universities motivation letter example

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Dear Sir or Madam:

With this letter, I would like to express my interest in studying at the University of XY as an Erasmus student.

I am currently studying Master’s Degree programme in Regional Geography at the ABC University in London. Having looked through the materials of the Foreign Department of my university, I was very delighted to find the opportunity to spend one semester learning geography at the University of XY. I have decided to apply for this programme because I am sure it would strongly enrich my future studies and help me in my prospective career. Moreover I consider this programme as a great opportunity to get in touch with British culture and educational system. Last but not least, I am very curious about different approaches to the geography at the foreign university.

I have chosen to apply for University of XY, because I really like its module system of study. I specially appreciate the wide range of offered modules and the freedom in making your study plan. Many of the modules offered are unique for me, because there is no equivalent at my home university. Very important for me is also an “Excellent” rating for teaching of the Geography department and the overall friendly atmosphere at both the university as well as the city. The third main reason why I have chosen XY is its Urban and Regional Policy Research Institute. It specializes in interdisciplinary research on key regional and urban policy issues, which is the field of geography very familiar to me.

During my prior studies I have found out, that I would like to specialize in Urban and Transport Geography. The University of XY gives me a chance to get in touch with these subjects through modules from both Department of Geography and Department of Town and Regional Planning. In my last year at the ABC University I worked on an empirical study with main focus on transportation costs of suburbanisation and urban sprawl. I really liked my project and I am keen to continue in it. I would like to use my stay in XY for further developing my skills in empirical research and starting working on my diploma project. The possibilities that gives me University of XY further expand those at my home university. I would take modules focusing on Transport and Urban geography and European Studies.

I would very much like to spend one semester at the University of XY. This would give me a chance to deepen my geographical knowledge in the inspiring, creative, and cosmopolite environment of one of the largest British universities. Furthermore I could improve my English and increase my confidence in passing the TOEFL examinations after I return. Moreover, I am confident that my experience in London would be extremely exciting, fun, and valuable for both my studies and overall general development.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your positive response.

Yours faithfully, Suzan Parent

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Motivation Letter Writing Guide + Examples for 2023

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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Letter of motivation samples

Universities often ask applicants to write a letter of motivation (US) or a personal statement (UK). Selectors are looking for a well-prepared and structured text (of between one to two pages) to help them choose applicants in particularly popular subjects, e.g. Medicine. The focus of your writing should be to stress your motivation and passion for the course of study you are applying for.

• Letter of Motivation: Computer Sciences (Swansea) (223 KByte)
• Letter of Motivation: Erasmus (Ireland) (288 KByte)
• Letter of Motivation: Medical School (Uni of Manchester) (212 KByte)
• Letter of Motivation: Assistant Teacher Position (UK) (152 KByte)
• Letter of Motivation: Master's in Communication (University of Southern California) (200 KByte)
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How to write a motivational letter for a university (with examples)

When writing a motivational letter for a university, it is important to keep in mind that the admissions committee may have seen hundreds of applications already. As such, you should make sure to stand out and make your application as memorable as possible.

Table of contents:

Short answer.

• Motivation letter for PhD

Motivation letter for scholarship

Motivation letter for master’s degree (real example), bachelor motivation letter for university (real example), motivation letter for an exchange program (real example), motivation letter for studies abroad (real example).

• In conclusion

Here are some tips on how to write an effective motivational letter when applying to a university. Also below there are sample motivation letter examples:

1. Research the university

This is a key step in writing a motivation letter for a university application. Research into the institution, its culture, and its values can give you insight into what they are looking for from applicants and help you to craft your letter accordingly.

2. Tailor your content

Always tailor the content of your motivational letter to the specific university and program you are applying for. Make sure that your letter highlights why your skills, experiences, and qualifications make you the ideal candidate for this program.

3. Be honest

Your motivational letter should be honest and sincere - admissions officers can spot insincerity from a mile away. Showcase your best qualities while being genuine and authentic.

4. Show your commitment

Your letter should demonstrate that you are passionate and committed to this program. Discuss the elements of the course that you find interesting, or how it will help you develop professionally or academically.

5. Keep it relevant

Make sure that all the information included in your letter is directly relevant to the university program you are applying for.

6. Get a proofread

Have your letter proofread by someone else to make sure it is error-free and that it conveys your message effectively.

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Motivation letter for Ph.D.

When applying for a Ph.D., Postdoc, or any other research post, you must submit a research plan as well as a Motivation Letter. A motivation letter is very important for Ph.D. applicants. This explains why you want to pursue that career and why you are qualified to study there.

But what has to be said, and what tone is appropriate? To provide you with some ideas, we're publishing everything about motivation letters today, so you can understand what your motivation letter needs to contain or fix.

A motivation letter is comparable to a cover letter and a personal statement, however, institutions will not need you to submit all of these documents. However, it is a one-of-a-kind document that should be treated as such.

Begin with a short introduction in which you express your purpose to apply for a certain program. Consider this like explaining the paper to a stranger.

Mention what you studied and where you studied it. Focus on your higher education since it will be your most crucial educational experience.

Following that, outline your professional job experience. Keep in mind that you will most likely be required to submit your academic CV with your motivation letter, so keep this part concise to prevent needless duplication.

Application motivation: Demonstrate your excitement and love for the topic, and discuss your long-term goals. Begin by discussing how you initially got interested in the topic and how your interest has evolved since then. You should also include any other activities that reflect your interest in the suggested study subject.

Finally, thank the reader for taking the time to read your application.

Scholarship motivation letters differ depending on the scholarship, but they often include three components:

• An explanation.
• There are three body paragraphs.
• A final thought.
• Your introduction should contain your name, educational level, and degree program.

Any work-related experience you have should be included in your first body paragraph. Internships, both paid and unpaid, might fall under this category. You should demonstrate the progression of your career in chronological sequence. Finally, consider where your education will take you in the future.

The second paragraph of your body should clarify what you intend to achieve from your schooling. Consider the issues you want to address or discover.

Your last body paragraph should outline your long-term goals. Here are some suggestions for you:

• You might list extracurricular activities that you want to pursue after graduation.
• You may write about firms or organizations where you'd want to work after graduation.
• You may discuss programs or groups you want to start.

Greetings, Sir/Madame

I am [Your full name] and I am writing this email to express my interest in pursuing a Master's degree at your [ University name]. As a Bachelor degree in [field of study] from the [University name], my most recent ambition is to become a colleague exploring the interesting area of Communication studies, while obtaining more experience at Public Relations.

During my Bachelor's degree studies, I was able to properly prepare for my selected Masters study while gaining a great grasp of [some previous example topics].

Furthermore, as a [your job title], I was able to put a large amount of theory into practice. With my analytical and multitasking abilities, each of my assigned activities and projects became more intriguing, which piqued my interest in [your selected Masters study topic]."

I appreciate the chance and time to study my motivation letter.

In the next days, I will eagerly await your response and hope for a positive response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your full name]

You can also read our article:

My name is.............. I would like to apply for a Bachelor's degree in Communication studies at University............ in Greece. With great curiosity, I studied information on the BA curriculum on the University website.

I received my high school graduation from a well-known Greek high school. While the majority of topics were taught in Greek. While there was one topic that was entirely centered on the English language. So my knowledge of the English language is quite good at a professional level.

I would have access to outstanding education on Greek, and American literature via the BA Greek program at...... University, with the goal of training in techniques of contextual reading, critical thinking, writing, and communication.

Furthermore, the curriculum placed a strong focus on the historical, social, and political contexts of communication science and its practicality nowadays. The BA in Communication studies will assist me in compelling writing and presentation skills, while in sales as well!

Meanwhile, the art of research, scholarly writing, and understanding of the great influence of communication is a global scale are defining elements of this major, which I will study throughout the course of four years. I will get several useful skills such as communication, analysis, synthesis, problem-solving, and assessment that will be applicable to a wide range of professional disciplines.

In reality, I have the opportunity to work in government, media, communications, the arts, education, or administration. In addition, following graduation, I will be able to begin Ph.D. studies in public relations, social sciences, and even marketing. As a result, I believe I am a qualified candidate for admission to this specific course. Finally, I want to wish you the best of success with your admissions process. I'm hoping to hear from you shortly.

Thank you for your valuable time.

My name is [...], and I am a second-year Digital Marketing student at [...] University in Greece. I am thrilled to be able to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which will broaden my strong education and open new prospects for my professional career. I am especially interested in studying in the [country name] because of its multicultural atmosphere, innovative education system, and openness.

I've always wanted to spend some time abroad throughout my studies, so I'm excited to broaden my knowledge, get insight into your educational system, build my professional identity, and experience student life overseas. I'm looking forward to exchanging ideas with folks from all around the globe and hearing their viewpoints.

Because of the diversity of programs available and the Innovation Research Center, of your well-known university, I found a program that I immediately knew was the right for me. The advanced copywriting program.

This is one of my main interests, and I am excited to expand my research experience at [...] University and collaborate with such academics. Another reason I chose this institution is that it is recognized for being a youthful and energetic city with a fiercely throbbing heart, which I am.

I have a strong grasp of the English language, allowing me to readily adapt to an English-speaking nation and institution. In the summer of 2016, I had my first experience as a foreign student. I had been studying at the EC English Language School in Turkey for three weeks, although I must confess that I was not really interested in English at the time, the program helped change my perspective!

In terms of my interests, I am happy to state that I have a plethora of hobbies and activities that I like. My passion for activities includes volleyball, cycling, and playing the guitar. Aside from that, I am particularly interested in cinematography and history!

Finally, I'd want to say that I am incredibly self-motivated, and disciplined, and whenever I set a goal, I work hard to attain it. It would be my honor to represent my home institution and my nation in your country during the next semester.

Thank you for taking the time to examine my application.

From, [Your name],

[Contact Information]

[Recipient's Name],

Department [...]

Institution Name [...]

Address [...]

Subject line [...]

I hope you are doing great.

I am [Your full name], and I would like to use this opportunity to express how thrilled I am about taking the next steps in my studies at an institution with such a distinguished path. Your university's master's program in communications has a world-renowned reputation, and I would be honored to be considered for a spot in the program.

I have a bachelor's degree in Communications and digital media, and my good grades, as well as the final thesis I've worked on, qualify me for your program. I've always wanted to learn in-depth about the science of communication and public relations, and I decided to pursue it as a profession throughout my undergraduate studies at this particular university.

I've also had the chance to intern at [Name of Company], which has given me an overview and lessons for these topics as well as useful industry skills.

With this, I would like to conclude my Letter of Motivation and express my sincere hope that my résumé and my strong desire to pursue this master's degree from your institution may assist in gaining a spot in the following academic semester.

Best Regards,

In conclusion!

By following these tips, you can create an effective motivational letter that will help you stand out in a competitive admissions process.

Good luck with your application!

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How to write a Motivation Letter for University (Sample)

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How to write a motivation letter for university admission

Motivation Letter (also called Cover Letter) is an important part of many university admission procedures. It’s meant to show your level of motivation, your writing skills and even your personality a little- all these to help admission officers decide if your motivations are pure and strong and you’d indeed be a good fit for the university. Let’s see the most imporant parts of a Motivation Letter.

This is how you start

• First, write your name and contact details to the top of the page, so universities can get in touch with you easily
• Decide on the structure. Most motivation letters have 3 parts: Introduction, Body and Conclusion. Decide what to write where.
• Greeting : If possible, use the name of a specific person (e.g. admission officer, Head of Department, etc.) If that’s not possible, use the name of the University or the Faculty. For example: “Dear Óbuda University, Kandó Kálmán Faculty of Electrical Engineering” or maybe: “Dear Budapest International College Admission Office”
• Introduction : Include some persional information, include where you are applying and WHY you are applying too.
• Body : Write your motivations and achievements & the story behind them. Try to be as factual as possible (don’t only use big and meaningless words, try to also give some proof for example “I won the Physics competition of my high school two years in a row.”, “I had a GPA of 5 and I also participated in a STEM summer school organized by our government in 2021.”)
• Conclusion : Conclude your thoughts, mention your future goals and dreams and thank the reader

Ready-to-use sentences

• 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 __________.

Don’t make these mistakes!

• Don’t write another university / study program name to your letter! – This is so awkward. Seeing someone applying to Budapest International College addressing a Motivation Letter to the University of Paris. Ouch! This a miserable mistake. It’ll immediately show that you are lazy and motivated enough- even to change the name of the institution in your Motivation Letter. There is a big chance that you won’t be accepted after such a mistake. Respect the institution you are applying to, and use their names (correctly) in your Motivation Letter.
• Don’t just repeat your CV! Describing your skills is important, but don’t just repeat your CV completely. Also write about your personal motivations, experiences, dreams and so on.
• Don’t stop after 3 sentences! This letter should show how motivated you are. If you cannot even write half a page, it shows that you are not motivated enough.
• Don’t use bad grammar. If your English is uncertain, ask a friend to help you correct your letter. The quality of the language of your letter is such a big indicator. Poor language just shows poor motivation.
• No experiences? No problem! You might be thinking “What can I write about in my letter, I’m only 18!” Well, whether you are 18 or 80, you can have hopes, dreams and motivations. You can have achievements and skills. Just try to collect all your advantages and don’t be shy to boast a little.
• Don’t be afraid to show some personality (not attitude though!) . Want to use a little humor or emotional personal story? Sure thing! Don’t be afraid to show a part of your personality, as long as it’s professional, admission officers will appreciate originality.

Let’s see a short example (made by a Microsoft Word Template):

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