Writing a strong CV for the RSSP

Last updated 8 February 2026

Why your CV is important

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a critical document detailing your academic and professional history, including education, work experience, publications, and awards. In the RSSP shortlisting process your CV is used to assess your readiness for study in Australia, accuracy of academic history, and eligibility for the program. It will help the RSSP selectors understand your strengths.

Keep it clean and simple: Use our template

Too many CVs focus on style over substance. We don’t want pictures and graphics - we just want a clear account of your study and work history. We have created this simple template to help you focus your CV on what’s important.

Format advice

We recommend you spend time getting your

• 2–3 pages maximum

• Submit a text-based PDF, not a scanned image or Word file.

• A4 page size

• Simple font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)

• 10.5–12 pt body text

• Clear headings

• Use bullet points to break up key points

• No photos

• No tables, colour, icons, graphics, or logos - just text

• Spell out acronyms on first use, then use the abbreviation.

• All dates must be written as MM/YYYY.

Language

• Do not use vague claims like “excellent”, “expert”, “advanced skills” without context.

• Describe what you did, not personal qualities.

  Example
  ✔ “Delivered English tutoring to groups of 10–15 students”
  ✘ “Highly skilled community leader”

• Spell out acronyms on first use, then use the abbreviation.

What to include

• A short personal statement at the beginning (2-3 sentences) explaining your goals, motivation and experience

• Education section - list all education completed and incomplete using month/year dates (MM/YYYY). Include gaps, interrupted study. Do not remove or hide non-completion.

• Academic awards, scholarships, and honours - (If none, write “None”). Otherwise:

  • Award name – awarding body, year

  • Basis for award (merit-based, need-based, competitive, etc.)

• Certificates and professional training - Include professional development, IT certifications, vocational training, MOOCs if completed. Format:

  • Certificate/course name

  • Provider or organisation

  • Year completed

  • Duration or level (if known)

• Work experience section - list all paid, unpaid, volunteer, and informal work using month/year dates (MM/YYYY). Functional role titles may be used where no formal title exists. Format:

  • Role title

    Organisation, country

    Start date – End date (month/year)

    • Key responsibilities or achievements

    • Skills used or developed

    • Any leadership or supervisory duties

    Internships, volunteering, family business work, and informal work are all valid if described clearly.

• Languages: List all languages with honest proficiency levels

• Hobbies and interests: Interests are optional and not assessed for merit

What not to include

• Contact details or address

• Date of birth or age

• Photographs, graphics and other complicated formatting

• Referees

• Personal and sensitive information

AI use

If you use AI to forma your CV, remember you are responsible for the content. AI can make errors and invent courses and jobs (hallucinations). Please ensure you double check all content is accurate before finalising your CV.

The RSSP team anticipates a high volume of applicants. AI tools may be used to help us review CVs in accordance with our AI Policy. Final decisions will always made by human assessors, and no automated decision is made solely on AI output.