Motivation Letter Template
A motivation letter explains why you want something: a place on a programme, a scholarship, a volunteer post or a job. Compared with a cover letter it spends more time on your goals and values, and less on work results.
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the MSc Sustainable Energy at TU Delft because I want to design affordable storage for rural microgrids.
My interest began with a summer job installing solar panels on school roofs. Since then I have looked for every chance to learn more, and this programme is the natural next step.
TU Delft stands out to me for its people and its focus on practical impact. I would bring commitment, curiosity and a clear sense of where I want to go.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Alex Morgan
Grey text is a sample; your words replace it as you type.
When to use this template
- A university or scholarship asks for one
- You are applying for volunteering or exchange programmes
- An employer in Europe or Asia asks for a "motivation letter"
Tips for a strong motivation letter
- Tell a short true story about where your motivation comes from.
- Connect your goal to something specific about this programme.
- Follow the length limit exactly; universities often set one.
Want it tailored to a specific job ad? Paste the ad into the AI cover letter generator and it will reuse the posting's key terms where your experience supports them.
Frequently asked questions
Is a motivation letter the same as a cover letter?
They overlap. A cover letter focuses on how your experience fits a job. A motivation letter focuses on why you want the opportunity and what you will do with it. Many European employers use the terms interchangeably.