motivational letter for thesis

• Graduate School

How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter with Samples and Expert Tips

Reading over some PhD motivation letter samples will give you an idea of how to make yours a strong, central component of your application to get into grad school . In addition to your grad school CV , a PhD motivation letter is a chance for you to demonstrate objectively why you are an excellent candidate for the faculty to which you are applying. Unlike a personal statement, a PhD motivation letter is distinct in its unique focus on your academic and research background with little mention of your personal story. This article will take you through the significance of the PhD motivation letter, describe what makes a stellar motivation letter, and provide examples. 

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Article Contents 11 min read

Do you need to write a phd motivation letter .

Yes, you must write a PhD motivation letter. It is mandatory for most, if not all, PhD programs, regardless of your field of study. Disciplines ranging from arts and humanities to physics and computer science all consider motivation letters (aka “statement of purpose” in some countries) a major component of your application.

Of course, you will also have to fulfill the other documentation requirements, like submitting your transcripts, CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, but a motivation letter has a specific intent: to summarize your academic achievements up to the present and what you plan to achieve in the future at this particular school.

The faculty who ultimately consider your application look for how you and your PhD topic match with the mission and values of their program. Personal details and other motivations are best left to your personal statement or letter of intent because the motivation letter is strictly an academic summary.

A great PhD motivation letter should highlight how and why you are prepared for the rigors of PhD-level work. It should include the details of your academic career that have propelled you further into your field of study, like an inspiring professor or undergraduate course that sparked interest in your field.

The following list will provide more insights, but you should remember that whatever you write must be backed up by a concrete, real-world demonstration. It is not enough to say, “I am interested in XYZ because of XYZ.” You must include specific events in your undergraduate and graduate studies where you excelled.

If you are applying for a PhD, that in itself suggests you have a bevy of academic and extracurricular experience to glean from, be it co-authoring a published paper, your time as a TA, or some type of academic recognition. Many stand-out motivation letters single out specific instances when you showed an outsized passion for your studies.

Dos and Don’ts in a PhD Motivation Letter

1. Gain Skills and Experiences

The track to obtaining a PhD degree is a long one, which is why anyone who wants to become a PhD should commit early on to what it entails. All PhD candidates must have both an undergraduate and a master's degree to even apply, so that means structuring your studies around those requirements.

You should gain as much experience in your field, learn new skills related to your studies (a new language, for example, or technical skills), and participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible. Gathering the necessary skills and experiences to enter a PhD program should be the first step, since they are a reflection of your commitment.

2. Start Writing Early

You should begin drafting your PhD motivation letter at least a few months before the deadline. Because it is one of the most important parts of your application, you want to give yourself time to refine it. Refining means going through multiple drafts, soliciting and receiving feedback from other candidates, getting professional grad school application help, and making changes as you go along.

3. Consider Your Audience

The people who will read your motivation letter are renowned academics who have devoted their lives to one particular subject. Your letter needs to reflect your respect not only for them, but for the field of study that you both share. You should write with genuine verve when talking about your topic. Remind them of why they committed so full-heartedly to their career by demonstrating how enthralled you are with your studies.

4. Use Active Voice

You should put “you” in your story. Avoid using the passive voice and hiding behind your achievements as if they spoke for themselves. The admissions committee members want to read about how you approached your studies and learn about your insights into the future of your field of interest. They do not want a cold recitation of your CV but a spirited defense or explanation of what you value most about your topic.

1. Don’t Forget About the Formatting

PhD admission requirements differ between the many programs out there, so be cognizant of how they ask you to format your paper. If the requirements state a two-page limit, then write two pages. The same goes for other criteria like font size, paragraph spacing, and word length. A rambling, incoherent letter is the last thing you want to submit, so make sure to keep it within the guidelines.

2. Don’t Include Personal Stories

A personal statement is the place for formative stories from the past, not your motivation letter. You can include personal thoughts and opinions about your field of study, even unfavorable ones, to show you have a unique perspective, but steer clear of using personal elements like early childhood experiences or anything unrelated to your program.

3. Don’t Ramble

Keep in mind that your writing and organizational skills are also on display when you submit your motivation letter, along with everything else about you (grades, college letter of intent , transcripts). Again, remember who you are writing for: professors with years of experience researching and writing. They, more than anyone, know what good writing looks like, so be concise and clear in your writing.

4. Don’t Shy Away from Failures

The collected experience of those reading your essay guarantees that they know a thing or two about failure. Whether it was an unpublished paper, or a failed experiment, showing your determination in the face of adversity paints a complete picture of who you are as a researcher and academic.

But, again, setbacks in your personal life should not be mentioned. Limit your story to problems you encountered during your undergrad, graduate, or research fellowships and how you sought to overcome them. Mention a class or subject you struggled with or a drop in your grades and how you improved them.

Structure of Your PhD Motivation Letter

The structure of a great motivation letter is easy to follow because its focus is so narrow. The body of your letter should only mention highlights from your academic career, in a very specific chronology starting with your undergrad and progressing from there. But the structure should also cover three main points:

You can adjust the structure based on the requirements of the PhD program you are applying to, but it should cover the reasons you want to commit yourself to this program, what you plan on achieving, and how you have prepared yourself to accomplish those goals. If you already went to grad school, then you can rework your college statement of purpose to use as a template.

PhD Motivation Letter Sample #1

Dear Members of the PhD Selection Committee,

My name is David White, and I am writing to you to express my interest in pursuing a PhD in the Migration Studies program at X University. I recently completed a Master of Ethnography at Y University with an emphasis on the cultural exchange between migrant communities and their adopted homelands viewed through the lens of shared trauma and memory.

In the media, migration is often described as a “crisis,” a designation that has always made me bristle. I assert that migration is one of the most fundamental aspects of our species, yet it has been flagrantly mislabeled to serve the political and socioeconomic interests of a few.

My research is centered around the ways that migrants form new identities based on their experiences. Conversely, I have also explored how an innate identity based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation impacts a migrant’s journey and how those markers expose them to further exploitation or, at the other end, fortify their resolve and inspire perseverance in the face of tremendous odds.

The need for further investigation into identity and the interplay of migration and culture came into focus for me during my second-year undergrad Political Science degree at XYZ University. I was influenced by the work of writers like Franz Fanon and Edward Said, who questioned the foundations of a post-colonial identity and whether it was ever possible for colonized people to form an identity separate from their colonizers. I took an anthropology course, The Nature of Humans, that impacted me greatly. It prompted a Cartesian examination of my own beliefs around identity, as it firmly associated the emergence of human societies with factors such as migration, evolution, adaptability, and diversity.

During my time as a graduate student, I secured a place on a research project headed by Prof. Mohamed Al-Nasseri, a diaspora studies expert. Professor Al-Nasseri's thesis was that policymakers were ignoring the psychological profiles of migrants when assessing their material needs and financial assistance levels.

Our four-person investigative team liaised with a local, non-profit resettlement agency who connected us with volunteer migrant families based in University Town. Under the supervision of Professor Al-Nasseri, we formulated a questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-V for traumatic events, while taking into account the newly revised definitions.

Mindful of the possible triggering effect our questions could have, we invited a peer, fellow survivor/migrant, and, in some cases, a religious leader before we conducted the interviews or to sit-in on our interviews.

During the interviews, I felt both inspired and indignant. I maintained my composure and objectivity, but the fire within raged. Unfortunately, our findings were inconclusive and what we discovered in our interviews did not wholly support Dr. Al-Nasseri’s thesis. But the experience and motivation I took from the project were enough to fuel my desire to explore the topic of identity formation in migrant communities who have undergone severe trauma.

The Migration Studies program at your institution will provide what I consider the perfect research and support network to further my investigation of these topics. I have followed the work of the esteemed Dr. Ellerman whose research into the treatment of post-traumatic stress has informed the direction of my own research. Dr. Ellerman has opened new pathways for thinking about trauma that I wish to incorporate into my thesis project when the time comes.

Until then, I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to this institution and am ready to discuss my future with you should my candidacy prove successful.

David White

My name is Melanie Hicks, and I am writing this letter to fulfill the admission requirements of the Visual Arts PhD Program at Z University. I have already submitted my audiovisual portfolio, CV, and transcripts, along with three letters of recommendation from, respectively, my master’s degree supervisor, Dr. Dana Redmond, my thesis supervisor, Dr. Allan Lee, and my research colleague, Mark Fowler.

I would like to take this opportunity to expand further on the conceptual themes I have focused on in my artistic output over the past decade, contextualize the pieces I have submitted, and elaborate on the goals I have should my application to this program be successful.

My artistic career, from very early on, has been defined by modes of observation, the interplay of observation and reflection between subjects and objects within a sociopolitical realm, and the harnessing of Blackness as a form of radical self-interpretation – all of it couched within the media of still and moving images.

During my undergrad as a Fine Arts student at X University, I was lucky enough to be showcased at the Kepler Gallery for my series, Painted Faces, a collection of photographs I took while working as a freelance photographer for an independent newspaper in Chicago. My focus in that series was the effort and preparation female congregants of an all-Black church put into readying themselves for Sunday services.

After my undergrad, I traveled to Boston to volunteer in local after-school programs with children from minority backgrounds who had an interest in photography. All of them had grown up with easy access to a phone capable of taking crisp, digital images and had never taken film photographs, so it fell to me to show them how to develop prints in a darkroom.

As part of my portfolio, I have submitted photos I took during that time, along with selections from my Painted Faces series. I never constructed a specific narrative with the photos I took during my volunteer work, but they were informed by the social realist photographers and photojournalists who captured the Civil Rights Movement by participating in protests and documenting the unrest.

Gordon Parks is a major influence and part of the reason I am pursuing my PhD studies at this institution. Prof. Alys is a foremost expert on Parks’ work and curated the Parks Retrospective at the Local Museum. Parks himself said that the subject was always more important than the photographer, and I agreed with that statement for a long time, until I began reading Arthur Danto and his artist-centered philosophy of art. While many disagree with Danto’s definition of art as an elitist utopia, I would argue that he opens the gates to everyone, and that anyone can gain entry to the “artworld.”

There is no better exemplar, I think, of the democratization of the “artworld” first posited by Danto than Basquiat, who was not only “allowed” access to the “artworld” but redefined it, in his indomitable way. Basquiat’s quality of outsider-turned-insider and Danto’s liberating of the parameters of what defined art are central themes of my project to understand whether “outsider” artists still exist, given how new technologies and platforms have pushed Danto’s definitions beyond their logical boundaries, if not obliterated them completely.

I hope this program can help me refine my project while matching my urgency to further expand the definition of art and artists to be more inclusive of not only racial minorities, but non-binary and trans people, who are at the forefront of questioning the validity of assigned identities through the curation of their very genders or lack thereof.

I am grateful to this esteemed panel for considering my application, and I would like to close by expressing my profound admiration for the achievements in art, art theory, and the philosophy of art each of you has contributed to a long, continuing train of thought.

I would be honored to accept a place beside you as a PhD candidate.

Melanie Hicks

Motivation letters are used in areas other than academia, but a PhD motivation letter is different for several reasons. Regardless of your particular field of research, the letter should include important points about your academic achievements, research interests, and why you want to continue your research at the faculty to which you are applying.

Even though PhD motivation letters tend to be short – between 500 and 700 words – their length is often the most vexing thing about them. Because students have a hard time condensing their years of study and research into a few words, we hope this article will help you focus your writing and give you insight into what to include.

No, they are not the same. A motivation letter has many different applications but is primarily a summary of your academic and professional achievements. A personal statement is an essay explaining your personal reasons for wanting to enter a specific profession or academic institution.

You should focus only on concrete, real-world examples of how you performed, learned, or grew as the result of an event in your trajectory toward a PhD and how you plan on contributing something new to your field of study. You should also make sure to have enough material, in the form of experience or academic goals, to write a compelling letter.

PhD motivation letters are important because they let prospective PhD candidates distill their background and experience succinctly, so that selection committees can more easily judge their character, commitment, and potential. 

Some people do find it challenging to write a letter about themselves without rambling or sounding incoherent. But if you prepare ahead of time, think honestly about your answer, and write several drafts, you should be able to write an above-average letter. If you are still struggling you can also get application help from professionals. 

Programs tend to ask for either a one or two-page letter, between 700 and 900 words. 

You can talk about anything that has do to with your past work to get to the PhD level, including aspects of your academic career, internships, independent or supervised research, fieldwork in a specific context, and any work experience you have related to your field of study. 

You should not mention any personal motivations for wanting to pursue a PhD. You can write about your intrinsic motivations to become a doctor of philosophy in your personal statement, if you are asked to submit one with your application. 

PhD programs around the world have various entry requirements that differ among schools. Some institutions ask for a motivation letter, while others ask for a personal statement or letter of recommendation and letter of intent, which has elements of a motivation letter but is not the same. 

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How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter

• Applying to a PhD

A PhD motivation letter is a document that describes your personal motivation and competence for a particular research project. It is usually submitted together with your academic CV to provide admissions staff with more information about you as an individual, to help them decide whether or not you are the ideal candidate for a research project.

A motivation letter has many similarities to a cover letter and a personal statement, and institutions will not ask you to submit all of these. However, it is a unique document and you should treat it as such. In the context of supporting a PhD application, the difference is nuanced; all three documents outline your suitability for PhD study. However, compared to a cover letter and personal statement, a motivation letter places more emphasis on your motivation for wanting to pursue the particular PhD position you are applying for.

Academic cover letters are more common in UK universities, while motivation letters are more common abroad.

A motivation letter can play a key part in the application process . It allows the admission committee to review a group of PhD applicants with similar academic backgrounds and select the ideal candidate based on their motivations for applying.

For admission staff, academic qualifications alone are not enough to indicate whether a student will be successful in their doctorate. In this sense, a motivational letter will allow them to judge your passion for the field of study, commitment to research and suitability for the programme, all of which better enables them to evaluate your potential.

How Should I Structure My Motivation Letter?

A strong motivation letter for PhD applications will include:

• A concise introduction stating which programme you are applying for,
• Your academic background and professional work experience,
• Any key skills you possess and what makes you the ideal candidate,
• Your interest and motivation for applying,
• Concluding remarks and thanks.

This is a simplistic breakdown of what can be a very complicated document.

However, writing to the above structure will ensure you keep your letter of motivation concise and relevant to the position you are applying for. Remember, the aim of your letter is to show your enthusiasm and that you’re committed and well suited for the programme.

To help you write a motivation letter for a PhD application, we have outlined what to include in the start, main body, and closing sections.

How to Start a Motivation Letter

Introduction: Start with a brief introduction in which you clearly state your intention to apply for a particular programme. Think of this as describing what the document is to a stranger.

Education: State what you have studied and where. Your higher education will be your most important educational experience, so focus on this. Highlight any relevant modules you undertook as part of your studies that are relevant to the programme you are applying for. You should also mention how your studies have influenced your decision to pursue a PhD project, especially if it is in the same field you are currently applying to.

Work experience: Next summarise your professional work experience. Remember, you will likely be asked to submit your academic CV along with your motivation letter, so keep this section brief to avoid any unnecessary repetition. Include any other relevant experiences, such as teaching roles, non-academic experience, or charity work which demonstrates skills or shows your suitability for the research project and in becoming a PhD student.

Key skills: Outline your key skills. Remember the admissions committee is considering your suitability for the specific programme you are applying for, so mention skills relevant to the PhD course.

Motivation for applying: Show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject, and describe your long-term aspirations. Start with how you first became interested in the field, and how your interest has grown since. You should also mention anything else you have done which helps demonstrate your interest in your proposed research topic, for example:

• Have you attended any workshops or seminars?
• Do you have any research experience?
• Have you taught yourself any aspects of the subject?
• Have you read any literature within the research area?

Finally, describe what has convinced you to dedicate the next 3-4 years (assuming you are to study full time) of your life to research.

How to End a Motivation Letter

Concluding the motivation letter is where most people struggle. Typically, people can easily describe their academic background and why they want to study, but convincing the reader they are the best candidate for the PhD programme is often more challenging.

The concluding remarks of your motivation letter should highlight the impacts of your proposed research, in particular: the new contributions it will make to your field, the benefits it will have on society and how it fits in with your aspirations.

With this, conclude with your career goals. For example, do you want to pursue an academic career or become a researcher for a private organisation? Doing so will show you have put a lot of thought into your decision.

Remember, admissions into a PhD degree is very competitive, and supervisors invest a lot of time into mentoring their students. Therefore, supervisors naturally favour those who show the most dedication. Your conclusion should remind the reader that you are not only passionate about the research project, but that the university will benefit from having you.

Finally, thank the reader for considering your application.

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Motivation Letter Format

There are some basic rules to follow when writing a successful motivation letter. These will mimic the standard format for report writing that the supervisor will be familiar with:

• Use a sans serif font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman),
• Use a standard font size (e.g. 12pt) and black font colour,
• Keep your writing professional throughout and avoid the use of informal language,
• Write in the first person,
• Address your motivation letter to a named person such as the project supervisor, however, this could also be the person in charge of research admissions,
• Structure your letter into paragraphs using the guidance above, such as introduction, academic history, motivation for research, and concluding remarks.

How Long Should a Motivation Letter Be?

A good rule of thumb for PhD motivation letters is to keep it to around one side of A4. A little longer than one page is acceptable, but two pages is generally considered too long. This equates to approximately 400-600 words.

Things to Avoid when Writing Your Motivational Letter

Your motivational letter will only be one of the several documents you’ll be asked to submit as part of your PhD application. You will almost certainly be asked to submit an Academic CV as well. Therefore, be careful not to duplicate any of the information.

It is acceptable to repeat the key points, such as what and where you have studied. However, while your CV should outline your academic background, your motivation letter should bring context to it by explaining why you have studied what you have, and where you hope to go with it. The simplest way to do this is to refer to the information in your CV and explain how it has led you to become interested in research.

Don’t try to include everything. A motivation letter should be short, so focus on the information most relevant to the programme and which best illustrates your passion for it. Remember, the academic committee will need to be critical in order to do their jobs effectively , so they will likely interpret an unnecessarily long letter as in indication that you have poor written skills and cannot communicate effectively.

You must be able to back up all of your statements with evidence, so don’t fabricate experiences or overstate your skills. This isn’t only unethical but is likely to be picked up by your proposed PhD supervisor or the admissions committee.

Whilst it is good to show you have an understanding of the field, don’t try to impress the reader with excessive use of technical terms or abbreviations.

PhD Motivation Letter Samples – A Word of Caution

There are many templates and samples of motivation letters for PhDs available online. A word of caution regarding these – although they can prove to be a great source of inspiration, you should refrain from using them as a template for your own motivation letter.

While there are no rules against them, supervisors will likely have seen a similar letter submitted to them in the past. This will not only prevent your application from standing out, but it will also reflect poorly on you by suggesting that you have put minimal effort into your application.

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How to Write a Successful PhD Motivation Letter

Table of Contents Hide

What are phd motivation letters, understanding the key components of a phd motivation letter, initiating your phd motivation letter, do your research, aim for clarity and conciseness, connect your background and experience, show your research potential, demonstrate your connection to the program, be authentic, effective conclusion for your phd motivation letter, ideal length of a phd motivation letter, formatting the phd motivation letter, common mistakes to avoid in phd motivation letter writing, writing a successful phd motivation letter.

When you are applying to a PhD program, one of the requirements is likely to be a motivation letter. This letter is similar to a personal statement in which you will describe reasons why you want to pursue the degree and explain why you should be accepted into the program.

A well-written motivation letter for a PhD can easily become a deciding admissions factor. If you are competing against hundreds of applicants, your letter should help you stand out from the crowd.

No matter what your specialization is or the type of program you’ve chosen, you need to learn how to write a motivation letter for a PhD. Otherwise, your application may not look as persuasive as it could.

Let’s dive deeper into writing a successful motivation letter for your PhD studies.

PhD motivation letters are also known as statements of purpose or personal statements. While not all PhD programs require applicants to submit these letters, writing one can improve your chances of getting accepted.

A motivation letter gives you a priceless opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee and explain why you are the top candidate. In this letter, you won’t just express your motivation, list research interests, and show yourself in the best possible light. You will demonstrate your commitment to studies and your mastery of words.

While the admissions committee already knows all about your credentials, they want to get to know you as a person. In this letter, you will be showing your passion for getting a PhD in a specific niche.

Interestingly enough, the Ph.D. motivation letter isn’t just a way to conquer the committee members’ hearts. It’s an opportunity to look deeper into what you really want. By writing and reading this statement, you can gain unexpected insight into what’s best for your professional future.

The structure and content of a motivation letter aren’t always the same. Each university may have a list of requirements. So, you won’t be able to write one letter and use it for each program you apply to. However, you can create a framework that makes writing several letters easier.

Here is what a general PhD motivation letter should include:

• Introduction – a short introductory paragraph or two that catches the reader’s attention and explains what the letter will be about.
• Research interests – a list and a brief explanation of your research interests, specific research questions, and topics you plan to explore during your PhD  studies.
• Academic background – you can add a short summary of your academic background (degrees, coursework, research experience, publications)
• Motivation – this is the most important part of the letter. You need to be clear about your motivation for pursuing a PhD in general and the reasons why this program is the perfect fit for your needs. This section must reflect your passion and enthusiasm.
• Goals – briefly explain what your long-term career goals are and mention how obtaining a PhD  within this program can help you achieve them. Your ambition and commitment must shine through the words.

While the university may provide some requirements that can help you structure your motivation letter, the majority of it is your own creativity. Keep in mind that you aren’t just sharing cold facts but showcasing your personality.

In most cases, the introduction is the most important part of your PhD  motivation letter. While the committee is likely to read the entire letter anyway, if you don’t catch their attention immediately, they might simply skim through it.

Always begin with a compelling opening sentence. Consider using a thought-provoking statement or a curious question related to your potential field of study. For example, “My unwavering fascination with the intricate workings of the human brain is the power behind my passion for forensic psychology.”

Next state your purpose for writing the letter and your intention to apply for the specific program. Make sure to immediately highlight your enthusiasm, motivation, and genuine interest in pursuing the subject matter.

For example, “The opportunity to go further into the subject of forensic psychology and contribute to the advancements in the criminal landscape fills me with immense excitement and determination.”

How to Structure the Motivation Letter for PhD

Once you finish the introduction, you can go on to the body of the letter, which should include research interests, academic background, motivation, and goals. Here are a few important tips that can help you make the most out of this structure.

Understanding how to write a motivation letter for Ph.D. studies begins with in-depth research about the program. While you’ve probably done a lot of browsing online already, you’ve been mainly focusing on the way the program meets your needs.

Now, you need to do similar research from a different perspective. Ask yourself, “How do I meet the needs of the program?” The answer can help you make the right statements within your letter.

The admissions committee has to go through hundreds of documents and letters. A long letter with complex and confusing sentences is likely to cause frustration. This is exactly what you need to avoid.

Don’t include any unnecessary details or lengthy explanations. Just share the facts wrapped in positive emotions. If you manage to demonstrate your passion without boring the reader, you can stand out from the crowd.

Make sure to highlight all relevant academic, and especially, research experience. List and discuss projects or publications that demonstrate your knowledge. Talk about how the experience, whether professional or educational, has shaped your research interests. This is a great place to explain where your motivation comes from.

You need to demonstrate to the admissions committee your immense potential to excel in research. Here, you have to show that you possess the necessary critical thinking abilities and problem-solving solving skills. List research methodologies you have experience with.

Explain why this Ph.D. program is a good fit for your research goals. Discuss faculty members whose work aligns with your research (here is where your research will prove highly useful). Make sure to single out at least one unique opportunity that attracts you to the program. Show that you’ve done your homework and know exactly what you are applying for.

While it may be tempting to ask for assistance or use ChatGPT, outsourcing your motivation letter isn’t a good idea. An important part of the letter is demonstrating your own voice. You are the only one who can do it genuinely. Try to avoid any generic statements. Inject each sentence with passion and desire to achieve your educational goals.

The conclusion is the final impression you make on the reader. This is something they are likely to remember you by. Make sure to summarize the points you’ve made in the letter succinctly. This will serve as a reminder.

Next, talk about your goals for the future. Don’t try to share all of your educational and professional plans here. One strong goal is sufficient and easy to fit into a short conclusion.

Finally, express your gratitude to the program for the opportunity to apply and eagerness to hear from the committee soon.

Close the letter with “sincerely” or “best regards” and your full name. Don’t forget to provide your contact details.

The school of your choice is likely to define the length of your motivation letter for PhD. Usually, it’s between 500 and 1,000 words. However, even if the program doesn’t try to limit your writing, it doesn’t mean you have to go “all out.” The ideal letter should fit into one page. The font size shouldn’t be larger than 12 pt.

The font itself must be easy to read. Opt for Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid fancy fonts that can frustrate the reader.

Your motivation letter should contain several short paragraphs. Don’t make them longer than five lines. Otherwise, you could lose the reader’s attention.

Start your letter with “With whom it may concern.” Even if you know the names of the people on the admissions committee, you can never be sure which one of them will be reading the letter.

These common mistakes can hinder the quality of your letter:

• Grammatical and spelling errors
• Using generic or cliché statements
• Lack of clarity
• Overly lengthy explanations
• Failing to tailor the letter to the program’s requirements
• Lack of focus on the research interests and goals
• Failing to demonstrate genuine passion and enthusiasm
• Lack of understanding of the program
• Irrelevant or unnecessary information
• Poor organization of the letter

Many of these mistakes can easily be avoided by proofreading. Besides reading the letter several times yourself, ask someone else to do it. A fresh perspective or two can help you create a truly effective piece.

A PhD motivation letter is a wonderful opportunity to stand out from the crowd and get into the PhD program of your choice, even if you don’t meet the admissions requirements perfectly. It’s a chance to express your passion for studies and demonstrate your fit for the program.

Following a few simple formatting rules and keeping the letter authentic can help you achieve the desired admissions goals. Good luck!

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How to write a successful motivational letter - Easy to use guide with free templates

Most university courses, from undergraduate degrees onwards, expect a fair bit from applicants. Not only does each course have set academic requirements and forms to fill out; most applicants will also be asked to provide examples of their work, a CV, and even undertake special course-specific preparatory exams. Many masters courses – especially some very competitive ones, like the top MBA s – encourage applicants to obtain letters of recommendation from senior colleagues or academic supervisors. Atop this sheaf of papers sits the most intimidating prospect of all: the motivational letter.

      Free Motivation letter templates for your first job application

      Free Motivation letter templates for an internship application

A motivational letter, also known as a personal statement or a cover letter, is a short piece of writing all about you; your past, your ambitions, your personality, and your interests. While completing CVs and forms can be a little dry and boring, motivational letters can be hard to write . The combination of needing to produce such an intimate piece of writing, worded in such a way that it comes across as both authentic and professional, and then using it to sell yourself to a university, creates the perfect recipe for social awkwardness and writer’s block.

Despite the difficulty of writing a decent motivational letter, it’s a fundamental skill in today’s jobs market – once you leave full-time education, you’ll need to write motivational letters to potential employers . With this in mind, writing a motivational letter for a masters degree is excellent practice. Below, we’ve prepared a couple of fail-safe techniques you can apply to writing a motivational letter so that it won’t either sound sterile or arrogant, and will help you stand out from the crowd.

Cover the basics: The central function of a motivational letter is to convince the admissions team at the university of your choice to offer you a place, or invite you to interview. Make sure that the letter is structured in such a way that it serves this purpose – it is usual to conclude a motivational letter by asking directly that you be admitted or invited for interview, depending upon what the next step of the admissions process is. Equally important is the calibre of your written language; if your motivational letter is riddled with grammatical errors or spelling mistakes, or doesn’t make sense, the university will almost certainly refuse to admit you. A great starting point is to look at some templates for motivational letters in your chosen field, to see how they are structured, and what key points you need to cover.

Get personal: A standard for all cover letters – including those for job-seekers – is that you must address your letter to a specific person. For your masters course, it could be the Head of Department, or the academic staff member responsible for your masters study programme . If you will be working closely with an academic supervisor – as with most research degrees – your cover-letter should be addressed to the academic you’d prefer to supervise you. Use the university’s website to figure out who the right person is, and address the letter to them using their name and title.

Show, don’t tell: This is true of CVs, and is true of motivational letters too. “I am a good leader” sounds a lot weaker than “I led a group of my fellow students on a week long climbing expedition, where we successfully…”. Avoid any overly ambiguous statements, as these can diminish the confidence the admissions team may have in your motivations. Also, make sure not to show things twice – if you’ve discussed something extensively in your CV, don’t dwell on it in your motivational letter.

Do your research: Academic institutions often have a lot to say about their values, priorities and vision. What’s your target institution’s motto? Do they prioritise sports , arts , or something else? Do they have a statement of values? How do you reflect these things? The most important question to think about in relation to these things – why is it that you want to go here? Weaving your knowledge of these things into your letter is a great way to assure admissions tutors that your choice to study at their institution is an informed one.

Be specific: One of the biggest problems at application is that candidates don’t adequately explain why it is they want to study what they’ve applied for. Remember, you’ve got to explain your choice of subject, and your choice of institution. Not just “Why Biology ?” but “Why Biology at this university?” If you don’t yet have answers to this question, then it is well worth going through the University’s website again, to work out what inspired you to take the next step, and apply for your chosen course.

Write a story: People love stories. They like to be taken on a journey, and brought to a satisfying conclusion. A list of superlatives or accomplishments is nowhere near as compelling as an epic story that weaves all that you’ve done into a coherent account, that supports the choice you’ve made to apply. Like all stories, make sure your motivational letter has a clear beginning, a middle, and an end . These should all follow logically on from one another, so that the reader is left feeling convinced of the suitability of your chosen course and institution, to your skills, experience, and goals.

Be interesting: This is without doubt the most important feature of a motivational letter – you absolutely must capture the reader’s interest. If you come across as boring (or worse, bored) on paper, it’s much less likely that you’ll get a positive reply. But furthermore, the interest you express has got to be personal, and it must relate directly to your motives . It’s absolutely no use whatever to produce some bland, boring page or two about hard work and how interested you are in your subject. This is exactly what every other candidate will write, and for the most competitive courses, you will want to stand out. But the best way to do this is not to try to be someone else; be yourself. Mention the fact that you like juggling. Talk about how you felt when your father was laid off work. Begin from your earliest memory. So long as what you say relates to what makes you the person you are, and then why that person has chosen to apply for this course, it deserves to be there.

What underscores all these points is a simple, and very ancient, piece of advice; know thyself . Nobody expects you to have everything figured out when you apply for a masters, but they will at least expect you to have a firm grasp of what you want out of the degree you’ve chosen to apply for. It’s in nobody’s interests for students to undertake courses for which they are ill-prepared, or that they haven’t really thought through – all you need to do is show your chosen university that this doesn’t apply to you.

And let’s face it; a masters degree is a fantastic opportunity, that will allow you to gain an expert understanding of a field about which you are passionate, and will build a bridge to a career that excites you – what could be easier to write about than that? But if you prefer to get some guidance, have a look at our motivational letter templates below.

Example 1: Motivation Letter for a Masters of Science Degree (MSc)

Dear sir /Madam,

My name is [name] and most recently I have been working as a [job title] at [company name]. I hold a B.Sc degree in [subject] from [university name].

The undergraduate curriculum in [subject], [university name], introduced me to a wide variety of subjects in the field of [subject]. Various courses like [course 1], [course 2], [course 3] (name all relevant courses) provided me with a strong footing in [subject of the masters degree].

While offering both depth and breadth across this field, these courses put into perspective the importance and relevance of [subject] and the application of its fundamentals to the problems faced by the real world.

I am much eager to adopt and know new technologies. I am really enthusiastic to attend a Master of [subject] at [university name] in order to understand different [subject] concepts and its applications to more complex real life situations. The good reputation of high-quality education standards, an extremely distinguished faculty members, and research facilities are the factors which have motivated me to apply for my masters studies at [university name].

Moreover, I feel I am responsible for making a big move in this field and this scholarship will give me a big chance to be one day someone who is remembered for his innovations. I think it is our duty as people sharing life in this world to make our future better because the future is not only ours. The next generation should be proud of us one day when they look back and find how hard we worked to make the world a better place. I believe my qualification and your needs would be an excellent fit. I will be happy to provide any further information or documents if required. I look forward to your positive response. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,

Example 2: Motivation Letter for a Masters of Art Degree (M.A.)

Dear Prof. [name],

I am writing to inform you of my interest in the Masters of Arts [name] program at [university name].

I currently hold my Bachelor’s of Arts in Art History [subject] from the University of [name], having graduated with cum laude with a GPA of 3.82 [grade]. After attending the University of [name], I completed a 3 month internship at the National Gallery in London (GB) followed by a 6 months internship at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (USA).

During my studies and internships I developed a deep interest in Italian Art, with a particular focus on artists form the 17th century. Having worked under the supervision of Prof. [name] at the National Gallery enabled me to get a very deep understanding of [specific subject] and I see the Masters of Arts [name] program at [university name] as a unique opportunity to intensify my knowledge and continue my studies.

Given my education and experience from [university name], National Gallery and Museum of Modern Art, I am confident that I am an excellent fit for the Masters of Arts [name] program at [university name]. I have researched the program and determined that the coursework and research profile of the college are a strong match. I’m particularly impressed by the volumes of [name] books in the university’s library, which are of particular interest for me and which I would love to study in great detail.

If you have any further questions, please contact me using the information at the top of this letter.

Did you know that most students apply to 5-7 different masters programs? The reasons for that are very simple: the more programs you apply to, the more options will you have to choose from in the end. You should therefore always apply to multiple programs. The best way to find alternative programs is to just search for them here on mastersavenue . It's free and super fast. Why don't you give it a go?

Are you looking for more free tempaltes? 

- > Motivation letter templates for your first job application

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How to write a winning motivation letter for a master’s scholarship

Motivation letters play a crucial role in applications for scholarships that fund a master’s degree. Find out why motivation letters for master’s scholarships are unique, and learn the dos and don’ts of writing a winning motivation letter.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the links below at no additional cost to you . I only recommend products or services that I truly believe can benefit my audience. As always, my opinions are my own.

Why motivation letters for master’s scholarships differ from ‘regular’ ones

Motivation letters for master’s scholarships vs. cover letters, elements to include in a winning motivation letter for a master’s scholarship, writing style of an outstanding motivation letter for a master’s scholarship, length of a motivation letter for a master’s scholarship, structure of a motivation letter for a master’s scholarship, layout of motivation letter for a master’s scholarship, what to avoid in a motivation letter for a master’s scholarship.

Studying for a master’s degree can be expensive. Next to tuition fees, following a master’s degree is time-intensive which reduces a student’s earning ability. Therefore, securing a scholarship to study at a master’s level is not only a nice achievement. For many prospective master’s students, it is a necessity.

A key to securing a scholarship is an outstanding motivation letter. This motivation letter is different than a motivation letter that you would write as part of a job application.

Motivation letters for master’s scholarships are unique because they have to bring two points across simultaneously: The motivation of the applicant to pursue a specific master’s programme, and the expected benefits from receiving financial support to do so.

Regular motivation letters usually focus on just one aspect. For instance, on how an applicant can contribute to a company. Or on how a prospective master’s student fits and can contribute to a graduate degree programme.

Motivation letters for master’s scholarships, however, involve a more complex argumentation. Funding bodies that provide master’s scholarships usually want to see how the applicant upholds their values. Additionally, funding bodies are interested to learn how a master’s scholarship awarded to one person can have a wider societal impact.

Every scholarship is different, and requires different documents, styles and structures. However, a common misconception is that motivation letters for master’s scholarships automatically equal the applications’ cover letters.

Motivation letters for master’s scholarships are typically not the same as cover letters. Instead, they have to be submitted as separate documents as part of scholarship applications.

Scholarship applications, and especially those that involve a lot of money, tend to require a lot of information. Applicants often have to submit a cover letter, a separate and quite detailed motivation letter, a CV and a reference.

Therefore, always read and follow the specific instructions of each master’s scholarship!

You may also like: Deciding between a one- or a two-year master’s degree

Motivation letters for master’s scholarships should always be tailored to the specific scholarship description and funding body.

Nevertheless, several key elements have to be included in every motivation letter. The following questions help you to hit the high points:

• An introduction of who you are that extends beyond the information that is provided in your CV: What are your values? What motivates you? What are your ambitions and goals?
• A justification why a master’s degree helps you to achieve your goals: What is missing in your education? What do you want to learn and why?
• A motivation why you apply for the specific scholarship: How would this scholarship benefit you? What would the scholarship allow you to achieve? How do your values align with those of the scholarship’s funding body?
• A description of the expected impact of receiving the scholarship to earn a master’s degree: How will you put your master’s degree to good use after graduation? What impact will you have on your community or society at large? After receiving support, how will you pay it forward and help others?

If you are looking to elevate your writing and editing skills, I highly recommend enrolling in the course “ Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization “, which is a 4 course series offered by the University of Michigan. This comprehensive program is conveniently available as an online course on Coursera, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Plus, upon successful completion, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a valuable certificate to showcase your newfound expertise!

The best writing style for a master’s scholarship motivation letter is an elegant mix between personal and formal.

There are several tricks to write a motivation letter in a personal writing style:

• Write your motivation letter in a first person point of view, by using pronouns “I” and “me”
• Start your motivation letter with a personal story or anecdote
• Write in active voice (“ I experienced this situation as stressful “) instead of passive voice (“ This situation was stressful “).
• Use verbs that express thoughts, feelings and opinions , such as “ I feel “, “ I believe “, “ I suspect “, “ I disagree “

At the same time, make sure that your motivation letter uses a formal writing style:

• Make sure that your motivation letter follows a clear structure
• Write straightforward sentences , instead of sentences that are complex and difficult to follow
• Eliminate grammar and spelling mistakes
• Avoid contractions , such as “ don’t ” or “ won’t “. Instead, use the unshortened versions, such as “ do not ” or “ will not ”

Most scholarships specify how long applicants’ motivation letters are supposed to be. The length often depends on whether the funding body requires a standalone motivation letter, or whether the motivation letter simultaneously represents the cover letter.

If no length indications are given, writing approximately 800 to 1000 words is a good guideline to follow. 1000 words results in two pages, single-spaced.

Motivation letters for master’s scholarships are typically a bit longer than regular cover letters. At the same time, they should not exceed two pages.

It is extremely important to follow a clear structure in a motivation letter for a master’s scholarship. A clear structure helps you to bring your points across. And it helps the reader to follow your line of argumentation.

At the most basic level, a strong motivation letter consists of the following parts:

• An introduction , in which you introduce yourself and tell the reader what to expect.
• A main body of text in which you present your arguments and provide evidence to support them.
• A conclusion , in which you summarise your key points.

Each part can consist of several paragraphs, though it is recommended to keep the introduction and conclusion to one, and a maximum of two, paragraphs.

To structure the main body of a motivation letter, develop one key argument per paragraph.

For instance, you could use the following structure, dividing your motivation letter into three parts, and seven paragraphs :

• Introduction (Paragraph 1)
• Your track record of accomplishments (Paragraph 2)
• Your ambitions (Paragraph 3)
• How a specific master’s degree would help you to accomplish your goals (Paragraph 4)
• How your ambitions and values overlap with those of the scholarship funding body (Paragraph 5)
• The expected results and (societal) impact if you receive the scholarship (Paragraph 6)
• Conclusion (Paragraph 7)

The layout of motivation letters for master’s scholarships differs depending on whether the letter is simultaneously the application’s cover letter, or has to be included as an attachment.

A motivation letter that also functions as the scholarship application’s cover letter should follow a formal letter format:

If the motivation letter is one separate part of the scholarship application, and not the cover letter, the situation is different. Assuming that the formal letter format is already used in the cover letter, there is no need to repeat it in the motivation letter. Just make sure to include your name, the document description and the scholarship title in the header of the document:

The most common mistake when it comes to motivation letters for master’s scholarships is simply not spending enough time and effort writing them.

Writing a tailored letter of motivation for each scholarship that you are applying to is a lot of work. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that many applicants are tempted to use the same motivation letter for several scholarship applications. This is a bad idea though!

Never ever use a generic motivation letter to apply for a master’s scholarship.

Why? It will simply not work out. Every funding body and every scholarship is unique. Therefore, every letter of motivation should be unique as well.

For instance, if you apply to a political foundation, you should emphasise your political engagement and how your views overlap with that of the political funding party. If you apply for a scholarship from a faith-based organisation, make sure to emphasise how your faith and values are aligned with the organisation.

Lastly, writing your motivation letter last-minute. Instead, start preparing it at least two weeks before the submission deadline. It allows you to edit and improve your motivation letter several times, and to receive feedback from someone else. Another pair of eyes helps you to spot mistakes and point out unclear argumentations. This feedback is invaluable!

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Motivation Letter Writing Guide + Examples for 2024

Writing a motivational letter can be nerve-wracking.

When presented with the question of “Why would you like to be part of this organization?” you find yourself staring at a blank page, thinking of how to correctly word “ I'm passionate about going to college so I don’t starve to death. ”

Two hours and three coffees in, you’ve scrolled through your Facebook newsfeed (twice), watched one episode of the last season of Game of Thrones, sent angry tweets to its creators, and donated for the knee surgery of two dogs. You go back to your open Word doc and you have only managed to write: “This organization seems like fun” or “I’ll totally be a great fit” . 

You know you are not this generic or basic. You’re a capable guy or gal who has a lot to offer and there are genuine reasons behind your decision to apply.

It’s just hard to put it into words… And we get that!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a motivation letter that gets you accepted anywhere.

• What a Motivational Letter Is (And Why It Matters)

How to Structure a Motivational Letter

• How to Write a Motivational Letter [+Some Helpful Tips to Get Those Ideas Out of Your Head and Into the Paper]
• How (and Why) to Create a Motivational Letter With Novorésumé

What is a Motivational Letter and Why it Matters?

A motivational letter is a one-page letter that’s used to describe why you are the perfect candidate for a certain position . It is usually attached to your resume . 

You are required to write a motivational letter in these 4 specific scenarios...

• You are applying to get admitted to an educational program at a college or university (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate).
• You are applying to work at a non-profit organization.
• You are applying as a volunteer in an organization.
• You’re applying for an internship in a company.

The motivational letter shouldn’t be confused with a cover letter , the purpose of which is to highlight how specific information on your resume matches a job opening. Think of a cover letter as the introduction to your resume for a hiring manager and your motivational letter as the powerful closing sales pitch for a university or non-profit. 

So why exactly does the motivational letter matter? You’re a doer more than a talker: you’ve listed everything there is to know about you on your resume. That should be enough, right? Wrong! 

All organizations are looking for people who genuinely want to be there and are excited about what they do. The intent should be your driving motivation! 

Writing a good motivational letter can be an absolute game-changer. It can provide a boost for your resume , but also make up for lacking required skills.

A good motivational letter is a one-pager where you introduce yourself, your story, and show your interest in the position or organization you are applying to.

There are two main ways to structure your motivational letter:

• Using the classic 3 main paragraphs structure , where your motivational letter has the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
• Using the 5-7 paragraph structure , where you divide your main body paragraph into smaller 1-3 sentence paragraphs according to the main points.

Now, which one do YOU go for? The rule of thumb is if you want to be more factual and to the point, go for the 7-paragraph structure. This way, you can use each body paragraph to discuss specific achievements or points.

If, on the other hand, you’re going for a more story-telling approach, you’d go for the 3 paragraph option, so as not to break the flow of the story.

The Structure of a Motivational Letter

Whichever structure you go for, it should consist of 3 main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Here’s what to include in each one:

Introduction: A short, engaging pitch about yourself and why you are applying. Here, you can include:

• Personal information. Who are you and what do you do?
• What are you applying for? Where?
• An intro to the bulk of your essay. Mention the general reason on why you’re applying, and then deep-dive in the bulk of your motivational letter.

And of course, don’t forget to mention contact information on top.

For example:

To: School/Organization Name

First Name Last Name

[email protected]

Phone Number

Relevant Social Media (LinkedIn, Quora, GitHub, etc.)

Dear [Name of The Contact Person] , 

My name is [Your name] and I would like to express my interest in applying for the Doctoral program in political science at [University Name] . I’ve always dreamed of becoming a politician and helping give back to my country, and I believe that a Ph.D. in politics from [University Name] would set me miles ahead to reaching my goal.

Body of the Motivational Letter: this is the main bulk of your motivational letter. This is where you really sell yourself, mentioning stories behind your achievements, skills, and passion for whatever you’re applying for.

Try to be as factual as possible - anyone that frequently reads motivational letters can tell made-up stories from the real ones. When possible, you can also use metrics to back up your qualifications.

Things You Can Mention in Your Motivational Letter: 

• My passion for ______ started when ______. 
• I want to ______ because ______. 
• I have been part of _________ for ___ months/years. It’s the best thing for me because _______. 
• I remember once when I ________, which made me realize that I _______.
• _______ resonates with me because _________.
• What distinguishes me from my peers is __________.

I developed my passion for Online Marketing during my internship at [company name] . Working in a small startup allowed me to get surface-level experience in most digital marketing channels. Now, I would like to deep-dive and gain advanced know-how by attending the [university name] program in Digital Marketing.

Conclusion: 

Finally, you can wrap up the motivational letter and send it in. In this section, you can:

• Briefly summarize your main points - “ I believe I’d be a good fit for the program because of __________ ”
• Mention your overarching goal - “I’d love to be a part of _______, as it would allow me to ___________.”
• Thank the reader and conclude the motivational letter

Now that you know how to structure a motivational letter, let’s move on to the contents!

How to Write a Motivational Letter 

So how do you write a motivational letter that stands out from the pool of applicants? The way to avoid generalizations and add depth to your motivational letter is by tailoring it to the specific organization and program/position you are applying to:

• When writing a motivational letter, you want to make sure you know what and where you are applying to. Find out who is in charge of deciding your fate and address them directly in your opening remarks as Dear Mrs. Smith .
• Look at the program requirements and the institution’s website. Find out the top three requirements for the position and explain how you are the best candidate.
• Demonstrate that you share the organization’s values or are exceptionally qualified through a short story or personal examples. Be specific.
• Your motivational letter should demonstrate that you really want to be there! There is a fine line between pleading and showing intelligent interest while also selling yourself. State specific reasons, demonstrate knowledge and express passion for applying to the institution or organization without showing off or begging.
• DO NOT LIE! If you write anything remotely untrue, your reader will sense it. Unconsciously, we inflate feelings and ideas when we lie. If you tell a fake story or inflate your excitement or achievements, you will be put into the “lying Pinnochio pile” . Consider your case rested and your application denied.

Questions to Answer in Your Motivational Letter [+Possible Answers]

• I would love to live in [ location of organization ], because ________. 
• It is my dream to be part of [ name of program ], because _________.
• The values [ name of institution ] is based on are: [ three general values stated on their website ]. I have demonstrated _____ because I have ______ especially in ______. I also practice ______ in my professional or working life by __________. 
• Requirement: Minimum 2 years of volunteering experience

I volunteered in Africa for three years. It’s one of my most fulfilling experiences because I am passionate about helping others and came out a better person. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

• Requirement: Passionate about research

I would pick a sleepless night conducting research instead of a night out anytime. I spend most of my mornings reading the last edition of the Journal of Marketing. I have worked on three separate research studies during my time at Colorado University.

• Requirement: 3,80 GPA

Achieving a Magna Cum Laude required a lot of hard work and dedication, but education has been my biggest passion in life, so there was more joy than pain in the process!

Answer some/all of these questions in a compelling way that’s true to you and your experience, then turn them into a cohesive text. 

An Example of a Great Motivational Letter 

We’ll demonstrate how to write an awesome and inspiring motivational letter through Jane’s letter to the admissions team of Harvard University below. She is applying for a Ph.D. in the department of Political Science. 

The general requirements are : being research inclined, a demonstrated passion for Politics, and an above average performance during undergraduate studies. 

The values of the university are integrity, education, respect, and accountability.

She’s using the three paragraph structuring method.

You can see how Jane highlights through personal stories:

• That she knows the history of the university and shares the same values
• That she’s genuinely excited and passionate about the program and the school
• What her qualifications are and how they’ll be a great fit for the program
• What she hopes to achieve if given the opportunity to study at Harvard

The same rules and spirit apply to non-university related motivational letters as well. 

You can easily notice that Jane has essentially given a personal story of all his qualifications. After reading this letter, the admissions team will feel like they know Jane, and this is what you should also aim to do: communicate who you are through highlighting your story tailored to the institution and program you are applying for.

How (and why) to Create a Motivational Letter with Novorésumé

Now that you know how to write a motivational letter, you can decide on how it looks.

A black and white letter sheet with Times New Roman, 12-pt font size might be great for a formal document, but it does not make you stand out in the pile of grey applications.

How can you appear professional without being boring? Novorésumé's motivational letter templates and intuitive editor add the tinge of personality that you’d need to stand out from the rest. 

So, let’s sum up everything we’ve covered in this post:

• A motivational letter is a formal letter which you need to write if you’re applying for university/college admissions, a non-profit, or a volunteering institution. Job applications usually require a cover letter instead.
• There are two ways to structure a motivational letter: in three paragraphs (introduction, body, conclusion) or in 5-7 paragraphs (where each paragraph highlights a different point).
• Introduce yourself and your intent in the introduction, describe and highlight your experiences in the body, and thank the reader for his/her consideration in the conclusion.
• Do your research, show genuine interest, and never, ever lie.
• If you want your motivational letter to stand out, Novorésumé takes the cake!

A motivational letter is always attached to a resume. Want to also make that stand out from the rest? 

Read our guide on how to create an impressive resume and submit it with your awesome motivational letter to get accepted anywhere!

Our motivation letter templates are created to mirror the resume templates and CV templates , which is critical when creating a job application. Choosing the same templates, fonts, colors will improve your personal brand and increase your chances of being called for an interview.

Suggested Reading:

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Examples
• +150 Best Skills to Put On Your Resume
• Resume Examples - Per Industry

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Motivation letter guide & checklist

Within the motivation letter, you motivate why you are applying for a specific function and/or organisation. To help you write you this letter, we made an elaborate guide. Next to that, you can find a quick checklist with everything that should be included in your letter.

Motivation letter guide

Find an elaborate guide on how to write your motivation letter below. Here, you will find which parts to include, in which order and how to elaborate on them.

Download motivation letter guide

Motivation letter checklist

Find a quick checklist with everything that should be included in your motivation letter below.

• Name organisation (and optional department)
• Name contact person
• (Blank space)
• Location and date of writing the letter
• Subject: Application letter for (add function title or vacancy number)
• Dear Mr./Ms. (Last name),

First paragraph

• Catching first sentence
• Which position you are applying for
• Why you are interested in this position and/or organisation
• Mention name organisation in this paragraph

Second paragraph

• Explain why you are suitable for the position / capable to do the tasks
• Match vacancy criteria/requirements with your own skills
• Mention examples from your experiences (by using STAR)
• Focus on your achievements and how you would use your qualities in the job

Third paragraph

• Summarize why you are the best candidate for this job / why you feel like a capable candidate for this position
• End with a call to action: state you want to motivate your letter in a personal contact and that you hope to hear from them
• Suitable greeting (Kind regards, Best regards, etc.)
• Optional: telephone number and email address

How to Write a Motivation Letter For Masters, PhD and Postdoc

Motivation letter examples.

A well-written motivation letter can help the admissions committee or professor to assess outstanding students against outstanding ones.   With the help of a motivation letter, they are able to succeed in securing the most qualified research students.   But admissions committees will definitely consider this as a method to find the most suitable candidate for their research group.   The way you present yourself is contingent on the content you write however, it is the way you write your writing, specifically your tone and the amount of attention you get from your writing. It’s significantly.

When applying for the position of a Ph.D. or Postdoc or any research job You will have to submit the research proposal as well as an Motivation Letter.   Particularly, a motivational letter is required to Ph.D. candidates.   This explains the reason you’d like to pursue that job and also why you are suitable for the program.   But what is the most important thing to consider into this and what tone would be appropriate to convey this?   We’ll give you some suggestions Today, we’re going to share the most important motivation letters, so that you know what you need to include in your motivational letter to be filled in or change.

Table of Contents

A motivation letter shares numerous similarities to an application letter or a personal statement. Institutions are not obligated to provide all of them.   It is, however, distinct and must treat it accordingly.   For supporting an PhD request, this distinction is not as clear and all three documents are designed to demonstrate your eligibility to be considered for PhD studies.   In contrast the cover letter or personal statements, a motivational statement is more focused on your motivation to pursue the specific PhD job you’re applying for.

Cover letters for academics are much more popular at UK universities, whereas motivational letters tend to be more prevalent at home.

For admissions staff, academic credentials alone aren’t enough to tell if students will succeed in their doctoral studies.   In this way an encouraging letter can help them evaluate your passion for the subject dedication to research, and your suitability to the program and allows them to assess your potential.

Check Also:  Fully Funded Swedish Institute Scholarships 2023-2024 | Details

Writing a motivation letter

1.   The first step to write an effective motivational note is to study the job advertisement carefully 2.   The next step is to to understand the research team and the type of research they conduct. 3.   The final step is to read an earlier motivation letter and attempt to figure out why the motivation letter was successful. 4.   Step 4 is be sure you send the letter to the appropriate people. 5.   Fifth step: describe the reasons why you are applying for this job and the lab. 6.   Sixth step: describe how your interests in research are aligned with the research conducted by the lab. 7.   Seventh step: discuss what your prior research background connects to the job 8.   The final step is to state the reason you’re seeking the position.

 Start of a Motivation Letter

Introduction  Begin with a short introduction that will clearly outline your desire to apply for a specific program.   Imagine this as a description of what your document says to someone who is not familiar with the document.

education:  State what you have studied and when.   Your post-secondary education is the most significant educational experience you have therefore, you should concentrate on this.   Include any relevant courses you completed as part of your studies that relate to the program which you have been applying to.   Also, you should be sure to mention how your research has contributed to your decision to pursue the PhD project, particularly when it’s related to the field that you’re currently applying to.

Work experience:  Next summarize your professional work experience.   Be aware that you may be required to submit your academic CV as well as your motivational letter. Therefore, make this section concise to avoid unnecessary repetition.   Incorporate any relevant experience like teaching positions and non-academic work experience. volunteering that shows your abilities or demonstrates your potential for the research project , and when you are preparing to become a PhD student.

Main Body of Motivation Letter

Key skills:  Outline your key skills.   Remember that the admissions committee will be looking at your qualifications for the particular program you’re applying for So, make sure you list skills that relate to the PhD program.

Motivation to apply:  Show your enthusiasm and enthusiasm for the field and outline your goals for the future.   Beginning with the reason you first began to become interested in this field, and then how your curiosity has increased over time.   Include anything else that can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the research subject you are considering such as:

• Have you participated in any of the seminars or workshops?
• Are you a researcher? Do you have experience in research?
• Have you mastered something about the discipline?
• Did you have a chance to read books on research?
• Also, tell us what motivated you to dedicate the next three to four years (assuming you’re able to pursue your studies all the time) in your lifetime to studying.

 End of a Motivation Letter

In the end in your Motivation Letter, you should include two or three sentences about the impact of your research on your personal life, research area, and your experience in general.   It will assist you in demonstrating the significance of your research within an overall larger picture.   In general, show how the research community as well as the college will benefit by having you as a student.

Last but not least, thank the person who reads your application.

Motivational letter for PhD, Postdoc, Scholarship 

It is important to note that a motivation letter in the European style concentrates on the academic background and research without revealing the need to include too much personal information.   Personal statements in the US, in contrast is much more focused on life experiences.   In this case, we will concentrate on the European style.

(01) Motivation letter Sample Ph.D. Molecular Modeling

( (02) motivation letter sample biology, (03) motivational letter example, (04) motivation letter example of biology physiology,  (05) motivation letter sample, (06) motivation letter for biology..

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How to Write a Motivation Letter for PhD, Postdoc, or Any Position: Sample Motivation Letter

A Successful motivation letter helps the admissions board or Professor to compare outstanding students and impressive ones. With help of  motivation letter, they can prosper in ending up choosing worthy research students. But Still, admission boards will surely think of this as the classification to significantly find a suitable candidate for his research group. Showing you are preferred depending on what you write, however much more on just how you design, particularly the tone you use and the level of interest you receive in your writing that matters a lot.

While applying for a Ph.D. or Postdoc or any research position, you will need to write a research proposal and a Motivation Letter. Especially, a motivation letter is more required for Ph.D. candidates. This defines why you wish to embark on that position and why you would be appropriate for studying there. Yet what requires to go in this, and what tone is suitable for it? To give you some suggestions, today, we’re sharing all about motivation letters, so you can see what your motivation letter needs to include or correct.

How to write a Postdoc Job Application or Email

How to write a phd motivation letter.

A motivation letter has many similarities to a cover letter and a personal statement, and institutions will not ask you to submit all of these. However, it is a unique document and you should treat it as such. In the context of supporting a PhD application, the difference is nuanced; all three documents outline your suitability for PhD study. However, compared to a cover letter and personal statement, a motivation letter places more emphasis on your motivation for wanting to pursue the particular PhD position you are applying for.

Academic cover letters are more common in UK universities, while motivation letters are more common abroad.

For admission staff, academic qualifications alone are not enough to indicate whether a student will be successful in their doctorate. In this sense, a motivational letter will allow them to judge your passion for the field of study, commitment to research and suitability for the programme, all of which better enables them to evaluate your potential.

Polite Follow-Up Email to Professor : When and How You should Write

Steps for writing research motivation letter.

1. The first step to writing a good motivation letter is to read the job ad carefully 2. The second step is to try to understand the researchers and the kind of research they do 3. The third step is to carefully read a previous motivation letter and try to understand why the letter was successful 4. The fourth step is to make sure that you address the letter to the right people 5. The fifth step is to explain why you choose to apply to this position and this lab. 6. The sixth step is to explain how your research interests align with the research of the lab 7. The seventh step is to explain how your previous research background relates to the position 8. The eighth step is to explain why you are applying for that position

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How to Start a Motivation Letter

Introduction: Start with a brief introduction in which you clearly state your intention to apply for a particular programme. Think of this as describing what the document is to a stranger.

Education: State what you have studied and where. Your higher education will be your most important educational experience, so focus on this. Highlight any relevant modules you undertook as part of your studies that are relevant to the programme you are applying for. You should also mention how your studies have influenced your decision to pursue a PhD project, especially if it is in the same field you are currently applying to.

Work experience: Next summarize your professional work experience. Remember, you will likely be asked to submit your academic CV along with your motivation letter, so keep this section brief to avoid any unnecessary repetition. Include any other relevant experiences, such as teaching roles, non-academic experience, or charity work which demonstrates skills or shows your suitability for the research project and in becoming a PhD student.

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How Write Main Body of Motivation

Key skills: Outline your key skills. Remember the admissions committee is considering your suitability for the specific programme you are applying for, so mention skills relevant to the PhD course.

Motivation for applying: Show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject, and describe your long-term aspirations. Start with how you first became interested in the field, and how your interest has grown since. You should also mention anything else you have done which helps demonstrate your interest in your proposed research topic, for example:

• Have you attended any workshops or seminars?
• Do you have any research experience?
• Have you taught yourself any aspects of the subject?
• Have you read any literature within the research area?
• Finally, describe what has convinced you to dedicate the next 3-4 years (assuming you are to study full time) of your life to research.

How to End a Motivation Letter

In the closing of your Motivation Letter, including a couple of sentences on your research’s impact on your life, research location, and experience generally. This will certainly aid you in showing the value of your research study in the context of a bigger photo. Mostly, demonstrate how the research community and also college can benefit from having you as a pupil.

Finally, thank the reader for considering your application.

Motivational letter for PhD, Postdoc, Scholarship etc.

It should be noted that a European-style motivation letter focuses on academic background and research history, avoiding too much personal information. The US-style personal statement, on the other hand, is much more ‘life experience’ based. Here, we focus on the European-style.

What is the Difference Between a Motivational Letter and Cover Letter?

Students frequently misunderstand the difference between a motivational letter and a cover letter. It’s crucial to remember that a cover letter’s objective is to highlight specific information from your CV and match it with the job criteria and company profile. To put it simply, a motivating letter is primarily used to highlight how your interests, goals, and objectives complement the academic program you want to study or a job profile you want to apply for, whereas a cover letter is more of an introduction to your resume to the hiring authority. Every one of the top firms is looking for someone who could be a valuable addition to their corporation. As a result, it must to convey your eagerness and intent while driving home the main point. 

Each document that a recruiter or university requests has a specific function. Most of the time, candidates are unsure of the difference between a motivation letter and a cover letter. A professional letter sent with a CV or resume to an employer or recruiter is called a cover letter. While motivation letters are utilized by internships, educational institutions, and university entrance offices, cover letters are typically used by businesses, employers, and recruiters. These letters provide candidates the opportunity to elaborate in detail about their motivation, interests, accomplishments, and career/academic future, as well as to tell the recruiter or educational officer why they are the ideal choice.

(01) Motivational letter Sample PhD Molecular Modeling

(02) Motivational letter Sample Marine Biology

(03) motivational letter sample , (04) motivational letter sample biology physiology, (05) motivational letter sample finance, (06) motivational letter sample biology ecology, (07) motivational letter sample phd law.

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This is outstanding website for PhD aspirants to prepare an ideal and promising motivation letter. You are requested to post an motivation letter for PhD in plant genetics. It would be grateful to me. I would appreciate your kindness.

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Cover Letter

Should you be invited to the interview or not? After a brief review of your letter, the recipient should answer this question with a definite yes. Make it simple for the recipient of your application: Your application must be clear and the essentials must be quickly understood. In addition, it must be customized for your individual career path and be focused on the specific position and company. In your cover letter, therefore, you should explain briefly, precisely and clearly why you are the right candidate for the position. Your basic message in the cover letter is: "I have understood who and what the company needs and can provide it!

How do you proceed?

Analyse the position description: What are the most important terms of the description? Mark the keywords as they should reappear in the cover letter. Then assign the keywords to your skills from your current career history. This means that the position description provides a framework for the structure of your cover letter. It’s that simple!

Cover letter or letter of motivation?

In the business world, a cover letter is required in most cases. Often the terms "cover letter" and "motivation letter" are used interchangeably here. In both cases you are expected to explain why you are the right person for the job and why you are applying for exactly this position. A motivation letter for a scholarship has however different requirements than an application for a company. You can learn how to write a cover letter for the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship with our Tips for the motivation letter for the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship.

Cover Letter - Structure

A cover letter classically consists of an introduction, a main part and a conclusion. In the following you will find tips with suitable wording examples on how you should structure your cover letter and which information should be placed in which part.

Please click on the corresponding term for further information:

Introduction

Spark the reader's interest in the first sentence. Cleverly combine this with a reference to the job offer. This can be followed by an introductory sentence about yourself, so that you make a transition to the main part.

Awaken interest & establish reference to the job offer

• How you found out about the company/job or
• Say Thanks for a phone call, conversation at a fair, etc.
• Voluntary information:
• Why does the job in the company seem interesting to you?
• What attracts you to this company?

Examples 

• "Sincere thanks for the friendly and informative conversation at the xy trade fair. It encouraged me to..."
• "You are looking for... (Followed by a short summery of the position) I'm offering ..."
• "I read with great enthusiasm that ..."
• "For several years now I have been following the development of your company/research work in the area of xy ..." 
• "Mr. Xy informed me that you are seeking..."
• "I'm applying for the position as a prospective xy..."
• Since I finished my internship at the ... AG (=identical company) in the field xy, I follow the further development of your company with great interest. I am therefore pleased to have taken note of your job announcement and would like to introduce myself as a committed and ... applicant.

Here you have the opportunity to demonstrate that your qualifications match the requirements of the company exactly and that you are therefore the right candidate for the specific vacancy. Ask yourself the question with each sentence: "Why am I exactly the right person for this position?"

• If necessary, write an introductory sentence about yourself
• Demonstrate professional qualifications required in the announcement with concrete examples from your own career
• Demonstrate personal skills required in the announcement with concrete examples from your own career

Concrete approach

• Job analysis: Underline the keywords in the job description.
• Comparison: compare company requirements in terms of professional qualifications and soft skills with your own qualifications
• Select the most important and suitable requirements for you. Generally, you cannot cover all the requirements in a job description.
• Address the concrete needs & expectations of the company.
• Name the keywords from the job description or the homepage.
• Then explain why you have exactly this ability and provide an example from your career to prove the respective qualification.
• Always with regard to the specific job .
• Avoid simple repetition of the curriculum vitae!
• "Based on my current professional background, I have the experience/knowledge described by you in ..."
• "As a freshly graduated computer scientist I would like to contribute to the success of your company with great commitment."
• "With great pleasure I would like to put my acquired knowledge into practice in your company."
• "Due to my studies of industrial engineering and management with focus on xy, which I will presumably finish in two months with the grade ..., I have first knowledge in the field of xy. I was already able to deepen this knowledge during my thesis on the topic xy."
• "I was able to gain practical experience on the subject ... during an internship semester at the company ... There I.…"  

Distinguish yourself! 

In the conclusion, you will have the opportunity to convey a positive impression of your application to the recipient. Try to find an individual, positive final formulation that flatters the recipient. Here you can once again emphasize your motivation and at the same time show that you are well informed about the company. This way you will distinguish yourself from the majority of applicants who have not done exactly that. At this point you can also address any organizational information that may be required. The conclusion of the Cover Letter consists of a polite but confident request to respond.

Distinguish yourself positively: 

• Approach the company individually, ideally you show that you are well informed about the company
• Is there a first indication of this in the job description?
• Research on homepage: Is there a specific business objective that the company wants to achieve in the middle term? An award that one wants to win? A concrete research project?

Organizational matters

• Mentioning possible starting date
• Salary expectations, if required
• Readiness to change location, if required

Finally: Call for Response 

• "I would like to play an active role in winning next year's Enterprise Award xy for your company."
• "I would like to contribute my enthusiasm for xy and my personal pioneering character (terms from job description / homepage) to Maier-Müller AG." 
• "As Brand Manager I would like to develop your top products in the food sector in a future-oriented way and ..."
• "I can support your team from 01.03. To 31.08.20xx with my engagement."
• "Should you have any further questions, I would be happy to answer them in a personal conversation."  

Final Check

• Have you responded to the company's expectations?
• Have you outlined your skills and suitability for the position?
• Have you presented yourself attractively without repeating your CV?

Cover Letter Initiative Application

In the case of an initiative application, the description text, which is the framework for the cover letter, is missing. This is where you are called upon: Create your own job announcement. What do you expect the announcement to look like? You can find information on the homepage and in comparable job announcements of the company as well as its competitors. You also have the opportunity to gather information by visiting fairs, making telephone calls and reading specialist material. Once you have considered the company's requirements and written them down, proceed as described above.

Cover Letter - Formalities

A cover letter should be no longer than one page , with formatting based on the DIN standard for letters. Please make sure that your cover letter does not contain any spelling or grammatical errors. Always have someone else read a completed cover letter! For enrolled international students at KIT the Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe offers a free German proofreading service .

Below we have summarized the most important formatting rules for you:

Formatting Rules

• Orientation to DIN 5008
• Keep to page margins
• 1-line line spacing
• Do not compress
• Important: Max. one page!
• Font and font size well readable, not too small (min. 10 pt).
• Recommended: Arial (11 pt) (classic), Calibri (12), Calibri (11), Verdana (10)
• Bahnschrift (11) Not justified, for better readability use left alignment.
• Start approx. 16.9 mm from the upper edge of the page.
• Sender alternatively in header ("Letterhead")
• Sender information: Name, street, house number, postal code, city, telephone number, private e-mail-address Telephone numbers are separated into their functional components by spaces
• Distance sender field and receiver field: 3-4 blank lines
• No blank line between street and city in the address field 
• "zu Händen" is no longer used
• Information:

          Name of the company with legal form

          Department or contact person

          Street, house number or mailbox

          Postcode City

Date and Place

• Right-aligned over the subject line
• Place is only mentioned if it differs from the sender
• 1. February 20xx or 01.02.20xx (not: 01. February 2014)  
• Dismiss the word "subject
• Bold Text 
• Maximum 2-line subject
• Leave 1-2 blank lines between subject and salutation, one blank line for 2-line subject

Salutation and Text

• "Dear Mrs. X", "Dear Mr. Y", "Dear Ladies and Gentlemen" if no contact person is named in the job announcement. Spell name correctly and use title if necessary
• Blank line between salutation and cover letter text. Visually separate Paragraphs in the cover letter text with blank lines.

Greeting and Closure

• One blank line between the text of the cover letter and the greeting
• "Sincerely yours"; "Best wishes"; "Greetings from Karlsruhe"
• Don't forget your signature (scan it in and insert it as an image)
• Optional: First and last Name

Attachments :

• After the signature one often write the term "Attachments" in Germany
• Can be placed, but is not necessary
• Attached documents are no longer listed

Video tutorial for the cover letter

Cover letter - examples.

The perfect application can look for each applicant, job or company completely different. A cover letter that has been formulated with a lot of effort for a specific position does not fit for other positions.

Consider our sample documents as a suggestion, yours can look completely different - the main purpose is that they are clear and all essentials can be understood quickly.

Example-Cover Letter Job Start after Gradation (German) Example-Cover Letter Internship with little experienc e (German) Example-Cover Letter Internship with experience  (German) Example-Cover Letter with PhD  (German)

How to Write an Exceptional Research Scholarship Motivation Letter

Haven’t heard from the scholarship committee yet? Another email of rejection? Numerous drafts, constant search for an ideal template, and yet couldn’t receive the scholarship? What could be the reason? The time and effort you put in writing personal statement and creating a powerful academic CV may have gone to vain, if the scholarship review committee never even saw it. And what do you think must have kept them from doing so? Yes, it is the scholarship motivation letter that you either didn’t care to write or if you did, it wasn’t compelling enough.

In today’s age, lack of financial ability must not serve as a hindrance in attaining higher education. With rising competition, your key to winning that scholarship is by drafting an exceptional letter of motivation to make you stand out from other applicants.

Table of Contents

What is a Scholarship Motivation Letter?

A scholarship motivation letter is an opportunity to display your knowledge to the recruiter before you are called for an in-person interview. It speaks out some of the important aspects of your  research proposal  that connects it with your academic competence and personality. It is a crucial part that can make or break your application. Rather, it can be a deciding factor for the recruiters if you are eligible to be called for an interview.

A scholarship motivation letter  is similar to a cover letter; it is not needed for every application; however, critical if mentioned specifically. Moreover, motivation letters are used to narrow down review committee’s pool of applicants.

Your scholarship motivation letter must answer the following questions:

• Why are you the ideal fit for the scholarship?
• How do your skills and abilities contribute to the university or your research field?
• How you plan to execute your education?

General Guidelines to Follow While Writing a Scholarship Motivation Letter

Generally, the application does not specify how long your motivation letter should be. However, you must use your best judgment to write a concise yet impactful scholarship motivation letter.

• It should usually range from 500 to 1,000 words.
• Divide them into 3 paragraphs for easy comprehension and better readability. This eases the job of the review committee members.
• Ensure the font is universally used, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial in a font size not smaller than 12.

What Should a Scholarship Motivation Letter Include?

What is the Scholarship Motivation Letter Format?

Since there is no standard structure for writing a motivation letter for scholarship, it has been a challenge to structure a convincing one. While the motivation letters may vary by universities and scholarship awards, the 3 consistent elements are an introduction, three content paragraphs, and a conclusion.

1. Introduction

• The introduction of your scholarship motivation letter should include a brief introduction specifying the program you would like to apply for and the reason for choosing it.
• It must clearly state objective of your future projects and career.
• Most importantly, your introduction must include your name and highest educational qualification so far.

2. Three Content Paragraphs

• The first paragraph of the main body of the motivation letter should include information about your academic and professional experience. Your professional experience may not only include academic related work such as teaching and research experience, but also work outside academic sector such as volunteering that demonstrates relevant skills and knowledge. Furthermore, this paragraph must showcase your career growth in chronological order. Finally, mention your professional ambitions you plan to achieve with education from this program.
• The second paragraph should explain what you hope to gain from your education. Furthermore, how you plan to contribute to the society and the problems you aim to solve with the help of your education. Emphasize on your willingness to improve career prospects and aspiration to discover and learn new things.
• The third paragraph should demonstrate your plans for the future. This could include additional knowledge or corresponding course you plan to pursue. You need to clearly describe what motivates you and what you would like to achieve as a result of your studies. Additionally, it should provide facts of your published work. Finally, display your soft skills and explain how they could be considered beneficial for your research conduction and for your field of study in general.

3. Conclusion

• While concluding, mention the impact your study/studies may have in your life, research area, and society at large.
• Explain how the scientific community and university can benefit from selecting you as a candidate for the program.
• Furthermore, state that you are aware of the competitive nature of the program and how you will be an asset to it.
• More importantly, it must reinstate how you are an ideal candidate and why must the selection committee choose you over other applicants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Scholarship Motivation Letter

Your scholarship motivation letter will probably be the first thing you are judged by. Hence, you should be scrupulous while writing and eventually submitting it. Beware of the common mistakes to avoid in the letter:

• It should be well-written with no grammar or spelling errors .
• Use a professional tone throughout the letter.
• Avoid slangs, clichés, colloquialisms, or jargon.
• Use of vague generalizations should be avoided.
• Avoid irrelevant information.
• Do not include false achievements .
• Avoid praising the university too much.

Key Takeaways

Since a scholarship motivation letter is your way to get through the review committee and convince them how you are an ideal candidate for the position, it must be written with a plan. Allow at least three days to write the letter. Get it reviewed from your colleagues or professors. Be your critic and edit it attentively.

Now it’s your turn to draft an award winning scholarship motivation letter. Refer to the scholarship motivation letter sample below and write one yourself. Let us know how these tips helped you.

Scholarship Motivation Letter Sample

The Scholarship Committee Department of Biological Sciences Stanford University United States of America

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Steve Boult and I am a third year student at Oklahoma State University. I am currently pursuing a four-year Bachelor of Engineering Degree, and I plan to follow up with a one-year master’s degree after I graduate.

While in high school, I interned with a reputable chemical plant in the Research and Development department. I learned about the construction process of refineries from the ground up, and I discovered the importance of its function. I worked closely to develop and optimize the machinery to increase the output at the plant. Additionally, I volunteered at an NGO to design and implement new technologies in the water supply mechanism of the town.

My education is largely focused on this mindset: function over form, stability over showmanship. I have enrolled in several classes that amalgamates Chemical Sciences with Engineering in order to have a comprehensive view of how design meets structure. I have worked on four extra-credit chemical plant and oil refinery design projects under the supervision of my professors (Dr. A and Dr. B) to accelerate my research and education.

I believe in avoiding accidents than fixing the loss it causes. Thus, as an engineer, I want to create accessible, cost-effective, productive, and durable AI-based operational systems that inform us about the potential malfunctions in advance. Coming from a mechanical background, I believe that there is a need for an operational system that is reliable.

I appreciate your consideration. With your assistance, I can continue my schooling in engineering and design to put an end to uncalled for accidents in plants and other industries.

Sincerely, Steve Boult

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Home » Motivational letter for university: 12 Examples & Sample Included

Motivational letter for university: 12 Examples & Sample Included

I want to share a motivational letter for university with you that I wrote for my university. I’m not going back to school, but it’s a good read if you’re considering going back or just having the time. I can’t imagine being in school again and missing out on all those new experiences because the job market is so tough right now. It would be great if more people were encouraged to go back to school as soon as possible so they could have an edge over other candidates when it comes time for interviews! This motivational letter for university and hopefully will help motivate others who are struggling with what they should do next.

If you’re a university student who’s ready to graduate, but don’t know what comes next, this post is for you! This letter will provide you with some helpful tips and advice on how to find a job. The first step in the process of finding a job is identifying your skills and figuring out where they can best be utilized. it’s most important that you have an idea of what types of jobs are available in your field. Once you’ve done that, there are three things that I think are critical to help make yourself stand out from other candidates: work experience (internship), good grades (GPA) and networking contacts.

Dear University student, I know you’re feeling lost and at a crossroads in your life. You’ve been told it’s time to make some tough decisions on what to do next with your education and career. Maybe you feel like you don’t have any direction or that the opportunities are too narrow. Don’t worry! This letter will help inspire you to take the right steps in making these important choices for yourself so that you can find success.

Table of Contents

Motivation letter for undergraduate scholarship

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing today motivational letter for university to apply for the undergraduate scholarship that I saw advertised online. This scholarship would be a tremendous help to me as I continue my education at the university.

My passion is science and medicine, but more specifically biomedical research. I know this requires years of intense studying and I am willing to put in the effort. I have maintained a GPA of 3.8 throughout high school, and took many AP and IB courses that will prepare me for a demanding undergraduate curriculum.

Please find my resume attached. I would be very grateful if you could consider me for the undergraduate scholarship. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Robert Smith

I am writing today to apply for the undergraduate scholarship that I saw advertised online. This scholarship would be a tremendous help to me as I continue my education at the university.

Education has always been important to me, and I have worked hard throughout high school to achieve excellent grades. My goal is to become a research physician, which I know will take years of intense studying. I do not plan on entering medical school until after completing an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences.

The two main subjects that interest me are molecular biology and cellular biochemistry. Last year, I took Genetics to see how many hours were required to complete my major. It was a lot more than I expected.

I believe the scholarship committee will find me very deserving of this financial aid opportunity. I appreciate your time and consideration, and hope to hear from you soon regarding my application.

Sincerely, Robert Smith

For More: 101+ Catchy Career Objective for Nursing Student ideas list

Sample motivation letter for masters in management

Dear Admission Committee,

I am writing to apply for admission into the Masters of Management Program at the motivational letter for university of New Hampshire. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas and about three years of experience working as a financial analyst. So I am interested in pursuing a career as a financial manager, and I believe that this program will give me the knowledge and skills necessary to reach my goal.

My prior experience combined with the fact that the degree will be completed in about one year made this program a very attractive option to me. Another advantage of completing my degree online is that I can continue working full-time while taking classes. This will not only help me save money, but it will also give me the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge I learn in class to my current job.

The Masters of Management Program at the University of New Hampshire is an excellent program that will provide me with the skills and knowledge necessary to reach my career goals. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for the master’s in management program that I saw on your website. Also I am very excited about the opportunity to pursue my education at such a prestigious institution.

I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for this program. My undergraduate degree is in business administration, and I have always been interested in continuing my education. I have also taken several management courses, which are the only classes that interest me.

Over the past few years, I have learned a great deal about business practices and marketing strategies. My experience working for a national marketing firm has given me important skills that would be invaluable to an organization like yours.

  Working for this company has also given me the opportunity to do many things that will make me a more attractive candidate for your program. I have had responsibilities involving marketing, finance, and data analysis. More importantly, I have had the chance to work on many projects where I was responsible for leading a team of people.

My experience working at this firm has also given me the opportunity to develop my interpersonal skills. I am confident that I can work well with others and contribute to a team.

I am looking forward to learning more about management in your program. So I believe that it will help me reach my goals of becoming a successful business professional. I would be very grateful if you could consider me for admission to your program.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Your name here

Example motivation letter for university

To the Admissions Committee,

I am writing today to apply to your esteemed university. So I’m confident that I will thrive in the challenging academic environment and am eager to join the community of brilliant students and educators.

As an Honors student at my current institution, I have consistently pushed myself to exceed expectations. My coursework in English and History, in particular, has inspired me to pursue a future in academia. My honors thesis, which examined the influence of gender on war fiction between 1850 and 1880, developed my critical thinking skills and solidified my passion for research. Free from distraction, I found myself always at ease when writing – it was during these hours that I made some of my most significant discoveries.

I am confident that I will contribute to your university in a meaningful way. I am passionate about learning and believe wholeheartedly in the transformative power of education. So I am also athletic and enjoy spending time outdoors; I would be an engaged member of your campus community.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Your name here

I am writing this letter to apply for the undergraduate program in your esteemed university. So I am confident that I will be able to thrive in the challenging academic environment and I am eager to join the community of brilliant students and educators.

I have been passionate about learning from a young age, and I decided to pursue a degree in education to help me pass that passion onto other learners. My college life has been the best part of my life so far – I discovered my calling within education during my first semester when I joined a student-led tutoring center. I helped students of all ages and grades with their studies, and the rewarding feeling that came from guiding them to success motivated me to keep learning and finding innovative ways to teach.

I am confident that I will contribute positively to your university in a multitude of ways. Also I am eager to work as part of a team and develop my leadership skills. I am also committed to learning, and believe that education will play a pivotal role in helping me find my way in the world.

Thank you for your time! I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Motivation letter for university exchange program

Dear Prof. Wood,

I am a third-year student in Mechanical Engineering and I would like to apply for an exchange program during my next semester. This will give me the chance to get to know a different university and at the same time to improve my German language skills.

In order to participate in an exchange program, I have already started studying German. This also helps me because I am going on a student delegation next summer where knowing the language is mandatory. Therefore, I will be able to leave right after finishing my exams which are at the end of May.

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

I would like to apply for the exchange program that your motivational letter for university offers. So I am a third-year student at the Department of History and I believe that it would be a great opportunity to improve my German skills and to get to know a new culture.

I am available from June to August and I am sure that I can be an active member of the exchange program. Also I will take care of all the administrative tasks and I will help in whatever way I can.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Motivation letter for phd in computer science

Dear Committee Members,

I am writing to apply for the PhD program in computer science at your esteemed university. I am confident that I have what it takes to be a successful graduate student in this field, and I believe that the doctoral degree will help me reach my professional goals.

As an undergraduate, I majored in computer science, specializing in computer engineering with a minor in mathematics. During this time, I conducted research on the  connection between information visualization and human cognition with Dr. Tedesco of Columbia University. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Cyberpsychology and Behavior . I also worked as a teaching assistant for several courses in computer science and mathematics.

My research experience and teaching experience have prepared me well for a career in academia. In addition, I have also been working as a software engineer for the past two years. This job has given me valuable practical experience in the industry, which I can bring to my graduate studies and future research.

I am confident that I have the ability and drive to pursue my graduate studies successfully. I would like to discuss with you further about my application.

Best regard,

Xinghua Zhao

Hello Committee Members,

I am writing today to apply to your esteemed PhD program in Computer Science. I believe that I have what it takes to be successful in this program motivational letter for university, and I believe that the PhD degree will help me achieve my professional goals.

As an undergraduate, I majored in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. During my time at Carnegie Mellon University, I conducted research on machine learning algorithms used in Natural Language Processing (NLP). The results of my research were presented at the Association for Computational Linguistics’ annual meeting. In addition, I have been a teaching assistant for several courses in Computer Science and Mathematics.

My research experience and teaching experience have prepared me well for a career in academia. In addition, I also gained two years of industry experience as a software engineer. This job has given me valuable practical experience that will be beneficial for my graduate studies and future research.

I am confident that I have the ability and drive to pursue my graduate studies successfully. I would like to discuss with you further about my application, so please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

Best regards,

Xinghua Zhao.

Motivation letter for university application bachelor

Dear University Admission Committee,

I am writing to apply for the Bachelor of Science program in your esteemed university. I am confident that I will be a valuable asset to your institution and can assure you that I will do my best to uphold the standards of your institution.

As an aspiring scientist, I am excited at the prospect of learning and growing in an intellectually stimulating environment such as your motivational letter for university. I am confident that with the excellent faculty and facilities that your university has to offer, I will be able to reach my full potential as a scientist.

Moreover, I believe that the extracurricular activities and opportunities for personal growth available at your university will be of great value to me. I am looking forward to joining a vibrant and diverse community of students and engaging in activities that will enrich my experience as a student.

Lastly, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to apply for the Bachelor of Science program in your esteemed university. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Nathan Kumar

I would like to apply to study at your esteemed university as a bachelor of arts. Please find attached my resume and academic transcripts for your perusal. So I am confident that I can excel in your program, having achieved excellent grades in all my previous coursework.

I am a highly motivated individual with a keen interest in the arts. So I am confident that I will be a valuable addition to your university and would be grateful if you could consider my application.

Timur Tumurbaev

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve found this article useful and that it has given you some ideas on how to write a motivational letter for university . If not, or if you have any questions about the process at all, feel free to ask in the comment section below for help! Remember to keep your tone upbeat and positive throughout – even when things get tough. And remember that there is always someone out there who needs what we offer just as much as we need them. Good luck with everything!

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