Preparing for a Genuine Student Requirement Interview (GSRI) requires thorough preparation and a clear understanding of what assessors are looking for. Here’s some advice on how to avoid common mistakes, based on an Assessor’s viewpoint:
- Be Confident in Your Course, and also Your choice of Major or Specialization
You may know the course name but have no idea of which major or specializations you have applied for. Assessors would like to see that you are committed to your chosen course of study, and this includes having a complete understanding of the course you have applied for. We suggest the following:
Research Your Course: Before the interview, thoroughly research your course details, including the units you will study, specializations, and career prospects.
Explain Your Interest: Clearly articulate why you would like to choose this particular course and particular major or specialization how it aligns with your academic and future career goals.
- Have a Clear and Defined Future Plan
You may discuss several job positons when asked about your future employment intentions. Assessors are interested in understanding your specific plan and how your studies fit into them. You should be prepared to discuss:
Career Goals: Clearly outline your career aspirations and the specific job role you aim to pursue after graduation.
Job market Research: Show that you have researched the job market in your home country and how your Australian education will help you secure your desired position.
- Consider the Total Cost of Your Education and Demonstrate Clear Financial Planning
You may know annual tuition fee and living cost very well, but may not be aware of the total cost for the entire course duration. It is important that you listen to the question carefully and provide us with the TOTAL cost for the duration of your course. Assessors expect you to have a realistic understanding of the financial implications of studying abroad. You should:
Calculate Total Costs: Research and understand the total expenses involved, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs for the duration of your study.
Financial Planning: Demonstrate that you have planned for these expenses and have the means to support yourself throughout your studies. This will enable you to understand and comment on your return on investment.
- Provide Specific Reasons for Choosing Southern Cross University
You may think that your answer sounds good, but many students fail to think outside the box and provide unique responses. We often see very generic answers to this question, which could be applicable to any Universities in Australia. Assessors would like to know why you specifically choose Southern Cross University. You must be able to:
Research the University: Understand what makes the Southern Cross University unique, such as its programs, the SCU model, faculty, campus facilities, or location.
Personalize Your Answer: Provide specific reasons that demonstrate your genuine interest in and reasons for studying at this particular institution.
- Address Visa Issues and Refusals Honestly
You may have a negative visa history in the past and try to hide the outcome from us. However, a visa refusal is not necessarily the end of the world! We need you to explain the situation so we can help you through the process. Assessors need to be assured of your visa compliance and history, so you must:
Disclose Previous Visa Issues: If you have had visa refusals or issues in the past, be transparent about them and explain what you have done to resolve any concerns.
Assure Compliance: Emphasize your commitment to complying with visa conditions and demonstrate that you understand and respect Australian immigration laws.
- Provide Strong Incentives for Returning Home Country beyond just your Family ties
Many students only mention about their family ties as a reason for returning home after completing their degree, but nothing else. This will not score you maximum points. Assessors would like to see that you have compelling reasons to return home, so be prepared to discuss:
Career and Professional Plans: Highlight how your education in Australia will enable you to contribute to your home country’s industry or community.
Local Opportunities and Cultural Connection: Mention specific opportunities in your home country, such as job offers, business plans, or community projects that you plan to engage with after graduation. Also, your unique cultural connection would be another strong bond for your return.
- Understand Currency Conversion and Financial Management
You may know your local currency well when being asked about your sponsor’s income or expectation of salary, but have no idea about them in Australia dollars. Assessors expect you to understand the financial aspects of studying in Australia with updated knowledge of the exchange rate between Australia and your home country, and consistent research. It is important that you:
Currency Conversion: Be aware of currency conversion rates and how they affect your financial planning.
Financial Management: Demonstrate that you have considered currency fluctuations and have a plan to manage your finances effectively while studying abroad.
Conclusion
Preparing for your GSRI from the Assessor’s viewpoint involves thorough research, clear communication, and honesty about your intentions and plans. By avoiding these common mistakes and addressing the Assessors’ expectations, you can present yourself as a genuine and well-prepared applicant. Remember to showcase your commitment to your chosen course and university, demonstrate your understanding of visa requirements, and prepare to discuss your financial planning and future aspirations confidently.
Good luck with your interview!
Comments
Thank you, Candy, for sharing this insightful article. The practical tips presented from an assessor's perspective are incredibly valuable, offering clear guidance on how students can better prepare for their interviews. By focusing on the key aspects highlighted, students will gain a deeper understanding of what is expected of them. This article serves as an excellent guide, and I highly recommend students read it thoroughly before their interviews. It will undoubtedly help them avoid common mistakes and present themselves as genuine and well-prepared candidates.
Thank you Candy for sharing your helpful tips with the GSR Interview. If applicants come to the interview watched the training video, did their own researches and read these articles to avoid the common mistakes, I am sure that they can make it, easilly!
Thank you Candy for this Brilliant Write up. It is indeed a realy helpful article while a student is preparing for a GSR interview. A thorough guideline on what should be included. what information are relevant will surely boost the confidence of a candidate rather then preparing with irrelavent researches. This article is recommanded and important for anyone scheduled for an interview. Definately will help a student to score the interview positive.
Thank you Candy for sharing this article on interview expectations from assessor viewpoint. These are really very helpful tips for the students, how they need to prepare for the interview, they should do their own unique research, be transparent, have clear knowledge for financial planning, etc. These are the execellent tips if student follow these tips, they are going pass interview without any obstacle.
Thank you very much, Candy, for sharing this meaningful article. The seven tips mentioned in the article are very practical and are presented from an assessor's perspective. This will help students better prepare for their interviews and understand which aspects they need to focus on. This article is an excellent guide, and I strongly recommend that students read it thoroughly before their interviews, as it will be of great help to them.
Thank you Candy for this article, It provides comprehensive and practical advice for students preparing for the Genuine Student Requirement interview. Student surely finds this as a good guide to help them to avoid common mistakes and present themselves as genuine and well-prepared candidates.
Thank you for sharing the tips to ace a Genuine Student Requirement Interview, Candy!
It'd be benefitial for students to read this article to comprehend how assessor would evaluate their responses.I concur with John that if you watch the training video and take the advice from Candy and Janthini, you will nail it!
Thanks to Candy for this post. It provides excellent advice for preparing for a GSRI. It's crucial for applicants to research their chosen course, understand the total cost of education, and provide specific reasons for selecting Southern Cross University. Thank you for these practical tips that will undoubtedly help students present themselves as genuine and well-prepared candidates.
Thanks for this excellent article, Candy.
Students are very lucky to get the inside information from someone actually doing the GSR interviews. Understanding the requirements from an Assessor's point of view is a wise move. If you watch the training video and take the advice from the Assessors, you'll have no problem passing your GSRI!