All student visa applicants are required to provide information in support of their application to demonstrate that they meet the Genuine Student criteria.
Provide responses to support the applicant's ability to meet the criteria and ensure supporting documents are attached.

Give details of the applicant's current circumstances, including ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances. 

Sample Response:

Applicant Name: Fatima Al-Zahra

Current Circumstances:

• Family Ties: I reside in Casablanca, Morocco, with my parents and two younger siblings. My family is well-respected within the local community, and I have a strong bond with my family, who support my educational aspirations.

• Community Engagement: I am an active member of the local community center where I volunteer to teach children English and basic computer skills on weekends. This involvement shows my commitment to community service and leadership.

• Employment: I work part-time at a local bookstore. This job has helped me develop customer service skills and has given me financial independence, which contributes to my preparedness for living and studying abroad.

• Economic Circumstances: My education is financially supported by my parents, who have set aside funds for my tuition and living expenses. Additionally, I have saved a significant amount from my part-time job to contribute towards my expenses in Australia. Financial statements and proof of savings are attached to demonstrate my family's support and my financial responsibility.

Supporting Documents Attached:

• Letters of recommendation from the community center and my employer.
• Bank statements showing my savings.
• Family photographs to depict my strong family ties.

This response effectively highlights my strong ties to my home country, my community involvement, my financial readiness, and my clear intentions for studying abroad, thereby covering the Genuine Student criteria for my visa applications.

Explain why the applicant wishes to study this course in Australia with this particular education provider including their understanding of the requirements of the intended course and studying and living in Australia.

Sample response:

Applicant Name: Lisa Nguyen

Desired Course: Bachelor of Environmental Science

Education Provider: University of Melbourne

Reason for Choosing This Course and Provider:

• Interest and Relevance: I have been actively involved in environmental conservation efforts in my hometown in Vietnam. The course at the University of Melbourne aligns perfectly with my passion and my long-term goal of contributing to sustainable development practices in my country. I chose this specific program because it offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical fieldwork, focusing on Asia-Pacific environmental issues which are directly applicable to my future career plans.

• Reputation of Education Provider: The University of Melbourne is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and its research contributions to environmental sciences. The university's active partnerships with international conservation organizations offer unique opportunities for professional networking and practical experience.

• Understanding of Course Requirements: I am aware that the course requires a strong foundation in science, which I have established through my high school education. I understand that the curriculum includes extensive field studies, laboratory work, and collaborative research projects, and I am prepared to commit to the intensive nature of the program.

• Preparedness for Studying and Living in Australia: I have researched extensively on living conditions in Melbourne. I understand the cultural diversity of the city and am eager to engage with students from various backgrounds. Financially, I have secured sufficient funds to cover my tuition and living expenses. I have also familiarized myself with the support services offered by the university for international students, which reassures me of a smooth transition to studying and living in Australia.

Supporting Documents Attached:

• Personal statement outlining my motivation and goals
• Letters of recommendation from my high school teachers
• Proof of my participation in environmental clubs and initiatives
• Financial statements to demonstrate my economic preparedness

This response effectively communicates my clear motivations for choosing my course and educational provider, my understanding of the course requirements, and my readiness to adapt to life and studies in Australia, providing a strong support for my application to the visa authorities.

Explain how completing the course will be of benefit to the applicant.

Sample response:

Applicant Name: Michael Chen

Course: Master of International Business

Institution: University of Sydney

Benefits of Completing the Course:

• Career Opportunities: Completing this Master’s program will position me advantageously in the global market, opening doors to upper management positions and international business opportunities. The credentials and expertise gained will be highly valued in my home country, China, enhancing my employment prospects significantly.

• Skill Enhancement: The course will equip me with advanced skills in strategic planning, international market analysis, and cross-cultural communication, which are crucial for navigating the complexities of international business environments.

• Personal Growth: Studying abroad in Australia will provide me with a broader worldview and better cultural sensitivity, essential for personal development and effective international relations.

• Contribution to Home Country: With the knowledge and skills acquired from the course, I plan to contribute to enhancing the international trade practices of my family’s business in China, potentially leading to greater economic benefits and job creation in my local community.

• Networking: Being part of an internationally diverse academic community will allow me to build a network of professionals across various industries worldwide, which can be pivotal for future business ventures and collaborations.

Supporting Documents Attached:

• A detailed career plan outlining potential job roles and aspirations.
• A personal statement describing my commitment to applying the learned skills in my home country.
• Letters of recommendation from previous employers attesting to my professional commitment and capability.

This response effectively highlights how the course will benefit me by enhancing my career prospects, skills, and personal development, and how it aligns with my long-term professional goals.

Give details of any other relevant information the applicant would like to include. 

Sample response:

As the applicant for Visa 500, I would like to provide additional information to support my application. I am committed to advancing my education in Australia and have been accepted into the Master of International Business program at the University of Sydney. With a strong academic background and a keen interest in international business, this course aligns perfectly with my career aspirations to take on leadership roles in global companies. I have the necessary financial resources to support my tuition and living expenses during my stay. I am aware of the visa conditions and fully intend to comply with all regulations. I am eager to contribute positively to the Australian community while enhancing my skills and knowledge through this unique educational opportunity.

Student Declaration – Prior to Enrolment

As part of my application to study in Australia, I make the following declarations:

Understanding of Studying and Living in Australia

I confirm that I have read and understood the information available on the official Study in Australia website (https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au), including details about living and studying in Australia.
I have also used the MyCourseFinder Cost Calculator to review the estimated cost of study and living expenses in Australia.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

I understand that holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory requirement for the grant of a student visa.
If granted a student visa, I acknowledge that I must maintain valid OSHC for the full duration of my stay in Australia.

Genuine Student Declaration

I declare that I am applying to study in Australia as a genuine student, with the primary intention of completing a formal course of study at a registered education provider.

Understanding Visa Conditions

• I acknowledge that a student visa, if granted, is temporary and does not guarantee eligibility for any future visa, including skilled migration or permanent residency.

• I understand that if I do not secure another valid visa following the completion of my studies, I will be required to leave Australia on or before the expiry of my student visa.

Compliance with Visa Conditions

If granted a student visa, I understand and agree to comply with all applicable visa conditions, including but not limited to:

• Maintaining enrolment in a registered course

• Meeting attendance and academic progress requirements

• Adhering to any work limitations

Visa Condition 8534 – No Further Stay

I understand that visa condition 8534 (“No Further Stay”) may be imposed on my student visa. If this condition is applied:

• I will not be eligible to apply for most other visas while in Australia

• I may only apply for certain limited visas (e.g. Temporary Graduate visa – subclass 485 or Student Guardian visa – subclass 590)

• I will be required to leave Australia on or before the expiry of my visa

Visa Condition 8535 – Sponsored Students

If I am sponsored by the Australian Government or a foreign government, visa condition 8535 may be imposed.
In such cases:

• I will only be eligible to apply for a further student visa if it is supported by a government sponsor

• I acknowledge that I must depart Australia at the end of my studies unless granted a further student visa under these conditions

Declaration of Acceptance

I confirm that I have read, understood, and accept all the above declarations as part of my application to enrol in an education program in Australia.

Australian Values and Life in Australia

Listen to the Podcast

Life in Australia booklet

Australian values statement

A Comprehensive Guide to Australian Values and Life

Acknowledgement of Cultural Understanding

I confirm that I have read, or had explained to me, the information provided by the Australian Government regarding life in Australia, including:

• The Life in Australia booklet

• The Australian Values Statement

• A Comprehensive Guide to Australian Values and Life

Commitment to Australian Values

I understand and agree to respect the core Australian values, including:

• Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual

• Freedom of religion

• Commitment to the rule of law

• Parliamentary democracy

• Equality of men and women

• A spirit of egalitarianism, embracing mutual respect, tolerance, fair play, and compassion for those in need

• Recognition of English as the national language

Final Acknowledgement

I acknowledge the importance of understanding Australian society, culture, and values as part of my educational and settlement journey.
I confirm that I have accessed the relevant information and accept the responsibilities that come with living and studying in Australia.