What is a motivation letter for a university?

A motivation letter for university is a letter addressed to the admissions committee in which you explain why you would be an excellent candidate for the Bachelor's degree program at the school you're applying to.

This personal document gives you a chance to describe your motivation and experiences that have led up to this point.

Why are motivation letters important?

University admissions teams place high importance on motivation letters as they:

• Reflect your commitment and intentions
• Illustrate your goals and ambitions
• Show your personality and passion

Crafting an effective and engaging motivation letter can be vital in determining whether you secure a place in the desired program, especially for universities with high application standards.

Don't rush it

Writing a motivation letter for your Bachelor's program can be tricky and challenging for many students.

It will take time to work out what the motivation letter should contain, how it should look, and how to convince admissions coordinators you're the right candidate for the program.

Take enough time and plan. Don't rush into it a few days before the deadline. Give yourself enough time to write a good motivation letter.

How to write your motivation letter for university

Step 1: Research the university

Before you begin writing your motivation letter, it's essential to take the time to plan and research what to include in your letter. Researching your desired Bachelor's program will help you understand the university's criteria, allowing you to tailor your letter accordingly. You can find all the information you need on a university's website or by searching for its profile on Bachelor's studies. Doing this will demonstrate your commitment to the university and program.

Gaining information about the admissions requirements for your desired Bachelor's program will help you work out what your motivation letter should contain. Research their main projects, activities, personal philosophy, and interests. Mentioning the university's significant activities and attractions in your motivation letter will put you in a positive light by showing your genuine interest in the educational program.

Step 2: Draft an introduction

• If you know their name, address your motivation letter to the person reading it.
• If you don't know your reader's name, start with "To whom this may concern".

Don't make the introduction too long. You only have a few seconds to capture your reader's attention, so it's a good idea to get to the letter's main point as soon as possible.

Here's an example of a motivation letter introduction:

Step 3: Write the body of your motivation letter

First paragraph

Begin with your primary and most compelling reason why you're an ideal candidate for the Bachelor's program.

Highlight a specific skill or relevant experience demonstrating your suitability for the program. Ideally, this experience was first-hand.

Here are some examples of experiences you can mention:

• Have you studied that subject in high school or during an extracurricular activity?
• Have you already participated in a competition within that specific or adjacent field (i.e., you went to a math competition and want to study statistics)?
• Have you volunteered at an organization related to your field of interest?

Second paragraph

Discuss a skill or experience that complements the one mentioned in the first paragraph.

This is also an opportunity to express your genuine interest in the field of study or the institution itself, ensuring that your enthusiasm does not come across as self-serving. The main focus should remain on how you can contribute to the academic community and how your presence will benefit the university.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself and discuss in the second paragraph:

• Is there a professor or researcher from that university that made you want to study there?
• Is that university known for being an authority in the field you're interested in?
• Did you have a mentor or an inspirational figure that piqued your interest in this field?

Third paragraph

Use this space to elaborate on any soft skills you possess that will be valuable to the academic environment.

Admissions officers look for students with the potential to complete their studies, so highlighting your soft skills and/or experiences showing your communication and time management skills will help them see you as a great candidate for the program.

Here are examples of great skills you can highlight in your motivation letter for university:

• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Time management
• Work ethic
• Public speaking
• Organizational skills
• Self-motivation
• Research skills
• Networking
• Mentoring

Below is a template for the body of a motivational letter for university:

Step 4: Conclude your letter

Summarize the main ideas and refer to the letter's goal - to be accepted to your desired Bachelor's program.

Reinforce your interest in the program and summarize all of the factors that make you a great fit for the university and your chosen program.

Lastly:

• Finish off with "Kind regards"
• Write your name and sign your motivation letter

Tips for writing your motivation letter for university

Professors and university recruiters are likely to have read many applicants' motivation letters. It's vital to demonstrate why you're different from other applicants and an excellent fit for your desired Bachelor's program.

💭 Understand the purpose of your letter

Explain why you're interested in the field of study and how the program will help you achieve your future career objectives.

Example:

If you're applying for a Computer Science program, discuss your passion for technology, your interest in software development, and how the program's coursework aligns with your career aspirations in tech innovation.

📐 Demonstrate why you're a good fit

Highlight how the program suits your academic background and career ambitions.

• Discuss how your previous education, skills, and experiences make you a suitable candidate.
• Mention any relevant coursework, projects, or research that has prepared you for the program.

Example:

If you've conducted a research project related to the program in high school, elaborate on how that experience is relevant to the course you're applying for and clarify why it makes you a good fit.

💻 Research the university and the program thoroughly

Familiarize yourself with the university and the specific program. Mention particular courses, professors, research opportunities, or facilities that made you want to apply.

Demonstrating knowledge about the university and program will show your genuine interest. Research the curriculum, notable faculty members, and unique opportunities like internships or study abroad programs. Mention how these elements align with your academic and career goals.

Example:

If the university's Data Science department just had a breakthrough in their research, which made you want to study data science there, highlight this in your letter.

👍 Be genuine and authentic

Personalize your letter with your experiences and aspirations and show genuine enthusiasm for the program.

Authenticity is key. Share personal anecdotes that demonstrate your passion and interest in the field. Explain what excites you about the program and how it aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.

Example:

"My passion for environmental science stems from growing up near a national park, where I witnessed the beauty of nature and the need for conservation efforts."

💼 Maintain a professional tone throughout

Maintain a professional yet friendly tone throughout the letter. Be respectful and show humility while confidently presenting your achievements.

Your tone should be professional yet approachable. While it's important to highlight your achievements and show personality, ensure you do so humbly and respectfully. Avoid sounding arrogant or overly self-promotional.

Example:

Instead of saying, "I am the best candidate for this program," you might say, "I believe my background and experiences make me a strong candidate for this program."

🔍 Proofread and edit your letter

Ensure your letter is free from grammatical and spelling errors. Proofread multiple times to catch any mistakes.

Grammatical errors can detract from your message. Proofread your letter numerous times and consider using grammar-checking tools. It’s also helpful to have someone else review your letter to catch any mistakes you might have missed.

Conclusion

To conclude, writing a motivation letter for a Bachelor's application can be daunting, but with the proper preparation and research, it is possible to write a compelling statement. An effective motivation letter for your Bachelor's application will clearly show why you are interested in your desired Bachelor's program. Highlight your qualifications and skills and show admissions coordinators why you are an excellent candidate for their degree.

Most importantly, make your motivation letter personal. This approach will increase your chances of being accepted into the Bachelor's program of your dreams!

Read more:

• How to Write a Cover Letter for Scholarship
• The Ultimate Bachelor's Degree Guide for International Students
• How to Get an Internship