Pre-visa assessment
Pre-visa assessment is compulsory for all offshore applicants. Find out what the process involves and what to do if you're refused a student visa.
The Department of Home Affairs has a new Genuine Student (GS) requirement for student visas. This means Federation must make sure that international applicants want to come to Australia specifically to study and will be able to financially support themselves.
Genuine Student (GS) proof
To prove that you're a genuine student, you'll need to submit a personal statement that addresses the GS criteria. You'll also need to provide documents that show you can cover both your tuition fees and living costs in Australia for at least the first 12 months, either through existing funds or ongoing income. Extra documents or a short interview with a staff member may also be required.
If you don't pass this pre-visa assessment, we may refuse to accept your course application, withdraw an offer or cancel your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). We also reserve the right to apply the pre-visa assessment process to all deferred applications, particularly if there has been a change in your circumstances.
You are required to submit your GS documents and forms at least nine weeks before your course start date.
Visa refusals
We generally don't accept applications from students who have been refused a student visa (through Federation or any other Australian institution) within the last two years.
If you receive your Federation CoE but are refused a visa, we'll be notified and will cancel your CoE. Although we don't usually reissue CoEs, if you believe there are extenuating circumstances and would like to apply for a later intake, forward your visa refusal notice to Admissions staff and include a detailed explanation and supporting documentation. We'll then decide whether to issue a new CoE. If you're applying to study in Ballarat, Berwick or Gippsland, email internationaladmissions@federation.edu.au. If you're applying to study through one of our partner providers, contact staff at that institute.