Statement of Purpose

Introduction :
I am happy to make your acquaintance. I am Shilu Chapagain passport no: (04027311721) from,
Gauradaha jhapa My temporary address is Kadaghari, I was Born on November 5th, 1998. I am
interested In finance and Accountancy and I want to get a masters degree in professional accounting
at ACU University in Australia. Enrolling in a postgraduate program is undoubtedly an investment in
one’s professional future. Pursuing a Master’s degree in professional accounting from a prestigious
institution such as ACU University in Australia is an exceptional opportunity that will serve as a
foundation for my career aspirations. The knowledge, skills, and connections that I will gain through
this program will undoubtedly enhance my credentials and provide me with a competitive edge in the
job market

Academic Background :
As per my academic background, I have a schooling background starting from Geoffrey English
School in Dharampur, Jhapa, where I completed my School Leaving Certificate (SLC) with a 62.25%
score in June 2014. I further pursued my higher education from Projjwal Collegiate Academy Higher
Secondary School in Gauradaha, Jhapa, and completed it in 2016 with a 62.90% score. Later, I earned
a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies (BBS) from Reliance College, an affiliated college of
Tribhuvan University located in Kathmandu, with a score of 62.40% in 2020. I worked as an intern at
Sanima Bank from January 12, 2021, to March 9, 2021, where I managed accounts and deposits.
From October 19, 2021, I have been working as a junior accountant at IC Tech Media Private
Limited. I aim to pursue a Master’s degree from a reputed university in Australia and had been
preparing for the PTE exam for a few months. On March 7, 2023, I took the PTE exam and achieved
an overall score of 67, with 67 in speaking, 67 in listening, 64 in writing, and 68 in reading.

My Financial Background :
I am planning to pursue a Master of Professional Accounting at Australian Catholic University and
my family has agreed to cover all of my study and living expenses. The tuition fee for the course is
AUD $32,320 per year and my estimated yearly living expenses, which include transportation,
groceries, gas, internet and other miscellaneous expenses amount to AUD $19,450. My father runs an
agribusiness in Nepal and he is the owner of a poultry farm and he is actively Engaged in Agriculture
as well so he has a regular annual income of NRs. 300,000 with additional income of NRs. 840,000
through house rents. My brother in law is a foreign employee and works in the Middle East, Abu
Dhabi and has an annual income of NRs. 1,586,000 my father-in-law is also happily helping me with
his house rents which averages to NRs. 600,000 annually My family is fully supportive regarding my
further study plan and the income they have shall be enough to cover my course fee, living and other
expenses while studying in Australia.

Why Australia?
During my internship at Sanima Bank, I gained valuable insight into the world of finance and
accounting. It was during this time that I realized my passion for the field and decided to pursue a
master’s degree in accounting. As a resident of Nepal, I began my research into universities that offer
master’s courses in finance and accounting. I explored several universities in my country, including
Kathmandu University(www.ku.edu.np),Tribhuvan University(www.tribhuvan-university.edu.np),
Pokhara University(www.pu.edu.np), Purbanchal University(www.pusc.edu.np) To my dismay, I
discovered that none of these universities offer the MPA course that I had hoped to pursue. Instead,
the universities primarily offered other courses such as MBA, MBS, and MBM courses, which are
considered generic courses in the field of finance and accounting. The curriculum offered by Nepalese
universities lacked practical education and updated information.
Another challenge faced by Nepalese universities is the irregular intakes and course durations, as well
as untimely exam and result publication. These issues can cause a significant delay in the progress of
a student’s academic journey. The lack of value placed on degrees from Nepalese universities is
another significant issue. Graduates from our country often lack the necessary skills and qualifications
to compete on a global front.
The value and recognition of an international degree cannot be understated. Due to the latest business
techniques and understanding of advanced economies, international degrees are highly valued in
emerging markets like Nepal.
According to the research I made, I have visited several websites but what particularly caught my eye
is :(www.homeaffairs.gov.au). I came to know that Australia is the third most popular destination of
study for international students after the USA and the UK in the world. Australia offers top class
education and also welcomes students from different parts of the world. It is highly selected for
education because it has got over 22,000 courses across 1,100 institutions for international students.
• According to my research, on Study in Australia (https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/): As this is
the official website of the Australian Government’s Department of Education and Training, which
provides comprehensive information on studying in Australia. I was able to find information about
courses and programs related to various courses that Australia was offering.
• Australian Catholic University ‘s Own (https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu) The website features
the university’s key areas of focus, including its courses, research, campuses, and student life. There
are also links to important information such as how to apply, tuition fees, and scholarships.
(https://www.acu.edu.au/course/master-of-professional-accounting?campus=North%20Sydney)
particularly caught my eye as it gave more information on MPA program that aimed to provide
students with advanced knowledge and skills in accounting, finance, and business, and is designed for
those who wish to pursue a career in accounting. The course structure includes core accounting
subjects, electives, and even a capstone project
• Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/): This
website provided information on visa requirements for studying in Australia. I Found information on
the different types of visas available for students, as well as the application process.
• Australian Scholarship Group (https://www.asg.com.au/education/overseas-education/australia) and
others as well that includes (https://www.studyabroad101.com/countries/australia) , Although Other
universities in Australia were also offering the MPA program like Monash University
(https://www.monash.edu/) , The University of Melbourne (https://www.unimelb.edu.au/) The
University of Sydney (https://www.sydney.edu.au/) and more but Australia Catholic University was
always on first spot and referred to me by many.
(https://www.mastersportal.com/universities/11878/australian-catholic-university.html) this website
provides information about ACU’s Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) program, such as the
program structure, admission requirements, tuition fees, and scholarships available to international
students such as myself which was very helpful to me whilst conducting my research.
Furthermore, the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act ensures that the rights of
international students are protected while studying in Australia. This includes their right to receive
information about courses, fees, and other important information from their institution and their
institution’s agent’s. International students also have the right to sign a written agreement with their
institution before paying fees, which sets out the services to be provided, fees payable, and
information about refunds of course money.
Why Sydney and not other cities?
Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales, is an incredible destination for international students
looking to pursue higher education. With its diverse and multicultural community, it is the largest city
in Australia and attracts thousands of students from all over the world each year. As a Nepalese
student, I find the climate conditions in Sydney to be similar to those of my home country, making it
an easy transition for me to live and study there.
Not only does Sydney offer top-ranked universities and colleges with a superior education system, but
it is also a vibrant and exciting city to live in. In addition to its stunning scenery and convenient
location, Sydney has been rated among the top 10 most liveable cities in the world according to
Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2021. The moderate climate, with scorching summers and mild
winters, is perfect for south east Asian students like me to acclimate to a new environment.
In light of all these incredible features, it’s no wonder that I have chosen Sydney as my study
destination. With its exceptional education system, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Sydney
offers an unparalleled experience for international students looking to pursue their academic goals and
immerse themselves in a new and exciting environment.

Why ACU?
After conducting thorough research through attending educational seminars, browsing online
resources, consulting multiple agencies, and speaking with my educational counsellor, I discovered a
variety of universities in Australia offering high-quality education for the Masters of Professional
Accounting program. After weighing my options carefully, I ultimately selected the North Sydney
Campus of Australian Catholic University (ACU) as my top choice.
One of the primary reasons why I chose ACU is because of its outstanding reputation for postgraduate
employment in Australia. ACU is consistently ranked in the top 10 universities in Australia for
graduate employment, boasting an impressively high employment rate. In fact, ACU has the highest
postgraduate employment rate in the country, making it an excellent choice for students who are eager
to secure employment after graduation.
Moreover, ACU is renowned for its academic excellence and is ranked among the top 2% of
universities globally. This speaks to the university’s commitment to providing its students with a top-
tier education that is respected and recognized across the world.
Compared to other colleges and universities in Australia, the cost of studying at the Australian
Catholic University (ACU) is quite reasonable. ACU charges an annual fee of AUD $32,320 for its
Master of Professional Accounting program
(https://www.mastersportal.com/universities/11878/australian-catholic-university.html). In contrast,
Macquarie University charges AUD $40,800
(https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/fees-and-costs/fees-search), Swinburne
University charges AUD 40,200 (https://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/course/Master-of-Professional-
Accounting-MA-PACC/international), University of New South Wales charges AUD 50,200
(https://www.unsw.edu.au/content/dam/pdfs/unsw-adobe-websites/2022-08-2023-international-
guide/2023-INT-PG-Guide_082022.pdf), for their Master of Professional Accounting programs By
choosing ACU, I am confident that I will receive a rigorous and challenging education that will
prepare me for a successful career in my field.
I am thrilled to have selected ACU as my university of choice for pursuing the Masters of
Professional Accounting program. With its outstanding reputation for postgraduate employment,
academic excellence, and global recognition, I am confident that ACU will provide me with the
education and training that I need to achieve my academic and professional goals.
Why Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) degree?
Choosing a career in one’s life can get really tricky, We need to be aware of what we are interested in
so that we can study the course of our interest with inspiration and passion. The Master of
Professional Accounting (MPA) program has been designed with the specific goal of equipping
students with the knowledge and skills required to establish themselves as accounting professionals.
My personal passion for accounting has driven my decision to pursue this degree, as it offers me the
chance to enhance my expertise and create a solid foundation for a satisfying career in the field.
As a former Business major student, I was faced with the decision of pursuing a Master’s in Business
Administration (MBA) program or specializing in a specific field. After careful consideration, I chose
to enrol in the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) program at Australian Catholic University
(ACU). The MPA program aligns with my career goals and passion for accounting and will provide
me with valuable lifelong learning skills and transferable competencies such as critical thinking and
problem-solving.
Studying at ACU will provide me with an excellent opportunity to enhance my knowledge, skills, and
abilities in the accounting profession. The MPA curriculum is designed to equip students with the
necessary tools to become proficient accounting professionals. By pursuing this degree, I will deepen
my understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, auditing, taxation, and management
accounting.
As I am passionate about accounting, I am excited to advance my knowledge and expertise in this
field. My ultimate goal is to work as a professional accountant/ financial advisor or teach accounting
at the college or university level so that I can contribute towards brightening other’s futures as well.
Through the MPA program, I will gain a thorough understanding of accounting and develop the
necessary skills to excel in the industry.

Why My Academic Record holds a gap?

Like many others, I was impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which caused me to lose a
whole academic year. As the virus rapidly spread, the education sector was forced to take immediate
measures to keep students and faculty members safe. This meant that many institutions had to suspend
their operations, resulting in an unexpected gap in my academic journey.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I persevered and utilized my time wisely. After
completing my internship at Sanima Bank on March 9th, 2021, the second wave of the pandemic
struck Nepal. The country was grappling with the surge in cases, and lockdowns were enforced to
curb the spread of the virus. During this time, I was unable to attend any physical classes or pursue
any internships or job opportunities.
I spent countless hours scouring through university websites, studying the course structures, and
identifying which ones aligned with my interests and career goals. I also reached out to various
education consultants, seeking their guidance and advice on the application process, scholarships, and
other opportunities. Additionally, I honed my skills by enrolling in online courses, attending
webinars, and participating in virtual internships.

The Course Relevancy and My Employment History :

Having completed my Bachelor of Business Studies from Reliance College, which is affiliated with
Tribhuvan University in 2020, I have gained an extensive understanding of business and management,
and my passion for these fields has continued to grow. Following this, I had the opportunity to work
as an intern in Sanima Bank, Kathmandu, from 12th January to 9th March 2021. Thereafter, I joined IC
Tech Media Private Limited in Kathmandu as a junior accountant, starting from 9 th October 2021,
where I am currently employed. Thanks to my education and work experience, I have developed a
solid foundation of knowledge and expertise in the field of my desired course
My academic journey has laid a strong foundation in business studies through the completion of the
Bachelor of Business Studies (B.B.S.) program. The program delved into a wide range of business
aspects, including accounting, finance, marketing, and business management. The program provided
me with a comprehensive understanding of the workings of current business markets and their
prospects in detail. Building on this foundation, I have set my sights on acquiring a Master of
Professional Accounting (MPA) degree from a world-renowned university to take my career to the
next level.
Pursuing an MPA degree will not only enhance my academic credentials but also give me an edge in
the competitive job market. Graduates of MPA programs enjoy excellent work prospects with a strong
demand for their skills in the workforce. Accounting jobs are projected to have continued growth in
the near future, which means that opportunities will continue to be available, and job security is high.
Being an MPA graduate with Australian credentials will be a massive advantage in the global job
market. The international reputation of Australian qualifications is well recognized and respected
worldwide, which increases my chances of securing a desirable job upon my return to my home
country

Course Structure of MPA

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points which consists of
the core units that are listed below:

Return on Investment:
It is no secret that pursuing a course in accounting in Australia requires a significant investment of
both time and money. However, despite the high cost, I am convinced that the skills and knowledge I
will gain from this program will enable me to start a successful career in accounting and establish
myself as a skilled professional in the field. In my opinion, the benefits of earning a degree in
accounting far outweigh the costs, especially when considering the value of the education and
experience that I will gain.
Over the course of my studies, I will acquire a wealth of knowledge and skills that are essential to the
accounting profession. I will gain a thorough understanding of the principles of financial accounting,
management accounting, and taxation. Additionally, I will learn how to prepare financial statements,
analyse financial data, and develop financial strategies to help businesses succeed. The program will
also provide me with opportunities to develop my leadership skills, which will be essential for my
success in the accounting field.
After completing my degree, I plan to return to my homeland and apply for positions as a professional
accountant at top organizations like Chaudhary Group (https://www.chaudharygroup.com/) ,
Bhatbhatini (https://www.bbsm.com.np/) and Jyoti Group (https://www.jyotigroup.org.np/) to name a
few. These companies are some of the most highly regarded businesses in Nepal, and they offer great
potential for growth and development for accounting professionals like myself. Additionally, I am
highly interested in working in the banking sector, and I have my sights set on prominent institutions
like Standard Chartered Bank Nepal, NIC Asia, and Global IME. These institutions are known for
their international reach and are some of the most respected banks in Nepal. I will easily be able to
get a Job that will pay me over 100,000 ( 1 lakh ) monthly and even more which is very satisfactory.

Incentives to return back to Nepal :

Nepal Is a landlocked country nestled in the Himalayas. Despite its natural beauty and cultural
richness, Nepal still faces numerous challenges and struggles to become a developed country. As a
responsible Nepalese citizen, I am committed to contributing to the development of my country, just
like my hard-working Nepalese brothers and sisters. I firmly believe that the power of knowledge can
have a tremendous impact on a country’s development, and together, we can make a significant
difference. As I pursue my academic goals, I am constantly reminded of the importance of using my
education and skills to benefit my country and its people. By actively engaging in community service
and volunteering, I hope to play a small role in making Nepal a better place for everyone.
As a Nepalese citizen, my home country holds a special place in my heart. It is not just a physical
place where I was born and raised, but it is also a place that has shaped me into the person I am today.
Nepal is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. In Nepal, people
take their emotions and sentiments seriously, and this has had a significant impact on my life. My
relationship with my parents, friends, and relatives is incredibly close, and their unwavering support
and encouragement have played a significant role in my life. They have always been there for me,
taking care of my happiness, health, and future. I am grateful for their love and support, and I could
never imagine abandoning them in their old age when they need me the most. It is my utmost
responsibility to look after them in their old age and provide them with proper mental and physical
support.
My connection to Nepal and my family has also inspired me to work hard and achieve my academic
goals with excellence. I believe that by gaining knowledge and skills from the suggested course, I can
contribute more to the welfare and development of my country. With a global degree, exposure, and
experience in my hand, I will have a wide range of prospects in Nepal as well. As a devoted follower
of the Hindu religion, I hold my religious beliefs close to my heart. The festivals, excitement, people,
environment, and pleasure that come with my religion are unique to my country, and I cannot imagine
feeling at home in any other place. Such is why I will always choose my own nation than any other
nation.

Immigration History :
I hereby state unequivocally that to the best of my knowledge, I have never been convicted of any
criminal offense or had any immigration-related issues, and that I have not been denied any Australian
visa application prior to submitting this application. I understand that providing accurate and truthful
information is critical to the success of my application and any misrepresentation, whether intentional
or unintentional, may lead to the rejection of my application or even legal consequences. Therefore, I
affirm that I have never engaged in any criminal activity that could adversely affect my eligibility for
an Australian visa.
Expressing visa requirements clearly:
• I acknowledge the visa requirements for the student visa subclass 500 and commit to fully
complying with them.
• It is mandatory for me to attend at least 80% of my classes and demonstrate satisfactory academic
progress throughout the course.
• I will ensure that I have adequate health insurance coverage during my stay in Australia by obtaining
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• I understand that as an international student, I am only permitted to work a maximum of 40 hours
per fortnight.
• I agree to promptly notify my education provider within seven days of any changes to my address or
status while residing in Australia.
I, Shilu Chapagain, hereby declare that I have meticulously researched and evaluated all aspects of my
intended course of study in Australia. I am confident in my ability to excel in this program and
commit to achieving the highest possible grades within the allotted timeframe. I fully comprehend the
conditions of the student visa and vow to comply with them strictly. I confirm that I possess the
necessary qualifications, English language proficiency, and financial capability to complete my
studies in Australia as per the scheduled duration.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Shilu Chapagain
Phone: +977-9807977714
Email : [email protected]
Address: Gauradaha, Jhapa, Nepal