What is a motivation letter?

A motivation letter is a one-page letter explaining why you want a specific study place, scholarship, programme or job, and why you are a good fit for it. It is common in Europe for university admissions and many job applications, and for scholarships and volunteer programmes worldwide.

It usually covers:

• Why you chose this programme, organisation or field.
• What you have done so far that prepares you: studies, projects, work, volunteering.
• What you hope to achieve and how this opportunity helps.

Compared with a standard cover letter, a motivation letter puts more weight on your reasons, values and goals. It still needs evidence, though: real examples are what make motivation believable.

Example line: "Volunteering at a refugee learning centre showed me how much language support affects school results, which is why I am applying for this master's in education policy."

Always check the instructions. Some institutions give specific questions, a word limit or a required format, and following them exactly is part of making a good impression.