How to Write a Motivation Letter for Study Abroad: Tips, Samples and Format

One of the crucial application elements for studying abroad is a motivation letter. It is written by applicants applying for admission at an educational institution abroad. This document showcases the academic interests, career goals, personal introduction, unique skills, and experiences of students. A letter of motivation to study abroad main purpose is to influence the admission committee that they are an ideal candidate for the intended course of study.

This Story also Contains

1. What is a motivational letter to study abroad?
2. Difference between an SOP and a letter of motivation
3. When and why do you need a Letter of Motivation?
4. How to write a letter of motivation for study abroad?
5. Motivation letter to study abroad sample
6. Tips to write a motivation letter for study abroad
7. Things to Avoid in Writing a Motivation Letter

Most universities abroad require you to write a letter of motivation along with your SOP and LOR when you apply for a course of study. This letter needs to be well written as it will greatly increase your chances of getting admission for study abroad. Apart from university applications, you may need to write a motivation letter for a job or for an internship.

Writing a strong motivation letter for study abroad is important and one must try to write a relevant story that is connected with the course of study one is applying for. Read the article to learn more with the help of a motivation letter to study abroad sample, tips, why to write, and more!

What is a motivational letter to study abroad?

A motivation letter for study abroad is an impressive opportunity to demonstrate your skills and talents that resonate with the applied course. It provides an overview of the candidate’s personal and academic interests that play an important factor in granting admission to them. Many universities consider a holistic evaluation process where they consider students based on their individuality and the things that inspire them.

Moreover, the Motivation letter for university admission Master or Bachelor shares the enthusiasm and dedication of the candidate toward the selected programme of study.

Difference between an SOP and a letter of motivation

The motivation letter for university applications is often confused with the statement of purpose or the SOP. However, they are both different. While the SOP is intended to help the admissions committee get an insight into your academic and professional achievements and your goals, the letter of motivation is directly addressed to the admissions committee to explain goals, interests, and objectives for doing a course.

The table below outlines the differences between a SOP and a motivation letter for a university.

Key differences between a letter of motivation and an SOP

When and why do you need a Letter of Motivation?

Many top universities in the world ask for a motivation letter from international students to evaluate them. Generally, motivation letters play an important role in master’s and PhD level degree applications. As limited spots for admission in these universities and a high number of applications are received, the admission authorities evaluate whether you are a right fit for the course of study selected or not.

Moreover, the majority of research based and postgraduate level courses are funded by the university faculties; hence, they want to ensure that the resources are utilized by a worthy candidate who can contribute to the university. So, it is important to be aware of the candidate’s personal interests and goals.

Presenting the university’s department with a document providing information on non-academic metrics such as interests, experience, and ambition helps in the admission decision. Hence, letters of motivation is needed for study abroad.

A few situations when you might need to submit a motivational letter include the following:

• Applying for an educational program.

• Applying for an internship in a competitive field.

• Applying for a grant, fellowship, or some sort of scholarship.

• Applying to work at a non-profit organization or mission-driven company.

• Applying for a volunteer position at a charity or non-government organization.

How to write a letter of motivation for study abroad?

One must write a motivation letter to study abroad with genuine and concise information. It must be specific and include the relevant information that can ensure the admission authorities that the student is a suitable candidate. Moreover, the overall content of the motivation letters depends on the selected course of study, academic background, and personal skills and talents. Writing aspects of a letter of motivation includes the following:

Introduction

The motivation letter must have a proper salutation along with the name to whom it is written if available. If not, write it as any of the below as per the intended course/ scholarship:

To the Admissions Committee,

To the Scholarship Committee,

To the Reviewers of [scholarship name],

Students must write about personal backgrounds and experiences that influenced their decision to apply for the course abroad. It doesn't have to include the candidate’s demographic information such as age, ethnicity, or gender as universities abroad generally offer equal opportunities to all students irrespective of any discriminating factors.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of the letter of motivation include your dedication, commitment, past non-academic record, and goals in depth. This part of the letter must have the majority of word count. It must contain relevant information about an idea or theme.

Things to consider when writing body paragraphs of a letter of motivation are:

• How your previous education shape your interest in the research area

• Reasoning why this course and the university stand out compared to others

• How your previous experiences (work, internships, hackathons) have prepared you for more advanced study such as an MBA or master’s degree

• For, research courses, a particular university professor you would like to get advise from and why

• How university resources help in fulfilling your career aspirations.

Conclusion

One must end the letter by appreciating and showing immense gratitude to the admission authorities of the university who has spent their time in reading and evaluating the motivation letter. It must include short and crisp information about your feelings about your own personality, goals, and real-life experiences that can make you an ideal candidate for the studies.

Structure of Motivation Letter: It is of utmost importance to present the letter of motivation in an accurate order and structure to increase their chances of admission in the competitive environment. It must of 1 page and include:

• Salutations

• 3-paragraph letter with an introduction+main body+conclusion

Motivation letter to study abroad sample

Here, we have given a sample for a letter of motivation to study abroad.

From,

[Name of applicant,

Address,

Contact Details]

Date………………………..

To,

[Name of Recipient,

Designation/Department,

Name of Institution/Organization,

Address,

Contact Details]

Subject- ………………………………………………………………………………..

Respected Sir/Madam,

Here’s hoping that this letter reaches you in good spirits. I am [Name of Candidate] and I would like to take this opportunity to state how truly passionate I am about pursuing my higher education at a university with such a grand heritage. The reputation of a master’s program in science from your university is world renowned and I shall be honored to be considered for a place in the program.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and my strong grades the complex projects I have undertaken make me a good candidate for your program. I have always dreamt of making impactful changes in the field of civil engineering and am determined to make it my career early on in my undergraduate years.

I have also had the opportunity to intern with [Name of Company] and that has instilled in me great appreciation for the subject and taught me valuable skills required in the industry. Additionally, I have finished a course in Computed Aided Design from [Name of Organization] which I know will give me an edge while studying the subject at a master’s level.

With this, I would like to close my Letter of Motivation and earnestly hope that my resume and the deep desire to pursue an MS from your university will help me secure a position in the upcoming academic session starting on ………………….

Warm Regards

Sample Motivation Letter for Bachelor’s Degree

Here, we have given a motivation letter to study abroad sample, especially for an undergraduate degree course.

From,

[Name of applicant,

Address,

Contact Details]

Date………………………..

To,

[Name of Recipient,

Designation/Department,

Name of Institution/Organization,

Address,

Contact Details]

Subject- ………………………………………………………………………………..

Respected Sir/Madam,

I write this Letter of Motivation to express my passion for pursuing (name of the program) at your esteemed university. With this letter, I would like to convey my wish to seek admission into the bachelor’s program in Economics and I am enclosing all related documents along with it.

I am [Name of Applicant], and I have had a keen affinity for the field of economics since I was introduced to the subject in the ninth grade. The theories of how the commercial world functions have intrigued me to take a closer look at the field from a young age and I had decided early on to explore the subject in depth in my under graduation.

My interest in the subject has always been encouraged by my school and I have regularly participated in inter-school debates in Economics. You will find all relevant certificates attached. Additionally, my articles on current economic affairs have also been published several times in the school newspaper, excerpts of which I have attached along with this letter.

I sincerely believe that an education from a university of your stature will help me realize my dreams of making worthwhile contributions to the field of economics and I too can add positive energy to the student body I would be a part of.

With this, I would like to close the letter stating that I shall be greatly honored to be considered for a seat at such an esteemed institution.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm Regards.

Tips to write a motivation letter for study abroad

A few of the tips for international students to write a perfect motivation letter to study abroad include the following:

• Try to write an innovative and attention-grabbing introduction to draw the reader’s attention.

• Try to personalize the letter as much as you can providing interesting attributes about yourself.

• Elaborate the reason why you want to study in that particular university or pursue a particular course. Try to use relevant and interesting personal interests to support the choice.

• Try to show that you are fully aware of the university and the course of study you are applying to.

• Demonstrate that you are an ideal candidate for the course by providing detailed information about academic and personal objectives

• Show your previous working experiences if have any.

• Elaborate in depth about your career aspirations.

• Make sure your letter of motivation is personal and unique showing your perspective on things.

Things to Avoid in Writing a Motivation Letter

There are several things to avoid some common mistakes to increase the admission chances into the university. These include the following:

• Try not to copy other’s motivation letters. You can take inspiration from them but frame your own.

• Don’t write too formal letters of motivation that include complicated words and vocabulary. Using you true thoughts to write can increase the reader’s interest.

• Not including the excitement to study that particular course or in that specific university can also negatively impact the application.

• Writing an unordered format of the letter

• Submitting the letter of motivation without proofreading.

So, the five main tips for writing a strong motivation letter include:

• Be Genuine

• Be Concise (1-2 pages)

• Be original

• Be specific

• Proof Read