The Statement of Purpose (SOP) could be the make or break for getting a visa for almost all student applicants. Since countries like Bangladesh don’t have a Canadian embassy the scope to get called for an interview gets limited to getting approved via the SOP. In other words, majority of applications are accepted or rejected based on their Letter of Explanation or SOP for Canada student visa (in Australia known as the GTE or the Genuine Temporary Entrant).
An ideal Statement of Purpose for Canada visa should address all required questions at the same time to reflect your individuality. Remember the introduction matters and you want the visa officer to read beyond the first paragraph.
While writing an SOP for Canada student visa, ensure that you cater to five major questions below:
- Why do you want to Study in Canada? Here you don’t just have to address why you want to pursue higher education in Canada, but also why you are choosing Canada over the USA, UK, Australia, etc.
- Why have you applied to this particular university in Canada? Don’t just focus on the university’s rankings and reputation. Talk about how the particular Canadian university is suitable for you in terms of program choice, curriculum, affordability, etc.
- Which program do you want to study and why? Mention your choice of program (complete name not short form), talk about your motivation and genuine interest in the chosen program.
- Do you have a gap year? Remember to address this question carefully and thoroughly as Canada is strict about gap year(s). Explain what you did during your gap year in detail.
- Are you going to return to your home country? Don’t mention anything about staying in Canada. Emphasize strongly on returning to your country and state reasons and long term plans.
- How are you going to fund your studies in Canada? Whether you have a scholarship/sponsorship or your parents are going to fund your studies, mention that in detail. Attach affidavits, letters, and bank statements referring to financial support.
An ideal SOP includes all the key points explained below:
- Reasons for choosing Canada for study: In the first paragraph you need to justify your reasons for choosing Canada for immigration. Tell them why only Canada but not a different country. In your answer, you need to provide a clear picture of your motives. Make sure that you have researched well about Canada, their job scenario, work opportunities with studies, their research-based teaching approach, and other aspects that can endure the attention of the admission committee.
- Reason for picking a particular course or field of interest: In a nutshell, you need to tell the admission panel how this course will enhance your knowledge and help you to build a long-term career. When it comes to picking a particular course you need to tell your post-study goals.
- Motives for choosing a particular university: There are so many top institutions in Canada, so you need to tell the reason for choosing a specific college for your studies. You can include prominent features like rating of university, recruitment process, advanced infrastructure, tuition fees, and other reasons that have made you choose the particular university. You need to do in-depth research about the particular institution and check the credentials of alumni. This way you will surely write an answer that will convince the admission panel.
- Tell about the academic background: To ensure that you are eligible for the particular course or not, the admission panel looks for your training certificates. It gives them an idea about your academic distinction and other accomplishments.
- Tell your prospects: Shifting to a foreign country is a life-changing decision. Therefore you need to tell the admission officers about your plans after finishing your study. Tell them how enthusiastic you are for your future and you have set your eyes on your goal. No matter how good you have written your SOP but if you have not ended it well then all your efforts go in vain. Therefore end your SOP with hopeful, positive, and sensible thoughts.
Some generic tips when reviewing your SOP for visa:
- The SOP should be written in precise paragraphs like an essay.
- The SOP is at max two pages long, written in 12 point fonts, and is double-spaced. Depending upon the size and type of font used, you can write 800-1000 words.
- The complete SOP lies between 5-7 paragraphs of 100-150 words each.
- You should keep your SOP simple and should avoid using colourful text and images.
- Your SOP should be unique and plagiarism-free. There are innumerable SOPs read by the SOP officers so they have expertise in finding which SOP is unique and which one is copied.
- You need to avoid duplication of the content you have already written in your CV. It will make your SOP tedious and monotonous so try to make an interesting SOP with fresh and engaging knowledge about you.
SAMPLE SOP FOR STUDENT VISA
“I am ABC, an bank assistant drafting my statement of purpose for a student visa in Canada. Due to the globalization of financial sector, I realized that I need to get global corporate exposure in Canada that will help me to make some contributions in the banking industry resulting in a commercial boost in banks.
I have completed my matriculation from XYZ school. After, I went on to complete my intermediate studies in the commerce stream in 2016. Then I completed my graduation in 2020 from North South University with a bachelor of economics with 90% marks. Overall, my academic performance was outstanding. To make an entry to a Canadian institution, I took the IELTS test, and in that test, I scored an excellent band score. To achieve my goal of studying at your institute, I am writing the statement of purpose for your evaluation.
In 2013, I was selected to be one of the top 8 candidates from across 1.5 million test-takers to the Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) International Graduate program. Starting my journey in SCB from a probationary officer to manager of the bank, I am capable enough of helping clients and checking the monetary policies. My choice of choosing this career allowed me to stay abreast of economic policies and gain hands-on exposure to the latest digital developments in the banking sector.
I found out that to take the banking sector to new heights I need to have a management degree under my belt. For that, I need to acquire a managerial degree from a reputed Canadian university that is globally acclaimed and meeting the highest standards of teaching.
Canadian institutions are equipped with high-tech amenities and advanced infrastructure. Canadian faculties have industry expertise and provide personalized care for shaping the students of the future. The business administration course at your university emphasizes gaining hands-on exposure to the best managerial practices and would also help me build strong fundamental skills in the economy, business, and other finance-related activities. Learning all the skills will transform me into a prudent leader who has analytical skills and is able to manage high priority risks.
Another key reason for choosing Canada is the country’s welcoming nature as Canada is a melting pot where people of different ethnicities live together without fear of racial discrimination. Canada greets overseas students in a safe environment and offer the best quality of life and job opportunities.
My entire expenses of university, like traveling accommodation, are funded by my father. He is the owner of the XYZ business and is financially capable to easily manage all my expenses. I have paid my fees in advance for the first year and the rest I will pay within 6 months after taking admission to the university.
The Bangladesh banking sector needs a lot of revolution in economic sectors. The banking sector is open to more marketing maneuverings that can boost liquidity in public sector banks. I need to make some improvements in digital banking and other infrastructure facilities that will offer lucrative career openings. Offshore academic skills from a Canadian university will help me to make judgments that can boost liquidity in the banking sector.
Finally ending in the short-haul, I want to acquire qualitative practical and technical hands-on exposure at a Canadian university. It will even help me to leverage cutting-edge technology in banking delivery service. In the long run, I will make my bank the best universal bank with global footprints.
I pledge to follow all the rules and regulations of Canada and request you to provide me a student visa for my Canadian study.”
