are generally processed within the standard timeframe. Processing times can vary seasonally — applications lodged just before an academic intake period (February or July) may take slightly longer due to volume. Guide to Heights recommends lodging your student visa application at least 2–3 months before your intended travel date to allow for processing time and any requests for additional documents. Check the latest processing times at guidetoheights.com/australia-student-visa-processing-time-2026-guide-to-heights/
Yes, absolutely. Guide to Heights has a dedicated office in Sharjah, UAE (Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, UAE License SC241129101) and we process Australian student visa applications for Indian passport holders based anywhere in the GCC — UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. We are fully online and you never need to come to any of our offices in person. We handle everything from course selection to visa lodgement digitally. For GCC-specific financial documentation (since GCC countries do not have income tax filing), we guide you on the alternative documents accepted — employer salary certificates, NOC letters, and UAE bank statements. Contact us on WhatsApp (+91 73065 83820) or Botim/IMO (+91 89216 52087) for GCC-specific guidance.
Yes. Guide to Heights is led by Abin Mathew Varghese, who is a QEAC Certified Education Agent Counsellor (QEAC Number 10439) registered with PIER — the Professional International Education Resource, which is the peak body for education agents dealing with Australian educational institutions and visa matters. Guide to Heights is also Recognised by the British Council (Number 49805). Abin holds an MBA and a Master's in Information Technology from Deakin University, Melbourne — meaning he has personally studied in Australia and understands the experience first-hand. These credentials are verifiable and publicly listed on the PIER and British Council directories. The consultancy operates from Kochi (Kerala), Sharjah (UAE), and Melbourne (Australia).
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