Instructions for applicants: Use this as a GUIDE in writing your SOP for Australian admissions and student visa application purpose. Your SOP must be written in a separate paper, no more than two pages. Use the guidelines below to assist you in presenting your SOP in a genuine and accurate manner.

1. Start your SOP with a brief introduction stating your full name, date of birth, nationality and where you are currently living. You must also include the name of the course and institution where you intend to study and identify who will sponsor or finance your studies in Australia.

2. Provide brief details of your education history - from Year 10 and 12 equivalent qualifications to your highest qualification.

3. If applicable, describe your employment history including the name of the company, job title and the duration of each job you have held.

4. Give honest reasons for any major gaps in your studies and/or employment history and where possible, attach documentary evidence to your SOP.

5. Describe the specific research you conducted which led you to decide on your selected course. You must state the reasons on why you have chosen the selected course of study and why you have chosen to study at Charles Darwin University. You must include the full title and duration of the course and the specific location or campus at CDU where this course is being offered. You should also be able to identify the career opportunities or professional recognition aligned with the course that you are intending to study. This can be found in the course information in the prospectus and at the CDU website: http://www.cdu.edu.au/international/future-students/courses

6. State how your selected course is linked to your previous study and/or work experience. If there is no link, explain why you are seeking a change of discipline and therefore a career change.

7. If there are similar courses of the same international standing available in your home country, provide reasons on why you choose to study in Australia instead. Also explain how this course will benefit you in your future career prospects back in your home country or in other international settings where employment opportunities may be available for you.

8. If you have dependents (spouse and children), please provide their names and age. Also indicate if they plan to accompany you or join you later or remain in your home country whilst you study in Australia.

9. Provide clear and compelling reasons for returning to your home country once you successfully complete your selected course in Australia. In this section, you must be able to show your genuine intention to temporarily stay in Australia as a student and have clearly outlined your plans about your future post-Australian studies.

10. Provide details of any other relevant or critical information that the visa assessing officers would expect you to disclose
- e.g. details of previous visa refusal/s, unusual sponsorship or financial conditions, reasons for frequent overseas travel, etc. If possible, attach any documentary evidence to your SOP.