An applicant with an MSc (biotech) and 10+ years in marketing was refused a study permit for an MBA. Group advice for the reapplication:
- The SOP is the main fix. Explain precisely why the MBA is necessary for career progression at mid-senior level, and make a convincing case for returning to your home country. Members felt the rest of the profile was fine.
- 'Master's after master's' is a known officer concern. A second master's needs explicit justification as career progression, not academic drift. (One member's friend avoided the issue by hiding a prior degree - do NOT do this; misrepresentation risks a multi-year ban, and once declared it can't be undone anyway.)
- Free counselling exists. One member suggested a recognized education counsellor (e.g. IDP), which is free and could still make the next intake.
- Others confirmed people with prior master's and even doctorates do get study permits - the refusal is addressable, not fatal.