The motivation letter is what distinguishes you from other candidates when applying for a scholarship. A compelling motivation letter has not only helped individuals secure both academic and professional scholarships but has also aided in obtaining employment with major companies. In this guide, we will outline everything you need to consider while crafting a motivation letter for a scholarship. We’ll help you create your own template, enabling you to apply for multiple opportunities and enhance your chances of winning scholarships abroad.
Your motivation letter should highlight your academic accomplishments. It should address the following key questions: Why are you the ideal candidate? How do your skills and abilities benefit the university or the country? Express your eagerness to learn and your commitment to contributing new knowledge.
Note: This does not imply that academic performance, experience, and recognition are insignificant or that merely having an engaging and clear motivation letter is sufficient to secure the scholarship. Your achievements and skills make you a suitable candidate, while the motivation letter serves to showcase these qualities effectively.
Before Writing Your Motivation Letter for Scholarship
Research the institution and the country where you wish to study. What kind of profile does the institution or scholarship provider seek? Explore their official website and review sections like “About,” “Our Culture,” and “Philosophy” to gain insights into the institution. Do they prioritize leadership, teamwork, social responsibility, and environmental concerns? What is their stance on ethics? Or are they more focused on numbers and tangible results?
This research will not only help you tailor your motivation letter to align with the institution’s interests but also allow you to determine if this opportunity fits your aspirations.
Strategy 1: Review the Mission and Vision statements of the institutions and analyze the profiles of faculty members. Incorporate synonyms for the terms they use in your motivation letter.
Strategy 2: Look for testimonials from students (both scholars and other attendees) or employees of the institution. They may have official videos, and their insights can guide you in assessing whether you resonate with the program, allowing you to tailor your motivation letter accordingly.
How to Write a Winning Motivation Letter for Scholarship?
With your analysis complete, it’s time to draft an impactful motivation letter for your scholarship application. The letter should include the following elements:
- Title and Header: Title: “Letter of Motivation for [the scholarship you are applying to]” Header:
- Full Name
- Address + Postal Code
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Optional: Skype ID and Social Media Links Position the header in the upper right corner, although the upper left is also acceptable.
(2) Introduction:
Begin with a formal greeting and explicitly state the purpose of your letter. For instance, say, “I am writing to apply for the scholarship…” and mention where you came across the opportunity. Briefly explain why you are pursuing this scholarship and what aspects of the program motivated you. This is a chance to express what you find appealing about the institution and/or the country you are applying to. Finally, be sure to convey your objective and how it aligns with the goals of the program you are interested in. For example, “I have been seeking an international experience for… and I believe that the X study program at this institution can assist me in…”
(3) Who Are You?
In this second paragraph of your motivation letter, provide details about:
- Your academic accomplishments.
- Why you consider yourself the ideal candidate.
Tip: Regardless of the type of achievements you possess, articulate them in a manner that highlights the value they would bring to the institution or country to which you are applying.
(4) How Do You Contribute?
Just as you have a strong desire to learn and explore, explain how your skills and abilities can benefit the university or country. You might mention ways to “enhance my colleagues’ understanding of my country,” “engage in sports or artistic activities,” etc.
(5) Show that You Understand Your Audience (Institution and/or Country):
While you referenced this in the introduction, here you should elaborate on your motivation. Based on your prior research, explain what the program means to you. Discuss how the institution’s research projects and facilities will aid you in achieving your goals.
(6) Final Thoughts:
You and I both know how much you want this opportunity; make it clear! Express your eagerness to learn and contribute valuable knowledge. Use phrases like “I am highly motivated by…” or “it would be an honor and the beginning of a journey filled with…” etc.
(7) Acknowledgments and Closing:
Once again, recognizing that time is precious, thank the reader for their consideration and express your enthusiasm about the possibility of working with them. Conclude with “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” which is perfectly acceptable.
Motivation Letter for Scholarship Template
I understand that you wish to apply for multiple scholarships, but you don’t need to write a unique motivation letter for each application. Create a template that allows you to modify the content for each specific situation. Once you have completed the seven steps outlined above, you will have a baseline template that can be adjusted for each scholarship application. Below, I have provided a sample motivation letter template.
Tips for Writing an Outstanding Motivation Letter for a Scholarship
Structured: Ensure your ideas are presented clearly, and your letter has a logical flow. This coherence will make it easier for the reviewers to read and engage with your content. Identify your strengths and present them in a concrete manner that aligns with the program you are applying for. Use persuasive, results-oriented sentences.
Clear: Make your letter easy to read by avoiding complex vocabulary. Organize your content into distinct paragraphs based on the topics you address.
Concise: If your points are clear, your letter should not exceed one page. In fact, it’s often essential to keep it within this limit. One and a half pages may be acceptable, but remember that time is a precious resource for everyone, including those reviewing your application.
PDF Format: Even if you draft your letter in Word, be sure to save and submit it as a PDF document unless stated otherwise.
Formal: While your letter should maintain a formal tone, avoid using overly complicated words. Be practical and authentic.
Deadline: Be mindful of the application deadline and do not miss this important opportunity.
Review: Make sure to check for spelling and grammatical errors. If you struggle with this, ask a family member or a good friend to help you. It’s crucial to present a polished letter.
Correct Title: Ensure the letter is addressed to the right person or organization. I once mistakenly sent a motivation letter to a company with the address header for another. It was quite embarrassing and unprofessional, and you should avoid making such a mistake.
Language: If you are applying in a different language, be sure to use proper grammar, writing, and translation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Motivation Letter for Scholarships
As we know, the motivation letter is a crucial document for securing a scholarship abroad. Additionally, a well-crafted motivation letter can also aid in obtaining job offers and volunteering opportunities.
However, a motivation letter for a scholarship should not merely express your desire for new opportunities; it should also defend the argument for why you should be chosen over other qualified candidates.
- Fewer Words, More Facts
While it’s easy to express your desire to study or travel, articulating why you should be selected requires depth. Many of us wish to explore the world, enhance our language skills, and improve our quality of life, but it is crucial to demonstrate why you deserve this opportunity.
Replace phrases like “my dream has always been to…” with statements such as “my accomplishments include…” or “I believe I am the ideal candidate because…” and “my work is characterized by…” Remember, the award goes to those who can effectively demonstrate their worthiness, not just those who express the strongest desire for it.
(2) Take Ownership and Exhibit In-Depth Knowledge
In the previous paragraph, I do not mean to suggest that your desires are unimportant. They are significant to the extent that they demonstrate your clear understanding of what you want and why you deserve it. For instance, I recently received a motivation letter for a scholarship that needed correction:
“What particularly attracted me to the program is the broad spectrum of skills to be developed that it offers, the quality of the faculty, and the internship program; all these aspects will make it possible to win different opportunities at the time of employment…”
Here, the applicant remains at a superficial level. The highlighted phrases could be expanded to show ownership and expertise on the subject since knowledge equates to motivation. A stronger alternative could be:
“What especially drew me to the Modern Art program is the opportunity to specialize in lighting and sound, along with the teaching staff, which includes world-renowned professors. Additionally, I am eager to engage directly with exhibitions in one of the world’s modern art capitals through the professional practices offered in the final semester.”
Another suggestion to exhibit knowledge is to replace phrases like “I believe” with “I know” or “I’m certain that…”
(3) Focus on Your Contributions
Your reasoning should not hinge simply on the benefits of living in a developed country. Scholarship providers expect you to demonstrate genuine interest in the study program and the positive impact you will have from what you learn. To clarify: they are not interested in whether living in the scholarship-offering country will make you feel safer, happier, wealthier, or healthier. What they want to understand is how you will give back to society based on the investment they are making in you. Don’t worry—they are not looking for monetary compensation. Instead, consider the contributions you can make in terms of cultural exchange, what you can teach other students and faculty, your involvement in extracurricular clubs, and any cooperative projects you have in mind.
Tip: If the scholarship requires you to return to your home country upon completing the study program, it’s essential to explain how you plan to apply what you learn back home.
(4) Follow the Guidelines
Finally, keep the motivation letter focused on its purpose and adhere to the specified requirements. If they request a one-page letter, provide exactly that. Please do not assume that the scholarship provider will waive any of the requirements for the motivation letter. For instance, if they ask for an IELTS score of 7, then it must be 7—not 6.5. Similarly, if they require two years of certified work experience, that equates to 24 months, not 22 and a half, etc. While it’s great to demonstrate why you deserve the scholarship, do not attempt to convince them of your hard work while explaining why you failed to meet the other requirements. If you do not meet all the criteria, allow yourself time, as there are always new application dates and scholarship opportunities available.
Samples of Motivation Letters for Scholarships
We have gathered examples of motivation letters for scholarships from the websites of top universities around the globe. We hope this collection assists you in crafting an impactful and successful motivation letter for your scholarship application.
- University of Washington Motivation Letter (Cover Letter) Guide and Samples
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Motivation Letter Samples
- University of Mississippi Cover Letter Tips and Sample
- UC Davis Motivation Letter Guide and Samples
Sample
February 21, 2020
Ms. Liza Wideman
Recruiting Coordinator
Great Strategy Consulting Firm
200 Shell Fish Blvd, Suite 199
San Francisco, CA 94080
Dear Ms. Wideman,
I am writing to express my interest in the Associate position at Great Strategy Consulting Firm. I am currently pursuing a Master of Liberal Arts degree at Harvard Extension School, specializing in Information Technology. With a strong technical background coupled with a keen interest in business, I am passionate about strategy. My focus ranges from quantitative analysis to project management. I have maintained a GPA of 3.95 while balancing a program that is both analytical and technical, enhancing my leadership and teamwork skills. I am highly impressed with Great Strategy’s methodology in strategy consulting, particularly within the Business Development and Innovation areas. I believe that my academic credentials, business acumen, and industry experience uniquely qualify me for success as an Associate.
Before attending Harvard, I worked as a technology professional, addressing strategic challenges related to technology process improvement. My experience in Fortune 500 companies has equipped me with strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills. My background in devising innovative strategies to enhance processes has deepened my understanding of the complex issues that businesses face daily. Additionally, my professional experiences have taught me the significance of effective team dynamics in today’s multidisciplinary business landscape.
Thus far, my journey as an IT professional has been both rewarding and productive. Yet, I find that strategy consulting allows me to leverage my analytical abilities and creative problem-solving skills to their maximum potential. I am convinced that consulting is an area that will encourage me to consider problems from the client’s perspective, as well as from market trends, best practices, and innovative viewpoints.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to interview for the Associate position at Great Strategy Consulting Firm. Enclosed is my resume for your consideration. I can be reached at jacob.mclean@post.harvard.edu or by phone at (617) 555-3456. I eagerly await your response.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jacob A. McLean
Now It’s Your Turn!
I hope these tips and examples will assist you in crafting an impressive Motivation Letter for your scholarship applications. If you have any effective tips that worked for you, feel free to share them in the comments section.