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Motivation Letter for University Admission | Writing Guideline + Examples
Academic motivation letters are not uncommon requirements for university students. You may have to write a motivation letter for admission to both undergraduate and graduate university programs. Academic motivation letters are also used for scholarship applications or for volunteer positions or research at your school.
Motivation letters for university can be tough to write because they must strike a balance between personal and professional. Your challenge in writing a motivation letter for university admission is to stand out from the crowd of applicants, but don’t worry! It’s easy enough to write a strong and effective academic motivation letter.
In this article, we will share with you all information you need to write a motivation letter for university application.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Is a Motivation Letter for University Admission?
Like a cover letter for employment, a motivational letter to study is used alongside your application to an academic program or position. An academic motivation letter is meant to describe how you personally are a good fit for the program you are applying to.
Academic motivation letters are important because it makes your application more personal and separates your unique qualities from the pack of applicants. Your motivational letter to study is your chance to show the hiring committee what makes you special and suitable for the program. A letter of motivation for university applications can also help you demonstrate your knowledge of the institution and program.
An academic motivation letter is sometimes confused with a personal statement, but they are subtly different. A personal statement differs from a motivation letter for admission in that a personal statement is about your individual history and may include more stories about yourself and your journey to this moment. An academic motivation letter is more often used to demonstrate how you and the institution are compatible.
📚 Further reading: What Is a CV? [Definition, Element, Writing Tips and Examples]
How to Write a Motivation Letter for University Application
While writing a motivation letter for admission might seem daunting, the basic format of an academic motivation letter is simple and easy to follow. Like any application letter, a motivation letter for university will have the following formatting elements.
Opening
The opening of your academic motivation letter should state your intention quickly and clearly. You want to let the admissions team know who you are and what you are applying to. Essentially, you should introduce why you are writing this motivation letter for admission.
The following is an opening paragraph example from a motivation letter for studying abroad.
I’m writing this motivation letter for the study abroad program in Greece. As a history major in my third year at the University of Southland, I’m keenly interested in Greek archaeology and this program would give me access to the National Archeological Museum of Athens, as well as the opportunity to explore world famous historical sites.
Body Paragraphs
Use the body of your academic motivation letter to explain why you are a good fit for the program or institution. The body of your motivation letter for admission will include details about your academic history, your passion for the program, and your compatibility with the school.
Use this sample body paragraph from a motivation letter for a Bachelor of Business Administration to inspire you.
I became interested in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at the University of Greenfield after taking several courses in business at Pathway College. In my time there, I became passionate about the study of different management styles and how corporate psychology plays a role in business structure.
After finishing my diploma at Pathway, I worked for three years as a regional manager of a hotel chain, where I was able to apply what I learned in business to my role as a manager. My intention as I further my studies is to become proficient in Operations Management, and I’m confident that the program at Greenfield, one of the most renowned in the country, will serve as a foundation for my career in business.
Final statement
The final statement of your motivation letter for admission is an opportunity to end on a strong note. Your final statement should summarize the key takeaway of your academic motivation letter and restate your goal. You should also thank the reader for considering your application.
Use this sample motivation letter for an exchange program to give you some ideas.
I’m excited at the prospect of applying my mastery in French to the West University French Exchange program. I’m confident my passion for the language and culture will make me a good fit at the campus in Nice. Thank you for your consideration.
Tips for Writing a Motivation Letter for University Admission
If you’re not sure how to write your motivation letter for university, know that you’re not alone. Despite this challenge, there are some simple things you can do to enhance your writing and submit the best possible academic motivation letter. Follow these tips for writing a motivation letter for admission.
💡 Be concise.
One important tip for writing a motivation letter for admission is to be concise. Make your points succinctly without adding too much extra detail. Remember that the admissions team will be reading many academic motivation letters, and they’ll look for strong, direct writing that doesn’t deviate.
💡 Be specific.
When you write your motivation letter for university admission, try to avoid vague statements about your goals and experience. You can improve your academic motivation letter by using specific examples to support your points. For instance, instead of stating that you’re excited by the social work program because you want to give back to your community, you can give specific examples of volunteer work in your academic motivation letter.
💡 Tell personal stories.
Your academic motivation letter is a chance to be more personal. You should include some personal details when you write your motivation letter for university, to help you stand out. Did you contribute to your school in a unique way? Did you have an interesting life experience which led you to apply? Include these personal anecdotes in your letter of motivation for university application.
💡 Do your research.
The best way to write a strong academic motivation letter is to research the school and program first. Make sure you understand what you are applying to so you can demonstrate how you would be a good fit in your motivation letter for admission. Getting a sense of the school’s values and goals is a good way to indicate your compatibility and help your motivation letter for university to be more distinctive.
💡 Proofread.
The last thing you should do before you submit your academic motivation letter is proofread it. You can do this yourself or ask a fellow student or colleague. Proofreading your motivation letter for admission will help you catch mistakes and give you a new perspective on your work.
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Motivation Letter for University Application Sample
If you’re not sure how to write a motivation letter for university, it may help you to look at samples to get inspiration. Check out this example of a letter of motivation for university.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I’m writing to explain my motivation in applying to the Bachelor’s in Public Health from Sage University. As a nurse, I’m passionate about healthcare and I’m excited to pursue a career that makes a difference at the community level. I’m eager to demonstrate how I will be a good fit for the program at Sage University.
I finished my nursing degree three years ago, and I’ve spent the ensuing time working in remote northern communities, delivering crucial care to underrepresented groups. During my time working as a nurse, I discovered significant challenges at the government level that made it difficult for these communities to access the care they needed. I learned of gaps in education that created very preventable health issues across these communities. This will be the focus of my academic career and my motivation for applying to a degree in Public Health.
The program at Sage is well known and I aspire to study at one of the best programs in the state. Your Public Health program offers a number of courses that would be an excellent fit for my skills and goals. I’m particularly interested in the courses in healthcare education, as my goal is to eventually run educational programs for disease prevention in remote areas. I know the Bachelor’s in Public Health can help me to further my knowledge of remote healthcare and I’m confident I have much to contribute to the program.
I’m excited about where this program can take my career, and I’m looking forward to using what I learn at Sage to bring better access to education and healthcare to remote communities. I’m confident my passion for healthcare systems makes me a strong candidate for this program. My transcript and academic references are enclosed in this application. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Best Regards,
Justine Amir
Conclusion
Writing an academic motivation letter can seem intimidating but there are a few easy things you can do to enhance your writing and improve your chances of acceptance. Your motivation letter for admission should follow a basic letter format, with an opening paragraph, body, and final statement. Keep your writing concise and use specific examples to make your points. Try reading some sample motivation letters for university to get some ideas. Applying to university programs can be a tough process, but an academic motivation letter can help take your application to the next level.
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— Originally written by Tiffany Quinn —
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