Motivation Letter Examples Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Master's in Computer Science program at the University of Oxford. My passion for artificial intelligence, combined with my academic achievements and research experience, makes this program the ideal next step in my academic journey. During my undergraduate studies at MIT, I maintained a 3.9 GPA while conducting research in machine learning under Professor Smith. My thesis on neural network optimization was published in the Journal of Machine Learning Research. This experience ignited my desire to pursue advanced study in a world-class research environment. What draws me specifically to Oxford is the exceptional faculty in AI and the opportunity to engage with the Oxford Robotics Institute. The program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications aligns perfectly with my goal of bridging academic research and real-world AI implementation. My motivation extends beyond personal advancement. I am committed to using AI ethically to address global challenges. After completing this program, I plan to pursue a PhD and ultimately contribute to AI safety research, ensuring these powerful technologies benefit humanity. I am confident that my academic record, research experience, and passion for the field make me an excellent candidate for this program. I would be honored to contribute to Oxford's academic community while growing as a researcher. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Alex Chen

Dear Selection Committee, I am applying for the Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. Growing up in rural India, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of preventable diseases on underserved communities. This experience ignited my lifelong commitment to global health equity. As a public health officer in my home country for the past four years, I have led vaccination campaigns reaching over 100,000 children and implemented water sanitation programs in 15 villages. These experiences taught me the power of evidence-based interventions and the critical need for advanced training to tackle complex health challenges. The Fulbright Scholarship represents more than an educational opportunity—it is a chance to build bridges between nations through shared knowledge. I am particularly motivated by the program's emphasis on cultural exchange and mutual understanding. I plan to share my experiences with American classmates while learning from the diverse perspectives of fellow scholars. Upon completing my degree, I will return to my country to establish a community health training center, applying the knowledge and connections gained through this program. My goal is to train 500 community health workers within five years, creating a sustainable network of local healthcare champions. I am deeply motivated by the Fulbright mission of promoting international goodwill through educational exchange. I am committed to being not just a scholar, but an ambassador for cross-cultural collaboration in global health. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Priya Sharma

Dear Erasmus Mundus Selection Committee, I am writing to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree in Environmental Sciences. The opportunity to study at three leading European universities while addressing climate change—the defining challenge of our generation—represents the perfect convergence of my academic interests and career aspirations. My motivation stems from observing environmental degradation in my home country of Brazil. Watching the Amazon rainforest shrink each year drove me to pursue environmental science. My undergraduate research on deforestation monitoring using satellite imagery earned the National Science Award and was presented at the International Conference on Remote Sensing. The Erasmus Mundus program's multi-university structure is particularly attractive because it offers exposure to diverse academic approaches and research methodologies. Studying environmental policy in the Netherlands, conservation biology in Spain, and sustainable development in Sweden will provide me with a comprehensive toolkit to address complex environmental challenges. Beyond academics, I am motivated by the program's emphasis on European integration and cultural exchange. I believe that environmental challenges require international cooperation, and this program will prepare me to work effectively across cultural boundaries. After completing this program, I plan to work with international organizations on Amazon conservation, combining the technical skills and international network gained through Erasmus Mundus to protect one of Earth's most vital ecosystems. Thank you for considering my application. Best regards, Lucas Oliveira

Dear Recruiting Team, I am writing to express my strong motivation to join McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst in your Munich office. Having studied the consulting industry extensively and spoken with current McKinsey consultants, I am convinced that McKinsey's rigorous problem-solving approach and commitment to developing talent make it the ideal place to begin my consulting career. My motivation for consulting stems from my diverse experiences solving complex problems. During my economics degree at Ludwig Maximilian University, I led a student team that developed a market entry strategy for a German SME expanding to Eastern Europe. Presenting our recommendations to the company's board taught me the power of structured analysis and clear communication. What particularly attracts me to McKinsey is your firm's emphasis on impact beyond profit. Your work on social sector projects and sustainability initiatives aligns with my belief that business can and should address society's biggest challenges. I was inspired by McKinsey's pro bono work with climate organizations and hope to contribute to similar projects. I am also motivated by McKinsey's global reach. As someone fluent in German, English, and Mandarin, I am excited about the possibility of working across borders and cultures. McKinsey's international project opportunities would allow me to leverage my language skills while developing a global business perspective. I am confident that my analytical skills, international background, and drive for excellence make me a strong candidate. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Anna Schmidt

Dear DAAD Selection Committee, I am applying for the DAAD Scholarship to pursue doctoral studies in Renewable Energy Engineering at Technical University of Munich. My motivation is rooted in both academic passion and a commitment to addressing the global energy crisis through German engineering excellence. Germany's leadership in renewable energy technology, particularly the Energiewende, inspired my research focus on solar cell efficiency. My master's thesis on perovskite solar cells, completed at the Indian Institute of Technology, achieved efficiency improvements that were recognized with the Best Thesis Award. This research convinced me that pursuing doctoral studies in Germany is essential for my development as a researcher. The DAAD Scholarship is particularly meaningful to me because of its emphasis on building lasting connections between scholars and Germany. I am motivated not just by the academic opportunity, but by the chance to become part of a global network of DAAD alumni working together on shared challenges. I have been preparing for this opportunity by studying German, currently at B2 level, and by connecting with TUM researchers whose work complements my interests. Professor Mueller has expressed interest in supervising my doctoral research on next-generation solar technologies. After completing my PhD, I plan to establish a joint German-Indian research initiative on affordable solar technology for developing nations. The DAAD scholarship would not only advance my research but would also create lasting bridges between German and Indian scientific communities. Thank you for considering my application. Mit besten Grüßen, Rajesh Patel

Dear Doctoral Admissions Committee, I am writing to apply for the PhD program in Neuroscience at Karolinska Institute. My motivation for doctoral study stems from a profound curiosity about the brain and a determination to contribute to understanding neurodegenerative diseases. My interest in neuroscience began when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Watching her gradual decline while feeling powerless to help ignited my commitment to research that could prevent others from experiencing similar losses. This personal connection has sustained my motivation through challenging research and will continue to drive me throughout my doctoral studies. During my master's research at University College London, I investigated the role of tau protein aggregation in neurodegeneration. My work identified a novel therapeutic target that is now being explored by our lab's industry partners. This experience demonstrated that rigorous basic research can translate into real-world impact. What motivates me about Karolinska specifically is Dr. Lindqvist's groundbreaking work on protein misfolding and her lab's reputation for training independent researchers. After corresponding with Dr. Lindqvist, I am excited by the possibility of exploring the intersection of our research interests. I am prepared for the challenges of doctoral study. My motivation is not fleeting enthusiasm but a sustained commitment born from both personal experience and scientific rigor. I am confident that the Karolinska PhD program will provide the environment I need to grow as a researcher and contribute meaningfully to the field. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Maria Johansson

Dear Selection Committee, I am applying for the United Nations Young Professionals Programme with a deep commitment to multilateral cooperation and sustainable development. My motivation stems from witnessing how international organizations can transform lives when given the resources and mandate to act. Growing up as a refugee, I experienced firsthand the life-saving work of UNHCR. The education and protection provided by UN agencies gave me opportunities I could never have imagined. This debt of gratitude motivates my desire to dedicate my career to serving others through the UN system. My academic and professional background has prepared me for this responsibility. My Master's in International Relations at Sciences Po Paris focused on UN peacekeeping operations, while my internship at the UN Office in Geneva provided practical experience in international conference management. I speak English, French, Arabic, and Spanish fluently—skills that would enable me to serve in diverse contexts. What particularly motivates me about the Young Professionals Programme is its emphasis on developing the next generation of international civil servants. I am eager to learn from experienced UN staff while bringing fresh perspectives and digital skills to address emerging challenges like climate migration and digital divides. I understand that a UN career demands sacrifice, mobility, and unwavering commitment to organizational values. I am prepared for these challenges and motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an organization that embodies humanity's highest aspirations. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Hassan Al-Rashid

Dear Selection Committee, I am applying for the European Commission Traineeship (Blue Book) with genuine enthusiasm for European integration and a desire to contribute to the EU's policy-making process. My motivation is rooted in my belief that the European project represents humanity's most ambitious experiment in supranational cooperation. As a law student specializing in EU law at the University of Amsterdam, I developed deep appreciation for how European institutions balance national interests with collective goals. My thesis on the European Green Deal's legal framework was published in the European Journal of Environmental Law, demonstrating my ability to engage with complex EU policy issues. My motivation extends beyond academic interest. As a citizen of a small EU member state, I understand how European cooperation amplifies the voice of smaller nations. The European Parliament elections in my country sparked my interest in Brussels, and interning at my national representation to the EU confirmed my desire to work in European institutions. What particularly attracts me to the Commission traineeship is the opportunity to see policy-making from the inside while developing a network of fellow Europeans who share my commitment to integration. I am especially interested in DG Environment given my research background, though I am open to contributing wherever my skills are most needed. I am motivated by the EU's current challenges—from climate change to digital transformation—and excited by the opportunity to contribute, even as a trainee, to addressing them. Thank you for considering my application. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Eva Kovács