Guide for supporting Australian Visa Application

A QUICK GUIDE TO DEVELOPING A QUALITY STATEMENT OF PURPOSE TO SUPPORT YOUR AUSTRALIAN VISA APPLICATION

29 June 2020

Ministerial Direction 69 sets out the factors the Australian Government take into account when determining whether an applicant meets the GTE requirement or not. As this is such an important direction, New Horizons Australia Institute of Technology’s application process now models these guidelines when assessing student applications.

It is important to note that each Statement of Purpose must be unique and should be written by student based on his/her experience, background, future career plans.

We encourage all agents and students to address the following when developing a Statement of Purpose.

1. Previous Study (or gaps between study and enrolment)

A student should explain the link between their prior education to their chosen course of study. If the link isn’t direct, there should be a reasonable detailed explanation on why they have chosen the course they have. It’s best to counsel a specific explanation. Simply saying I want to be an “IT guy” is not sufficient.

It is also important for students to address if there have been any gaps in their background, and they should provide an explained reason for that gap and why they are now deciding to commence studies.

2. Current or past employment

A student should explain the link between their career to-date (if applicable) and demonstrate how their chosen course of study will either advance an existing career or help them transition to a new career.

3. Value of this course to the applicant’s future

Applicants should outline what research they have undertaken to assess how this course will assist their career goals.

One suggested research task is for students to familiarize themselves with job boards in their home country to better understand their employability after completing their studies.

New Horizons offers a unique value add through the global software certifications they can gain during study. It is recommended students provide evidence of this as a requirement from employers – locally and globally.

One example would be if the student is looking to start a career in project management to demonstrate employers who are looking for candidates with PRINCE2® Certification.

A further example would be to show the difference in salaries in their home country and abroad once a candidate has one of the certifications they can gain through New Horizons.

4. Communicating why they choose New Horizons
The student must show in-depth of research and knowledge about their chosen course, and their decision-making process.

They should identify other colleges they have considered, and why they have discounted each specific college.

They should show what other courses they looked at and why they discounted those specific courses.

They should then demonstrate why they selected the school and the course they have.

Where they have selected New Horizons, they should specifically state their ability to study alongside Australian business professionals who also study at the school, and that they can gain globally recognized vendor certifications, which they cannot gain through other providers or qualifications.

Full details about our school, our qualifications and the certifications included can be found at:

5. Communicating a desire for further study

If students have a desire to study further, they should outline their research findings about pathway options.

If this is a new field of study, and the student is not yet sure about further study, it might be a good option for them to mention instead of studying a Bachelor of Information Technology for 4 years, that they prefer studying a Diploma level first (which costs less and takes less time) to see if they like the program before they proceed to further study.

6. Communicating why they choose Australia and their study city

The student must explain why they chose Australia as their study destination, and also why they chose not to study this specific field or course in their home country.

It is important that this explanation equally balances career goals and why Australia and not their home country can provide the best platform, the educational differences between Australia and their home country, and the social development they can gain in Australia.

Student should also show a knowledge of the city and campus they have chosen and explain why this city will be of value to them outside of study.

7. Economic circumstances in their home country or country of residence

Each country is different, and circumstances can change at any time. Students do need to address their economic environment and financial circumstances – linking back to their decision to study abroad, and how that will improve their situation on returning.

Some suggestions would be to show the changes over time of education standards, or employment figures in their home country or globally.

They could refer to reputable reports on the economic state of the country, tax reforms, or banking or education institutes.

They should identify organizations they have researched that they believe will be an ideal employer for them when they return. Demonstration of realistic employment opportunities with these companies is of extreme value.

8. Ties to home country and family

It is important students share the family and/or social ties they have to their home country. The applicant needs to explain the significant incentive these social and family ties have on their desire to return once study is complete.

9. Financial support whilst studying

Students need to be able to demonstrate how they will support themselves financially whilst in Australia, and demonstrate that they have a clear understanding of the current living costs. They also need to demonstrate awareness of their visa and financial obligations whilst studying.

In summary, the Government will make a decision on a student visa application based on the information provided by the student. It is therefore imperative that a student clearly outlines their case, providing as much evidence as possible for a fair assessment. As Ministerial Direction 69 is the brief guide for the decision makers, it is crucial for students to follow this guideline.

We have developed this as a guide only. We highly recommend you evaluate your Statements of Purpose in line with Ministerial Direction 69 guidelines. If you are an agent, please counsel students and assist them in finalizing their application with this in mind.

ICT60115 – Advanced Diploma of Information Technology