The motivation letter is what sets you apart from the rest when applying for a scholarship. A winning motivation letter has not only helped us win scholarships (academic and professional practice) but also to find employment with large companies. Now we want to tell you everything you have to keep in mind while writing a motivation letter for a scholarship. Here we will teach you to develop your own template so that you can apply to multiple calls and increasing your chances of winning scholarships abroad.
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The motivation letter for the scholarship should include your academic achievements. It should explain: Why are you the ideal candidate? How do your skills and abilities contribute to the university or country? You should show the desire that you want to learn and contribute new knowledge.
Note: This does not mean that academic performance, experience and recognition do not matter and that just having an attractive and clear motivation letter will be enough to get the scholarship. Your achievements and skills make you the right candidate for the scholarship and the motivation letter helps you excel as indicated.
Before Writing your Motivation Letter for Scholarship:
Investigate the institution and the country you want to travel to and study. What profile does the institution or the scholarship provider looking for? Browse its official page, review the sections: About, Our Culture, Philosophy, among others, and analyze the institution. Do they value leadership more or the ability to work as a team? Are they socially responsible and concerned about the environment? What is the role of ethics? Or are they more focused on numbers and concrete results?
This research will not only help you shape your motivation letter according to the interests of the institution but also to find out if this opportunity suits your interests.
Strategy 1: Review the Mission and Vision of the institutions and analyze profiles of faculty members. Use synonyms of the words they use in the motivation letter.
Strategy 2: Check the section of testimonies of students (scholars or not) or employees of the institution. Sometimes they have official videos and what they say also helps you to analyze and find out if you like the program and then address your motivation letter accordingly.
Also Check – How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose for Scholarship
How to write a winning motivation letter for a Scholarship?
Now that you have made the respective analysis, it is time to write a winning motivation letter for scholarship. The letter of motivation must have the following points:
(1) Title and header:
Title: “Letter of motivation for [scholarship to which you are applying]”
Header:
- Full name
- Address + postal code
- Phone
- Optional: Skype and social networks
- Header position : I recommend upper right but upper left can also be.
(2) Introduction:
Start with a formal greeting and to the point, mention the reason for this letter. “Through this I want … apply to the scholarship … published in …. “. Also, answer briefly: why are you applying to this scholarship, what motivated you from the program? In this way, you can write concisely about what you like about the institution and/or country to which you are applying for a scholarship. And finally, do not forget to mention your objective and how it relates to the objectives of the program to which you are applying. Example: “… I’ve been looking for an international experience for … And I trust that the study program X in the institution can help me …
(3) Who are you?
This is the second paragraph of the motivation letter where you should write:
- Your academic achievements.
- Why are you the ideal candidate?
Tip: No matter what kind of achievements you have had, write them down in a way that demonstrates the value they bring to the institution or country to which you apply.
(4) How do you contribute?
Just as you really want to learn and travel, how do your skills and abilities contribute to the university or country? You can place things like “increase the knowledge of my colleagues about my country, participate in sports or art activities etc”
(5) Demonstrate in advance that you know who you are addressing (institution and / or country):
You mentioned it in the introduction but here you must give more details of your motivation. According to the previous research: Why does the program mean so much to you? How the research projects and facilities of the institution and country will help you to achieve your goals?
(6) Final words:
You and I know that you really want to do this, prove it! Show the desire that you want to learn and contribute new knowledge. Here are words like “I am very motivated by …” “it would be an honor and the beginning of a road full of …” etc
(7) Acknowledgments and dismissal:
Again, time is supremely valuable, so we must thank the reader for giving attention and make it clear that you are looking forward to work with them. Finish with “Cordially” or “Cordial Greetings” is more than good.
Motivation Letter for Scholarship Template
I know that you want to apply for several scholarships but you do not have to write a different motivation letter for each application. Develop a template that allows you to adapt the content to the specific situation. But how do you do this? Once you have carried out the 7 steps of the previous section, you already have a template that you can edit so that your motivation letter corresponds to the scholarship you want to apply for. However I have provided motivation letter template below.
Your Street Address City, State, Zip CodeDate of Letter |
|
Use complete title and address. | Contact Name Contact Title Company Name Street Address City, State, Zip Code |
Address to a particular person if possible and remember to use a colon | Dear _________:
Opening paragraph: Clearly state why you are writing, name the position or type of work you’re exploring and, where applicable, how you heard about the person or organization. |
Make the addressee want to read your resume. Be brief, but specific. | Middle paragraph(s): Explain why you are interested in this employer and your reasons for desiring this type of work. If you’ve had relevant school or work experience, be sure to point it out with one or two key examples; but do not reiterate your entire resume. Emphasize skills or abilities that relate to the job. Be sure to do this in a confident manner and remember that the reader will view your letter as an example of your writing skills. |
Ask for a meeting and remember to follow up. | Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position, and your enthusiasm for using your skills to contribute to the work of the organization. Thank the reader for his/her consideration of your application, and end by stating that you look forward to the opportunity to further discuss the position. |
Always sign letters |
Sincerely,
Your name typed |
Tips on writing a Brilliant Motivation Letter for Scholarship
Structured: If your ideas are not clear and the letter does not have a natural flow of reading, it will be very difficult for the examiners to continue reading. Identify your strengths and show them in a concrete and coherent way with the program to which you are applying. Write convincing and results-oriented sentences.
Clear: Easy to read, avoid complex words and separate the paragraphs by the sections about which you speak.
Short: If you are clear, you do not have to extend more than 1 page. In fact, it is often necessary for the motivation letter to meet this requirement. If not, a page and a half is enough … remember that time is the most important resource we all have, even those that examine your application
PDF: Although you write it in Word, you must save it and present it as a PDF document, unless otherwise specified.
Formal: The letter should be formal, but this does not mean you should write words that you cannot even pronounce, be practical, be yourself.
Deadline: Remember the deadline to send the application and do not miss the opportunity of your life.
Review: Do not forget to correct spelling and writing. Someone in your family or a good friend can help you with that if you’re not very good … my spelling has been terrible since school, but I’ve had to put the batteries
Correct Title: Also make sure that it is addressed to who it should be … I am looking for work, for the efforts I sent a letter of motivation to a company with the title addressed to another. Hahahaha! That is really embarrassing and unprofessional and should not happen to you.
Language: In case you apply in another language, make sure you make proper use of the language, the writing and the translation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Motivation Letter for Scholarship
As we already know, the motivation letter is the most important document when it comes to winning a scholarship in another country. In addition, a well-written motivation letter also facilitates the attainment of employment and even volunteering.
However, the motivation letter for scholarship is not only about mentioning your desires to obtain new opportunities, but about defending the idea of why it should be you and not one of the other very capable candidates.
(1) Fewer Words and More Facts
It is easy to express your desires to travel or study in a certain country but it is difficult to express the reasons why they should choose you. Many of us want to travel, expand our vision of the world, improve other languages and improve our quality of life, but in reality what you should do to make you worthy of that prize.
It begins to replace phrases like “my dream has always been XYZ” because “my achievements have been …” to “I consider I am the ideal candidate because …” and/or “my work is characterized by …” Remember that the prize does not go to the one who most want it, but the one that correctly demonstrates deserving it
(2) Take Ownership and Demonstrate Deep Knowledge
In the above paragraph, I do not mean that your wishes are not taken into account. These are important to the extent that you prove, you clearly know what you want and why you deserve it. As an example I want to show you an excerpt from one of the motivation letters for scholarship which come to me recently to be corrected:
“What particularly attracted me to the program is the broad spectrum of skills to be developed that it offers, the quality of the faculty and the internship program; all these aspects will make it possible to win different opportunities at the time of employment …”
Here the applicant is staying in the basics. Underlined words can be explained to demonstrate ownership and mastery of the topic because: knowledge = motivation. An alternative is:
“What particularly attracted me to the Modern Art program is the possibility of specializing in lighting and sound, as well as the teaching staff, which has world-renowned professors. Another reason why I prefer this program is the opportunity to have direct contact with exhibitions in one of the capitals of modern art in the world through the professional practices that are offered in the last semester.”
Another of my tips to demonstrate knowledge is that you replace words like ‘I believe’ with ‘I know’ or ‘I’m sure that …’
(3) It matters more what you will do for them
That your reasons should not be limited to the comfort of living in a developed country. The study scholarship providers expect you to be genuinely interested in the study program and the positive impact you will make with what you learn. To make it more clear: they do not care a whistle that you feel safer, happier, richer or healthier living in the country offering the scholarship. What they want to know is how the hell you will return to society the investment they will make in you. Tranquil! They do not want money. Count the contribution you will make in terms of cultural exchange, what you can teach the other students or teachers, the extracurricular clubs you can contribute to and other cooperation projects that you have in mind.
Tip: If the scholarship requires you to return to your country of origin upon completion of the study program, it is important that you mention how you will apply in your country what you intend to learn.
(4) The rules are the rules
Finally, limit the letter of motivation to what it is and what they ask you. If they tell you 1 sheet, send a sheet. Please, do not expect that the scholarship provider will exempt you from some of the requirements for the motivation letter. If they ask you for IELTS band 7, it is 7 and not 6.5, the same with certified work experience: two years are 24 months and not 22 and a half, etc. However it is beautiful to show that you deserve the scholarship and not to convince them that you have worked hard but have not been able to meet the other requirements. If you do not comply with all the requirements, give yourself time because there are always new application dates and scholarship opportunities.
Motivation Letter for Scholarship Samples
The following motivation letter examples will help you to have a better idea about how to write motivation letter for scholarship.
Sample 1
February 21, 2020
Ms. Liza Wideman
Recruiting Coordinator
Great Strategy Consulting Firm
200 Shell Fish Blvd, Suite 199
San Francisco, CA 94080
Dear Ms. Wideman:
I am writing to express my interest in securing an Associate position at Great Strategy Consulting Firm. I am a Master of Liberal Arts degree candidate at Harvard Extension School, specializing in Information Technology. I come from a solid technical background with a strong interest in business and a passion towards strategy. My area of focus and interest varies from quantitative analysis to project management. I have maintained a 3.95 GPA through a well-balanced program of study, which is not only very analytical and technical by nature but also helps to build leadership and team building qualities. I am extremely impressed with Great Strategy’s approach to strategy consulting, especially within the Business Development and Innovation practice areas. I believe my academic background, business knowledge and industry experiences have provided me with the credentials needed to thrive as an Associate.
Prior to Harvard, I worked as a technology professional, primarily resolving strategic issues related to technology process improvement. I gained solid research, analytical and problem solving skills while working in Fortune 500 companies. My background in generating innovative ideas and strategies to improve processes has provided me with a deeper understanding of multifaceted problems that companies encounter in their daily operations. Moreover, because of my work experiences, I fully understand how important it is to have great team dynamics in today’s multi-disciplinary business environment.
To date, my experience as an IT professional has been extremely rewarding and productive. However, it is through strategy consulting that I can use my analytical aptitude and creative problem solving skills to their fullest. I strongly believe that consulting is a discipline that will force me to view problems not only from the client’s standpoint but also from a marketplace, best practices and “think out of the box” point of views.
I would appreciate the opportunity to interview with Great Strategy Consulting Firm for the Associate position. Please find enclosed my resume for your review. I can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at (617) 555-3456. I enthusiastically look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jacob A. McLean
Sample 2
October 10, 2018
Ms. Susan Carey
Senior Manager
Wholesale Wine USA
23 Green St.
Boston, MA 02116
Dear Ms. Carey:
I am writing to apply for your position in wine wholesale as advertised on Crimson Careers. This exciting opportunity appears to be a wonderful fit with my professional experience, personal interests, and career goals.
I am returning to Boston to complete my final year at Harvard University Extension School, where I am majoring in French and economics. Having spent the year working and traveling, I am eager to incorporate myself once again into the local wine community, to which I can bring experience in a number of sectors of the industry.
Through eight years in the restaurant field, I have acquired a deep love of and appreciation for wine and cuisine. I have been known to wax rhapsodic over specials; nothing made me happier than discussing a bottle with a table. This enthusiasm allowed me to introduce a list of reserve selections to Shay’s Pub and Wine Bar. The result was an appreciable increase in sales for the restaurant and repeat attendance by customers. My position at Aspen’s award-winning Montagna allowed me to expand upon my knowledge of wine, locally inspired cuisine, and the highest standards of service. Our weekly blind-tastings fueled my desire to further myself in this field, and I am in the process of acquiring certification through both the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine Spirit and Education Trust.
Most recently, I have returned from France where I was lucky enough to work on an organic vineyard in Beaujolais. I adored working with the young, dynamic, vigneron who ran the estate, the largest of its kind in the region. A position at your wholesale wine company would allow me to draw upon this experience and to facilitate the success of such producers. Additionally, it would enable me to replicate the most enjoyable components of my experience overall: working with my colleagues in the local restaurant industry, as well as with distinctive, iconoclastic winemakers.
I am readily available via email or phone in order to arrange an interview, and have attached my resume below per your request. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Georgina Santiago
Sample 3
August 25, 2020
Professor —–
Search Committee, IT 989
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of —-
Address
City, State Zip
Dear Professor —-:
I am responding to your advertisement for a faculty position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of —-. I graduated from the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT in June with a doctorate, and am currently working as a Postdoctoral Associate at MIT in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. My thesis work is in the area of active structural acoustic control using smart structures technology, and my specific research topic is the development of a new wavenumber domain sensing method for active structural acoustic control. My thesis advisor is Professor X in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT.
For my Ph.D. dissertation, I have worked on the development of the structural-acoustic control algorithms and their implementation for the reduction of radiated noise from vibrating underwater vehicles. The Office of Naval Research, with an objective of developing “smart” underwater vehicle systems so that the enemy cannot detect their attack in advance, has funded this project. My responsibility in this project is to develop the new technology to reduce the radiated noise from vibrating underwater vehicles. In order to accomplish this, I have developed a new wavenumber domain sensing method and applied it to the real-time estimation of acoustic power and the design of feedback controller for active structural acoustic control of the general complex structures. Furthermore, I have designed and experimentally implemented local and global controller architectures with different configurations to find the best controller configuration for the new underwater vehicle system.
I would like to continue my research on active structural control and active structural acoustic control for complex systems, including aerospace systems (aircrafts, helicopters) and underwater vehicles (submarines, torpedoes). I will carry out research on structure/fluid/control interaction phenomena and advanced sensor/actuator development using smart structures technologies. Also, I will extend my research to the development of advanced control design techniques for noise and vibration reduction of complex systems.
My ultimate research goal is to develop “intelligent structural systems”, which will contain arrays of sensors and actuators, and embedded devices for controls and decision-making algorithms, so that those systems can coordinate large numbers of devices and adapt themselves to uncertain environmental changes in an intelligent manner. I believe my extensive research experience and specialization in structural dynamics and controls will allow me to continue my research in those areas.
I have enclosed my curriculum vitae with a list of publications, and a list of references. If you have any questions or would like to talk with me, I can be reached by phone at (617) ___-____ or email at [email protected]. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Sample 4
June 24, 2013
Recruiter’s Name
Campus Recruiter
Company Name
Company Address
Boston, MA 02116
Dear Campus Recruiter:
I am a senior at MIT majoring in biology with a concentration in management from Sloan Business School. I was extremely impressed with Deloitte’s approach to consulting after speaking with Yelena Shklovskaya. Deloitte is unique in having the ability to form diverse teams to tackle all the problems a client may have. As a member of the Strategy & Operations group, I may have the opportunity to meet and work with a variety of people in this consulting group, in other areas of consulting, and outside of consulting as well. In particular, I like the amount of attention and dedication that Deloitte puts into working with its clients, not only by devising effective strategies to address the clients’ problems, but also by often implementing the recommendations on-site. Therefore, I am writing to request an invitation to interview for a Business Analyst position with Deloitte.
In the past two years, I have been involved in strategy consulting, and government affairs for a non-profit healthcare organization. This summer, I worked in strategy consulting for Putnam Associates. My 6-member team evaluated the marketing efforts for a major company’s organ transplant drug. Through my management of recruitment and interviews with 98 physicians, I obtained primary research and analyzed it on national and regional levels to recommend and help implement improvements in the client’s marketing plan. I learned how to work in a deadline-oriented environment, held responsibility for large segments of a team project, and enhanced my quantitative skills through analysis of primary and secondary research data. In addition, I conducted independent research to form recommendations when launching a drug that follows a related product, and I presented these key considerations to all Putnam employees.
I have been a volunteer in public policy for 7 years with the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. I lobbied Senators at both the Massachusetts and California State Capitols, as well as on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Lobbying has taught me negotiation skills, the need for contingency plans, and the ability to make quick yet innovative decisions. Two years ago, I was appointed Director of Massachusetts Youth Public Affairs and asked to be a member of the state’s Public Affairs Council. My responsibilities include developing, organizing, and implementing the Foundation’s annual public policy objectives in an ultimately results-driven environment.
Through my experience with Putnam Associates and the March of Dimes, along with my modeling work in the MIT Sloan Business School, I used my management skills to negotiate and consult with others, analytically design a successful plan, and execute my ideas. I am confident that I can bring my strong, diverse technical and business background to best fit the current needs and future ventures of Deloitte.
I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about my qualifications and ways that I can contribute to Deloitte. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Sample 5
January 21, 2020
Merck Future Talent Program Coordinator
Merck Corporate Headquarters
1 Merck Drive
P.O. Box 100
Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-0100
Dear Merck Future Talent Program Coordinator,
I am a junior at MIT pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. I am writing to express interest in the Merck Future Talent Program for interns in biology. I am well-qualified to conduct research and I am interested in exploring the — industry to expose myself to possible future careers. I heard about Merck at a campus recruiting event and was extremely impressed with Merck’s approach to global healthcare. As a biology major at MIT, I have great background knowledge of biology and chemistry in addition to extensive research experience. I am eager to expand and broaden my knowledge of research and biology though participating in Merck’s internship program. Based on my research and educational experience, and possibly more importantly because of my interest and enthusiasm, I believe I am a strong candidate for an internship at Merck.
After over a year and a half of working at the Vander Heiden Laboratory at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, I’ve gained skills in research, teamwork, and problem solving all while learning how to take initiative. As a part of my lab, I collaborate closely with graduate students, technicians, and Professor Vander Heiden to discuss project directions and goals. By writing research proposals and presenting a project in a lab meeting I have learned to effectively communicate at a scientific level. Also, I am experienced in a variety of laboratory techniques. One particularly challenging project I worked on independently was expressing pyruvate-phosphate dikinase (PPDK), an uncommon and non-commercially available enzyme found in corn, from corn cDNA. To clone PPDK, I designed over 30 cloning and sequencing primers for a variety of published PPDK sequences and cyclophilin as a positive control. This project was challenging due to the fact that the corn cDNA did not contain most of the published PPDK sequences. By applying different cloning techniques, I was able to successfully clone and express PPDK.
In addition to my research, I have taken a leadership role within my sorority. Last year, the president of my sorority asked me to assume the role of Inner Social Chair due to an unexpected resignation. Wanting to help my chapter, I stepped up and was able to efficiently plan a last minute formal within a limited budget of $3,250. By contacting multiple venues, negotiating contracts, collaborating with the executive board, and publicizing the event to 300 people, I was able to organize a successful event, which might not have otherwise come to fruition.
I am passionate about research, have an extensive knowledge of biology, and have excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills. Most importantly, I am extremely excited about Merck and the — industry. Please contact me at (—-) or [email protected]. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Biology Student
Now its your turn!
I hope these tips and examples will help you to prepare an impressive Motivation Letter for Scholarship and to win scholarships. If you have some tips that worked for you, let us know in the comment section.
Thanks for reading and wishing you success with everything!