Edith

Edith Cowan
Cowan University
University
Student
Student Administration,
Administration, Admissions
Admissions

Genuine Student Requirement

As an international student applying for a student visa, you must be able to demonstrate that studying
in Australia to gain a quality education at Edith Cowan University is the primary reason for your
application. The Department of Home Affairs Genuine Student (GS) requirement is effective for all
student visa applications lodged on and after 23 March 2024 and assessment against this criteria
forms part of the review of your eligibility for an offer to study at Edith Cowan University.

In assessing the genuine student requirement, we consider the unique circumstances of each applicant
which includes ties to family, community, the employment and economic circumstances in your home
country, your reasons for choosing to study at Edith Cowan University and the wider benefits you
believe the study will bring. You will need to demonstrate what research you have undertaken prior to
submitting your application and explain your understanding of studying and living in Australia. For
applicants already in Australia, there may be additional information you need to provide about your time
in Australia to date.

We encourage you to answer each section in your own words and ensure that the information provided
isn’t copied from another source or produced using artificial intelligence, as this may affect your
eligibility for an offer of a place. You should also ensure that you have the relevant evidence available
to support all information provided in your responses.

To be granted a student visa, the Department of Home Affairs requires that all applicants satisfy the
genuine student criterion or the genuine student dependent criterion so the information you provide to
Edith Cowan University must be consistent with that intended to support your student visa application.

1
ECU Genuine Student (GS) Assessment Form_v1 CRICOS Institution Provider Code: 00279B
 Edith Cowan University
Student Administration, Admissions

GENUINE STUDENT (GS) ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE

The genuine student assessment form should be completed by all applicants from the countries indicated in the
table below#.

Bangladesh Bhutan India Iran Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka Vietnam

Other countries – by request. Please note that the Genuine Student
All sub-Saharan African countries
requirement applies to all applicants and evidence may be requested at any time
(excluding Mauritius and South Africa) in the application process to support this.
#
Excludes applicants for research programs where this will by requested as required.

Important Information:
 You must answer all questions and complete the financial matrix. If you leave any sections blank, the form
will be returned and assessment of your application for entry to ECU will be delayed.
 Where you are asked to complete your response within a maximum number of words, don’t exceed the
maximum.
 Documentary evidence will be required to support all information provided in the Genuine Student
Assessment form. You don’t need to provide financial documents until you are requested to do so but you
should ensure you have all required documents available to avoid delays with your application assessment.
 If you have previously studied in Australia or are currently studying with another education provider in
Australia, you must provide official academic transcripts to support your study to date. Confirmation of
Enrolment documents are not accepted as evidence of study and/or visa compliance.

Evidence Guidance
Evidence of Employment

When providing details of previous employment, including where this is to support claims for credit and
recognition of prior learning, ECU will require the following evidence in support:

 A letter issued on the company letterhead which includes the company’s taxation authority registration
number or national business registration number. The letter should confirm the position held, usual
weekly hours, length of employment and income.
 Where the employment is within a business owned by a family member or relative, ECU will also require
income tax returns for the previous three years and itemised company bank statements for the previous
12 months to demonstrate active business operations.
 A bank statement for a period of at least six months is acceptable as evidence of salary payment or a
recent copy of the most recent annual income tax return.
 ECU will validate employment records so you should ensure that contact details are correct and current.
Where salary is paid in cash, further information or evidence may be required.

Evidence of Financial Capacity

When completing the financial matrix, please note the following important requirements:

 Where your primary source of funds is personal loan or other savings/personal funds, please note that
mutual fund or stock holdings are not acceptable as means of evidence of accessible funds to support
loan repayment or total study costs.
 Where bank statements are provided as evidence of savings or source of funds, a supporting explanation
and additional evidence must be provided for any large deposits shown on the statements.
 Where the primary source of funds is declared as being from the sale of land or property, you will be
required to provide copies of the deed of sale and where applicable, property tax receipts may also be
required.
 Where you are being sponsored by a family member, you must also provide evidence of your relationship
such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, passport documents which show parent names, national
identity cards, other family or relationship documents.

Please also review the Genuine Student document checklist before submitting your application.

2
ECU Genuine Student (GS) Assessment Form_v1 CRICOS Institution Provider Code: 00279B
 Edith Cowan University
Student Administration, Admissions

GENUINE STUDENT (GS) ASSESSMENT FORM

Please refer to the Genuine Student Requirement guidance before completing this assessment form. You must
answer all questions and should ensure that you have the relevant supporting evidence for all information
provided.
Submission Information:
 Check that you have entered responses for all questions and that the student declaration and financial
matrix are complete.
 Submit the fully completed form and supporting documents via the Apply Online Portal.
Note: If you are applying through an ECU authorised agent, your agent can submit this on your behalf.
 ECU Admissions will review the Genuine Student Assessment form and supporting documents and provide
an application update to you or your agent. Incomplete assessment forms will be returned and may delay
your application outcome.

1. Student Details

Family name NGUYEN Date of birth 31/10/1999

Student ID
Given name(s) PHUONG LINH Applicant ID

2. Immigration History
Do you hold or have you
If yes, provide evidence of all current and
previously held an Australian No Yes
previous visa grant(s)
visa?

Do you hold or have you

If yes, provide evidence of all current and
previously held a confirmation of No Yes
previous CoE(s)
enrolment (CoE)

Have you ever had any visa If yes, specify which country and provide
No Yes
refused or cancelled? evidence

Have you ever been deported or

If yes, specify which country and provide
removed by the Immigration No Yes
evidence
Department of any country?

3. Study History
3.1 Previous study in Australia
Have you previously studied in If yes, complete the section below and
No Yes
Australia? provide transcripts for all study
Institution name (Australia only) Course title Start date End date Complete?
No Yes
No Yes
No Yes

For any incomplete study,

please explain why here
3.2 Gaps in Study
Have you had any gaps of more
than 3 months during any prior No Yes If yes, please provide details below
studies?
Reasons for gap Start date End date Other relevant information

Waiting for aproved visa 03/2022 01/07/2022 I helped my sister as a teacher assistant at the English Centre

3
ECU Genuine Student (GS) Assessment Form_v1 CRICOS Institution Provider Code: 00279B
 Edith Cowan University
Student Administration, Admissions

4. Family Details
4.1 Marital Status and Children
If yes, please provide details below and
Are you married? No Yes
provide your marriage certificate

Place and date of marriage Spouse date of birth

Will your spouse join

Spouse name No Yes
you in Australia?

Is your spouse currently If yes, please provide your spouse’s

No Yes
employed? resume

What is your spouse’s highest qualification?

e.g. Secondary School, Diploma, Bachelor, Masters

Has your spouse ever had any If yes, specify which country and provide
No Yes
visa refused or cancelled? evidence
Has your spouse been deported
If yes, specify which country and provide
or removed by the Immigration No Yes
evidence
Department of any country?
Do you have any children,
No Yes If yes, please provide details below
including stepchildren?

Will this child join

Child name Child date of birth Child age
you in Australia?

No Yes

No Yes

No Yes

Detail additional children here

4.2 Other Family and Relatives

*For questions below, family and relatives, includes siblings, parents, children, aunts, uncles and cousins

Do you or your spouse have any

No Yes If yes, please complete the section below
relatives* living in Australia?

Relationship
City of Residency status or visa type
Name of relative to you
residence (e.g. permanent resident, student visa)
(e.g. aunt)

If you have relatives living in Australia but not in

Perth, please explain here why you have decided
not to study in the city or location where you
already have relatives.
4.3 Other General
Do you have military service
commitments in your home No Yes If yes, please provide details below
country or any other country?

4
ECU Genuine Student (GS) Assessment Form_v1 CRICOS Institution Provider Code: 00279B
 Edith Cowan University
Student Administration, Admissions

5. Genuine Student Responses

It is important that the responses and documentation you provide to ECU in relation to the genuine student requirement
are the same as the responses and documentation you intend to provide to support your application for a student visa.

5.1 Outline your current circumstances

Please explain the family, social, cultural, religious, and financial/economic ties you have to your home country.
You should clearly demonstrate what incentives there are for you to return home following completion of your
study.
If you plan to stay in Australia at the end of your study, explain this in more detail here.

My family is the cornerstone of my life and I share strong bonds with them. My responsibilities to the family are not
only supporting them emotionally but also financially and family-related matters that they always need me. In my
hometown, I have engaged myself in community relationships, close friends, and professional contacts... I have
actively participated in local organizations and feel a strong sense of belonging and this motivated me to return after
my study to contribute to my hometown.
From my point of view, Australia is an ideal destination to access the modern education system. And at Edith Cowan
University, the Data Science program will bring me useful knowledge and connect me to potential careers in the
career.

Maximum 150 words

5.2 Why did you choose Australia and Edith Cowan University?

Please explain why you chose Australia and at ECU specifically as your preferred study destination.
What course have you chosen to study and why? Explain what you know about your chosen course structure
and any specific units that are of particular interest.

At ECU, I will access plenty of teaching modern methods, combine theoretical and practical skills, and provide
hands-on experience that aligns with my career goal. ECU's reputation for industry-focused education, strong student
support, and diverse community made it the perfect choice for me.
As I mentioned above, the Data Science course has advantages and it also offers me in-depth of key topics and
subjects. I am particularly excited about Data Visualization and Predictive Analytics, which will equip me with the skills
needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of Data Science ECU will help me gain the expertise and experience
to make a meaningful impact in my future career.

Maximum 150 words

5.2.1 Why did you not choose to study your nominated course in your home country?

Detail below the availability and cost of equivalent study in your home country.

Cost
Equivalent Course Institution Cost (AUD)
(local currency)

Other additional information

5
ECU Genuine Student (GS) Assessment Form_v1 CRICOS Institution Provider Code: 00279B
 Edith Cowan University
Student Administration, Admissions

5. Genuine Student Responses (cont.)

It is important that the responses and documentation you provide to ECU in relation to the genuine student requirement
are the same as the responses and documentation you intend to provide to support your application for a student visa.

5.3 What are the benefits of the proposed study?

Please explain how this course will be of benefit your future. How does your chosen course align with your
previous study and employment and your future career plans? Explain any prospective salaries from future
employment and provide evidence.

The Data Science course will significantly benefit my future career by providing the technical and analytics skills
necessary to succeed in Vietnam which is growing data-driven industries. My previous major was Advanced Finance
have gave me a solid foundation in programming and quantitative analysis, enhanced my knowledge in areas such as
Machine Learning, Big Data and Data Visualization, directly aligning with my prior education. According to the
Master's Degree of ECU, the Data Science industry is developing in Vietnam and demand for high professional labor
is growing, hence, the annual incom may increase 300 to 500 million VND per year.

Maximum 150 words

Detail below the expected salary and other benefits in your home country or any other country gained following
completion of your proposed study.
Expected Salary Expected
Position/Role Company
(local currency) Salary (AUD)

5.4 Living in Australia

Please explain your understanding of living and studying in Australia. Outline the research you have undertaken
and explain your proposed living arrangements. Do you intend to work in Australia?

Studying in Australia presents a valuable opportunity to receive a world-class education in a diverse, multicultural
environment. I have researched Australia’s high academic standards, particularly at ECU, and the student support
services available. I am excited to be part of a dynamic student community and to experience Australian culture. My
accommodation plan I intend to stay at ECU's campus, which provides a variety of rentals such as shared houses,
homestays, dormitory..., which will provide a supportive environment and easy access to university facilities that I can
manage my expenses. Following the Australian regulation, I only seek work related to my field or intership role in Data
Science or IT industry as also align to work-hour regulation in Australia.

Maximum 150 words

5.5 Other relevant information

NA

6
ECU Genuine Student (GS) Assessment Form_v1 CRICOS Institution Provider Code: 00279B
 Edith Cowan University
Student Administration, Admissions

6. Financial Matrix
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover all study-related expenses or alternatively, provide
evidence that your spouse or parents are willing to support you and have the minimum annual income required to do so.

6.1 Expected study, travel and living expenses

Please complete the table below to calculate your total expenses
Expense Type Calculation of funds (AUD) Total (AUD)
Total indicative course fee
Funds required to cover 12 months’ tuition fees.
A = – confirmed scholarship $ 42,500
divided by years of study

B Funds required to cover your living expenses for 12 months. $29,710 $29,710

Add $10,394
Spouse/partner
(or $0 if none accompanying)
$
Additional living costs for accompanying
C
dependents. Add $4,449 per child
Child
(or $0 if none accompanying)
$

School costs for all school age dependent Add $13,502 per child per year
No. of
D children to be included in your student visa children
minimum school cost $
application. Costs may vary** (or $0 if none accompanying)
Travel costs when applying from:
East or South Africa - $2,500
Travel costs for yourself and your accompanying spouse West Africa - $3,000
E $ 1,500
and/or any accompanying dependants.
Other outside Australia - $2,000
In Australia - $1,000 or $1,500
if returning to Africa
F Total funds required to cover all study-related expenses. =A+B+C+D+E $ 43,500

** If you are including any school-age children in your application, add schooling costs of at least AUD13,502 per year for each
child. Costs can vary between states, territories and schools in Australia, and you are responsible for checking how much your
child’s schooling will cost.

6.2 Source of funds

Please outline the source of funds to cover your expenses outlined above in section 6.1 and the percentage of
funds from the nominated source below.
You will be required to provide evidence to demonstrate genuine
Personal income %
access to the funds required to cover the total costs in section 6.1 (F).
Savings, term
You will be required to provide evidence to demonstrate genuine
deposits, provident X %
access to the funds required to cover the total costs in section 6.1 (F).
funds
You will be required to provide evidence of the loan and the income
Education loan or
source for loan repayment. Please confirm what percentage of the %
personal loan
total costs in section 6.1 (F) will be funded through the loan.
Funds from the sale You will be required to provided evidence of land/property ownership,
X %
of land/property details of the purchaser and evidence of funds deposit.
You will be required to provide evidence to demonstrate your
Private sponsorship X relationship to the sponsor(s) and evidence of savings and/or income %
for each proposed sponsor.
You will be required to provide a signed undertaking from the
Scholarship scholarship provider which details the value and conditions of the %
scholarship award, and the issuing officer/authority
7. Student Declaration
If you are under 18 years of age, this form should be signed by your parent or legal guardian.

X I declare that I am a genuine student and that the information and documentation provided to ECU are a
true and accurate representation of myself and do not include any false or misleading information.
PRINT NAME SIGNATURE DATE

NGUYEN PHUONG LINH 07/11/2024

7
ECU Genuine Student (GS) Assessment Form_v1 CRICOS Institution Provider Code: 00279B
 Edith Cowan University
Student Administration, Admissions

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

X Genuine Student Assessment Form with all sections fully completed.

X Evidence of prior study and employment.
X Evidence of previous visa grants, refusals, and cancellations for and your spouse (if married).
Marriage certificate (if married), and your spouse’s resume (if your spouse is employed).
Any supporting evidence you have to support your Genuine Student responses.
Evidence of financial capacity (documents will be requested later - the following requirements will apply).
Bank Statements Fixed Deposit/Term Deposit Statements
 Fixed or term deposit statements must be issued by an
 Statements must be issued by an accepted financial
accepted financial institution which is registered with the
institution which is registered with the appropriate
appropriate central, reserve or national bank or relevant
central, reserve or national bank or relevant monetary
monetary authority.
authority.
 Statements must include the name of address of the
 Statements provided should cover a minimum period of
financial institution where funds are held, the name of the
6 months prior to application submission and ECU may
account holder, the deposit date, deposit amount, and term
request additional statements as evidence of regular
duration/term end date.
income.
 Where the term deposit was made within the last 6 months,
 Statements will be verified with the relevant central/
additional evidence must be provided to evidence the
issuing financial institution.
source of funds (including previous term deposit
 Statements provided as evidence of business income
statements where this has been renewed or extended).
should be supported by relevant company income tax
 Statements will be verified with the relevant
documents and financial audit reports.
central/issuing financial institution.
Income Evidence Personal/Education Loans
 Evidence of income may include 2-3 years of official  A copy of the loan approval document/letter which is in the
income tax documents, and bank statements showing name of the applicant or the proposed sponsor should be
salary payment receipts for a minimum of 12 months provided as evidence, when requested.
(refer to bank statement guidance above), together  Loan approval documents should show the date of the loan
with supporting salary slips. approval, the total amount of the loan and should be issued
 Income evidence may be required for yourself or for by an accepted government body or financial institution
your sponsors. For sponsors, evidence of your which is registered with the appropriate central, reserve or
relationship will also be required. national bank or relevant monetary authority.
 Where income is from the sale of land or property or  Loan documents will be verified with the relevant issuing
from rental income, additional evidence will be financial institution and evidence of loan disbursement may
required, such sale deeds or registration documents. also be required.

Agent Declaration
If you are applying via an ECU authorised agent, your agent must complete the declaration below.

The information provided in this application has been completed by the applicant and is a true and
accurate representation of the applicant.

The original documents provided in support of this application have been sighted by me. I have taken all
necessary steps to validate the information being provided to ECU to ensure that this does not include
any false or misleading statements or evidence.

ECU Authorised Representative

Stamp Representative name and position

Signature

Date

8
ECU Genuine Student (GS) Assessment Form_v1 CRICOS Institution Provider Code: 00279B