Do Australian Universities Require Personal Statements?

The application process for universities can be a stressful experience. In addition to final year coursework and exam revision, applicants must often write hundreds if not thousands of words in admissions essays. For those applying to the UK, they must complete a UCAS personal statement; students wishing to study in the United States have to compose their Common App essay, as well as any number of supplemental essays required by their preferred university.

What about Australian universities? Do these institutions call for interested applicants to produce an essay similar to the UCAS personal statement (a piece of writing that focuses on academic achievements and the student’s interest in their degree subject) or are they more in keeping with the US Common App and supplementals (essays that focus on the individual and their experiences)?

To increase chances of a successful application, it is vital that all students understand the admissions requirements of their preferred university. Not all universities are the same, so research carefully. 

What Are Personal Statements?

A personal statement includes a combination of personal information, academic achievements, and extracurricular involvements, and is an essential part of university applications. Although the requirements of each personal statement vary from university to university, there are a number of common elements found across institutions.

For example, applications are usually requested to describe their academic background and extracurricular activities. Moreover, students are regularly asked to describe why they are interested in studying at the university to which they are applying, what they find interesting about their chosen degree subject, and what they hope to do in the future. 

Working from these common questions, it's clear to see the value of personal statements: personal statements allow applicants to showcase their personalities and why they are a good fit for whatever programme they are applying for. Personal statements show admissions officers what a student is like beyond their grades. It is a way to understand whether an applicant will be a positive addition to the university.

Do Australian Universities Require Personal Statements?

While some Australian universities do require personal statements, it is not a guarantee. There is typically a greater focus on academic results and test scores than personal statements. However, that is not to say that no Australian university seeks applicants to complete personal statements. 

For certain universities like Monash University and University of Sydney, future-undergraduates must complete a personal statement. Additionally, specific courses may request a personal statement. For example, those interested in studying medicine at the University of New South Wales must compose brief responses to a number of personal statement-style questions outlining why they are a suitable candidate for such an in-demand course. 

What must be kept in mind is that all universities approach personal statements differently. Consequently, careful research must be undertaken to find out what is needed to apply to a student’s preferred institution and course.

What Australian Universities Typically Focus On

Although personal statements do have their place for certain Australian universities, most also examine other facets of a student’s background. For example, the primary focus of Australian universities is an applicant’s grade and all students will be required to submit their transcripts for review. 

It may also be necessary to complete some additional tests prior to acceptance to an Australian university. For example, the International Students Admissions Test (ISAT) is required for international applications to some medicine, dental, or veterinary courses. Moreover, some students may need to take an English language proficiency test if they come from non-English speaking backgrounds. A passing grade in this type of exam may also be a requirement to attain a student visa, another vital step in the Australian university admissions process. 

When and How to Write a Personal Statement for Australian Universities

As can be seen, the need for a personal statement is not as clear as it is for universities in Australia as it is for those in the US or the UK. Consequently, applicants must carefully research the requirements for their chosen educational institutions and preferred course. 

Of those universities that do require personal statements, applicants are regularly asked to describe why they are interested in attending a particular university and what motivates them about their preferred course of study. Applicants may also need to list future goals. Regardless of the task, it is important that all writing is clear and concise, as word counts are likely to be applied. Moreover, it is beneficial to include information gleaned from the university’s website to show a level of engagement with the institution. For example, look for and consider the types of topics studied within a particular discipline and make reference to these as reasons for interest for studying at the university. Lastly, although a personal statement is not an English proficiency exam, it is important to show some written ability. Therefore, keep sentence lengths varied; use a suitable vocabulary; avoid repetition in regard to sentence starters. 

Get Expert Help with Your Australian University Application

A student’s final year in secondary school can be fraught with challenges. A careful balance must be struck between coursework, revision, and university applications and it can be easy to become overwhelmed. For this reason, the assistance of an expert university admissions consultant is crucial. 

At BartyED, our team of university admissions consultants have guided countless students through their undergraduate applications journey. Our experienced admissions consultants have worked with students applying to Australian universities, as well as those in the United States, the UK, France, and beyond. We take part in all aspects of the process, from assisting in the selection of the right university and degree programme to suit a student’s academic goals and personality, to the editing and submission of admissions essays.

If you or your child is interested in attending university in Australia and could benefit from the guidance and support of an experienced university admissions consultant, reach out to us today  by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, academic transcripts are a common requirement for Australian universities.

  • This is a rarity. Extracurricular activities are more important when applying to American universities than Australian.

  • In addition to academic transcripts, international students are often required to submit copies of their passport, and may have to complete an English proficiency exam.

  • While this is possible, it is not recommended. The guidance of an experienced university admissions consultant will make the process far less stressful.

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