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Motivation Letter Sample: How to Write One for College & Jobs

Read on to view motivation letter samples, learn how a motivational letter is different from a cover letter, and get tips for how to write and format your own letter of motivation.

To write the best motivation letter possible, take a look at the sample letter of motivation below, and then keep scrolling to find:
- what a motivation letter is
- motivation letter examples for various application types
- how to write your motivation letter
- how to format your motivation letter
Motivation letter sample
Here’s a sample motivation letter that was written for a volunteer job:
Download Volunteer Motivation Letter Sample
What is a motivation letter?
A motivation letter is a type of cover letter written to explain your reasons for making an application. Motivation letters (also known as letters of motivation, motivational letters, and motivational statements) may be requested when you apply for:
- college admission or scholarships (but if the application requirements say to write an essay, follow instructions for writing a college essay or scholarship essay instructions instead of writing a motivation letter)
- jobs (especially volunteer and internship positions)
- research funding
- loans (such as a mortgage)
- visas to visit or study in another country
- participation in conferences
Now that you know what a letter of motivation is, scroll down to view three motivational letter examples for university and career applications. If you don’t see the type of letter you need for your specific application, you can still use them for inspiration (or skip to how to write a motivation letter for tips that apply to any type of motivational letter).
Letter of motivation examples & template
Below is a motivation letter template , and sample motivation letters for three different situations, including a:
- short motivational letter
- motivation letter for a university application
- motivation letter for an internship
Short motivational letter sample
Depending on what you’re applying for, you may be asked to write a brief motivation statement. Here’s an example of how to write a short motivation letter in an online application for a scholarship:
How does your background qualify you for this veterinary studies scholarship, and what do you plan to accomplish if you receive it (150 words or fewer)?
I grew up on a farm as part of a family that was fully dependent on animals for our livelihood. I’ve spent much of my free time playing with and caring for pet dogs, cats, rabbits, and ducks since I was a toddler. So I know from firsthand experience how important animal health is. And I’ve applied that understanding to volunteering at my local vet every weekend since I was in 6th grade.
My goal is to use this scholarship to help fund the undergraduate portion of my pursuit of a PhD in Veterinary Studies. I plan to spend the first part of my professional career building a successful private practice, and ultimately I hope to create a non-profit organization that provides free veterinary telemedicine access to rural communities around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to read my application. I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Sample motivation letter for a university application
When you apply for college — whether you’re applying for undergraduate admissions or a post-graduate program — you maybe be required to submit a letter explaining what motivated you to apply.
Here’s a sample motivation letter for a graduate writing program admissions application:

Download University Motivation Letter Sample
Example motivation letter for an internship
Employers seek highly motivated people to fill their internship roles because they hope to develop interns into full-time staff members. Here’s an example of how to show why you’re applying in a motivation letter for an internship:

Download Internship Motivation Letter Sample
Motivation letter template
Download or copy/paste this motivation letter template into your preferred word processor, and replace the templated information with your own details:
[ Your Name ]
[ Your Street , City , State xxxxx | [email protected] | ( xxx ) xxx – xxxx ]
[ Today’s Date ] [ Contact Person’s Name ] [ Organization/School’s Street Address ] [ Organization/School’s City , State xxxxx ] [( xxx ) xxx – xxxx ] [ [email protected] ]
Dear [ Mr./Mx./Ms. ] [ Contact Person’s Last Name ],
My name is [ Your Name ], and I’m writing to express my interest in your [ opportunity you’re applying for ]. I’m excited to apply because [ main reason you’re applying ].
I believe I’m an ideal candidate due to my [ further explanation of the main reason you’re applying ]. Furthermore, my related areas of [ interest/experience ] include:
- [ interest or experience #1 ]
- [ interest or experience #2 ]
- [ interest or experience #3 ]
I’m truly grateful that you’ve taken the time to review my application. I look forward to [ discussing this position further in an interview/hearing from you regarding your decision ] soon. You can reach me at [ [email protected] ] or [ your phone number ].
How to write a motivation letter
Here’s how to write a motivation letter that gets you accepted or hired:
1. Do your research
To be successful, your motivation letter has to convince the reader that you’re the right type of person for the job or program you’re applying to. The requirements in the position ad or application instructions might give you enough information to go on, but you can set yourself apart from other applicants by doing some extra research.
Here’s how to research your target organization or program:
- read its mission statement on its website
- scroll through its social media feeds
- look for blogs written by current/former participants/employees
Then, take the information you find and tailor your letter to show how your motivations match their goals.
2. Write a catchy opening paragraph
Unsure how to start a motivation letter? Open with an attention-grabbing first paragraph that convinces the recruiter or hiring manager to read to the end of your letter. To write a catchy first paragraph try to figure out what about you will stand out most to the reader, based on their application requirements.
For example, let’s say you were responding to an internship ad that reads:
Seeking to fill a Journalist Intern role. Applicants must be undergraduate students who are majoring in broadcast journalism and are passionate about delivering local news in print and on camera.
Based on the above ad, a good opening paragraph for your letter of motivation would be:
I saw on LinkedIn that you’re looking for a journalist Intern, and I’m the undergraduate broadcast journalism major for the job. Since I was a child, I’ve been recording mock news broadcasts on tape and camera, submitting letters to the editor and news tips to my local news stations, and participating in every school news production possible. Now I’m finally studying to be a professional journalist, and I couldn’t be more excited to apply what I’ve learned so far in your open internship.
Whatever you’re applying for, start your motivation letter with your most relevant information . If you bury your top selling point at the end of your letter, the reader may never even see it.
After you write a good opening statement, continue describing your motivations for applying in 2–3 more paragraphs. And consider adding a bulleted list to make your motivation letter easier to read.
3. Close strong
End your letter of motivation with a paragraph that:
- thanks the reader for going through your letter
- restates your desire to get the job, program acceptance, or scholarship
- includes your phone number and email address (if applicable)
- closes with a sentence about how you’re looking forward to hearing from the reader regarding your application
Here’s an example of how to end a motivation letter written for a volunteer opportunity at an animal shelter:
Thank you for taking the time to read through my motives for applying for your open Shelter Volunteer role. I relish the chance to discuss with you in person how my unconditional love for animals of all kinds makes me an ideal candidate. You can reach me at (123) 456-7890 or [email protected], and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
How to format a motivation letter
Usually, you should use business letter formatting for your motivation letter, which includes:
- your name and contact information in a cover letter header
- the contact person’s name and contact information in a left-aligned list
- a salutation that addresses the contact person by name (e.g., “ Dear Mrs. Johnson, ”)
- 3–4 paragraphs explaining your motivation
- a polite sign-off (we suggest “ Sincerely, ”)
- your name (either typed or both typed and signed)
However, if you’re writing your motivational letter in a box on an application form, you can just type a few paragraphs. The form you’re filling out will have other areas for your name and contact information.
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Written by Aaron Case, CPRW
Aaron Case is a Content Specialist & Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius, where he loves writing resume and cover letter tips that give job... more
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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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Perfect Admission Motivation Letter for University (With Samples)
Admission Motivation Letter for University: If you’re currently looking to apply to college, it’s time to start thinking about writing your motivation letter!
A motivation letter, also known as a personal statement, is the part of your application that’s written by you and sent along with your other application materials to convince the university admissions board to admit you.
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A great motivational letter can be the key between getting into your dream school or being told no thanks, and as difficult as writing this letter may seem, it’s actually easier than you think – once you know how to write it!
To get an idea of what admissions officers want to see in this letter, then continue reading for some advice on how to write your own successful motivation letter for admission to a university.
What is a Motivational letter for admission?
A motivational letter is one of several required items that you need to send as part of your application package.
It is meant to give an insight into who you are, why you want to attend an institution, and how it fits with your future career goals.
The letter should be written by someone other than yourself (ie – a friend or family member), often called a reference.
Your application will be reviewed more favorably if your motivation letter appears genuine, not just something written by yourself.
Related: Write A Perfect Motivation Letter For Funding With No Experience (+Samples)
Top tips for writing a great admission motivation letter?
The secret to writing a great motivational letter for admission into the university of your choice is to mention all the skills you have which make you the perfect candidate, such as knowledge, expertise, creativity, etc.
In order to get noticed for a degree at a popular university, i t’s important to emphasize those attributes and skills because without that it’s possible your application won’t be looked at.
Here are some of the things you should consider while writing a great admission motivation letter for a university;
Research about the University
Before writing a letter for admission to a school, you should take the time to research the school’s general academic standards, environment, famous alumni, and different study programs from the student’s part.
Highlight your strengths
The motivation letter is your chance to let admissions officers know who you are and what you bring to their campus.
So, rather than listing all of your academic and extracurricular accomplishments, focus on specific strengths that relate most directly to your chosen field of study.
For instance, if you’re applying for a music program, highlight your abilities as an instrumentalist or vocalist (or both). If you’re applying for an art-related degree, emphasize your painting skills.

Explain your future ambitions
A good motivation letter should convey your motivation and ambitions, explaining what you want to get out of attending university, and showing that you’re serious about furthering your education
The more succinctly you can explain your motivations, ambitions, and reasons for applying—as well as any extenuating circumstances such as family or financial problems—the easier it will be for potential universities to understand what drives you.
This can also come in useful if your grades aren’t quite up to scratch.
Limit the letter to 3-4 paragraphs and 1 page
A good motivational letter should be approximately 1 page long, if you need more space, that’s okay, but don’t exceed 2 pages.
Make sure it is easy to read and free of typos or grammatical errors, try to limit it to 4 paragraphs and let it contain information about your motivation for applying, your background, and any relevant information about why you think you would excel in their program.
Proofread your letter
Finally, always read through your letter and make sure it’s free of typos and grammatical errors.
A poorly written letter of motivation can reflect negatively on your personality, so take some time to proofread it.
Also read: How to Write a Quality Assurance Cover Letter That Gets You the Job
How do you write an admission motivation letter for a university?
To write a great motivational letter for admission, start by writing contact details followed by a salutation, the introduction of the letter, the body, and the conclusion.
Here is the format of the motivation letter for admission into a university;
Contact details:
Carefully write the contact details of the receiving school and that of the sender, this will help to simplify the letter and also help to easily identify the recipient.
Introduction:
The introduction of the letter should explain your excitement about choosing the school, in this stage, you should give the admission officers a background understanding of who you are.
Body of the letter:
This is where the work is, when you are writing the body of the letter, explain why you are applying to the school and what it can do for you, also highlight your strengths and your future ambitions.
Conclusion:
Summarize the key points of your letter and end it with a formal statement.
For your interest: How to Write a Volunteer Motivation Letter For Success (With Samples)
A Sample Motivational letter for admission into a University
You can download the template or use this sample to craft yours;
Date To, Recipient address Postal code Country From, Recipient address Postal code Country Subject: if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'beststudyabroadcountries_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',340,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-beststudyabroadcountries_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Dear Mr/Mrs, My name is [Name Sender], and I am in high school at [School’s name] I am really interested in furthering my career in information technology at [University name]. I hope to one day become a [Title], so I would like to advance my knowledge in the field of [Topic], from the success of the famous alumni, I am very confident that the programs at the school can help me become an [Ambition] in the future. I am also very fascinated by the innovations the famous alumni of this school have produced and I would like to be one of the innovators from my field that studied at this institution. I have great respect for [School name] in academic and sporting excellence. I am hopeful that with my acceptance, I can go on to achieve my potential in the classroom and outside it. I feel my diverse interests would make me a great fit for your school. Studying at [school name] would help me develop my aptitude for software building. Thank you very much for considering my request. Please email me at [email] if you have any questions about my application. Yours faithfully, [Name Sender] [Signature]
You can use this template even when you are writing an Undergraduate’s, Bachelor’s, or even a Master’s degree motivation letter.
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Motivation Letter for University, College & School With Example
Getting into a university can be very competitive. With acceptance rates often below 50% and sometimes in the single digits, you need to do everything that you can to stand out. One great strategy is to write a motivation letter for university admissions.
A motivation letter is a letter that you include with your university application to highlight why you would make a great candidate. It helps you to stand out to a review board or admissions officer. It gives you a chance to show them why they should choose you.
Most applicants won’t submit a letter so a motivation letter for your university can really help you stand out from other applicants. It needs to be organized, well written, and show why you are a great candidate for their program.
Let’s look at what you can do to write a great motivation letter for your university application.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links . This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
- 1.1 Gather the Requirements of Your Program
- 1.2 Where Do You Shine?
- 1.3 Why Should The School Choose You? Why Do You Want to Be There?
- 2 Writing a Motivation Letter for University, School, or College
- 3.1 How Do I Write a Motivation Letter for a Bachelor’s Degree?
- 3.2 How Do I Write a Motivation Letter for a Master’s Degree?
- 3.3 How Do I Write a Motivation Letter for a Scholarship?
- 4 Motivation Letter for University Admissions – Dos and Don’ts
- 5 A Good Motivation Letter Can Make a Difference in Your University Application
- 6 Other Resources
- 7 Sample Motivation Letter for University (School & College) Admission
Getting Started on Your Motivation Letter for a University
Gather the requirements of your program.
Before you write your letter, take a piece of blank paper. Create two columns. Then, draw a line across the middle so that you have four quadrants. On the top left, write down what they are looking for in a candidate. Here are some sources to consider:
- Program Requirements – Look at the requirements of what they are looking for in candidates.
- Existing Candidates – If you know any current attendees, look at their LinkedIn profiles, any online descriptions, or any other data sources and write down some of their qualifications.
- Past Graduates – Look at past graduates using their online biographies and social media profiles and write down their qualifications.
Make sure that you only have one entry per qualification. We’re trying to get an understanding of what they are looking for in candidates and applicants.
Where Do You Shine?
In the other top column, write down how you meet any of the qualifications. With a list this long, you probably won’t meet all of the qualifications. That’s okay. Just write down any ways that you would be a great candidate for the program. For now, just notes are fine.
Why Should The School Choose You? Why Do You Want to Be There?
It’s not all about qualifications. Think about why you want this program. What excites you? What is interesting to you?
Write down anything in your background or experience that answers these questions. You want to write down you want to be part of the program. Think about how you could benefit from the program, bring extra experience, or anything else.
Something else that can sometimes be very motivational in a letter to a university is your career aspirations. This is especially true if they are unique or motivational. Be honest. Don’t make something up or a good admissions officer could see through your story and it could hurt your chances of getting in.
If you have an amazing goal for your career, this could be a good thing to include. This is especially true if it’s part of a heartfelt story. “My ultimate goal is to get my doctorate and become a cancer researcher. My mom died of breast cancer and while science has come a long way, I want to contribute to the science to find cures or treatments for cancer so that another little boy doesn’t have to lose his mom. That was the saddest day of my life and it’s my dream to prevent another child from having a day like that.”
These kinds of stories show something personal about you. They make you memorable to an admissions officer. Once, when I was submitting an application, they asked about our “shining star” moment where we did something that made a difference. I submitted a simple, true, and heartfelt story about a time that I held an elderly woman’s hand while she was scared while we took her to the hospital. I was working on an ambulance at the time and it made her feel more comfortable for the brief time we were together. I held her hand and I comforted her, frankly, on what was probably her last trip from home. I heard about that story for years from the manager who reviewed it. It stuck with him long after I was hired.
A good story can have that much impact.
Writing a Motivation Letter for University, School, or College
A good motivational letter to a university follows a very simple format. Sadly, that doesn’t make it easy to write.
- One page – keep it to one page. Review boards and admissions officers are busy. You won’t get much of their attention, make it count.
- Introduction – introduce yourself, use your name and the name of the university. If it’s appropriate, use the name of the program. “My name is Yukiko Watanabe and I’m proud to submit my application to Oxford University. It has long been a dream of mine to go to Oxford.” A good introduction can be that simple.
- Body – The body is the main part of your motivation letter. It will contain some of the information that we put together before. Usually, three paragraphs is a good goal. These should be decent paragraphs that are easy to read.
- Conclusion – Summarize things, thank them for their time and offer to speak to them more if they have questions or anything else you can do to improve your chances.
This format of a motivational letter for a university admission sounds easy right?
The introduction is pretty straightforward. To write the body, though, look through your notes from before and pick out the things that really make you stand out.
If you have a weak application, then some amazing story from your past can help. This could be a great accomplishment, a unique challenge, or something similar.
You could provide them with your academic background, but remember that they already have it so unless there’s something really great there, you might want to look for other opportunities. You could use each of your paragraphs to highlight different aspects of your academic or personal career.
If in doubt, it’s okay to write more initially and then go back and edit it. Sometimes, it’s easiest to start with the body and then move on to the introduction and the conclusion. This might give you a really powerful sentence or two in your introduction to tell the reader to get ready for you to wow them.
This is your chance to show an admissions officer why you should be the next student at their school. Use this chance wisely and take a careful look at all of your accomplishments and qualifications and find the most powerful and interesting.
Differences in Motivation Letters for Education
Depending on the level and type of program you are applying for, you will need to tailor this strategy a bit. Undergraduate programs are different from graduate programs. If you are applying for medical school, you will want to focus on different things than for a r esearch position like a post-doc program .
The approach is the same. You want to start with what the program is looking for and how you can best shine in those areas. What they are looking for is different.
How Do I Write a Motivation Letter for a Bachelor’s Degree?
For a motivation letter for a bachelor’s degree, you won’t have any university coursework to show so you need to demonstrate why you are a great candidate using other means. Your grades are certainly a big part of that. Of course, schools often want to see more.
You will want to include any programs, volunteer activities, or jobs that you have held. Add any accomplishments, awards, or unique projects that you participated in.
How Do I Write a Motivation Letter for a Master’s Degree?
For a master’s degree, you want to show that you can do the advanced work necessary for a graduate program. This might involve being able to write a thesis, participate in complicated group work or do more advanced levels of thinking, and the advanced project work in a master’s program.
Often, grades alone aren’t enough for this, plus they already have those. You want to show that you can do this advanced work so you want to consider adding work experience in big projects, unique work, publications, or anything that you have done that shows that you can do this sort of work.
How Do I Write a Motivation Letter for a Scholarship?
While it’s similar, we have a whole discussion on how to write a motivation letter for scholarship applications .
Motivation Letter for University Admissions – Dos and Don’ts
Here are a few things to consider before you submit your letter. Write your letter first and then go through these.
- Check Your Spelling and Grammar – You are applying for an academic position. They are likely academic professionals with strong spelling and grammar skills. Remember those admission rates? They are often looking for reasons to say no. A student who can’t spell can give them that reason. If you aren’t a strong speller then use spell check and then have someone read it for you and help you edit it. We recommend using a tool like Grammarly. Grammarly has a great free tool that often does better than spell checkers. It can tell the difference between words like “to” and “too”. Grammarly’s paid tool is even better, helping with things like tone and readability.
- One letter per application – Of course, you are likely to apply for more than one university or program. There is nothing wrong with that. Do not reuse the same letter for all of them. Do this whole process each time. Each university is different. If you write a form letter it will read like a form letter.
- Don’t Be Humorous – You’re not a comedian (unless you are) so don’t try to be one. It’s okay to have a humorous story but you want the tone to be appropriate and making jokes or treating it lightly can give the impression that you don’t care.
- Be Respectful and Appreciative – You are writing to people who can have an impact on the direction of your life. Treat them that way. Be respectful and appreciative of their time.
These may sound difficult but they really aren’t. For some, spelling is a challenge but you can work around that. There are tools to help you.
A Good Motivation Letter Can Make a Difference in Your University Application
A good motivation letter can really help you stand out in a sea of other applicants. This is a chance to move ahead in the line. Telling them why they should choose you can help them do that. You want to stand out and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity. You want them proud that they picked you for their school.
Other Resources
Probably the best resource we have found for such help is to look on Fiverr to hire someone. Fiverr is a marketplace where you can hire someone for a specific project. They offer different projects at set prices that you can hire them for. This link will take you to a search for freelancers that do motivation letters specifically. We can’t offer any specific names on there because the freelancers change. We can give you some pointers on finding the right person for you, though.
Make sure to review their projects and their reviews. Some might offer letters specifically for MBAs or education applications. Others might just do motivation letters. That’s probably okay. If you’re not sure, you can contact them and discuss it with them before hiring them. Here are the things to look for if you contact them (which isn’t a bad idea even if you think they’re great).
- Responsive – Make sure that they respond in a reasonable amount of time. If they don’t respond quickly when they want your business they won’t be quick when they have it.
- Communication – You’re asking them to write a letter for you to a graduate program. Asking them questions in writing is a good chance to see the quality of their writing.
- Check All Their Deals – When you look at their offerings, there are usually multiple tiers of offerings. Pay more, get more, or get it more quickly (or both.) Don’t always go for the cheapest. Sometimes, the more expensive deals can help you more.
- Read Their Reviews – Read through the reviews and look for patterns. Anyone can have an occasional bad review but if you need a letter in a few days and they have a lot of complaints about timing, they probably aren’t the freelancer for you.
The good news is that these are writers who do this a lot and have seen a number of ways to do it. Often Fiverr offers reasonable deals at reasonable prices for projects like this. Just like anything else, you just need to make sure you hire the person for you.
While we can’t recommend a specific freelancer, please make sure you leave a review, especially if you find someone really good or really bad. That way, other readers can find the right freelancer when they need them. If we all leave reviews, then we can find the best people together to help us out.
Sample Motivation Letter for University (School & College) Admission
When you write your motivation letter for university admissions, you can use the sample below to get started. Use this as a guide, but don’t copy it. You need to write your own letter. Ours is provided simply to get your thoughts going. These same tips, and this sample, aren’t just good for a university application. You can also use them for any school or college application.
We do have sample letters for high schools , master’s programs, postdoc programs , and internships that might be better if that applies to you.
Related posts:
- Writing a Powerful Motivation Letter For Study Abroad
- Motivation Letter for Internship with Example
- Motivation Letter for Students Samples
- Motivation Letter for High School with Sample
9 thoughts on “Motivation Letter for University, College & School With Example”
Sample for motivation letter for organisation application of fun
motivation letter for university?
Hello. You can take the sample on this page and edit it to match your situation. Follow the guidance from here to make a letter that tells why they should accept you. You want to show why you’re the best candidate, why you want it and why they should pick you. Good luck!
LETTER OF MOTIVATION FOR UNIVERSITY
Not quite sure what you’re looking for. This whole article is about a Letter of Motivation for applying to University. We don’t have the resources to provide customized letters. We usually recommend looking on Fiverr for that. There are a lot of people there that can help with a custom letter for you. There’s a search box on the side bar or you can use this link .
Good luck on your application!
Your format for a motivation letter is truly cool; I have gotten 5 admissions in the UK already from Nigeria.
Wow, that’s great news! So glad it helped. Thank you!
Thank you on the great insights
Thanks for this great content
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- Applying For Scholarships
How to Write a Scholarship Motivation Letter in 2023
Jennifer Finetti Sep 26, 2022

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A scholarship motivation letter can make or break your application. This is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge before an in-person interview. Motivation letters are not required for every application. Yet when they are necessary, they are critical. In this guide, we will provide tips for writing a scholarship motivation letter.
What is a scholarship motivation letter?
A motivation letter is like a cover letter you may include with a job application and resume. The goal of the letter is to explain:
- Why you are a good candidate for the scholarship
- What you plan to do with the education you receive.
Review committees often use motivation letters to narrow down their pool of applicants. Then they assess the rest of the application from the candidates they like best.
Motivation letters are usually required for graduate-level scholarships. Sometimes, you may need to write one for specialty programs at a bachelor’s level too. If you have the option to include a motivation letter with your scholarship application, take it. This may be the only chance you have to wow the review committee.
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Motivation letter for scholarship applications – general guidelines
Usually, the application will not specify how long your motivation letter should be. You will need to use your best judgment to write a concise motivation letter. The letter should include:
- The most important elements of your resume
- Your education
- Your professional experiences and plans for the future.
Motivation letters are usually around 500-1,000 words. Split them into paragraphs for easy reading.

Tailor your motivation letter to fit the sholarship
Your motivation letter should link your future plans with the goals of the scholarship . How will you benefit from continued education in this field? How will you use this knowledge to support the mission of the scholarship provider?
Say that the scholarship is from an agency that supports wildlife preservation. Your letter should explain how you plan to apply your education towards a career in that field.
You also need to establish why you deserve this application more than other applicants. What specific experiences do you have now that set you apart from the rest? What specific plans do you have that will address a current issue in the world? Even if you currently have limited knowledge about the issue, use that to your advantage. Explain how you could thrive with more education and solve even more problems in the future.
The structure of a scholarship motivation letter
Scholarship motivation letters vary by award, but they usually consist of three elements:
- An introduction
- Three body paragraphs
- A conclusion
Your introduction should include your name, level of education and the degree program.
Your first body paragraph should include any work-related experience you have. This can include both paid and unpaid internships. You should show the growth of your career in chronological order. Finally, suggest where your career will go with continued education.
Your second body paragraph should explain what you hope to gain from your education. Think of which problems you aim to solve or uncover.
Your final body paragraph should explain your holistic plans for the future. Some ideas for inspiration:
- You can include extra education you plan to pursue after education.
- You can write about companies or agencies you’d like to work for after graduation.
- You can talk about programs or organizations you would like to develop.
Finally, your conclusion should re-emphasize why you are a good candidate for the scholarship.

What NOT to include when writing a scholarship motivation letter
Your scholarship motivation letter should be well-written with no grammar or spelling errors. Use a professional tone and advanced phrasing (no slang). Provide specific examples about your past, present and future. Stay away from vague generalizations. Vagueness suggests a lack of care or knowledge. Neither of these are impressive to a scholarship review committee.
Some final tips
Writing a motivation letter for scholarship applications takes time and commitment. Plan what you will say in advance, and allow at least three days to write the letter, review it, step away from it and edit it. This extra time will provide the best chance of success with your application.
A Sample Scholarship Motivation Letter
Julie Moore 9876 Smith St. Stillwater, OK 74074The Scholarship Committee 123 Learning Rd. Suite 4A Oklahoma City, OK 73127
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Julie Moore and I am a third year student at Oklahoma State University. I am currently pursuing a five-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree. My plan is to follow up with a one-year master’s degree after I graduate.
In high school, I worked extensively with my local Habitat for Humanity branch to help build homes for low income families. I learned about the construction process from the ground up, and I discovered the importance of function in architectural design. The homes we built during my four years as a volunteer were never extravagant. They served their purpose and became a beacon of hope for their owners.
My education has been focused on this mindset: function over form, stability over showmanship. I have enrolled in several classes that crossover to the Architectural Engineering major. My goal is to have a comprehensive view of how design meets structure. I have worked on three extra-credit residential design projects under the supervision of my architecture professors (Dr. X and Dr. Y). This helped speed up my research and education.
My goal is to become an architect to create accessible, affordable housing opportunities in underprivileged communities. Living in a college town, I have seen countless rental properties available. Yet there are few homes for sale that are affordable enough for college students and first-time buyers. This is the case in many towns throughout America, especially areas with a low standard of living. I want to create neighborhoods that include affordable starter homes. This would enable low and middle-class families to build equity, avoid excessive debt, and create financial stability for their futures.
This summer, I will intern with LMNOP Architects. Upon completion of my master’s degree, I hope to continue there as I further develop my skills. After working under acclaimed residential architects Suzan Craft and Peter Wood, I would like to open my own architectural firm focused on developing inexpensive, high-quality housing. I also would like to work with Habitat for Humanity again, this time as an architect instead of a general laborer. I believe firmly in their mission to build “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” I appreciate your consideration. With your help, I can continue my schooling in architecture and design to bring accessible homes to those in need.
Sincerely, Julie Moore
- Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti
As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.
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Sample motivation letter for a university application When you apply for college — whether you’re applying for undergraduate admissions or a post-graduate program — you maybe be required to submit a letter explaining what motivated you to apply. Here’s a sample motivation letter for a graduate writing program admissions application:
Sample 9 Motivation letter for university application bachelor Conclusion: 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.
A Sample Motivational letter for admission into a University You can download the template or use this sample to craft yours; Date To, Recipient address Postal code Country From, Recipient address Postal code Country Subject: Dear Mr/Mrs,
A motivation letter is a letter that you include with your university application to highlight why you would make a great candidate. It helps you to stand out to a review board or admissions officer. It gives you a chance to show them why they should choose you.
You will need to use your best judgment to write a concise motivation letter. The letter should include: The most important elements of your resume. Your education. Your professional experiences and plans for the future. Motivation letters are usually around 500-1,000 words. Split them into paragraphs for easy reading.