Teacher Education Personal Statement

What is a personal statement?

Ranked 22nd in the world for the discipline of Education,* we are committed to creating a learning community where you are provided with the best environment and academic opportunities to excel in your chosen field of study. From 2018, we have required a personal statement with all applications to the University of Sydney’s teacher-education degrees (excluding early childhood).

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership responded to the Federal Government's request to create selection guidelines for all universities to assess both the academic and non-academic qualities of all students applying for entry into a teaching degree. The personal statement applied by the University allows you to demonstrate your suitability for teaching through the right combination of qualities to enable you to become an effective teacher.

* 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject

How do I submit my statement?

Undergraduate UAC applicants

If you are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) to study a teacher education degree at the University of Sydney (excluding early childhood), you will be prompted to complete a personal statement questionnaire during the application process.

Please refer to UAC’s guidelines and the relevant UAC form when submitting your personal statement. More information is available on the UAC website.

Undergraduate direct applicants

Because the number of applications from qualified applicants for many Teaching Areas exceeds the quota of places available, you are required to submit a statement, not exceeding 1000 words, addressing the following four questions about your motivation and suitability for teaching. You must answer all four questions to be considered for selection to the course. Your responses will be used in the selection process.

Tell us what has inspired you to become a teacher and tell us why you think teaching is a good career choice for you.
Describe who and what has inspired you to become a teacher and describe the types of skills and abilities you will bring to teaching.
Describe one or two leadership, community and/or learning and development activities that you have engaged in.
Describe how these leadership, community and/or learning and development activities demonstrate your conscientiousness and coping strategies when you are faced with challenges.
Describe how you manage your time when you are both planning and coordinating activities in your personal schedule.
Provide examples of how you have put both your planning and coordinating skills to use.
Tell us about one or two times where you have utilised your problem-solving skills to achieve an outcome.
Explain what you learned, regardless of whether the outcome you achieved was positive or undesirable.

You need to submit your answers to these questions in a Word document or a PDF. It is recommended, for your own ease, to answer these questions as four separate items.

Postgraduate applicants