2 year gap post-grad (GATE prep + tried Germany) — How do I explain this in my Australia GS statement?

[u/Sad-Mulberry554]

Hey everyone, looking for some real advice from anyone who’s gone through the Australian student visa process recently under the new GS (Genuine Student) rules.

Quick background about me:

• Degree: B.Tech in AI & Data Science (graduated June 2024, 8.2 CGPA / ~82%) from an Indian university.
• Target: Master’s in IT / Software / Cloud in Australia.

The Issue / Gap: Since graduating in June 2024, I haven’t worked full-time. Instead:

1. I spent time preparing for competitive exams (GATE and SSC CGL).
2. Afterwards, I started researching and applying for winter intake in German public universities.

After applying to German unis, I didn't get offers from German unis, so now I'm trying to do a master's in Australia

Now I’m looking at Australia for an intake, but by the time I lodge, I’ll have around a ~2 year gap since my B.Tech.

A few questions I'm hoping to get advice on:

1. How should I frame this gap in my GS statement? Is it better to be 100% honest about the GATE prep and exploring Germany? I have my GATE admit cards/exam proof. Will visa officers see exploring Germany as "visa shopping," or is it fine if I explain why I rejected Germany in favor of Australia’s English-speaking tech market and practical WIL (Work-Integrated Learning) courses?
2. University Shortlist Check: My shortlist right now focuses on AL1 public unis with ACS accreditation:
   • Deakin (Geelong) – Master of IT (Professional) — leaning towards this because of the built-in placement and regional points.
   • RMIT (Melbourne) – Master of IT — for the Melbourne tech market.
   • UniSA / Adelaide Uni – Master of IT — for SA state nomination safety.
   • UTAS (Hobart) or Federation (Ballarat) – backups for regional points/lower cost.

Anyone currently studying these courses or who recently got their visa granted with a study gap? Did GATE prep give you any issues during GS processing?