Many Australian universities and colleges have world-class rankings for their standard of education. They have trained faculties that impart knowledge through quality teaching methods. It is a favorite destination for Indian students who want to study abroad. It is evident from the fact that in the last few years, Indian students have become the second-largest population that enrolls in Australian universities. The extra focus on the academic record of the student and the SOPs they submit are the largest factors in deciding your authenticity as a student who can be allowed to study and stay in the country. Sadly, a maximum number of Indian students cannot realize their dream of studying in Australia because of its expensive tuition fees and living costs. For some courses, the fees can even be double what some other developed countries demand. Still, Australian education is positively incomparable with the standard, facilities, and opportunities that a student can get while living in the country. For deserving students, there are innumerable scholarship options available through which they can ask for financial assistance that can ease their stay in the country. Students can prove themselves worthy of a scholarship by writing an impeccable statement of purpose (SOP) and stating their reasons for asking for a scholarship.
What is SOP for Australian scholarships and how are they relevant for Indian Students
SOP for Australian scholarships is an essay letter which is written by students who cannot submit their tuition fees or cover the costs of their living expenses while staying in Australia as a student. This SOP can be addressed to the university in which you have applied to study. They follow a different pattern than the course SOP that is written for admission purposes. Students should provide valid reasons for their funds requirement as they should be acceptable in the academic atmosphere. You can highlight the contributions that you are ready to make while staying in Australia.
Indian students are some of the most competitive and hard-working individuals in the world. Australian government and universities too acknowledge this fact and are more than willing to give a chance to scholar students who have the potential to do better in life. Thus, students should take extra caution in their research on ‘SOP for Australian scholarships’. Make sure that your content is limited to two or less than two pages as there is no point in extending your write-up with unnecessary details. Clear and crisp writing that uses formal English language is admired by the officials. If you are not sure about your writing skills that can convince the university to give you a scholarship, you can contact professional SOP writers who can do this job for you in a foolproof manner.
Significance of SOP for Australian Scholarships
Your SOP for Australian scholarship must bring out your passion for your subjects. You can write about specific modules or topics that you hope to learn about and how you hope to use this knowledge in your future career opportunities. Indian students compete with other students from all around the world to secure a place in Australian universities. A student’s previous academic scores take the front seat while authorities decide their worth for a scholarship. This is followed by the SOP written by the student. Taking part in social activities, community work, or recognition in some field through awards are some other factors that can increase the chances of your scholarship application being accepted.
Points to keep in mind when writing SOP for Scholarships
Good start to your SOP– Introducing yourself in an impactful manner can hook the reader to your SOP. You do not have to mention your name or other details that are already a part of your resume as repeating them will only make your SOP general. State the scholarship name for which you have applied along with the course and university.
Map out significant details– To be on the safe side of avoiding errors while writing your SOP, it is better to work out a rough plan of important points that have to be a part of your document. Keep in mind that the SOP for Australian scholarships is different from the SOP that is written for course or visa purposes. Research work can be a powerful tool for students as it will enhance their knowledge about the key points that are a part of scholarship SOPs.
Strong academic foothold– If you are an Indian student who is studying in school or college and hopes to pursue a degree or diploma course from Australia then you should strive to maintain excellent scores throughout your academic journey. Your SOP should justify the academic level you maintained as a student. You can write about activities and interests that you followed beyond your studies or how your passion for a subject motivated you to pursue a course in Australia. Students who have scored less than 40% are very rarely preferred for the scholarship programs.
Purpose of scholarship– Australia offers a wide variety of scholarships to international students and they can all be given for a different purpose. Housing expenses, research-oriented courses, internship or training programs, and sports scholarships for athletes are some of the common motives for students to apply for financial aid. Your SOP for the Australian scholarship can work as a charm by granting you monetary relaxation on such crucial expenses.
Impactful SOP– Universities and colleges go through thousands of SOPs that request scholarship applications. A majority of them have general statements that do not have any base or are copied from websites or friends. It is easy to reject such applications and difficult for the authorities to find students who are deserving of these precious scholarships. You can enhance the impact of your SOP for the scholarship by choosing relevant words to describe your situation and how your chosen course will work for you in the future.
Relevance of course– A maximum number of Australian scholarships are given on a merit basis only. Good marks in subjects that you now want to study in Australia will give you preference as a deserving candidate for a scholarship. Your subjects should have relevance to your previous academic qualification and the future that you hope to make after studying in Australia. However, students should be careful about not over-explaining this point as it can lead to other doubts or incomplete information for the evaluator.
Language test results- People from all around the world who have diverse backgrounds live in Australia today. However, English remains the most spoken language in the country. International students have to take the IELTS examination to ascertain the authorities that the student will be able to live in the country without facing communication difficulties. Students have to write in their SOPs the scores they have received in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as they cannot be below 6.5 band.
Justify the need for a scholarship– This is the main point that is focused upon in your SOP for Australian scholarship. Students have to write in detail the reasons for which they want financial benefits from the country or university. You can write about your family problems, health concerns, extra expenditure for some reason, or other personal issue because of which you need help in the form of a scholarship to complete your education in Australia.
Prove eligibility– Other than the language exam there are no other qualifying tests that you have to take to apply for your application. However, some universities can have proper guidelines or expectations from you if you are choosing some specific course. This eligibility can be in the form of work experience, research papers, very high academic scores, or practical work that you have been a part of. A specific skill in which you have expertise should find a place in your SOP.
Who offers you a scholarship for Australia?
Scholarships for International students or Indian students in particular, are provided either by the Australian government or the university/college in which you have applied for your study program. Some private and public organizations, corporations, or institutes that focus on education can also have grants reserved for specific courses. Good research work can help you understand what is required for you to be able to get a scholarship, For example, some officials may favor students who are good in sports or are skilled in using software programs and developing algorithms. You can target a choice that suits your qualifications well and then create an SOP by proving your eligibility as a student who will be an asset to the university.
Sample SOP for Australia Scholarship
Modern science has done wonders in the field of healthcare for our time. My education in this field has enabled me to make my small though significant contribution to this field of work. However, to enhance the value of my work and upskill my professional capabilities I have decided to pursue a doctorate degree from the University of Adelaide, Australia. Due to some reasons, I will not be able to cover my tuition fees and living expenses in the country which is why I am writing this application to kindly consider me worthy of the Australian government research training program scholarships or the University of Adelaide research scholarship.
I completed my High school education at Kulachi Handraj Model School with 89% marks in my board examinations. Owing to my interest in biology and chemistry I decided that a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry would be the right subject for my graduation. In all the semesters of my graduation, I was among the top 5-6 students who obtained excellent results in their examinations. I was a favorite among the faculty members for my dedication and approach to studies. The teachers often asked me to help the juniors with notes and concepts that were difficult to understand. In my school and college years, I was a champion of chess and won many competitions and awards for my institutions. My friends even used to call me a wizard of this game.
During this time, one of my aunts on the paternal side of the family was diagnosed with cancer and therefore had to go through severe treatment. This incident really moved me as I realized the number of people who became victims of this disease was massive. I made up my mind to do something about this situation on my part. When I discussed this scenario with my teachers, they guided me to obtain a master’s degree in Human Genetics from a good university. With sheer hard work, I managed to secure a seat in the Masters of Science (Genetics) program in the next year. My parents were really proud of my achievement and were glad to see me work toward a bright career. I worked as a Lab technician with one of the most reputed hospitals in Delhi for three years. After realizing that it is now time to work toward my actual goal and become a cancer research specialist I must acquire a PhD in Genetics. In my search for a good college, I found out that the University of Adelaide has the best healthcare programs in the world and is well-reputed in India too.
It is because of the difficult financial conditions that are being faced by my family that I am asking you to grant me a fully-funded scholarship. We are a family of four people and have been living in Delhi for the past 20 years. My father is a cab driver and has been in this occupation for the past 17-18 years. My mother is a homemaker and my younger sister is in the first year of her graduation from Delhi University. Our parents have raised both me and my sibling with utmost love and care as we have never felt any dearth of resources for us in our growing years. Unfortunately, my sister had an accident a few days ago because of which she suffered a serious injury in one of her legs. A private hospital has told us that she would have to undergo surgery that will improve her condition. The surgery will cost our family 6-7 lakh rupees. My father and I are the only earning members of the family and a good part of our income is currently being used in fulfilling basic household necessities and medications for my sister. All the amount that my parents saved up in the last few years will be used up for my sister’s operation which is due in the next two weeks.
My tuition fees for this course sum up to 55,000 Australian dollars. There will be an added amount after calculating my living and maintenance costs. Me and my family do not have the monetary strength to submit such a hefty amount for my fees. It will be very disheartening for me and my family to let go of such a rare educational opportunity due to a situation of financial crunch in the family. Earlier, I might have considered taking an education loan but in the current circumstances, it will be very difficult for me and my family to pay the high interest. Therefore, I request you with all earnestness to kindly find me eligible for the scholarship program that will help me in submitting my tuition fees and affording my living costs in Australia.
As a student, I am more than willing to make my excellent academic and extracurricular contribution to the University of Adelaide. Moreover, my hopes to become a good cancer research professional will only come true if I am given this opportunity. I can assure you that my work will bring laurels to the university’s name and recognition.
Thank you for reading this application. I look forward to a positive response from you.
Sincerely
Anshul Pandey
Conclusion
More than one hundred thousand students from India go to Australia every year to accomplish their educational goals. There is no age limit in the country for people who can apply for educational courses which is why it is a favorite study-abroad destination for professionals in India who want to upskill themselves. The importance of SOP can be realized by the fact that it is the only document through which students can directly communicate their motive to study a course, personal attachment to their subjects, uniqueness from other candidates, and the future they see after gaining qualification from Australia. If possible, write about your financial situation in India and what exactly you hope to do with the funds received from the scholarship. Tuition fees, living expenses, and travel fares are some equitable reasons that will give value to your explanations. Students who have brilliance in any field can get a scholarship of a specific amount or 100% fully funded for their program. However, it can be complicated and confusing to find the right information that has to be a part of your SOP which is why students should start planning, writing, and applying well ahead of time so that they do not miss out on the chance of studying in Australia.
We, at Contentholic, offer SOP Writing Services in India to all the students who wish to study in Australia but struggle with writing their own SOP. Our SOP Writers are experienced, well-trained, and aware of the guidelines for writing the best SOP. A lot of media has also covered us and awarded us for being the best company in the field of SOP Writing. So, give us a call to get yourself a well-written SOP for Scholarship.
