Important Tips to Consider Before

Writing a Motivational Letter

1. Research well, be crisp and concise with information
The requirements, prospects, and expectations of an application should be reflected in a letter of motivation.

2. Convey your intent/thoughts, adding a pinch of impromptu personal information

But be mindful of being original and not bragging or mentioning something out of [Link] is advisable to
avoid ambiguous statements.

3. Avoid beating around the bush

A motivation letter should successfully address your intent without any merry-go-round [Link] the
qualitative skills and achievements that are significant to your application and persuade your reader to comment
with the feedback positively.

4. State your purpose clearly

Purpose or intent should be fulfilled while writing a motivational letter, keeping in mind that you already have a
CV/resume that furnishes all personal and professional information. You don’t need to rush with the information part
that makes it look clumsy. Remember that the CV and the motivation letter must complement each other and should
be in sync with one another in terms of the information you provide about yourself.

5. Avoid passing controversial statements

One must avoid political or ideological jargon and write in a neutral tone without taking sides.

6. Art of Persuasion
Clearly explain what your motivation is and why you are a perfect fit for the position. Mention what puts you ahead
of your competition and how you will add positive enhancement to the program. Read about the qualities sought by
the recruiter and write about how they correspond to you. Highlight all your achievements and all that you are
proud of without sounding arrogant.

7. Avoid using generic statements

It isn’t enough to just praise yourself randomly, support what you say, provide examples of your achievements, and
try not to use run-of-the-mill phrases such as “quick to learn” or “super organized”. Being original will take you a
long way.

8. Know whom to address

While writing a motivation letter, you should know to whom to address the letter. The basic information like name,
designation, address etc should be properly mentioned.
Structure of a Motivation Letter
Introduction
In this section, you have to brief about yourself and showcase your purpose for writing the letter. You should give an
outline of the content. Start your motivation letter with greetings like “Respected/Dear Sir/Madam” if no mention of
a name is there, try to put a name if available to have a personal connection with the reader.

Academic/Professional Profile
This section should include all your achievements and professional career induced with a timeline view. You must
point out the reason and why you have chosen a particular course and what makes you pursue that particular
career. Prove that your profile matches your candidacy for the application and present facts and figures relevant to
your achievements.

Why this Course

You should mention relevant information regarding your choice of a subject, what is the reason, and what excellence
you will achieve by pursuing this course. A persuasive tone should be followed while briefing your intent about the
course.

Long/Short Term goals

When talking about long-term and short goals, you must have clarity about the goals you want to achieve in that
specific timeline.

Short-term goals include your reason for commitment to the course, what framework you have made to pursue
during the coursework, and what skills/specialization you have set to obtain during and after the course.

On the other hand, Long term goals should include your prospects, what you want in the long run of life and what
motivates you to be consistent with your commitment towards it. Do not forget to mention what benefits you will
reap.

Conclusion
An important part of a motivation letter is the conclusion, which creates an impact on the reader. While ending the
motivational letter, an applicant should summarize the main points written in the letter and mention the main goal
of the letter – to be accepted for the program. The final impression is as important as the first impression.

Proofreading
After writing your letter, ensure that it is error-free. Make it grammatically correct, with no room for spelling
mistakes and ambiguous statements. Before sending it, proofread your letter many times and ensure its authenticity
is maintained.

How to Start a Motivation Letter

While writing a motivation letter, introduce yourself and your intent in the introduction. It is essential to provide a
clear picture of yourself in the letter to ensure that it goes with the purpose. In the body, highlight and describe your
achievements. You should be mindful that it does not have long explanatory sentences. Conclude the letter by
thanking the reader.

How to End a Letter of Motivation

Mention all the essential points, and summarize your goals with all the interest that compels you to apply for that
particular course of study. Showcase gratitude in advance. If you are accepted for this program, how you will take
this opportunity to work and what contribution you will make to the university.

Do’s and Don’ts

1. While your aspirations to study enthralls you with excitement, don’t get high on horses. Remember that
certain setbacks should be avoided if rules are followed.
2. The letter should be addressed to the concerned person, and you must research properly before applying
for the particular university.
3. Information regarding the requirements and essentials should be gathered while explaining your candidacy
in the letter.
4. State your offerings, goals, and perspective that matches with the university and career you are opting for.

Example of a Motivation Letter

Writing the perfect motivation letter can be a hard task, but if you know how to structure yours, it will be very easy
for you to impress whoever is reading your motivation letter. A perfectly structured motivation letter can be written
in two styles-

– The classic three-paragraph style with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

– The 5 to 7-paragraph style where the content of the main body is divided into multiple paragraphs.

The motivation letter should have a storytelling approach and not sound too mechanical and cliched. Try to decide
on a particular series of arguments and stick to that without breaking the flow of the story.

Your pitch should be engaging so that the reader is hooked right from the introduction. Keep your letter brief but not
too harsh around the edges. Express your achievements, interests, skills and experience, goals, and objectives
without writing pages and pages.

There are specific things you need to mention when writing a motivation letter for a bachelor’s degree and a
motivation letter for a master’s degree. You will find numerous samples online but choose to use one for reference
that is the most relevant to your field. Here we have attached one such example for you to refer to:
How to Write your Motivation Letter
for Study Abroad
Universities abroad often have specific things they are looking for when asking you to write a
motivation letter. It is indeed a challenging task to write one, where you may end up being
either too formal, missing out on the chance to be creative or being too candid and failing to
highlight important aspects of your personality. Additionally, there is extra pressure on
students trying to compose a letter for an international audience.

However, there are some common characteristics that international admission offices look for
in their candidates. You should be able to structure an impactful motivation letter if you simply
include answers to the following questions:

1. Why you want to study abroad

While the answer may seem obvious to you, you need to make a valid argument to the
admissions officers. Avoid saying that you wish to leave your country, you are doing it because
your peers have done it or because you want to have an international degree to show off.
Instead write about how you are interested in their culture and heritage, how you have always
had a flair for communication and wish to be a part of a global student community or how you
can contribute to a particular industry with a specific foreign degree.

2. Whether you have any previous international exposure

Universities seek candidates who have experience of being far away from home. So, instead of
bluntly stating that you have never lived abroad or that you have had bad experiences abroad,
say that you are adaptable and have done enough research on the country to know that you
will be able to settle there. Mention how you love to travel and new experiences and are keen
on expanding your horizons.

3. Why your personality is a match for an international education

Give examples of why you are meant to be a part of a global community and how much
importance you give to social inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Avoid mentioning if you are an
extremely social or intensely reserved person, instead, write about your ability to fit into groups
and your appreciation of various cultures.
Sample Motivation Letter for Master’s
Degree
When you are applying for a master’s program, it is expected that you have already gained a
sizable experience and knowledge about your field of choice from your graduate program. So,
when you sit to compose a motivation letter for a master’s degree, mention all that your
graduate-level education has taught you, how you have been inspired by it and why you have
chosen the specialization that you have.

Find below an example of a motivation letter for masters:

Respected Sir/Madam,

Here’s hoping that this letter reaches you in good spirit.

I am [Name of Candidate] and I would like to take this opportunity to state how truly
passionate I am about pursuing my higher education at a university with such a grand heritage.
The reputation of a master’s program in science from your university is world renowned and I
shall be honoured to be considered for a place in the program.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and my strong grades along with the complex
projects I have undertaken make me a good candidate for your program. I have always dreamt
of making impactful changes in the field of civil engineering and I had determined to make it
my career early on in my undergraduate years.

I have also had the opportunity to intern with [Name of Company] and that has instilled in me
great appreciation for the subject and taught me valuable skills required in the industry.
Additionally, I have finished a course in Computed Aided Design from [Name of Organization]
which I know will give me an edge while studying the subject at a master’s level.

With this, I would like to close my Letter of Motivation and earnestly hope that my resume and
the deep desire that I must pursue M.S. from your university will help in securing a position in
the upcoming academic session starting on ………………….

Warm Regards
Sample Motivation Letter for Study
Abroad
Given below is a letter of motivation sample which can be used as a reference for students aspiring to
study abroad-

Respected ma’am/sir,

My name is _____________, and I write this letter to seek the opportunity of pursuing my master’s degree
from your esteemed university. As a second-year student studying International Relations, I am at a
juncture where I must begin to think about my post-college plans. Throughout my academic programs, I
have always reflected on how every ounce of the knowledge I have gained would benefit me in the
future. Now, I wish to take my education to the next level with a chance to enhance my current
understanding by studying at one of the most prestigious International Relations programs in the world.
Spending a year in ______________ would allow me to not only receive exceptional training in the field
but also will enable me to gain new perspectives on international diplomacy.

A structured literary experience outside of the country is crucial to my plan of eventually becoming an
ambassador. I have travelled extensively for volunteer work and pleasure, and I have found that each
occasion has strengthened my view of the world and given me new problems to contemplate. One of my
most unforgettable experiences was spending three months in the jungles of Brazil working with
indigenous communities to form a record of traditional beliefs and medicines. This catalog was not
merely a source of information for anthropologists and historians but also illustrated a rapidly declining
population’s cultural history. These experiences abroad have certainly enlightened me about the
humanity inherent in every person, and I am determined to do my best in the future to present the best
for those I represent.

The university of _____________ boasts one of the most challenging and well-rounded International
Relations programs in the world. I look forward to taking classes at your great university, where some of
the greatest diplomats and thinkers presented their thoughts. The emphasis of this program on
recognizing the diversity and recognizing population modulation truly sets it apart from the rest. As a
student, I would endeavour every day to excel in my classes and fully immerse myself in a world that I
have never encountered before. I know the road to serving my country overseas will be difficult. Still, I
know that my experience at the university of ______________ will provide me with the skills and
unforgettable experiences that I could not attain anywhere else.

Warm Regards.
Motivation letter for a Master's in Advanced Optical
Technologies
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am very glad to apply for Master’s study in Advanced Optical Technologies (MAOT). I am from
Ethiopia and I graduated from [university name], one of the top-ranked universities in the
country, in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Communication) with a Bachelor of Science
degree program. I awarded a distinction honour’s degree with a CGPA of 3.62/4.00 and I am
among the top three ranked graduates in this field of study in the year 2013. After my
graduation, I have been working as an assistant lecturer for undergraduate electrical and
computer engineering students in the same university and department I have been graduated,
[university name].

A couple of reasons motivate me to apply for a Master’s degree study in advanced optical
technology. Firstly, when I attended my undergraduate study I came across the adventures of
scientists, researchers, engineers and technologists to make the data transmission effective
and easy by the use of optical technologies. I often spend most of my work time on reading and
assimilating different journals, articles, papers and research topics about optics as a whole and
specifically on its impact in communication. Considering the current advancements of fiber
optics and laser technology application in communication, impresses me a lot and thereby
motivates me to pursue my postgraduate study in optical technology and related study area. I
demonstrated good understanding and grades in subjects related to optics during my [Link].
study. Besides, I attend some public lectures and laboratory demonstrations in optics. My
secondary tertiary and [Link]. study are in schools and universities where English is the medium
of instruction. Besides, I scored 7 in IELTS academic module which clears my English language
proficiency. Therefore, I strongly believe that my educational qualification and motive towards
the subject matter makes me a suitable candidate for your program.

It is well-known that Germany is one of the best countries in Europe where there are a number
of best universities. My desire to pursue my postgraduate study emanates not only from this
but also from the similarities in academic organisation between my country and Germany since
most of educational curriculums in my country are created from the experience of German’s.
Besides, from my early age, I am highly interested to know the culture and norms of German
people.

The concrete reason for my choice to take part specifically in MAOT is the in-depth trainings in
the fundamentals of optical technology and the chance to get a highly interdisciplinary
program which brings together experts and knowledge from different related fields of
Engineering, Physics, Computer Science and Medicine, unlike other universities in optical
technologies. The presence of optical communication in further applications of six main topics
of optical technology where two will be major makes my choice ideal. But my intention to
apply in your program is not only due to the presence of the discipline but also to benefit from
the scholarship. Indeed, it is true, there is no other program that meets my need like MAOT,
since it provides detailed training in the basics and applications of optical technologies and has
six different, currently demanding, specialisation areas which include optical communication.

Generally, I believe that I fulfil all the criteria for your program and I am highly motivated on the
field of optical technologies. So, I will be glad to take part in your program and I hope I will join
your academy in this session to achieve my educational and future career goals.

Thank you for your time to consider my application. Hoping to hear from you soon!

With best regards!

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 [Link] 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,

Name

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.

Kind regards,

Your name

Motivation letter for Master in Social Work

Dear Sir, Madam,

I am writing to express my profound interest in Master Degree program in Social Work offered
by Tilburg University’s School of Social and Behavioural Sciences. With an honour’s degree in
political science, I wish to broaden my academic knowledge of social and human sciences to
family social work and gain practical knowledge in family protection. After careful review of
program curriculum, I have realized that the courses offered fully suit my career goals. Lastly,
the multi- disciplinary approach of programme is an excellent fashion to observe different
standards of teaching, by diffusion of several academic disciplines.

I have been oriented towards the protection of human rights since the first year of my
undergraduatestudies in Belgrade. Group work and practical exercises during the Family
relations course gave me an insight in logic and legal thinking in the field of family and
children’s rights. Additionally, I gained modest experience outside the university, having
completed my internship in local NGO fighting for the protection of children rights. I perceive it
as a valuable experience due to my passion for helping vulnerable social groups. Furthermore, I
have also prepared my Bachelor thesis in the field international standards governing protection
of human and family rights. As the profile of the master’s degree in Social Work is highly
international, I believe that graduation will bring me a step closer toward becoming a human
rights defender in my community.

This is very important for me, having in mind the current state of human rights in my country,
on the path of EU Accession. Even though policy documents promote gender equality,
enforcement of equality remain poor. I am extremely interested to change that, and proper
education is way toward this objective.
The opportunity to study in the programme would be a very significant contribution to my
career. Furthermore, I plan to use learning outcomes in public administration and to serve as a
driver of change. I am also interested in sharing gained knowledge and ideas with the
volunteers and professionals in public administration and among international civil servants
serving in my country.

Tilburg University’s mission of educating social workers who will be catalysts for sustainable
change as well as scholars and leaders within the field resonates deeply with my professional
and personal aspirations. I believe that my experience and drive will make me an asset to the
Master program and will prepare me to make an impact upon the field of social work.
Therefore, I look forward to speaking further about my interests and aspirations with the
admissions panel.

Kind regards,

Mirjana Sekulich