What is a Motivation Statement?
A motivation statement is your chance to speak directly to the admissions committee. You write it to explain why you want to study, what led you here, and why you’re the right fit for the program.
Here’s a 5-step breakdown of how to write your motivation statement:
Step 1: Prepare to Write Your Motivation Statement
Start early:
Don’t procrastinate and wait for the week before the deadline. Use that time for reflection and revision.
Do your research:
What is the university known for? What stands out in the curriculum? How do the teaching methods connect with your goals?
Step 2: Plan
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What inspired you to choose this field?
- Which experiences influenced your decision?
- What do you aim to do with this degree?
- What makes you a good fit for this university?
Pick a structure:
- 3-paragraph format: Intro, body, conclusion
- 5-paragraph format: Intro, background, experiences, program fit, conclusion
Depending on the degree you’re applying for, these are the recommended number of pages (specific universities can set word counts):
- Master’s letters: 1 page maximum.
- Bachelor’s letters: 2 pages maximum.
Step 3: Hook the reader
Don't go for the boring “Dear Admissions Committee”. What matters is grabbing the reader’s attention. You can start with a personal story or a specific moment that happened to you that portrays where your passion and interest come from. Make the reader want to keep reading.
Examples:
- A problem you wanted to solve
- An unexpected experience that occurred to you
- Something that changed you
Step 4: Build your Body
This is where you will connect the past, present, and future.
1. Academic & Personal Background
Talk about your experiences, not just general facts about yourself. You have to show how these facts about you were created.
Examples:
- A high school competition that helped shape your goals
- A course that sparked your curiosity
- A challenge that led to growth
2. Why This Program & University
Show that this is not a copy-paste letter.
Examples:
- A course or professor whose work excites you
- A special feature of the program you chose that fits your goals
- The university's approach to learning.
3. Your Skills, Values & Future Goals
Link what you’ve done with your future.
Examples:
- Skills you’ve built through jobs, internships, or volunteer work.
- Personal values (like sustainability, innovation, or sense of community) and where you got them from.
- A clear idea of how the degree will help your future.
Step 5: Write Your Conclusion
- Wrap it up with clarity and warmth.
- Readdress your interest in the program
- Mention how it aligns with your long-term goals
- End with appreciation: “Thank you for considering my application. I truly value the opportunity to be part of your academic community.”
Tips for Writing Your Motivation Statement:
Make Sure It Sounds Like You
Admissions officers want to meet the person behind the grades.
- Your tone should reflect your true personality — whether you’re analytical, creative, curious, determined, or all the above
- Don’t copy generic templates. Be honest and expressive
- Share details that only you could write
Ask yourself: Does this sound like my voice? If not, rewrite it until it is done.
Use Creative Language (no need to be cliché)
Avoid tired phrases like “Since I was a child…” or “I have a passion for...”
Instead, be specific and fresh:
- “The first time I designed a prototype and saw it worked, I knew I should keep pushing to do it.”
- “I spent two months interviewing local business owners to understand how data shapes real decisions, and realized I wanted to study economics.”
What not to do and what you can do instead:
| Don't | Do this instead |
| Recite your CV | Pick 1–2 strong points from your CV and expand on them through storytelling |
| Say “I’ve always wanted to be a scientist” | Explain how a real-life experience drew you to science |
| Write with too formal or overly casual language | Use a tone that’s respectful, clear, and feels natural |
| Send the same letter to every university | Tailor each one with details specific to each program and university |
| Let AI write the whole letter for you | Use tools for grammar, but make sure your personality is what drives the text |
| Ignore formatting rules | Follow the instructions exactly: word count, spacing, font, etc. |
Bachelor's vs. Master’s Letters: The Differences
Bachelor’s Applicants:
- Focus on your potential and early interests
- Mention school projects, clubs, or volunteer work
- Keep the tone curious, enthusiastic, and positive (depending on the story you’re telling).
Master’s Applicants:
- Dive deep into academic experience (e.g. your bachelor's degree).
- Highlight professional experience (e.g. internships, research, or specialized knowledge).
- Explain how this degree connects your past and future goals.
A Final Checklist Before You Submit Your Motivation Statement:
- Is it clearly personal and written in your own voice?
- Does it explain why you’re applying and what you bring?
- Have you tailored it to the program (courses, faculty, approach)?
- Are your goals clearly stated?
- Is the structure clean and professional-looking?
- Did someone review it for feedback?
- Could this letter belong to anyone else? If yes, revise again.
If you follow the steps given, you will be able to submit your own perfect motivation letter to the university you want to attend. Good luck!
