STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett one of world richest man according to Forbes magazine beautifully explains
that there is no short cut to be rich and when the whole worlds save after spending what he
suggest is first we should allocate savings and then spend what is left. And according to him it
does not matter if you save 50 cents or 50 dollars, all you need is to get along the habit of
saving. I, however being global citizens of 21st century have always incubate the habit of
saving because I have already seen the potential of saving that I see as virtue of improving life.
Needful to say when my friends and relatives of same age have zero saving I have already
saved NPR 9,00,000 which I have also used towards getting valuable life learning education in
Australia.

About me and my family

Introducing myself, I am Ashmita Adhikari, a simple mid town girl of 19 years. Congruently, I
consider myself full of responsibility to faces the challenges and difficulty of life. However, as
explained earlier in the introductory adage by Warren Buffet, I love to make investments no
mater how small it is and make savings no matter little it is. I am a permanent resident of
Bidur Municipality ward no. 12, Nuwakot, Nepal. I have a decent family background with my
uncle cum guardian Mr. Tika Prasad Adhikari and my aunt cum guardian Mrs. Radha Kumari
Adhikari. Needful to say correct information in my statement of purpose to Australian High
Commission I disclose that my biological father Late Mr. Dhan Prasad Adhikari and my
biological mother Late Mrs. Ambika Adhikari died in a car accident. It was a painful memory
and a trauma for me. However, my Uncle (Tika Prasad Adhikari) and aunt (Radha Kumari
Adhikari) had raised me like a daughter since then. In Nepal uncle and aunt are simultaneously
called as small dad and small mom respectively. However, they are both and father and
mother to me and I am their daughter. Maybe, it is also the reason why they never had any
biological child and whether biological or relational I am their only daughter. Also, I have no
complaints whatsoever and both have loved me unconditionally always. From my early
childhood I got a culture of being discipline and sincere to oneself. That is why I consider
myself as a routine girl, even for minutest work I plan and then act. This culture I thing was
assimilated from my uncle who is a businessman and running his grocery store successfully.
However, he currently owns a inter city vehicle earns his living from there. My aunt is also a
hard working lady and since I know her she have always been supportive to family and me.
Both my uncle and aunt have always encouraged me by installing core values of discipline and
inspiring me to learn uninterruptedly. They are my true source of inspiration, encouragement
and motivation to what I do. I am really graceful to them and now I have a strong
determination to fulfill their dream by achieving my goal.

Educational background

In terms of my academics I have been seizing my educational background successively. Just

few months back I remember appearing for my higher secondary examination around April

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2018, and now when the result is already out, I have required English test and finance to grab
further education overseas. To point my education history I completed my school-leaving
certificate from Tarun Madhyamik Vidyalaya located at Balaju-16, Kathmandu, Nepal in 2016
A.D by securing 3.20 GPA i.e. with first division. Then after I joined Rehdon Secondary
School located at Samakhusi, Kathmandu choosing Management stream and completed it
latterly in August 2018. Cumulatively I scored a grade point average (CGPA) of 2.93. Not
wasting a single day I joined IELTS preparation class and appeared for it on September 15,
2018 whereby I scored each overall band scored of 6.0.

My Journey Ahead

I am a single and never married girl who has no intentions to marry either in near future too.
Also I am a fresh graduate student having just passed my higher education in August 2018 and
have no gaps either. Hence, I am looking forward to study in Australia with my energy and
motivations. Everlastingly, I would put my heart and soul to study finest and prove my parents
with results of flying colors. I want to work with people who’ll mentor me, mould me, and
allow me to explore territories I never dreamed of chartering. At Southern Academy of
Business and Technology, Sydney, Australia, I want to breathe essence into my existence.

Why Finance and Mortgage Broking and Banking services Management?

As a student of business, accounting, economics marketing in higher secondary education and

having great interest in this subject, choosing similar course is a natural progression for my
further career. But I have chosen this subject not in a vain but having known its great
potential. This diploma of finance and mortgage broking management would give me ideas of
finance and mortgage broking industry. This degree would enable me to be an independent
agent, which would be helpful for in my banking career to conduct financial negotiations on
behalf of my clients. Basically finance is the backbone of any country’s economy. A proper
knowledge of finance helps to analyze ones’ or client financial status, keeping in the financial
options by developing financial strategies. In my basic knowledge of finance I have a
philosophy that earning is not important but financing is more important; because I have seen
many people in my community to illustrate I know my friend brother Suresh Marattha who is
involved in lending from households and middleman who earns around NPR 100,0000 easily
every month. His salary from working in Dish Home TV service is just NPR 25,000 full time
per month but earns four times his salary by managing finance. To point further earning is one
thing but financing is other. It is just because of financing great projects are possible. In Nepal
however finance and mortgage is just in growing phase. Only people in big cities such as
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan accept and expect building or buying home from financial
mortgage, because traditional Nepali culture believes that on in Loan means a very bad
condition and socially it is not acceptable too. However, this concept is changing day by day
and more and more people are now involved in financial channels to purchase or build home
through mortgages. Henceforth, I want to gain insights from the course as to how to let
changes in financial sector proceed as efficiently and effectively as possible, with a view to
maintaining the quality and quantity of services and products. Basically, Nepal is one of the
least developed countries of the world and the higher study that it offers is incompetent in this

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contemporary world. Getting admitted and studying this course would be a dream come true
for me. But that is not the only achievement in fact; I want to play a vital role in bringing
reforms in my country especially in the field of finance and banking. Today, every field of
management is lagging behind in my country. The financial sector in my country is just
emerging and moreover, many financial instruments have not been issued yet. There is no
OTC market. Derivative securities have not been issued yet. In marketing sector, no proper
forecasting of sales are done, products are launched haphazardly. While in Human Resource
sector, proper evaluation of employees is not done; the key issues of human resources like
motivation, performance evaluation, hiring and firing are properly performed in few of the
companies.

Moreover, I have chosen banking because the scope of banking and finance is very wide and
covers all form of organization whether it is a profit organization, non-profit organization,
governmental organization or a Joint stock company. Moreover, banking is required for
service organization, merchandising business, manufacturing business, sole proprietorship and
partnership firm. Also, it is used in every type of organizational structure whether it is a
project organization, matrix organization, line organization or line and staff organization.
Therefore, banking and finance is vital for success of every organization be it a police station,
hospital, courts, universities or religious institutions. In fact, where financial transactions
occur banking is needed however lacking the clear concept about finance, broking, mortgage
and banking means dysfunction of any system or whole organization system. Banking is a job
that is always increasing worldwide, because growth of any organizations automatically means
growth for need of finance and banking. Following these positive experiences, I have decided
to pursue my career in banking industry. The banking industry is fast growing and there is a
continuous scope of growth and learning. I want to work as a key player in challenging and
creative environment, to be instrumental in organization’s growth, to realize my potential and
explore myself in productive manner and thus prove myself to be an asset in the field of
accounting in Nepal.

In Nepal, typical banking job included trainee assistant, management trainee financial
accountants, supervisor and, auditor and so on however, with time new finance jobs such as
retail or investment banking, mortgage manager, finance and managerial accountings are on
rise. Some people even say that until the money moves, the world needs finance manager
however with rise in online payment system and digital currencies finance broker need to
move with time, but this profession is unlikely to expire anytime soon. In Nepal, too with rise
in economy due to rise in population or other activities broking job is in rise. We can see the
rise in banks in Nepal, insurance companies, development companies, finance companies and
micro finance and money exchanges in financial sector. In manufacturing sector we see a lot
of rise in construction companies and cement and iron steel manufacturer companies, in
trading sector we see a lot of products imported not only from India and China but also from
Middle east, Africa, Europe and North America. In short, businesses are in rise in Nepal and
all these business need one or other form of finance, broking and banking whether it is for
securing a loan, reviewing insurance policy or negotiating the purchase and sale of
commodities in commodity or derivatives market.

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I believe engaging myself into a finance, mortgage, and broking and in particular as a banking
graduate in distant future would give me a good chance to enter into an established company
with clear career progression.

Why Australia? /Why not other countries? /Why not Nepal?

Education for me has two parts knowledge and skills. But, I have chosen Australia for both
parts knowledge as well as skills. I would be adding skills through diploma and advance
diploma courses and piling the skills to gain knowledge later at bachelor’s level.
However, I was initially in dilemma between where to study whether in home country (Nepal)
or in neighboring countries (India, China) or to an overseas country (USA, UK, The
Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Australia etc.). India as a close neighbor to Nepal also
attracts Nepalese student towards it. However considering the practicability and
internationality of banking, finance and mortgage education and considering safe environment
as compared to western countries I drop the idea of looking further on to study in India. In
India, I looked upon Amrita University, which offered a good background in finance at
Mysore location in India but it was more focused in Taxation. China also a close neighbor to
Nepal attracts a lot of medical students in many Universities that offer programs in English.
However with Banking and finance, China is averagely known to host Nepali students and
also the language barrier made me drop the idea of not exploring into Chinese colleges and
Universities much.

In the heightened world due to globalization where Beijing, Bangalore and Boston are elbow
rubbing neighbors I was also persuaded to study abroad if it give me distinct advantage over
studying in home country. However, whether studying abroad was really an advantage or not?
I had to come up with this answer. The only way out was to compare the countries and decide
later on where to go with. However, there are certain important variables such as quality of
education, cost of education, internationalization, facilities on and off campus, language
barrier, career orientation and so on which have to be compared before randomly selecting a
country.

Thus, my academic journey started by segregating the positive aspects of my home country
(Nepal) because I would be much comfortable to study in home country where I have a home
and family and know every aspects of life here. The education system of Nepal is divided into
primary, lower secondary, secondary, higher secondary, vocational and tertiary education. For
my options in the field of banking services management in Nepal, I examined different
courses at different universities and their affiliated campuses here in Nepal. I also looked upon
foreign universities present in Nepal, which have campuses here. At Tribhuvan University and
its affiliated campuses administration courses were available such as Bachelor in Business
Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) and Bachelor of business
Studies (BBS). Bachelor of business administration (BBA) is a four-year academic program
and because it is offered by Tribhuvan University, which is the oldest, and most recognized
University in Nepal, this course in present scenario is one of the highly scoped subjects.
Although, it is a very good subject, which is the blend of two major, business and
administration subjects Management and account. The course is totally composed of 50%

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management field and 50% field. This is also the same case with subject called bachelor of
business management offered by Kathmandu University of Nepal (a mix of business and
account). However, as I want to pursue my career in pure mix of finance, mortgage, broking
and banking field I looked upon for more options locally. Likewise, Islington College for
instance affiliated under London Metropolitan University of U.K having campus in Nepal is
offering a course called Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) and King’s College
affiliated under Westcliff University of USA having campus in Nepal also offered BBA
program. Kathmandu College of Management offers BBA degree with focus on Finance and
banking affiliated to SIAM University, Thailand, which is a 134 credit hours courses but was
more theory oriented? However, BBA is not pure banking services management course and
are more blends of Business administration and finance with few credit on banking. The major
reason for me not choosing BBA degree in Nepal is of light focus on banking, finance and
mortgage and more focus on administration. At Sikkim Manipal University, BBA in banking
and finance was offered which was good among other choices in Nepal but because it is in
distant education format, and has not received well acknowledgement among Nepalese
students, I dropped this idea too. Also, with Tribhuvan University I found out that subjects
such as bachelor of computer engineering (BCE) is highly acclaimed and even to pass its
entrance is like a climb to mountains, however BCA from Tribhuvan University still lacks any
good responses in market. Among close subjects with pure banking subject offered from local
university in Nepal I found subject such as bachelor of business administration in banking and
insurance (BBA-BI) offered by Pokhara University, in college such as Nobel college, Apex
college, Ace college. However, the focus was more on insurance sector. Bachelor of Business
Administration with specialization in banking and finance was offered by offered by
Purbanchal University too and I looked upon Kantipur International College and is also
designed for competent management professionals in order to grow in the middle level
managerial position in rapidly growing managerial sector of Nepal. This same course was
offered in Himalayan White House International College, SANN International College,
Balkumari College, Asian college of Management and Technology, Caliber International
College. However, in Nepalese perspective Purbanchal University graduates are less preferred
in job than to graduate of Tribhuvan University or Kathmandu Unviersity. Bachelor in
Business Management affiliated to Asia Pacific University of technology & Innovation of
Malaysia offered at Lord Buddha Education Foundation. However, none of these universities
provided with bridging degree such as diploma and advance diploma where I was most
interested to start my further education now and jump on to academic bachelor’s later on. In
short, in Nepal I visited various colleges to learn about their courses relating to banking.
However, in Nepal good universities such as Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan University
don’t offer any specialized fields dedicated to banking. In order to learn banking related
courses, I have to either join a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA), which has a
banking and finance course in the last 2 semesters, or a Bachelor in Business Studies (BBS),
which has the course only in the last year. I think the limited duration to study banking in
Nepal is not enough to stand out amongst the other job seekers and pursue my career in the
banking industry on Nepal. Moreover, while universities such as Pokhara University do offer
such courses, after consultation with seniors, I have found that the course is based too heavily
on theory and thus lacks a practical approach.

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In Europe, I research at Ireland, and I was happy to find out that a general management course
in Ireland is really good. However, I could not find bachelor in banking services management
or similar courses in any college or universities in Ireland. As I looked in American College
Dubiln, University College Cork, Dublin Institute of Technology, Maynooth University all
had good commerce/management courses such as accounting, finance or business
administration but no with banking services management. I even meet one representative of
Irish college named Griffith College Dublin, I also met with Selina Foley but she also gave me
other college’s option such as Trinity College Dublin, however the acceptance rate there is
less than 1%. With Griffith college Dublin I was interested but later I found out that in Ireland
there was a college name Shelbourne College Dublin which was in bankruptcy of bad
management and the government did nothing to safeguard students money, Around 22
Nepalese also suffered from the college where they gave money in advance before the visa
was granted but when the visa was refused they failed to give the student money back and
because of no such policy or rules the students millions of Euros were gone in vain. In
Netherlands; I looked upon certain applied science universities such as Wittenborg University
of applied sciences, which offered course International Business Administration in Financial
Services Management for AUD $ 11,775. Also a very reputed University such as School of
Business and economics located at Maastricht, Netherlands offered a business economics
bachelor with major in emerging markets however it required a very high score of IELTS i.e.
6.5 with 6.0 in each band and also the selection groups where student with 80+ %. Also, in
countries such as Germany Frankfurt school of finance and Management offered a similar
course of my interest i.e. Bachelor in Banking and Finance at AUD $ 21,823. Also,
International University of Applied Sciences had similar course at Bad Honnef campus in
Germany, I later knew that I had to previously appeared for preparatory program before
joining my bachelor’s and although the college/university speaking environment was in
English, to socialize German language was necessary and I did not wanted to add the burden
of learning German language now.

Unlike, Netherlands I was more oriented to choose other destination such as USA, UK and
New Zealand provided me with English speaking environment. That is why I looked at some
state and private universities in USA such as Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South
Carolina it offered a program of Bachelor of Finance with banking and consumer finance
concentration at AUD $ 35,593. This was a very expensive option hence I started looking at
some reasonable good universities in USA. One University Northern State University offered
banking and Financial Service a four year degree at South Dakota State AUD $ 13,924
however with more inquiry I found that it required a high Scholastic Aptitude Test result
(SAT) and also because South Dakota state is an extreme climate I cancelled this option. A
good state for international student Arkansas in USA has Fayetteville State University offering
banking and Finance. However, I quickly found out that getting in most prestigious and
reputed universities is challenging and very competitive and has to give SAT, ACT and even
SAT II examination. While getting in average universities in USA could be easy but the cost
of tuition fees is very high. USA in current time is very unstable and even unsafe country as
compared to countries such as Australia and has very extreme cold climate and very far from
home. UK is also considered to providing quality education, as the universities are top ranked
like University of Edinburgh, University of Bistrol and many more, however the tuition fees

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are expensive than that of Australia. Additionally, the Universities of United Kingdom have
higher requirements for admission for international students and it lacks act such as Tuition
Fee Protection Scheme (TPS) and Education Service Fore Overseas Student (ESOS) for
international students because of which international students have to bear huge loss of money
and time.

My exploration journey for countries ended when I came to know more and more about
Australia and everything were sounding so positively and as I wanted that I ended up choosing
Australia as my destination for further education. These conclusion were of these reasons-
firstly as a provider of high qualitative education, secondly having and English speaking
environment that would be easy for me to cope with, thirdly for having many acts passed in
favor of international students such as Tuition Protective Scheme (TPS), Education services
for overseas students (ESOS) and post study work (PSW) scheme. Four, for having world-
class research opportunities in world-leading programs. Fifth, for having a very good base of
vocational providing institutions. Sixth, for hosting a large number of international students
who come with different cultural background and making a cultural pot for mix of
international students. Seventh, for having a warm and temperate climate similar to my
hometown-to cope easily with it. Eighth, for being one of the safest countries to live, study
and work in. Ninth, for providing courses and degree that are globally recognized and
universities are ranked in top 200 universities around the globe -there are more than 1100
institution having more than 20000 courses. Tenth, for having best Quality of living in world
and having many beautiful places such as Sydney opera house, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney
Harbour Bridge and so on.

All in all, the reason are unlimited for choosing Australia however I have only list few
important reason that led me choose Australia over other destinations.

Why Sydney?

Australia is a country currently ranked 2nd in Human development Index and the reasons
behind it is for having cities that provides all facilities for life and living. Some of such cities
that accredits for Australia becoming 2nd best country in Human development index is
Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and so on. However, one city, which is not the capital
city of Australia and still is as famous as any capital cities of any country, is city Sydney in
Australia. This, city Sydney is lively than the capital city-Canberra. It is also more famous
than other cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. This motivated me to choose my
study destination in Sydney city and definitely Sydney is also popular for hosting great
destinations for higher education; a prime requirement for international student. I also found
out that many colleges/universities are present in Sydney that offers all sorts of courses,
programs from level 1 to all way up to level 10 in Australian Qualification framework. Sydney
has warm and temperate climate similar to Kathmandu and also similar to Bidur city, this will
have favorable impact for me to conduct my study here. Sydney is center for excellent
transportation, communication, and health and necessary tit bits of life. The city is a pot for
people from different cultures, religion, language and ethnicity to live in. Multiculturalism is
almost evident everywhere in Sydney for people from more than 100 nations living together

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with great harmony. Sydney has been ranked among the most livable city too. I am choosing
Sydney predominantly for my education but apart from education this city is home to beautiful
landscape and famous attractions such as Opera House, Kadampa Buddhist Center, Taronga
Zoo, Harbor Bridge, Sea-life Sydney Aquarium, Circular Quay and many more. Sydney is a
safe and modern world-class city with low crime rates. It is ranked as one of the world’s top
10 most livable cities in the World (ranked by: Mercer Quality of Living Survey and The
Economist year after year.

Why Southern Academy of Business and Technology (SABT)?

In their official website i.e. under sabt.edu.au which I researched extensively before choosing
it, I came across numerous facts which led me ultimately choose SABT. The best thing about
SABT is its location which is situated at central Sydney in CBD location, implying that
transportation in major buses, trains, ferry is really convenient for me as a student. Most
importantly as a student I can enjoy at the facilities that SABT have in the form of modern
classroom that is fully equipped with teaching aid. The facilities of campus wide WIFI and
access to food court, cafes and retail outlets makes me choose SABT. However, as a student I
felt good to know that the college have a good library both physical and e-library and friendly
learning platform providing academic assistance. After deciding to go through the VET
courses it was difficult for me to choose the best institution in the Australia. For that I started
to search many institutions, which provided VET courses in finance and mortgage broking and
banking services management and took suggestion from the consultancy, seniors and teachers
for my higher studies. They suggested me some colleges, which offered these courses such as
Danford College, North Metropolitan TAFE, Melbourne College of Business and Technology,
Southern Academy of business and technology. I started to compare the colleges to choose
one out of many.

SABT VERSUS Danford College

Danford College located at Level 8, 227 William Street, Melbourne offered Certificate IV in
Banking Services and Diploma of Banking Services Management. It’s certificate course an
diploma course were each of 38 weeks with total fee of AUD $ 14,000. However, with SABT
I could have 78 weeks of knowledge with finance and mortgage broking management and 78
weeks of Advanced Diploma a higher course level of 78 weeks than joining certificate and
diploma of banking services management at Danford College. Also, because of my preferred
location of Sydney over Melbourne I choose SABT.

SABT VERSUS North Metropolitan TAFE

The Government of Western Australia provides VET education through TAFE in North
Metropolitan. It was where I looked and found course Certificate IV in Banking Services and
Diploma of banking Services Management. It offered both this course at Perth campus
however the certificate course is total of 1 semester and diploma is of 2 semester; making the
combine course of 78 weeks. This is a short time for both these courses where I could just gain

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handful of knowledge and skills of banking services. However I do easily grab a 78 weeks
advanced diploma of banking services in addition to diploma of finance and mortgage broking
management at SABT.

SABT VERSUS Melbourne College of Business and Technology

Also, going through Melbourne College of business and Technology it offered a course of 1
year with combination of face-to-face classroom and partial online learning. The 12 units
course fee was AUD $ 9800 for Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking. However, it
did not provided any course progression such as diploma in Finance and Mortgage broking
management or banking service management. Hence unavailable of diploma or advance
diploma course from certificate IV of finance and mortgage broking I was more inclined to
chose a rich subject content and intense 1.5 year of diploma of finance mortgage and broking
management at SABT followed by advanced diploma of banking services management.

SABT VERSUS Institute of Banking and Management Australia

Institute of Banking and Management Australia offers Diploma of Banking Services

Management at AUD $ 9,000 for 78 weeks and also it offered Advanced a high learning from
diploma in Banking Services Management at AUD $ 9,000 for 78 weeks. It offered both these
course at Sydney location. Thus I could do a better head to head comparison with this institute.
However, with SABT I could gain finance and mortgage broking knowledge and reflect those
knowledge at senior management roles in banking forms from by advanced diploma course.
Although at SABT price was slightly up, a combination of finance, broking, mortgage and
banking knowledge by choosing SABT course than just having banking services management
knowledge at Institute of Banking and Management Australia persuaded me to choose SABT
over this institution.
Also, in institutes such as Melbourne Polytechnic and Australian Global college I found and
research similar courses such as Certificate IV in finance and mortgage broking. In institute
such as Kaplan Professional I found course Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking
Management. Similarly, in Holmesglen Institute I too found course Diploma of finance and
mortgage broking management but in all these 4 institutes i.e. in Melbourne Polytechnic,
Australian Global College, Kaplan Professional and Holmesglen Institute these courses were
only available to domestic students and not to international students. Likewise, Monarch
Institute offered the course Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management to
international students however the mode of delivery was only online. I choose SABT because
it provides the best platform for the student to enhance the practical knowledge, which can be
applied in real work scenario.

I am well informed about SABT through the student handbook which they have provided in
home page of website too. I can see the services SABT is providing such as student orientation
support and support services in form of academic and career advice, IT support and student
learning assistance. Also, in case of legal, emergency and health services when needed SABT
is ready to help through its welfare support programs. However, the most I like about SABT is
the flexible services i.e. providing extra time to complete tasks, and availability of mentors

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along with their phone and email address to use when needed. Moreover, I had gone through
the youtube video posted by SABT college and was impressed with what the video said about
tutors, location, facilities and internationality of the college.

All in all, I did a intensive research on institutes offering this course however I could only find
a few and among those too most were not offered to International students. With further
inquiry I found that this course is well designed to meet the finance, broking and banking
industry of and not many institutions were offering it. This is particularly new course designed
to meet the changing face of global banking industry and I am happy that I choose such an
ideal course that would give me an ever increasingly career opportunity back here in Nepal
from booming banking industry in Nepal.

What let me choose VET course over Bachelor’s degree?

I have thoroughly gone through all the levels presented in Australian Qualification
Framework. It rages from Certificate I to 10 level which is the doctorate degree. However,
Diploma and advance diploma stands at level 5 and 6 and bachelor’s degree stand at level 7
and hence it is a natural question that why a student such as me which can make each decision
wisely and rationally do want to go to a lower level rather than doing upper level (i.e. level 7
bachelor’s degree). Well the answer to all these is written below as I learn it is better to start
with diploma and advance diploma first and then you join bachelor’s at later stage may around
July 2022 (when I finish my advance diploma on Jan 2022). As such, before choosing on
VET, I tried to know what VET actually is. I came to know that VET stands for vocational
education and training, which is basically an education with more training that focuses on
providing skills for work. From, it I came to know that VET courses provide more training and
is more practical oriented and makes one’s ready for job. It is unwise to say that bachelor’s or
master’s programs and degree does not prepare for job but as the name stands VET is designed
in such a way as to give students benefits of practical education that most bachelor’s or degree
programs does not offer. In Australia VET courses are primarily offered by Registered
Training Organizations (RTOs). Thus, I see my college SABT is also registered under RTOs
with number 31595. And because this college provides courses to international students such
as me it must also be registered under Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for
Overseas Students (CRICOS) with number 03602E. VET can be offered in Australia by
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and private collages. Of which, SABT,
institute where I am studying falls under private college. VET course are available in Australia
from Certificate I-IV, Diploma and Advance Diploma and Graduate diploma and also the
English language courses. I would be entering SABT at Diploma level, which is level 5 under
the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). According to the definition given under AQF
framework for diploma is “Diplomas prepare students for industry, enterprise and
paraprofessional careers. Then after its completion I would be joining with Advanced Diploma
which is at level 6 under AQF framework, it’s definition is “ An advanced diploma provides a
high level of practical skills for advanced skilled or paraprofessional work”. The definition
given under AQF for diploma and advance diploma cleared my understanding of what actually
VET course qualification framework lies under diploma and advance diploma level. In short,

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both diploma and advanced diploma level encompasses high level of practical skills for
choosing career into advanced or paraprofessional work.

Now, choosing VET course and not choosing bachelor’s was not an accidental work, rather I
came to this conclusion after I came to know with VET and what I have to offer as mentioned
above. The most significant reason for it comes from the study program, which I have decided
to go through course i.e. Finance and Mortgage Broking Management and banking services
management. As such finance and mortgage broking course, is one of such courses, which
requires high level of practical skills. There are other courses too for which practical skills in
much of a necessary for instance accounting, building design and engineering. But I believe
that broking management and banking services course requires much more practical training
and skills then other such courses.

All in all, VET courses helps students and course taker to join the workforce and to again
rejoin when necessary and most particularly to upgrade skills in one’s respective field.
Sometimes, what VET course does is when someone wants to move onto a different career
VET offer skills needed to switch one to a different career. I was in a confusing mind over the
nature of level to choose i.e. o go for level 5 and 6 (diploma & advance diploma) or to directly
for to level 7 (bachelor’s degree) what made me more push for VET course is with the
practicability of degree. Traditionally, and even today university or higher education courses
such as bachelor degree are better known for focusing on providing theory-based knowledge
and professional career paths. In short, my decision dwelled around theoretical bachelor
degree versus practical VET courses.

The course I have chosen for my VET education is FNS50315 Diploma of Finance and
Mortgage Broking Management followed by FNS60615 Advanced Diploma of Banking
services Management. I have a confirmation-of-enrolment (CoE) for both where I start my
diploma course on January 14, 2019 which is of 78 weeks that ends on July 12, 2020. Also, for
advance diploma of banking Services Management, which is of 78 weeks, I have a CoE,
which would start on July 13, 2020 and would end on January 9, 2022.

About my course:

The Diploma of finance and Mortgage Broking Management course is placed at level 5 at
Australian Qualification framework (AQF) and Looking at the website of SABT, I have found
that this qualification would provide me with a very strong foundation in finance and
mortgage broking industry. However the expectation of course is to produce managers
managing a workplace team in finance and mortgage broking firms. Broking skills such as
personal and commercial lending are enhanced through this course. Whereas learning can
occur in this course through mentoring from trainers, online tools, computer or technical
support and workshops. The course contains 10 core units and 5 electives units. Some of the
core course unit consists of identifying risk and applying risk management processes,
developing and nurturing relationships with clients, other professionals and third party
referrers. In particular with broking course I would learn to prepare loan application on behalf
of mortgage clients, and identify client needs for broking services and I would learn to

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implement complex loan structures. Also, electives courses such as managing risk, managing
people performance, developing and using emotional intelligence and developing workplace
policy and procedure for sustainability I am particularly, interested and would definitely
choose electives such as developing and using emotional intelligence because I strongly
believe that human are still superior to software. Although computer and software super pass
human work of hundred of people and think through artificial intelligence. In certain subjects
such as psychology and mortgage and broking industry to know people better we need
emotional intelligence. My advance diploma is more focused on Banking Service
Management and hence I want to upgrade my skills on Banking services side. However,
immediately after completing my diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management I
move on to higher level of qualification i.e. level 6 at Australian Qualification framework with
course advanced diploma of Banking Services Management. This course is made up of 8 core
units followed by 6 electives units. Some of the core unit course includes subjects such as
providing leadership across the organization, applying professional practice in financial
services industry, maintaining relationships with small business stakeholders, and evaluating
marketing opportunities in the financial services industry. As such I would more interested in
subjects such as maintaining relationships with small business stakeholders. In addition I
would be doing electives such as managing risk, developing and using emotional intelligence,
and developing and implementing strategic plans. As such, I would be highly interested in
using and developing emotional intelligence and developing and implementing strategic plans.

Plan after completing Diploma and my career plan

After I complete diploma of information technology and advance diploma of network security,
I will look forward to continue my Bachelor’s degree on the same field with credit transfer
through RPL scheme. Moving on the academic ladder I have chosen level 5 and level 6-
qualification level at Australian Qualification framework (AQF) for studying Information
technology. Henceforth, in future too I would chose a degree (Banking Services) by moving
forward in AQF level by choosing level 7 degree. AT AQF level 7 degree is a bachelor
degree, nonetheless since I would have completed level 5 and level 6 by employing 78 week
of diploma and 78 weeks of advance diploma I could gain an advantage from a scheme called
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) could be used to
complete my bachelors at any Australian Universities. This could be at any Australian
Universities but as mentioned with diploma and advanced diploma certain units of course
could be used to gain a year of bachelor’s. This means I would enter in 2nd year of bachelor of
Banking Services Management or related degree’s at any Australian Universities. However, I
have done some research on which university to join after my VET education too. At SABT
website I have also downloaded the RPL application form which is used to transfer the credit
earned at SABT and transfer to any Australian Universities. Southern Academy of Business
and Technology has a process that has been structured to minimize the time and cost to
applicants and provides a supportive approach to students wishing to take up this option
(RPL). I am happy to know that within 2 weeks of time RPL option could be forwarded.
However, I have researched at many other Universities too that provide Bachelor degree in
Information Technology

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Curtin University

Curtin University is an internationally recognized research and teaching university in Perth. It

was recognized as university status in 1987. It has more than 16,500 international students of
61,000 strong student bodies and is a most culturally diverse University. Apart from its main
campus in Bentley, Perth it has campuses in Sydney, Malaysia and Singapore. From its school
of marketing Curtin University offers Bachelor of Commerce with major in Banking.com. Of
Tourism and Hospitality major a 200-credit course. This degree offers a broad career to
become a tourist information officer, travel consultant and hotel or resort manager. It is a full
time course offered to international student for AUD $ 28,600

Murdoch University

It began its operation from Perth in 1976 and now has campuses in five locations globally e.g.
Singapore and Dubai excluding Australian campuses. It also stands as top Universities in
Australia and Asia-pacific region. Also, ranked amongst the top 100 young universities in the
world Murdoch university has more than 23,000 students from 90 countries it is one of multi
cultural university with free-thinking graduates and life changing researchers. Murdoch
University offers two courses at bachelors level similar to banking services management. The
first course is Bachelor of commerce in Banking which is a 72 credit points course of full time
3 years for AUD $ 29,131. The next similar course is Bachelor of Business in Banking of
similar credit point and price to international students.

Monash University

Monash business graduates are sought after worldwide due to the quality of evidence-based
teaching and clinical practice experience they receive. The Bachelor of banking and Finance
provides students with banking and finance concepts and how to access the financial needs of
companies and individuals and match them to suitable financial products.  Monash bachelor of
banking and finance will prepare us for increasingly complex business environment in
Australia and internationally.  We will gain invaluable skills in futures, derivatives, bonds,
stocks and decision-making, investments in cultural context. The 3 year full time degree
offered to international students is priced at AUD $ 43,400. Also, a similar course with same
price at Monash is Bachelor of Business in Banking and Finance, which I could for in
researching more courses in distant future.

The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney offers Bachelor of Commerce course with Banking major. As per
my research in terms of business education, University of Sydney is global leader and since I
am a business student with chose courses such as finance and mortgage broking and banking
services at diploma and advanced diploma level. Doing a banking major from this university
would be a top choice. Also, in terms of employability The University of Sydney is ranked
first and fourth in world according to QS graduate employability rankings 2018. Also
accounting and finance subject are ranked top 20 in the world. This bachelor of commerce
with major in banking is a 144 credit point located at Camperdown/Darlington campus which

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is a 3 year full time degree offered to international students. The tuition fee for this course is
around AUD $ 42,000 which is slightly expensive than other university offering similar course
but the rankings and graduate employability for The University of Sydney lures any student to
go for this course because it offers a interactive learning experiences and a strong commercial
grounding in business with guarantee international exchange and industry placement.

But most probably based on my research now I could easily use The University of Sydney for
my RPL and jump on and complete my bachelor’s in less than two years in around 1.5 to 2
years. At SABT there are tutors who would help me articulate pathways plans. However, I am
not only limited to above stated universities and once I reach Australia I would have bigger
search option that would be influenced by more data and University facts.

After completing my VET education, which I plan to undertake my bachelor’s degree because
I believe this qualification who qualify me to apply broad and coherent IT knowledge in a
range of contexts to undertake professional work as a pathway for further learning. After my
bachelor’s I plan to apply for post study work (PSW) facility, as it is the facility provided by
the Government of Australia towards International student. I plan to use PSW because at this
point I could gained some industrial experience for which Australian Government have given
facility to. Because banking degree (finance and mortgage and broking) subject needs
combination of all three - practical knowledge, theoretical knowledge and usability knowledge
I believe I would get practical knowledge through VET education; I would get theoretical
knowledge through bachelor degree and finally if I get usability knowledge through internship
or job opportunity this exposure would help me learn how real world problems are solved in
work environment. This could boost my career to greater heights when I come back to Nepal
later. As I aspire to become a Bank Manager coming back to Nepal after my intended journey
in Australia ends. I could use my insight of how banking techniques, service delivery and
mortgage methods are in Australian companies through their tools, techniques, methods,
practices, investment and manpower and use all those know-how in making my journey of
becoming bank manager back here in Nepal.

Sponsor details

Sponsoring allows me to focus my student life. Sponsoring also makes the visa officer and
concern authorities confident that the students such as I have no problems with access to funds
for tuition, insurance and accommodation. As such, I would briefly like to introduce my
financial sponsor’s. With regards to income, my uncle own a business i.e. Grocery store
named as Tika Khadhyanna Supplier at Budir Municipality, ward no. 4, Nuwakot. The annual
income from this business for fiscal year (2075/2075 B.S) 2017/2018 was NPR 1,660,000. To
support this, my uncle have provided the Audit report of my company and also the ownership
documents such as PAN certificate and since these certificate are originally in Nepali
language, he have provided its translation in English too. Besides this my uncle also earns
from renting house annually NPR 480,000. Combined my sponsor’s have an annual income of
NPR 21,40,000. In Australian Dollar our combined annual income is Twenty Five Thousand
Three Hundred Sixteen and 45/100 (i.e. AUD $ 25,316.45 -approx.). With regards to the fee
payment, this was paid on November 6, 2018 from my account itself maintained at Sunrise

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bank Ltd. savings account number 0220506613202001. Further; there is a balance of Nepalese
Rupees 2,699,767.60 (approx. AUD $ 32,488.18) in my same account after paying the tuition
fees of AUD $ 10,244, enrollment fee of AUD $ 200, material fee of AUD $ 300 and OSHC
of AUD $ 1,856. In short I have paid AUD $ 12,600 towards my tuition and insurance. I have
attached the statement of summary of one month of and have attached the balance certificate
too. I would like to point out that on October 4, 2018 I deposited through cheque an amount of
NPR 9,00,000. This amount was withdrawn from cheque of my other account maintained at
Kumari Bank Ltd., the only reason I withdraw this money from Kumari Bank and deposited in
Sunrise Bank is because in Kumari Bank the Australian Dollar account is closed and I would
have to incur around AUD $ 600 as loss in conversion of money from US Dollars to
Australian Dollars for payment of tuition fee to the college. I have attached the cheque and
account statement summary of my Kumari bank account for its verification. Also, I would like
to point out that on October 5, 2018 I deposited through cheque an amount of NPR 2,900,000.
This was from the sale of land-plot no. 892. To verify this I have provided the proof of
previous ownership along with the transfer of ownership document form the land revenue
office. My sponsor’s are economically sound family who would support me in everything
from living expenses in terms of accommodation, insurance fee, tuition fee and others in
Australia.

Career Plan

I want to pursue my career in the banking sector of Nepal. I have grown up experiencing the
growth and development of the banking industry in Nepal. From the traditional ways of the
manual working system to fast growing technological advancement within a short span of
time, the banking industry has achieved new heights in Nepal. Moreover, people working in
the banks of Nepal have always fascinated me. Whenever I visit any bank as a customer, I find
the staffs of the bank to be very smart and enthusiastic. I feel they are very happy and
interested to work in banks. This has also attracted me to work in the banking industry. Anil
Shah, CEO of Nabil Bank Limited, Nepal, has always been my Idol and like him, I want to
become a CEO of a bank one day. I always follow his interviews, blogs and articles, which
have further increased my zeal to become a banker.

Thus, I started to search for a course that supports my passion to become a banker in Nepal.
However, as mentioned in earlier paragraphs I have come in conclusion that that the Diploma
and Advanced Diploma Courses of Banking Services Management offered by the SABT
regarding Banking and Management is best suited to my requirements. I can gain an in-depth
knowledge regarding banking and various services offered by banks. I have learned that the
course has been designed to reflect a range of job roles in banking or similar financial
institutions. Thus, after completing the course, I will be able to perform all banking related
jobs, apply analytical solutions to a range of complex problem and analyze and evaluate
information and problems from a variety of sources. Moreover, as a student, I will have access
to world-class research opportunities in world leading programmes. All these outcomes
perfectly match the requirements of a job seeker in the Nepalese banking industry. I do have
some knowledge about fiscal and monetary policy, which I learnt in my higher secondary
level, but I need to gain insight of its impact on the banking sector. Similarly, being a service

15
industry, I also need to learn interpersonal skills, which are required in all departments of
banking, especially in the customer service department. Before selecting any course, it is
necessary to know the potential and demand of those courses in that particular country. In
Nepal, the banking and financial institution has been divided into four categories; Commercial
bank "A Class", Development bank "B Class", Finance companies "C Class", and Micro
finance companies "D Class". The banking sector of Nepal is the most developed and
advanced sector, being the most systematic, organized and advanced among all other
industries of Nepal. There are already 28 commercial bank, more than 54 development banks,
33 finance companies and 49 micro finance companies according to the central bank of Nepal
(www.nrb.org.np). The large numbers of banking and financial institutions provide me with
lots of opportunity. Moreover, there is still a lot of scope for further development in this
sector. Recently, the central bank of Nepal has made strict regulations regarding increment of
paid-up capital to all these institutions. As per the requirement, commercial banks of Nepal
have to increase their paid-up capital to 8 billion by the end of this fiscal year. After the
increment of paid capital, definitely, these sectors have to expand to various potential markets
in order to increase the income by the same ratio. As a result, the banking and financial sector
are one of the most booming industries in the Nepalese context. After completion of my study,
I can join as a trainee assistant in the banking industry of Nepal. However, with foreign degree
one can get a 2 positions higher Initially, I will be earning a tentative NPR 25,000 to 32000 as
it is the current entry-level salary of Nepalese banks. However, for foreign graduates one can
enter at 2 positions higher than trainee assistant i.e. Senior Assistant which have a salary of
around NPR 45,000. Also, after one year, if my performance is good, on the basis of my
performance appraisal and the international degree, which I possessed, I can be easily
promoted to either Junior officer or supervisor. After the promotion, the salary will be at least
NPR 55,000. Besides that, I can enjoy various fringe benefits such as a bonus (3-month
salary), staff welfare (2-3 month salary), Dashain and Tihar bonus (1 month salary) and forced
leave allowance where we can take 15 days leave and bank and financial institutions will
provide us with 1 month salary.

I sincerely hope that by associating with SABT and Australia, I will be able to give back in
return as much as I will gain in my own knowledge under the tutelage of experts from the
industry. After obtaining my desired level in Australia (i.e. Bachelor’s) I have strong
determination to return to my country for an academic and intellectual purpose. Although
western world is at the pinnacle of Banking and Broking industry but unfortunately, my
country Nepal is in a dawn of acknowledging its importance. So, I wish to abridge the gap that
lies between our approach of definition of finance, broking, mortgage and banking and
Western World. In the future, I want to work in this direction and prove myself valuable to
Banking Industry in Nepal. Last but not least, I have no doubt that the opportunity of perusing
my Diploma and Advanced Diploma at SABT and in Australia will equip me with
international standard knowledge and exposure on Banking Industry; and I look forward to
being a part of Aussie Culture in the very near future.

International student Visa Conditions

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International student visa conditions are well written in the offer letter and in the student
handbook provided by SABT. In order to secure international student visa (Subclass 500) to
Australia and in order to maintain the visa conditions, the government of Australia,
Department of immigration and border control have laid down following conditions that must
be satisfied. Some of the visa conditions are:
 As an international student I must have a satisfactory attendance of 80 %.
 As an international student I must meet academic progress according to education
provider i.e. my education should be progressive and I should pass and improve each
semester and year towards completing their programs.
 As an international student I am only allowed to work 40 hours per fortnight during
recognized vacation periods offered by education provider.
 As an international student I should have valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
insurance during my stay in Australia.
 I cannot start paid work until their courses has been started in Australia. Also,
International students should not be involved in any criminal activities.
 International students must continue to satisfy the requirements for grant of student
visa and Tuition fees should be paid at time and have enrolment status during study
period.
 I must inform my course provider with changes of my home address and also cannot
leave or change my education provider without their prior permission.

Accommodation

While looking for accommodation, I have looked upon International student handbook
provided by SABT that provides information regarding living cost and financial preparation
especially in city Sydney. I have found that three types of accommodation usually exist and
they include a share house, Private rental and boarding or homestay. Out of these options I
found that share house is best for me where I can share rental cost around AUD $ 100 per
week, with groceries could cost around AUD $ 100 and Gas and electricity cost could come
around AUD $ 75, public transport could be around AUD $ 25. I, have planned to live in
shared accommodation as it would help me get easy access to know more about Australian
culture and also would save lot of my time for study, which I can engage, somewhere. Also, as
a mover to new country, new place and new society I am personally happy and my parent’s
safe to hear that accommodation is not a problem if managed beforehand. For it I have looked
at both long-term accommodation options and temporary accommodation options such as
booking.com, or airbnb.com.au.

Conclusion

I am a self-taught person from the small country of Nepal, having a keen interest in practical
field of banking, finance, mortgage and brokerage. My long-term educational goal is to
achieve at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce with major in Banking from Australia. My
lifetime goal is to excel in the field of my interest and take it to a professional level. I will do
that with hard work, innovation and merging my knowledge of banking and financial
mortgage industry. However, I need formal education, suitable facilities and international

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approach of learning and applying the principles of banking by combining my naïve
knowledge of finance, banks and broking and lessons learn during my diploma and advance
diploma degree to address our life related problems.

Yours sincerely,

…………………………….
Ashmita Adhikari
Mobile:009779818821991
Email:ashmitaadhikari49@gmail.com

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