Australian Student Visa from GTE to GST: An Important Change for International Students

Australia has long been one of the top study destinations for Pakistani students, but major updates in 2025 have changed the student visa process. The Australian Government has shifted from the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement to the Genuine Student Test (GST), while also raising English language requirements, tightening graduate visa rules, and adjusting pathways to permanent residency.

If you are planning to apply for an Australian Student Visa, this blog will walk you through the new requirements, how they impact Pakistani students, and how SMi Consultant helps you prepare — whether you visit our offices in Peshawar or Mardan, or join through our online services from anywhere in Pakistan.

In this blog, you’ll discover exactly what the new Genuine Student Test (GST) means for Pakistani students applying for an Australian Student Visa in 2025. We’ll break down the updated IELTS score requirements, explain the new age limit and visa duration rules, and show how these changes affect your chances of studying and working in Australia. You’ll also learn how SMi Consultant’s expert team in Peshawar and Mardan — along with our online services for students from other cities in Pakistan — can guide you step by step, from preparing your documents to passing the GST successfully.

What is the Genuine Student Test (GST)?

The GST is now the core eligibility test for an Australian Student Visa. Instead of submitting a long essay under GTE, students are now assessed on four clear criteria:

English Proficiency:

– Applicants must meet higher IELTS or equivalent test scores. This is often the first hurdle for Pakistani students. If you need expert help, you can prepare with Premier English House, where British Council–certified trainers specialize in IELTS, PTE, and spoken English training.

Academic Background:

Your past studies must align with your chosen course in Australia. For example, an applicant with a business degree applying for engineering may raise red flags.

Financial Capacity:

Applicants must demonstrate they can pay tuition fees and cover living costs during their stay. This includes showing acceptable bank statements and proof of funds.

Purpose of Study:

• Students must clearly express genuine academic goals, not migration intent. The focus is on how your chosen degree supports your future career in Pakistan or globally.

These changes make the visa system more transparent but also stricter, meaning Pakistani students must prepare their documents, test scores, and study plans with professional guidance to avoid rejection.

New English Language Requirements

To improve academic readiness, Australia has raised the bar for language proficiency:

• Student visa applicants now require an IELTS score of 6.0.
• Graduate visa applicants must achieve 6.5.

(Source: Study Australia – English Language Requirement Changes)

Pakistani students can book their IELTS through the British Council Pakistan or IDP Pakistan.

For more details, you can also read our guide on UK Study Visa Bank Statement Requirements to compare financial expectations across destinations.

Age and Post-Study Work Visa Changes

Graduate visa rules have been tightened:

• Age limit reduced from 50 to 35 years.
• Duration of post-study visas adjusted:
  • Bachelor’s & Master’s coursework → 2 years
  • Master’s research & PhD → 3 years
• Regional graduates may receive an additional 1–2 year extension.

These changes affect long-term planning, especially for those hoping to combine study with work and permanent residency.

Australia’s Focus on Permanent Migration

Australia is balancing international education with migration control. After migration peaked post-COVID, the government now targets 250,000 net overseas migrants annually (down from 510,000).

Instead of short-term temporary visas, Australia wants to attract skilled graduates with long-term potential. This means students who perform well academically and adapt professionally will have stronger residency opportunities.

Implications for Pakistani Students

For Pakistani students, these changes mean:

• Higher IELTS scores are non-negotiable.
• Younger applicants have better chances.
• Courses and financial plans must align perfectly.
• There is greater emphasis on genuine intent.

Just as we explained in our guide on Top Reasons Why Student Visas Get Rejected, a poorly prepared case can easily lead to refusal.

How SMi Consultant Supports You

At SMi Consultant, we help Pakistani students adapt to these changes by:

• Preparing for the Genuine Student Test (GST) with mock interviews and documentation checks.
• Training for higher IELTS scores through our partner institute Premier English House.
• Assisting with financial proof and proper course selection.
• Guiding students on work rights, migration pathways, and future planning.

Whether you are in Peshawar, Mardan, or another city, our online counselling services ensure you receive expert guidance wherever you are.

For interview prep, check out our in-depth blog on Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers.

Conclusion:

The shift from GTE to GST is one of the most significant changes in Australia’s student visa system in recent years. For Pakistani students, it introduces stricter eligibility checks but also clearer pathways for those who are genuine about studying and building their future in Australia.

With SMi Consultant, you don’t have to face these changes alone. Our team helps you prepare documents, meet the new GST requirements, and maximize your chances of success. Whether you visit our offices in Peshawar or Mardan, or connect with us online from anywhere in Pakistan, we’re here to guide you step by step.

👉 Get Your Free Document Assessment Today and make sure your application is fully ready for Australia’s updated student visa rules.

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