SOP Writing Tips

What is an SOP?

SOP stands for “Statement of Purpose” this document is a supportive document which is critically needed for a person who applies for a student visa or dependent visa for migrate purposes.

There are two types of SOPS

1.???? Visa SOP

2.???? University Student SOP

The only difference of these documents are the purpose and some of the structure changes. There is a specific structure which external migration agents has given to candidates. Based on that structure I’m going to provide you some special tips you must know when you write a SOP.

Tips

• First of all, you must gather these basic requirements when you write a SOP.
• Your Sop should be a strong document, so that Visa will be granted within a short time period and avoiding rejections.
• You must strictly follow the structure of the SOP when you write it use the sample document given by your agent.
• But if you are not going through an agent, these tips will be highly important for you to carry out the process without any external support.
• Provide all the true facts and details with the necessary proofs and examples.
• Cover all the topics/ structure of the SOP by providing all the relevant details.
• Writing style/ spelling & grammar/ clarity/ formal structure/ formatting should be followed.
• Plagiarism should be less than 15% check use of the Turnitin software before you submit it to the agent or the respective parties.

What is the Structure?

?? Introduction about yourself, please write and mention about the followings:

Full name, Date of birth, Passport no, Country and the location you want to apply, University and the intake you want to apply and the course program you want to apply.

?? My Family Background, please write and mention about the followings:

Brief explanation about the family, Parents and siblings job statuses.

If you are married; Kindly explain about your spouse’s educational background, Work experiences, what he/she is doing at the moment and What he/she will be doing there during the stay with you.

?? Your Academic Background, please write and mention about the followings:

Schools attended for O/Ls and A/Ls and the results sheets, Extracurricular activities and Any other higher education qualifications. Professional qualifications, diplomas or any other short courses you have done. Degree programs, university, GPA, duration

?? Your Work Experiences, please write and mention about the followings:

Workplaces and designations you were held and you are holding now and the experiences you gained. If required, please mention the job roles/ duties.

?? Your Post Study Research, please write and mention about the followings:

Why you want to go overseas for your higher education, Research about the similar options you have in Sri Lanka, Research about options you have in other countries than in Australia. Compare with two other countries.

?? Why did I choose this course, please write and mention about the followings:

What is the exact intention of studying this program and the pathway for choosing this? How it relates to you and with what you have done, what makes you interested in choosing this program and how it supports your future career goals. (Need a long explanation) (Three paragraphs are enough) mention the course structure and the source link.

?? Why did I choose this country as my Higher Educational Destination, please write and mention about the followings:

Reasons for choosing this particular country and Compare and contrast between two other countries. Mention about the culture, weather, benefits, opportunities, social background, cost of living, country environment.

?? Why did I choose this university to complete my Higher Studies, please write and mention about the followings:

Reasons for choosing this particular university, Compare and contrast between two other universities and Add the course structure. Draw a table and inside the columns name them Coutntry/location, University, Course name, duration, course fee (per annum) compare with similar courses.

Then select the main university explain it in an one paragraph selecting the major reasons, university rankings, course structure, values, benefits, course fee, living expenses, lecture panels, academic opportunities, employment etc.

?? Your Financial Background, please write and mention about the followings:

Sponsor details how he/she relates to you, Sponsors businesses, Sponsors incomes and additional incomes, Sponsors employment details, Fixed Deposits, Savings, Bank Accounts and Current Accounts details with bank balances, EPF balances, Current Assets and Noncurrent Assets. (Please provide the proofs) (Mention the conversion rates un AUD)

?? My Return on Investment, please write and mention about the followings:

Reasons for returning back to SriLanka, Attached evidence of job opportunities, designations and the organizations you will join in SriLanka after completing your studies overseas. (Need a proper explanation) mention the home ties, family business details, your career goals, compare two job opportunities and their salary ranges in LKR and AUD both.

?? Living Arrangements

Mention how you are going to stay during your study period.

?? Visa Refusals

Mention any visa refusals if you have gone through before giving reasons and proper explanations.

?? Summary

End up the SOP with a good comments and requesting to the respective parties to get a positive comment. Thanking note, your name and date.

(Please note that this structure can be different to other countries like UK, Canada, New Zealand)

Note:

• Do not mention that you are going to stay after completing your studies for the purpose of getting the PR (Permanent Residence)
• Do not mention that you are going to take up a part-time job to manage your living expenses and pay your course fee during your stay.
• Do not Criticize your home country directly mentioning the reasons.