How can I write a good letter of motivation?

A letter of motivation, is a crucial document in your application. Make sure to have a look at some sample letters for your field (do an internet search) to get a general idea of structure and content.

Writing a letter of motivation can be challenging, so start to write at least one month before the deadline. Once you have completed one letter of motivation, you can use that as a template and edit it accordingly for applications for other programs. Adapt the letter to the new application, and make sure it’s edited well. 

Before you start to write, try to answer a few of the questions below:

• What is your professional goal?

• In which sector would you like to work after obtaining your degree?

• Why are you applying for this program? Which courses are you interested in and how do they help you reach your professional goal?

• Why do you think you are the right person for this program?

• What knowledge and skills from your previous education or general experience will be useful in this study program?

• Do you already have any relevant professional experience?

Writing suggestions:

• Do not simply repeat what is stated in your CV: instead, give the reader a sense of your personal history; what your interests are; how they align with the institution to which you’re applying; and why you are a great candidate for what you’re applying for. 

• Choose a focus to make them want to learn more about you: this focus should illustrate why this study program will benefit you and highlight what you can bring in return. You can focus on a particular experience that led to your interest in your field or your direction in life.

• Demonstrate your interests and passions through personal examples instead of being general/abstract. But try to avoid sentences which are too poetic. 

• Discuss unique aspects of the program/university that has a meaning to you: what makes the program or university special and how do you plan to make use of these unique aspects? This could involve the chance of attending seminars outside of the institution, joining particular clubs or other activities.

However, avoid telling the admissions staff too much about their own institution: they already know it!

• Demonstrate knowledge in your field: point to specific things in the program that interest you and highlight your qualification in these specific things. Show how your work or your research interests might fill a gap or contribute to the development of a specific topic. Use keywords/scientific vocabulary of your field.

• Link the degree you are applying to with your professional goal: you are applying to this university because it will allow you to do what you want after it. Show this connection. 

Once you’re satisfied with the content, proofread the text and delete everything that is not necessary and repeats itself in the letter. Make sure to pay attention to grammar and spelling, and if you are not a native in the language you are writing, ask a native speaker to proofread the letter!

Formatting suggestions:

• Use basic font types (Arial / Times New Roman) in a normal size (11 or 12);

• Use 1,5 spacing;

• Use normal sized margins (such as 1 inch or 2.5 cm);

• Keep a consistent style for headings, subheadings and main text;

• Your letter of motivation should comprise no more than the limit assigned by the university. If they say 500 words, make it no more than 500. If they say 1 to 3 pages, aim for 2 to 2.5.