When do you need a motivational letter for university?
Many universities and universities of applied sciences ask for a motivational letter when you apply for a study place, a master programme, an exchange semester or a scholarship. Unlike a job application letter, this is about your academic motivation: why this subject, why this university and why you in particular.
The letter is your chance to look beyond the grades. You can find a general guide to the structure in our article on the motivational letter. This page focuses on what makes a study application different.
The three questions your letter must answer
A convincing motivational letter for university answers three questions clearly and with examples.
Why this subject?
Show genuine interest in the subject, backed by concrete experiences: a project, an internship, a book or a school subject that inspired you. General statements like I am interested in the subject are not enough.
