Applying for a scholarship can be exciting but also very competitive. One document that often decides whether you succeed or not is the motivation letter. This letter is your personal story—it shows why you deserve the scholarship and how you can contribute to the university and community.
In this guide, we will explain step by step how to write a motivation letter for a scholarship, common mistakes to avoid, tips to make it powerful, and five sample examples. By the end, you’ll have a clear template that you can customize for any scholarship application.
What is a Motivation Letter for Scholarship?
A motivation letter (sometimes called a statement of purpose or personal letter) is a formal letter written to the scholarship committee. Its purpose is to:
Introduce yourself and explain your background.
Highlight your academic achievements and skills.
Show your motivation for choosing the program and institution.
Explain how the scholarship will help you reach your goals.
Demonstrate how you will contribute back to the university or country.
While your CV lists your grades and experiences, the motivation letter tells the story behind them. It adds personality and passion to your application.
Why is a Motivation Letter Important?
Most scholarship providers receive thousands of applications. Many students have similar grades and test scores. What sets you apart is your motivation letter, because it answers key questions:
Why should we choose you over other candidates?
How will you benefit from this scholarship?
What positive impact will you make on others?
A strong motivation letter can make the difference between rejection and selection.
Things to Do Before Writing
Before you start drafting, take these steps:
Research the University and Scholarship Program
Study the mission, vision, and values of the institution.
Find out what qualities they want (leadership, teamwork, innovation, social responsibility).
Check the Requirements Carefully
Word/page limit, format, deadlines, and language rules.
Missing even one requirement can lead to rejection.
Match Your Strengths with Their Goals
Make a list of your achievements, skills, and experiences.
Connect each one with how it fits the scholarship provider’s values.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Motivation Letter
Follow this structure for a professional and impressive letter:
1. Title and Header
At the top of the page, include:
Full name
Address and postal code
Email and phone number
Date
Add the recipient’s details (Scholarship Committee, University Name, Address).
2. Introduction
Start with a polite greeting. Mention the name of the scholarship and the purpose of your letter. Example:
“I am writing to apply for the at . This opportunity perfectly matches my academic interests and career goals in .”
3. Academic Background and Achievements
Write about your studies, grades, research, and achievements. Show why you are a strong candidate. Keep it focused and relevant.
4. Motivation and Career Goals
Explain why you want this scholarship, why you chose this university, and how the program fits your long-term goals.
5. Contribution to the University/Community
Scholarship committees want to know what you will give back. Mention cultural exchange, research projects, student clubs, or community work.
6. Closing Paragraph
End with a positive and strong statement. Example:
“I am very motivated to join and believe that this scholarship will allow me to grow academically and contribute meaningfully to the community. Thank you for considering my application.”
7. Formal Ending
Use a professional closing such as Sincerely, or Kind regards, followed by your full name.
Tips for Writing a Brilliant Motivation Letter
Keep it Clear and Simple: Use short sentences and avoid jargon.
Be Personal but Professional: Share your story in a formal tone.
Stick to One Page: Unless stated otherwise, one page is best.
Show Evidence: Replace “I dream of studying abroad” with concrete achievements and plans.
Proofread Carefully: Check grammar, spelling, and formatting.
Save as PDF: Always submit in PDF format unless another format is requested.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writing vague statements like “I always wanted to study abroad” without evidence.
Talking only about what you will gain, not what you will contribute.
Ignoring rules like word limit, deadline, or language requirement.
Copying the same letter for every application without customization.