Tips for writing a motivation letter
A motivation letter is an important component of your application to a foreign university. It provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, academic achievements, and motivation to study.
Before you start writing, familiarize yourself in detail with the university and the program you are applying for. Study their mission, values, candidate requirements, and program specifics. This will help you write a more personalized and appropriate letter.
Structure of a motivation letter
A motivation letter has a clear structure and should look professional. It usually consists of the following parts:
| Introduction | Greeting, self-introduction, and expressing interest in studying at this particular university. |
| Academic background | Achievements, relevant courses, skills |
| Experience and accomplishments | Practical experience, extracurricular activities, personal qualities |
| Motivation and goals | Why this university, career plans |
| Conclusion | Summary, thanks for your time |
A motivation letter is your chance to show the admissions committee why you are the ideal candidate for this program. The structure of the letter will help you clearly present your thoughts and highlight the most important aspects.
Letter structure in examples
| Start by introducing yourself and mentioning the program you are applying for. Talk about yourself: your name, place of residence, education, and work experience, if any. Mention what specifically attracted you to this university. | My name is Olena Petrenko, and I am applying for the Master’s program in International Business at Cardiff University. My passion for business and international relations has motivated me to choose your program, which is renowned for its excellence in this field. |
| Explain your motivation, describe why you chose this particular program and university, highlight your interest in the chosen field, and how it will influence your career ambitions. | I am impressed by the approach to education at Cardiff University, which combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The program offers unique courses in international marketing and strategy, which align with my professional interests and goals |
| Talk about your academic and professional experience, mention any projects or achievements that were particularly memorable to you. | I graduated with honours with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Kyiv. During my studies, I actively participated in research projects focused on international market analysis. Additionally, I interned at XYZ Company, where I gained valuable experience in the field of international business |
| Highlight your future goals and how studying at this university will help you achieve them. Mention how your participation could enrich the academic environment. | My goal is to work in an international corporation that develops new markets. I am confident that the knowledge and experience I will gain from this program will help me achieve this goal and make a significant contribution to the development of international business |
| End the letter on a positive note, emphasizing your interest in the program and your readiness for the next steps. | I am very hopeful for the opportunity to become part of your university community. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of further discussing my candidacy |
How to write the header of a letter
Option 1: Classic
Option 2: Modern
Example
Your first and last name
Your full name
Ivan Shevchenko
Your address
Link to your LinkedIn
ххххх@gmail.com
Your phone number
Your email
+380 (123) 456-78-90
Your email
Date
15 February 2024
Date
University name
University of London
University name
Program name
Faculty of Business
University address
Admissions Committee of the Business
Name of the admissions office
Analytics programme
A few tips for writing a motivation letter from Superior Education
- Instead of simply listing facts, tell a story that illustrates your journey, dreams, and motivation
- Include unexpected or creative examples that will help you stand out among other candidates.
- Talk about personal skills that distinguish you and how they can be useful in your studies and future career.
- Show how your choice of profession or field is connected to current global events and challenges.ʼ
- Mention difficulties or failures you have faced and explain how they shaped your character and prepared you for higher education.
- Emphasize your desire to learn and grow, showing that you value not only the outcome but also the process of self-education.
- Consider your motivation letter as a tool for creating your personal brand, which will set you apart from other candidates.
- Highlight specific resources, faculties, projects, or opportunities at the university that particularly attract you.
