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You open the application portal.
Everything looks manageable… until you see it:
“Please upload your motivation letter (max. 1–2 pages).”
Instant panic. What do they even want you to say? How “motivated” do you have to sound? And how do you stand out when hundreds of other students are writing the exact same thing?
Let’s calm this down.
A good motivation letter is not about sounding fancy or using big words. It’s about showing a real human being behind the application — someone who knows why they’re applying and what they’ll do with the opportunity.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a simple structure you can follow, with concrete examples and a checklist at the end.
Before you start writing, it helps to know what’s happening on the other side.
Most committees are looking for four things:
Your motivation letter is where you answer all of that in 1–2 pages.
Open a blank page and answer these questions in bullets first. No full sentences, just ideas.
These notes will become your paragraphs later and keep you from writing something generic.
Here’s an easy structure that works for most motivation letters:
Let’s break that down.
Skip the “Dear Sir/Madam, my name is…” style for a moment. Start with something that actually says something about you.
Weak opening:
I am writing this letter to apply for the XYZ Scholarship.
Stronger opening:
When I helped my younger siblings study by candlelight during power cuts, I realized how much education can change a family’s future — and how easily it can be blocked by money.
After 2–3 sentences like this, you can introduce yourself:
My name is [Name], a [nationality] student currently studying [your field/level], and I am applying for the [Scholarship Name] to continue my studies in [program / country].
This is where many students go vague:
I want to study at your university because it is one of the best.
That tells them nothing.
Instead, show that you’ve done your homework:
Example:
I am particularly drawn to the Master’s in Environmental Engineering at [University] because of its focus on practical water management solutions in developing regions. The course “Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems” and the research group led by Dr. [Name] align directly with my goal of improving flood resilience in my home city.
For the scholarship, add 2–3 lines about why this funding matters:
The [Scholarship Name] is more than financial support for me; it is the only realistic path for me to continue my education abroad, as my family cannot support the tuition and living costs.
Now you connect the dots: your past → this program → your future.
You don’t need to list every detail from your CV. Choose 3–4 key things:
Example paragraph:
During my Bachelor’s, I consistently ranked in the top 10% of my class in subjects related to data analysis and statistics. I completed a research project on predicting crop yields using satellite data, which I presented at our university’s student conference. Outside the classroom, I volunteered with a local NGO that trains farmers to use simple digital tools to track their harvests. These experiences strengthened both my analytical skills and my commitment to using technology for social impact.
If you don’t have “fancy” experience, focus on responsibility and initiative:
I have been working part-time as a cashier since high school to support my family. Balancing full-time studies with work has taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of financial independence — qualities I will bring with me if I am selected for this scholarship.
This is your “future” paragraph. Committees want to know what happens after they invest in you.
Try to answer:
Example:
If selected, I plan to specialize in renewable energy policy and return to [home country] to work with local municipalities on designing realistic, affordable energy transition plans. In the long term, my goal is to contribute to national policy discussions so that rural communities like mine are not left behind in the process.
Avoid clichés like “I want to make the world a better place” unless you explain how.
End clearly and politely — not dramatically.
Example closing:
In summary, this scholarship would enable me to access an education that I cannot afford on my own and to develop the skills I need to contribute to [specific field or community]. Thank you very much for considering my application. I would be honored to represent the values of the [Scholarship Name] as a dedicated and hardworking student.
One short paragraph is enough.
Here are things that instantly weaken a motivation letter:
You can adapt this to almost any scholarship:
Before you upload your letter, go through this list:
Image idea: Small checklist graphic students can screenshot or save.
Writing a motivation letter can feel intimidating, but it’s not about being “perfect.” It’s about being clear, honest, and specific about who you are and what you want.
You’re not trying to impress them with big words. You’re trying to help them think:
“Yes, this is exactly the kind of student we want to support.”
If you’d like another pair of eyes on your draft, Schology can help you:
👉 Check out our Motivation Letter & Essay Review service on Schology and get feedback before you hit “submit.”
