A Guide to GTE in Australia

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Hagar Samir

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09 July, 2023

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5 mins read

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Australia is one of the best countries that people go to for a better chance of living, and that is because of the average living costs and affordable lifestyle that the city offers! In addition, Australia offers a great healthcare system! Australia is also very safe, with very low crime rates, which is one more reason why people love this city!

There are many students that travel to Australia for college, given that it is one of the best countries that offers high-quality education. However, in order to be accepted into any Australian university, students must complete the GTE, also known as a genuine temporary entrant or Australia Assessment.

This is a step that most students don’t know about, and they are usually surprised when the university asks for it. That’s why it’s important to be well-prepared before applying; it’ll save you a lot of time and effort! So, what is GTE? We’ve gathered all the information about what a GTE is down below!

What is a GTE?

A GTE is a genuine temporary entrant assessment. It is mandatory, as the university tests the international students’ integrity to make sure they’re eligible to attend the university. It’s also important to acquire an Australian visa. The main aim of this assessment is to ensure that students’ main aim is to apply for education purposes, not residency.

 GTE in Australia

How can you prove that you are a genuine temporary entrant?

There are a few ways in which you can prove that you're a genuine temporary entrant, including:

  • Explain why you want to study in Australia: There are reasons you must provide to prove that you want to stay in Australia for academic purposes. You can include letters of recommendation, your academic records, and plans after you finish your studies.

  • Prove that you have ties in your home country: You must show that you have reasons to go back home, including family ties, employment prospects, and property ownership.

  • Prove that you have financial support during your years of study in Australia: You must also prove that you have the financial means to support yourself while studying, including bank statements, sponsorship letters, and evidence of scholarships or other financial aid. 

How long does it take for students to be approved for GTE?

In general, the process of being accepted takes 4-6 weeks. However, this may differ depending on the individual case and nationality of the student. In order to ensure that the process is going smoothly, it’s better if students provide all the required information and documents upfront. 


What should be included in the GTE letter?

In a typical letter format, write your GTE letter. You can start with a simple introduction and greetings. After that, start stating reasons why you should be approved to study in Australia. Try also to show that you’re not applying for migration; you’re just trying to study there. It’s important to stay polite while writing. Finish your letter by including your contact information and address. Below are some of the information you should add:

  • A brief introduction: You can start with your name, age, and where you live.

  • Academic background: You then add your academic background, including what you have studied and what university you went to. You can also include all the courses you’ve taken, and if you’re still studying, let the university know how many semesters you've taken and how many you have left. Also, state why you want to continue studying in Australia instead of where you’re currently studying.

  • State why you want to take this specific course: Showing how passionate you are about a course will increase your probability of getting accepted. Also, you can include how this course will help you in the future and if it’s going to add any experience.

  • Give proof of your financial support: You have to state who will be responsible for paying for your education and stay in Australia. Provide more details, especially if you have an internship.

  • Immigration history: If you have any immigration history, include it in your letter. Also, in case of a visa refusal, provide details. 

Will the student visa be refused if you fail the GTE requirement? 

If you fail the GTE requirement, unfortunately, your student visa will be refused. If the immigration office decides that you’re not honest enough about your intention of staying in Australia, they will immediately refuse the visa application. You have to remember that the visa application is treated as a whole; every part matters, including your letter, your education, your purpose, your employment history, and everything else. 

 GTE in Australia

What Are the Essential GTE Requirements?

In order to prove that you are eligible for a student visa and for your GTE to be approved, there are some things you need to include in a personal statement, according to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. These things include:

  • An academic and an employment transcript

  • Information on your background in your home country 

  • Any hardships you may expect to happen in Australia 

  • History of immigration

  • The programme details and its value to you

  • All the evidence you can put together to prove that your stay in Australia is temporary

How Does the GTE Assessment Happen?

After writing the GTE letter and submitting it, you will have it evaluated by the Australian authorities for testing of integrity and verification of authenticity. One thing to avoid completely is copying someone’s work; this will immediately result in the rejection of your application. The government starts seeing your letter as follows:

Your Home Country Situation 

  • Are any ties showcasing an intention to return to your home country? This is important as it shows that you’re not secretly applying for immigration

  • Reasons for choosing a foreign university if a similar course was available in your home country

  • Economic circumstances: if you have enough money to financially support yourself during your visit to Australia

  • Military or government service commitments

How You Will Handle Life in Australia 

  • The level of the course you want to apply to and how hard it is

  • Financial capacity to live comfortably in Australia

  • Your qualifications and how well will they suit life in Australia

 GTE in Australia

GTE Interview 

A GTE interview is not a must in all cases; however, some require an interview as the final step in the application process. What you need to do is remember your letter very well; they will ask you a lot of questions about it. Answering with detailed answers and knowing exactly what you want is going to put you in a much better position. Family occupation, salaries, course objectives, and general knowledge of the home country and Australia are all important information to know very well and will show that you’re not here to play!

We know it’s an overwhelming process, but the result is completely worth it! Once you’re done with your GTE assessment, you’ll have your student visa in no time, and then you’ll be able to spend your college years studying in Australia. So practice your answers, memorise the important details, and don’t be nervous! Good luck! 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is a GTE?

A GTE is a genuine temporary entrant assessment. It is mandatory, as the university tests the international students’ integrity to make sure they’re eligible to attend the university.

2. How long does it take for a GTE to be approved?

The process of being approved takes 4–6 weeks. However, this may differ depending on the individual case and nationality of the student.

3. What happens after I get my GTE approved?

After you finish your GTE process and get approved, start applying for a student visa online. 


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