Statement of Purspose

Introduction
Glad to introduce myself as Sandeep Singh , D.O.B 27/06/2000 and having Passport Number S 5924061. I am a
resident of VPO Tasimbli Distt sas Nagar, Punjab. I am an Indian Citizen.
Now I wish to pursue an internationally recognized program so that I can build a successful career at a global
platform or start my career with some reputed global companies in India immediately after graduation. Hence I
have decided to pursue Diploma of Business program from Russo Business School leading to Bachelor of Business
(Major in Accounting) program at James Cook University; Brisbane Campus, Australia.

Academic Background
I have a strong background to successfully complete such a program. I completed my Matriculation from Punjab
School Education Board in May, 2016 with 68.9% and Senior Secondary in Commerce stream from Central Board of
Secondary Education board in May, 2018 with 64%. Passing my Senior Secondary in Commerce stream has provided
me a platform to pursue anything related to business and its related field.
I also appeared for my IELTS examination in 27 October, 2018 and got an Overall Band score of 6.0.

Family Background
I came from a joint family. There are five members in my family. My grandfather, grandmother, father, sister and
me. My father name is Mr. Paramjeet Singh and mother name Late Surinder Kaur. I have a sister Rupinder Kaur.

Why not India?

I compared the available courses in my country but the main courses that were in demand were Bachelor in
Business only. The reasons I did not want to study further in my home country because:
 I compared the courses from Lovely Professional University, Guru Nanak Dev University, Punjab Technical
University, and Punjab University but the courses and their curriculum was the same at it was ten years ago.
There is growth in every field due to the technological advancements, globalization, etc. but the courses
delivered only provide the knowledge of the past.
 The teachers follow conventional methods of teaching. No effort is put on practical learning.
 The fee structures at government institutions are affordable but the infrastructure is below average, whereas
the private institutions charge hefty amount of fee while providing modern facilities.
 The Bachelor programs provide general information and no specialization is offered. One has to opt for Masters
program in order to pass out with their chosen area of specialization.
 Moreover, there are no high-paying jobs after Bachelors. One is considered a good candidate if he/she has
either pursued Masters or has an international exposure.

I did not choose the option of pursuing Masters because it would then take me five years to get employable. On the
other hand pursuing a specialist course overseas will make me employable in a lesser period of time. Therefore I
explored the option of overseas education, which will also provide me a positive and practical insight to my career.
The international exposure will prepare me to take up jobs at global level and help me develop my personality.

Why not other countries?

After getting my IELTS scores, I had to make the decision about the choice of country to pursue my further
education. It is based on a number of factors but my first preference was the choice of a comprehensive full time
course and an affordable fee structure. So I researched various countries and found the following:
Canada
 A number of bachelors of business programs are available in Canada which is of 4 years duration. Not only this,
the annual tuition fee is also expensive. The 4 years length is not something I prefer when I can do the same course
in 3 years in Australia.

UK
 Accounting and Financial Management BSc (Hons) program at Loughborough University is a four year program
and my preference is of 3 years
 For BSc Accounting and Finance at the University of Buckingham I do not fulfill its language requirements which
is Average of 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component).
 Business Management with Accounting BA (Hons) at London South Bank University is a three year program and
requires a humanities background and I come from commerce background.
 The provision of 2 years PSW visa is not provided to international students upon graduation.

USA
 Bachelor of Business (Accounting) program at the University of Texas is a three year program but the overall fee
structure is too high (USD $38, 730 per annum)
 BS in accountancy at University of Illinois is a comprehensive program and its curriculum includes 21 hours of
major coursework, but the fee structure is unaffordable for me (USD $32,662 per annum)
 The provision of 2 years PSW visa is not provided to international students upon graduation.

Why Australia?
After all this research in various counties; when I carefully examined the contents of websites
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/ and www.internationalstudent.com/study, I am more than convinced that Australia
is the best country for me to pursue my further education instead of any other country. In terms of affordability,
both in fee structures and living expenses, choice of course, institution, learning outcomes, course summaries and
content, country’s multicultural society and friendly people, graduate opportunities and what not. Without much
delay, I immediately finalized the option to study in Australia.

Australia provides excellent education along with a lowest living expenses and tuition fee which is affordable for me
as well as Australian degree is well recognized in the whole world. Australia is a favorite destination and a leading
choice for many of the international students because of the quality of education provided by experienced and top
class faculty members. Australia in today's time is one of the most developed countries and everybody is aware of
its ever increasing importance as an Educational Country. It homes some of the most highly preferred and rated
Universities in the world; and that too not only in specific disciple of studies but in all the wide areas of knowledge
too. Henceforth, Australia has the reputation for adopting new technologies at a faster rate than in most other
countries. This was the foremost reason to choose Australia as the country to host my further studies. I found
Australia is first preference of students who wish to study abroad. Also Australian qualifications are accepted
worldwide by the employers, companies and associations. I further started searching about Australia and
universities through social media. I also interacted with students and professors. I followed their posts to get
updated about details. I found success rate of international students is very high who get degrees and knowledge
from Australian education providers. I found Australia is the best for my needs, because it provides specialized
courses with gaining practical experiences. Australia is one of the best places to pursue one’s higher studies and the
country attracts thousands of students each year from various countries. The country provides world class
education which is recognized globally. Degree from an Australian education institution is considered of great value.
Besides that, the weather of Australia and my home country India are almost similar and with plenty of beaches and
a lot of wildlife and a variety of culture and plenty of adventure. Apart from education there will be a number of
events happening around the college. Every college and university has its own events and parties which involves
students, concentrating not only in studies but also cultural events that helps to mingle with multicultural people in
the university. These events remove all the stress and give a physical work out to body. As an international student,
I will definitely enjoy the different lifestyle and fun way of learning as they pursue higher education in Australia.
Furthermore the people of Australia are widely known to be very friendly and welcoming to the visitors. Australia
has some of the amazing landscapes, wildlife attracting enormous tourism and it has quickly grown to the top most
desired destination for many of the International Students. Australia currently also has one of the largest numbers
of international student’s enrolment. In contrast, the cost of tuition fees and living expenses for students are much
more affordable as compared to some other leading Countries making Australia more attractive as a study
destination. Furthermore, Australian government provides more than AUD $200 million each year in international
scholarship to help the students. Benefit is not only those international students are required to pay lesser fee but
they also receive the education that is one of the world’s finest.
Climate is also adaptable, as I would like to prefer Asian climates. Moreover, being an English speaking country, it
will also help me to improve my communication skills. All universities and colleges offer excellent academic
programs and teachings. In addition, numerous services and advisors are available to help students adapt to living in
Australia and ensure that the time spent in Australia is enjoyable.

In Australia, I will study in Brisbane, which is the capital of Queensland and home to more than 85,000 international
students. It is home to world-ranked leading educational providers having world-ranking universities and education
institutes that offer programs for all levels of international study across various subjects. Brisbane is Australia's
fastest-growing capital city for employment and offers a great range of opportunities in both the public and private
sectors. Brisbane is ranked second cheapest major city to live in Australia. Tuition fees are affordable and provide a
better value for your money. Here I can save up and enjoy a high quality of living without breaking my budget.

Reasons for choosing James Cook University

Choosing a course provider depends on a number of factors like course offered, course fee, location, etc. but my
preference while choosing one were the course duration and fee structure. Based on that, I conducted a detailed
research about various Australian universities and found the following:
 Charles Strut University offers either Bachelor of Business with other specializations or Bachelor of Accounting
separately. My Preference if to have a combination of both to learn its interrelation in the industry.
 Bachelor of Business with specialization Accounting at Southern Cross University is a three year program and its
total course fee is too high i.e. AUD $ 82, 800
 Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) at QUT is also a three year program and its total course fee is too high i.e.
AUD $ 92, 100.
 Bachelor of Business (Accounting) program at James Cook University is a two year program and its course
curriculum and fee structures are as per my preference and suitability. The total course fee is AUD $ 60, 800

Considering this, I have decided to study at James Cook University. It is the second oldest university in Queensland
and renowned for offering excellence in teaching and research. It is also Australia's leading university in the tropics
and has a vibrant multi-campus university. The university has student enrolments of more than 18,000 and growing,
including over 5000 international students from over 100 different countries. In 2011, JCU moved to within the
world's top 400 universities, as ranked by the Shanghai Jiao Tong ranking system and is recognized as one of the top
5% of universities worldwide. JCU is also a member of the select group of Innovative Research Universities. JCU is a
vibrant three-campus university with main campus locations in the tropical Queensland cities of Townsville and
Cairns and the city-state of Singapore. Some JCU degrees are also offered at JCU Brisbane, a campus operated by
Russo Higher Education Pty Ltd in Queensland's capital city of Brisbane along with education partners in Asia and
the Pacific. As a leading research university, JCU provides excellent facilities for teaching and learning. The unique
location of James Cook University allows nationally significant and internationally recognised research to be
conducted by both staff and students. The total research related income at JCU reached $52.6 million in 2010,
including funding from government, competitive grants and industry. And this is expected to rise strongly in the
coming years. JCU is a member of the national alliance, Innovative Research Universities and is one of the world's
leading research universities in the tropics. JCU is ranked in the top 400 universities in the world in the 2011
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking of World Universities. In the Asia Pacific region, JCU is ranked in
the top 100. JCU is ranked in the top 5% of universities worldwide based on 2011 assessments by two of the world's
leading university ranking systems - the Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Higher Education and Accreditation
Council. It is a member of the select group, Innovative Research Universities (IRU). IRU is one of the three university
alliances recognized by peak body Universities Australia. JCU has been ranked first in the world for citations in the
field of coral reef ecology. It has also been consistently ranked in the world's top three for research performance in
the areas of ecology and environment, plant and animal sciences and geosciences. JCU is ranked as Australia's
leading university in Environmental Science and Management and Fisheries Science research. And also ranked
among the top 12 tourism education institutions in the world and recognized for its focus on ecotourism. Over the
past five years, JCU academics have won 39 national awards for teaching excellence from the Australian Teaching
and Learning Council - more than many larger universities. Lastly, JCU is ranked as the 2ndInstitution in the world in
Climate Change (after the Smithsonian Institute) for max Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) citations per paper,
NASA is 3rd. (Thomson Reuters citation impact ranking).

Being an international student, I will study at the Brisbane campus, which is located in the heart of Brisbane central
business district and has easy access to both public and private transportation. The campus building is equipped
with the latest teaching technologies and has wireless internet access available on all campus floors. The campus
offers bachelor degrees, postgraduate programs in business and information technology as well English language
and academic pathways. And also provides a full range of support services and facilities for students to help them
make the most of their time at university.

Why Diploma of Business leading to Bachelor of Business?

The world of business has changed and today, globalization is the new normal. We live in a world in constant
movement. The way we do business internationally is always changing due to new technologies and a culture of
innovation. To succeed in this field; business professionals need to face these changes, learn students to drive
change, and think seriously about what kind of impact they want to have on the world, both personally and
professionally. It is also equally important to harness new ways of thinking and foster an innovative environment to
unleash creativity; and hence entrepreneurship is crucial for both the social and professional development of our
society. Entrepreneurship is the force that drives change through new ventures and projects, as well as in existing
ones. More than a tool to launch a business, entrepreneurship is a set of skills, behaviors, and attitudes that push
our students to design and implement innovative solutions to existing problems.
But Accounting is the best practice and key to the success and longevity of a business. Accounting data contributes
to valuable analysis with which to chart the progress of a business and support pivotal decision-making. This can be
particularly useful when projecting future profitability and at what rate it is sustainable based on the current
resources available. Accounting is the process of keeping, reporting and analyzing financial records. Accountants are
responsible for measuring a company or organization’s financial health, providing timely statements on budgets,
business transactions and tax returns to stakeholders. They are also responsible for monitoring an organization’s
financial operations and performance in order to help it run efficiently.
A program which combines the study of business and accounting provides an extremely strong platform to build a
career within or outside the commercial world. Accountancy is one of the fastest-growing areas of business activity.
Financial accountants report on the performance of an organization while management accountants provide
financial information to help with planning and strategy.

Considering this I have decided to pursue a specialized program in business and accounting at the undergraduate
level for career progression.
Course Details
Diploma of Business at Russo Business School is a foundational business program that will prepare me for further
education at the university level. It will provide me core skill-set in business acumen and will provide me
understanding of various business concepts over two trimesters.
Trimester 1:Academic and Business Skills Development, Contemporary Business Communications, Management
Fundamentals, Marketing Fundamentals.

Trimester 2: Accounting, Data Analysis and Management, Economics, Business Law.

The completion of my diploma will provide me direct entry to Bachelor of Business (Accounting) program. This
program will provide me the solid foundations needed for a prosperous business career in a modern organization. It
will equip me to apply the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are valued in today’s business world. It is a
flexible degree and will further provide me the foundation with the core business subjects. My chosen specialization
is accounting because Accounting is at the core of every organization, ensuring its financial viability.

The Bachelor of Business comprises of 24 subjects in total.The program of 24 subjects is made up of:

Core [Eight (8) subjects] +Major [Eight (8) subjects] +Electives [Eight (8) subjects], with the exception of Bachelor of
Business (Accounting).

Core Subjects- Accounting for Decision Making, Economics for Sustainable Business, Business Data Analysis and
Interpretation, Business, Environment and Society in the Tropics, Contemporary Business Communications,
Managing Consumer Markets, Business Law, Professional Internship.

Accounting Major Subjects-Accounting Principles and Systems, Cost and Management Accounting, Financial
Management, Business Modelling, Company Accounting, Contemporary Issues in Accounting, Performance
Management and Control, Auditing.
To fulfill the requirements of the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and to be eligible for accreditation with Certified
Practicing Accountants Australia (CPA Australia), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), I will complete the following subjects in addition to the units
comprising the major:Business InformationSystems, Law of Business Organisations, Taxation.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completion of my program, I will become equipped to:
 Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the accountancy discipline in the global context;
 Possess an up-to-date body of specialist accounting knowledge both theoretical and technical;
 Be able to apply International Accounting Standards, Australian Accounting Standards and Conceptual
Framework and have the ability to remain up-to-date with changes in regulations and reporting requirements;
 Be able to analyse and evaluate the financial position and performance of an organisation through the
examination of financial and non-financial data;
 Possess the technical and theoretical knowledge, competency and skills required to become a member of the
Australian accounting professional bodies, CPA Australia (CPAA), Chartered Accountants Australia and New
Zealand (CAANZ) and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
 Be able to work effectively in a team environment and communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to others in
different contexts: organisational, industry and globally;
 Be able to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility;
 Be ethically aware and possess appropriate professional skills for a career in accountancy;

Career Opportunities
There is a worldwide demand for Accountants in all areas of commerce, not-for profits and government.
After completion of my course, completion I will apply for post study work visa because Accountants are listed
among the long term skill shortage list in Australia. It means that this profession is in high demand in Australia and
it’s expected to grow in years to come. So post work visa will provide me a suitable opportunity to get some
experience about the business practices conducted in Australia at an international level. I will also become eligible
to apply for membership to CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants ANZ.

After gaining sufficient experience, I will return to India and start applying at entry level designations of Graduate
Accountant, Certified Practicing Accountant on completion of the CPA program, Chartered Accountant on
completion of the CA program, Credit Controller, Credit Analyst, Auditor, Financial Analyst or Consultant, Financial
Planner on completion of further financial planning qualifications, Finance Manager, Investment
Analyst/Consultant, Investment Manager, Business Analyst/Consultant, Corporate Secretary, Taxation Consultant,
Taxation Agent on completion of Tax Agent qualification, Systems Accountant and Forensic Accountant; in various
fields of professional accounting such as:
 Public accounting
 Auditing, internal and external
 Management Consulting
 Taxation
 Teaching
 Business Administration
 Management Accounting
 Financial Accounting
 Forensic Accounting

The field of accounting is always in demand in India and worldwide as it is the backbone of every business entity.
And international degree holders are always in demand in India and they are paid handsome packages as their skill
set is rare. My course is accredited with CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
(Chartered Accountants ANZ) and my experience will help me to gain all the required skills; which will prove to be
fruitful and useful in my job in India. I can find work with the leading organizations like IBM, HCL, WIPRO, Accenture
Inc., Infosys etc, or with public or private accounting firms, accounting departments in a variety of industries.
Due to my international qualification and experience, I will be able to demonstrate a wide range of skills including:
 Analytical and critical thinking
 Problem solving and Decision making skills
 Logical thinking
 Communication skills and Presentation and report writing skills
 Self-motivation, initiative and effective time management
 A close understanding of economic fluctuations and other external changes affecting business

The average pay of an Accountant in India in government sector is Rs. 3.5 lacs per year with other allowances and in
private sector is Rs 6, 06,014 per year. But based on my Australian degree, global perspective, better subject
knowledge and practical skill set, I can easily expect a handsome package between Rs. 9 – 11 lacs per annum while
starting my career in India.

Family and Financial Details

I belong to a nuclear family including my parents, myself and a elder sister. My family is well-settled and financially
stable; my father is an agriculturist Self Employee (DairyFarm) He has FDRs of INR 30 lacs at his end. And sister is a
student.

Reason to return India

My ultimate goal is to settle in India, both professionally and personally. So I will return to India after completion of
my course. Also being the eldest; it is my responsibility to care for my parents in their impending old age. Therefore
I wish to build a successful career in India so that I can support my parents personally and financially after their
retirement. For this, I will get married in India only at my rightful age.

Accommodation in Australia
I have no friends or relatives in Australia. Being new to the country I can take up shared rented accommodation --
closer to my campus. The university authorities can also help me in choosing the most suitable accommodation.

Visa Conditions
I am very much aware of the visa obligations:
 I have to attend university for maintaining 80% of attendance.
 I cannot work for more than 40hrs per fortnight.
 I have to secure a minimum 50% pass mark.
 I cannot change the university before 6 months.
 I have to maintain a valid health insurance for the full duration of my student visa.
 I have to inform my university about any change of address and contact.

I also wish to state that I have no prior travelling history to Australia.

In the light of the above, I request you to kindly consider my application and grant me student visa.

Yours faithfully

Sandeep Singh