motivation letter for scholarship phd

How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter

• Applying to a PhD

A PhD motivation letter is a document that describes your personal motivation and competence for a particular research project. It is usually submitted together with your academic CV to provide admissions staff with more information about you as an individual, to help them decide whether or not you are the ideal candidate for a research project.

A motivation letter has many similarities to a cover letter and a personal statement, and institutions will not ask you to submit all of these. However, it is a unique document and you should treat it as such. In the context of supporting a PhD application, the difference is nuanced; all three documents outline your suitability for PhD study. However, compared to a cover letter and personal statement, a motivation letter places more emphasis on your motivation for wanting to pursue the particular PhD position you are applying for.

Academic cover letters are more common in UK universities, while motivation letters are more common abroad.

A motivation letter can play a key part in the application process . It allows the admission committee to review a group of PhD applicants with similar academic backgrounds and select the ideal candidate based on their motivations for applying.

For admission staff, academic qualifications alone are not enough to indicate whether a student will be successful in their doctorate. In this sense, a motivational letter will allow them to judge your passion for the field of study, commitment to research and suitability for the programme, all of which better enables them to evaluate your potential.

How Should I Structure My Motivation Letter?

A strong motivation letter for PhD applications will include:

• A concise introduction stating which programme you are applying for,
• Your academic background and professional work experience,
• Any key skills you possess and what makes you the ideal candidate,
• Your interest and motivation for applying,
• Concluding remarks and thanks.

This is a simplistic breakdown of what can be a very complicated document.

However, writing to the above structure will ensure you keep your letter of motivation concise and relevant to the position you are applying for. Remember, the aim of your letter is to show your enthusiasm and that you’re committed and well suited for the programme.

To help you write a motivation letter for a PhD application, we have outlined what to include in the start, main body, and closing sections.

How to Start a Motivation Letter

Introduction: Start with a brief introduction in which you clearly state your intention to apply for a particular programme. Think of this as describing what the document is to a stranger.

Education: State what you have studied and where. Your higher education will be your most important educational experience, so focus on this. Highlight any relevant modules you undertook as part of your studies that are relevant to the programme you are applying for. You should also mention how your studies have influenced your decision to pursue a PhD project, especially if it is in the same field you are currently applying to.

Work experience: Next summarise your professional work experience. Remember, you will likely be asked to submit your academic CV along with your motivation letter, so keep this section brief to avoid any unnecessary repetition. Include any other relevant experiences, such as teaching roles, non-academic experience, or charity work which demonstrates skills or shows your suitability for the research project and in becoming a PhD student.

Key skills: Outline your key skills. Remember the admissions committee is considering your suitability for the specific programme you are applying for, so mention skills relevant to the PhD course.

Motivation for applying: Show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject, and describe your long-term aspirations. Start with how you first became interested in the field, and how your interest has grown since. You should also mention anything else you have done which helps demonstrate your interest in your proposed research topic, for example:

• Have you attended any workshops or seminars?
• Do you have any research experience?
• Have you taught yourself any aspects of the subject?
• Have you read any literature within the research area?

Finally, describe what has convinced you to dedicate the next 3-4 years (assuming you are to study full time) of your life to research.

How to End a Motivation Letter

Concluding the motivation letter is where most people struggle. Typically, people can easily describe their academic background and why they want to study, but convincing the reader they are the best candidate for the PhD programme is often more challenging.

The concluding remarks of your motivation letter should highlight the impacts of your proposed research, in particular: the new contributions it will make to your field, the benefits it will have on society and how it fits in with your aspirations.

With this, conclude with your career goals. For example, do you want to pursue an academic career or become a researcher for a private organisation? Doing so will show you have put a lot of thought into your decision.

Remember, admissions into a PhD degree is very competitive, and supervisors invest a lot of time into mentoring their students. Therefore, supervisors naturally favour those who show the most dedication. Your conclusion should remind the reader that you are not only passionate about the research project, but that the university will benefit from having you.

Finally, thank the reader for considering your application.

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Motivation Letter Format

There are some basic rules to follow when writing a successful motivation letter. These will mimic the standard format for report writing that the supervisor will be familiar with:

• Use a sans serif font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman),
• Use a standard font size (e.g. 12pt) and black font colour,
• Keep your writing professional throughout and avoid the use of informal language,
• Write in the first person,
• Address your motivation letter to a named person such as the project supervisor, however, this could also be the person in charge of research admissions,
• Structure your letter into paragraphs using the guidance above, such as introduction, academic history, motivation for research, and concluding remarks.

How Long Should a Motivation Letter Be?

A good rule of thumb for PhD motivation letters is to keep it to around one side of A4. A little longer than one page is acceptable, but two pages is generally considered too long. This equates to approximately 400-600 words.

Things to Avoid when Writing Your Motivational Letter

Your motivational letter will only be one of the several documents you’ll be asked to submit as part of your PhD application. You will almost certainly be asked to submit an Academic CV as well. Therefore, be careful not to duplicate any of the information.

It is acceptable to repeat the key points, such as what and where you have studied. However, while your CV should outline your academic background, your motivation letter should bring context to it by explaining why you have studied what you have, and where you hope to go with it. The simplest way to do this is to refer to the information in your CV and explain how it has led you to become interested in research.

Don’t try to include everything. A motivation letter should be short, so focus on the information most relevant to the programme and which best illustrates your passion for it. Remember, the academic committee will need to be critical in order to do their jobs effectively , so they will likely interpret an unnecessarily long letter as in indication that you have poor written skills and cannot communicate effectively.

You must be able to back up all of your statements with evidence, so don’t fabricate experiences or overstate your skills. This isn’t only unethical but is likely to be picked up by your proposed PhD supervisor or the admissions committee.

Whilst it is good to show you have an understanding of the field, don’t try to impress the reader with excessive use of technical terms or abbreviations.

PhD Motivation Letter Samples – A Word of Caution

There are many templates and samples of motivation letters for PhDs available online. A word of caution regarding these – although they can prove to be a great source of inspiration, you should refrain from using them as a template for your own motivation letter.

While there are no rules against them, supervisors will likely have seen a similar letter submitted to them in the past. This will not only prevent your application from standing out, but it will also reflect poorly on you by suggesting that you have put minimal effort into your application.

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• Graduate School

How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter with Samples and Expert Tips

Reading over some PhD motivation letter samples will give you an idea of how to make yours a strong, central component of your application to get into grad school . In addition to your grad school CV , a PhD motivation letter is a chance for you to demonstrate objectively why you are an excellent candidate for the faculty to which you are applying. Unlike a personal statement, a PhD motivation letter is distinct in its unique focus on your academic and research background with little mention of your personal story. This article will take you through the significance of the PhD motivation letter, describe what makes a stellar motivation letter, and provide examples. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Article Contents 11 min read

Do you need to write a phd motivation letter .

Yes, you must write a PhD motivation letter. It is mandatory for most, if not all, PhD programs, regardless of your field of study. Disciplines ranging from arts and humanities to physics and computer science all consider motivation letters (aka “statement of purpose” in some countries) a major component of your application.

Of course, you will also have to fulfill the other documentation requirements, like submitting your transcripts, CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, but a motivation letter has a specific intent: to summarize your academic achievements up to the present and what you plan to achieve in the future at this particular school.

The faculty who ultimately consider your application look for how you and your PhD topic match with the mission and values of their program. Personal details and other motivations are best left to your personal statement or letter of intent because the motivation letter is strictly an academic summary.

A great PhD motivation letter should highlight how and why you are prepared for the rigors of PhD-level work. It should include the details of your academic career that have propelled you further into your field of study, like an inspiring professor or undergraduate course that sparked interest in your field.

The following list will provide more insights, but you should remember that whatever you write must be backed up by a concrete, real-world demonstration. It is not enough to say, “I am interested in XYZ because of XYZ.” You must include specific events in your undergraduate and graduate studies where you excelled.

If you are applying for a PhD, that in itself suggests you have a bevy of academic and extracurricular experience to glean from, be it co-authoring a published paper, your time as a TA, or some type of academic recognition. Many stand-out motivation letters single out specific instances when you showed an outsized passion for your studies.

Dos and Don’ts in a PhD Motivation Letter

1. Gain Skills and Experiences

The track to obtaining a PhD degree is a long one, which is why anyone who wants to become a PhD should commit early on to what it entails. All PhD candidates must have both an undergraduate and a master's degree to even apply, so that means structuring your studies around those requirements.

You should gain as much experience in your field, learn new skills related to your studies (a new language, for example, or technical skills), and participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible. Gathering the necessary skills and experiences to enter a PhD program should be the first step, since they are a reflection of your commitment.

2. Start Writing Early

You should begin drafting your PhD motivation letter at least a few months before the deadline. Because it is one of the most important parts of your application, you want to give yourself time to refine it. Refining means going through multiple drafts, soliciting and receiving feedback from other candidates, getting professional grad school application help, and making changes as you go along.

3. Consider Your Audience

The people who will read your motivation letter are renowned academics who have devoted their lives to one particular subject. Your letter needs to reflect your respect not only for them, but for the field of study that you both share. You should write with genuine verve when talking about your topic. Remind them of why they committed so full-heartedly to their career by demonstrating how enthralled you are with your studies.

4. Use Active Voice

You should put “you” in your story. Avoid using the passive voice and hiding behind your achievements as if they spoke for themselves. The admissions committee members want to read about how you approached your studies and learn about your insights into the future of your field of interest. They do not want a cold recitation of your CV but a spirited defense or explanation of what you value most about your topic.

1. Don’t Forget About the Formatting

PhD admission requirements differ between the many programs out there, so be cognizant of how they ask you to format your paper. If the requirements state a two-page limit, then write two pages. The same goes for other criteria like font size, paragraph spacing, and word length. A rambling, incoherent letter is the last thing you want to submit, so make sure to keep it within the guidelines.

2. Don’t Include Personal Stories

A personal statement is the place for formative stories from the past, not your motivation letter. You can include personal thoughts and opinions about your field of study, even unfavorable ones, to show you have a unique perspective, but steer clear of using personal elements like early childhood experiences or anything unrelated to your program.

3. Don’t Ramble

Keep in mind that your writing and organizational skills are also on display when you submit your motivation letter, along with everything else about you (grades, college letter of intent , transcripts). Again, remember who you are writing for: professors with years of experience researching and writing. They, more than anyone, know what good writing looks like, so be concise and clear in your writing.

4. Don’t Shy Away from Failures

The collected experience of those reading your essay guarantees that they know a thing or two about failure. Whether it was an unpublished paper, or a failed experiment, showing your determination in the face of adversity paints a complete picture of who you are as a researcher and academic.

But, again, setbacks in your personal life should not be mentioned. Limit your story to problems you encountered during your undergrad, graduate, or research fellowships and how you sought to overcome them. Mention a class or subject you struggled with or a drop in your grades and how you improved them.

Structure of Your PhD Motivation Letter

The structure of a great motivation letter is easy to follow because its focus is so narrow. The body of your letter should only mention highlights from your academic career, in a very specific chronology starting with your undergrad and progressing from there. But the structure should also cover three main points:

You can adjust the structure based on the requirements of the PhD program you are applying to, but it should cover the reasons you want to commit yourself to this program, what you plan on achieving, and how you have prepared yourself to accomplish those goals. If you already went to grad school, then you can rework your college statement of purpose to use as a template.

PhD Motivation Letter Sample #1

Dear Members of the PhD Selection Committee,

My name is David White, and I am writing to you to express my interest in pursuing a PhD in the Migration Studies program at X University. I recently completed a Master of Ethnography at Y University with an emphasis on the cultural exchange between migrant communities and their adopted homelands viewed through the lens of shared trauma and memory.

In the media, migration is often described as a “crisis,” a designation that has always made me bristle. I assert that migration is one of the most fundamental aspects of our species, yet it has been flagrantly mislabeled to serve the political and socioeconomic interests of a few.

My research is centered around the ways that migrants form new identities based on their experiences. Conversely, I have also explored how an innate identity based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation impacts a migrant’s journey and how those markers expose them to further exploitation or, at the other end, fortify their resolve and inspire perseverance in the face of tremendous odds.

The need for further investigation into identity and the interplay of migration and culture came into focus for me during my second-year undergrad Political Science degree at XYZ University. I was influenced by the work of writers like Franz Fanon and Edward Said, who questioned the foundations of a post-colonial identity and whether it was ever possible for colonized people to form an identity separate from their colonizers. I took an anthropology course, The Nature of Humans, that impacted me greatly. It prompted a Cartesian examination of my own beliefs around identity, as it firmly associated the emergence of human societies with factors such as migration, evolution, adaptability, and diversity.

During my time as a graduate student, I secured a place on a research project headed by Prof. Mohamed Al-Nasseri, a diaspora studies expert. Professor Al-Nasseri's thesis was that policymakers were ignoring the psychological profiles of migrants when assessing their material needs and financial assistance levels.

Our four-person investigative team liaised with a local, non-profit resettlement agency who connected us with volunteer migrant families based in University Town. Under the supervision of Professor Al-Nasseri, we formulated a questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-V for traumatic events, while taking into account the newly revised definitions.

Mindful of the possible triggering effect our questions could have, we invited a peer, fellow survivor/migrant, and, in some cases, a religious leader before we conducted the interviews or to sit-in on our interviews.

During the interviews, I felt both inspired and indignant. I maintained my composure and objectivity, but the fire within raged. Unfortunately, our findings were inconclusive and what we discovered in our interviews did not wholly support Dr. Al-Nasseri’s thesis. But the experience and motivation I took from the project were enough to fuel my desire to explore the topic of identity formation in migrant communities who have undergone severe trauma.

The Migration Studies program at your institution will provide what I consider the perfect research and support network to further my investigation of these topics. I have followed the work of the esteemed Dr. Ellerman whose research into the treatment of post-traumatic stress has informed the direction of my own research. Dr. Ellerman has opened new pathways for thinking about trauma that I wish to incorporate into my thesis project when the time comes.

Until then, I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to this institution and am ready to discuss my future with you should my candidacy prove successful.

David White

My name is Melanie Hicks, and I am writing this letter to fulfill the admission requirements of the Visual Arts PhD Program at Z University. I have already submitted my audiovisual portfolio, CV, and transcripts, along with three letters of recommendation from, respectively, my master’s degree supervisor, Dr. Dana Redmond, my thesis supervisor, Dr. Allan Lee, and my research colleague, Mark Fowler.

I would like to take this opportunity to expand further on the conceptual themes I have focused on in my artistic output over the past decade, contextualize the pieces I have submitted, and elaborate on the goals I have should my application to this program be successful.

My artistic career, from very early on, has been defined by modes of observation, the interplay of observation and reflection between subjects and objects within a sociopolitical realm, and the harnessing of Blackness as a form of radical self-interpretation – all of it couched within the media of still and moving images.

During my undergrad as a Fine Arts student at X University, I was lucky enough to be showcased at the Kepler Gallery for my series, Painted Faces, a collection of photographs I took while working as a freelance photographer for an independent newspaper in Chicago. My focus in that series was the effort and preparation female congregants of an all-Black church put into readying themselves for Sunday services.

After my undergrad, I traveled to Boston to volunteer in local after-school programs with children from minority backgrounds who had an interest in photography. All of them had grown up with easy access to a phone capable of taking crisp, digital images and had never taken film photographs, so it fell to me to show them how to develop prints in a darkroom.

As part of my portfolio, I have submitted photos I took during that time, along with selections from my Painted Faces series. I never constructed a specific narrative with the photos I took during my volunteer work, but they were informed by the social realist photographers and photojournalists who captured the Civil Rights Movement by participating in protests and documenting the unrest.

Gordon Parks is a major influence and part of the reason I am pursuing my PhD studies at this institution. Prof. Alys is a foremost expert on Parks’ work and curated the Parks Retrospective at the Local Museum. Parks himself said that the subject was always more important than the photographer, and I agreed with that statement for a long time, until I began reading Arthur Danto and his artist-centered philosophy of art. While many disagree with Danto’s definition of art as an elitist utopia, I would argue that he opens the gates to everyone, and that anyone can gain entry to the “artworld.”

There is no better exemplar, I think, of the democratization of the “artworld” first posited by Danto than Basquiat, who was not only “allowed” access to the “artworld” but redefined it, in his indomitable way. Basquiat’s quality of outsider-turned-insider and Danto’s liberating of the parameters of what defined art are central themes of my project to understand whether “outsider” artists still exist, given how new technologies and platforms have pushed Danto’s definitions beyond their logical boundaries, if not obliterated them completely.

I hope this program can help me refine my project while matching my urgency to further expand the definition of art and artists to be more inclusive of not only racial minorities, but non-binary and trans people, who are at the forefront of questioning the validity of assigned identities through the curation of their very genders or lack thereof.

I am grateful to this esteemed panel for considering my application, and I would like to close by expressing my profound admiration for the achievements in art, art theory, and the philosophy of art each of you has contributed to a long, continuing train of thought.

I would be honored to accept a place beside you as a PhD candidate.

Melanie Hicks

Motivation letters are used in areas other than academia, but a PhD motivation letter is different for several reasons. Regardless of your particular field of research, the letter should include important points about your academic achievements, research interests, and why you want to continue your research at the faculty to which you are applying.

Even though PhD motivation letters tend to be short – between 500 and 700 words – their length is often the most vexing thing about them. Because students have a hard time condensing their years of study and research into a few words, we hope this article will help you focus your writing and give you insight into what to include.

No, they are not the same. A motivation letter has many different applications but is primarily a summary of your academic and professional achievements. A personal statement is an essay explaining your personal reasons for wanting to enter a specific profession or academic institution.

You should focus only on concrete, real-world examples of how you performed, learned, or grew as the result of an event in your trajectory toward a PhD and how you plan on contributing something new to your field of study. You should also make sure to have enough material, in the form of experience or academic goals, to write a compelling letter.

PhD motivation letters are important because they let prospective PhD candidates distill their background and experience succinctly, so that selection committees can more easily judge their character, commitment, and potential. 

Some people do find it challenging to write a letter about themselves without rambling or sounding incoherent. But if you prepare ahead of time, think honestly about your answer, and write several drafts, you should be able to write an above-average letter. If you are still struggling you can also get application help from professionals. 

Programs tend to ask for either a one or two-page letter, between 700 and 900 words. 

You can talk about anything that has do to with your past work to get to the PhD level, including aspects of your academic career, internships, independent or supervised research, fieldwork in a specific context, and any work experience you have related to your field of study. 

You should not mention any personal motivations for wanting to pursue a PhD. You can write about your intrinsic motivations to become a doctor of philosophy in your personal statement, if you are asked to submit one with your application. 

PhD programs around the world have various entry requirements that differ among schools. Some institutions ask for a motivation letter, while others ask for a personal statement or letter of recommendation and letter of intent, which has elements of a motivation letter but is not the same. 

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Best Motivation Letter for Phd: 07 + Samples

When applying for a PhD program, one of the most important parts of your application will be your motivation letter. This is your chance to sell yourself to the admissions committee and convince them that you are the right candidate for the program. So how do you write a strong motivation letter?

One of the most important things to remember is to tailor your letter to the specific program you are applying to. Every school is looking for something different in their students, so you need to make sure that your letter highlights why you would be a good fit for that particular program. In addition, you need to demonstrate your passion for research and explain how your previous experiences have prepared you for a PhD program.

Finally, remember to proofread your letter carefully before submitting it. A well-written and error-free letter will make a strong impression on the admissions committee and could be the difference between being accepted into the program or not. So take your time and make sure that your motivation letter is the best it can be.

How To Write Motivation Letter for PhD

Many people believe that a successful PhD application must include a standout motivation letter. While it’s true that your CV and research proposal are important, the motivation letter is your chance to explain why you’re the best candidate for the program. In other words, it’s your chance to sell yourself! When writing a motivation letter for PhD, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, be clear about your goals and what you hope to achieve by pursuing a PhD. Second, make sure to demonstrate your passion for research and highlight your previous successes. Finally, be sure to proofread your letter carefully – mistakes can reflect poorly on your application. By following these tips, you can write a strong motivation letter that will help you get accepted into the PhD program of your choice.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (And Get Hired in 2022!)

Motivation Letter for PhD

Dear Sir or Madam,

So, I am writing to apply for a Ph.D. program in your esteemed university.

So, I have always been interested in research and academia, and a Ph.D. is the natural next step for me in my academic journey also, i am confident that I have the necessary skills and qualifications for a successful Ph.D. program, as well as the motivation and commitment to see it through.

Also, I am looking forward to contributing to your university’s research efforts, and I am confident that I can make significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in my field of interest. So, I would be grateful for the opportunity to pursue a PhD at your institution, and I thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Your name

Related: Creative Motivational Letter for Learnership [7 Samples]

PhD motivation letter sample

Dear hiring manager,

Also, I am writing to apply for the Ph.D. program at your university. I am immensely excited about this opportunity to pursue my passion for research and contribute to knowledge in my field.

Also, I have always been driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to understand the world around me. My undergraduate studies in psychology gave me a strong foundation in scientific methods and critical thinking. I was particularly drawn to research on human cognition and behavior. My honors thesis, which investigated how people process and remember information, confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in research.

During my Masters’s degree, I had the opportunity to work as a research assistant on a number of projects, including a large-scale study of memory and aging. This experience solidified my interest in research and confirmed my desire to pursue a Ph.D.

I am confident that I have the skills and abilities necessary to be successful in a Ph.D. program. In addition to my academic achievements, I have developed strong research and analytical skills through my work experience. So, I am also familiar with a variety of statistical software programs, which will be essential in completing my doctoral research.

So, I am committed to pursuing a career in research and am confident that I have the skills and abilities necessary to be successful in a Ph.D. program. I would be grateful for the opportunity to pursue my studies at your university and contribute to my knowledge in my field.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: Great Psychology Motivation Letter : 9+ Samples

Motivation letter for Ph.D. application

Dear hiring committee,

I am writing to apply for the Ph.D. program in your department also i am very interested in pursuing a career in research and academia, and I believe that your program would be an excellent fit for me.

I have a strong academic record, having graduated with honors from my undergraduate and master’s programs and I have also published several research papers in peer-reviewed journals. My research interests include (name a few areas of interest), and I believe that I would be an excellent addition to your department.

I am eager to begin my Ph.D. studies, and I believe that your department would provide me with the necessary resources and support to succeed. I look forward to discussing my application further with you.

Sincerely, (Your name)

Related: Best Motivation Statement For UN Volunteer : 5+ Example

Motivation letter for PhD sample

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to apply for the PhD program in XXX at XXX University.Also, I am immensely interested in this program as it will allow me to explore my interests in XXX and develop my skills in research and academic writing.

So, I have always been passionate about XXX and have been fortunate enough to have had opportunities to pursue this interest through my studies and work experiences. My undergraduate research project in XXX was particularly instrumental in sparking my interest in pursuing a career in academia. Also, I am confident that I have the skills and motivation necessary to succeed in a PhD program and contribute to the field of XXX.

I would be grateful for your consideration of my application to the XXX PhD program. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, XXX

Related: 7+ Sample Motivation Letter for Masters Degree

Motivation letter for PhD scholarship

I am writing to apply for the PhD scholarship in your department. Also, I am immensely interested in pursuing a career in research and academia, and I believe that this opportunity would be invaluable in helping me reach my long-term goals.

So, I have completed my undergraduate and masters degrees with excellent grades, and I have been actively involved in research throughout my studies. I am confident that I have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in a PhD program.

In addition, I am passionate about making a difference in the world through my research. My previous work has focused on issues such as climate change and sustainable development, and I believe that my research can contribute to finding solutions to these pressing global problems.

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your department. And I look forward to contributing to your research program. I thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Related: Best Motivational Letter For Graduate Program:7 Sample

5 Things To Include Motivation Letter for PhD

A motivation letter for PhD admission plays a significant role in determining whether you will be accepted into the program or not. The Although your transcripts and GRE scores provide valuable information about your academic accomplishments. The motivation letter gives you an opportunity to tell your story and demonstrate your passion for the field. When writing your motivation letter, be sure to include the following five elements:

• First, provide an overview of your academic background and research experience. This will give the admissions committee a sense of your qualifications for the PhD program.
• Next, describe your motivation for pursuing a PhD. What are you hoping to accomplish with your degree? What do you find most exciting about the field of study? Why do you want to attend this particular program?
• Third, explain your research interests. What specific topics are you interested in exploring during your studies? How do these interests align with the research programs of the faculty at this university?
• Fourth, identify your career goals. What do you hope to do after completing your PhD? How will this degree help you achieve those goals?
• Finally, provide a summary of why you believe you would be an excellent candidate for the PhD program. What are some of your unique strengths and experiences that would make you an asset to the university?

By including these five elements in your motivation letter, you will give yourself the best chance of being accepted into the PhD program of your choice.

Related: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

I hope you found this blog helpful as you write your own motivation letter. The most important thing to remember is to be genuine and passionate about your research – admissions officers can tell when a student is simply trying to check off the boxes on a form. So, take your time, be honest with yourself, and let your excitement for learning shine through in your writing. Best of luck as you pursue your academic dreams!

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Tips for Writing a Successful Motivation Letter for Ph.D. [+Sample]

How To Write a Motivation Letter For Ph.D. Application [+Sample]

Ph.D. applications are not just sorted out in the same way as any other random application. There are processes involved without which your chances of getting in might be truncated.

If you’ve been considering applying for a Ph.D. then this post is especially directed at you. A motivation letter as used in the case of a Ph.D. application can be much likened to a Personal statement.

There is a need to know if you’re truly qualified to do a Ph.D. while writing an application to a school, so the motivation letter is the perfect insight into who you really are and they expect you to do it justice.   

• An introduction which should state in clear terms which program you are applying for.
• A Summary of your Academic Background.
• Why do you want to do a Ph.D.?
• The significance of your research on society.
• Your career plans.

Avoid Making Spurious Claims

It is quite easy to get lost while writing a motivation letter and forget that motivation cannot be achieved without the necessary evidence to back it up.

Nobody’s really interested in how awesome you are while writing a motivation letter, no offense but anybody can look good on paper but without the proper evidence to back it up, they wouldn’t be any motivation.

For Example, it is very common to see people write; “I work well with other people, or I am an expert at working under pressure”. Well, it is not a cover letter , it’s a motivation letter and you need to give realistic scenarios such as; “my leadership ability was demonstrated when I had to be in charge of a group of colleagues during my internship which required intense marketing management skills.”

Try As Much As Possible to Be Specific

It is equally very important to avoid being vague while writing your motivation letter. The reason why you’re required to write a motivation letter is that someone or some people have to know, if not you wouldn’t have to attempt one.

Saying that your undergraduate days in Marketing was very interesting is too vague to fit into a motivational letter, it sounds like something that should rather be written to a pen friend. You should be more specific about the courses you took as an undergraduate, why you love them and what you learned from them.

Show How Much Skill or Work Experience You Have

While writing a motivational letter, it is very important to concisely include how much skill and/or working experience you possess. A Ph.D. is about more than just a sequel to your past academic endeavors, it is a true test of education and education is more than just owning degrees.

They will be interested in the skills and/or work experience you’ve gathered over the years, skills which are strong enough to make you qualified to bag a Ph.D. That research, data analysis, etc. skills you thought you’d never have to flaunt, well I think this would be a perfect opportunity to talk about them.

Be Professional

It is equally quite important that you are very professional while writing a motivation letter for a Ph.D. application . It will be in your own best interest to ensure that you present your motivation letter with professional grammar, font and the appropriate writing style in which you’d rather prefer to be accepted.

Your professionalism sends a good message about your personality and would go a long way into helping you get accepted. 

Sample Motivation Letter for a Ph.D. Application

Suggested Reading:

• Cover Letter Examples
• 2024 Letter of Interest - Example & Writing Guide
• Students and Graduates Resume Example

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• Applying For Scholarships

How to Write a Scholarship Motivation Letter in 2023

Jennifer Finetti Sep 26, 2022

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A scholarship motivation letter can make or break your application. This is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge before an in-person interview. Motivation letters are not required for every application. Yet when they are necessary, they are critical. In this guide, we will provide tips for writing a scholarship motivation letter.

What is a scholarship motivation letter?

A motivation letter is like a cover letter you may include with a job application and resume. The goal of the letter is to explain:

• Why you are a good candidate for the scholarship
• What you plan to do with the education you receive.

Review committees often use motivation letters to narrow down their pool of applicants. Then they assess the rest of the application from the candidates they like best.

Motivation letters are usually required for graduate-level scholarships. Sometimes, you may need to write one for specialty programs at a bachelor’s level too. If you have the option to include a motivation letter with your scholarship application, take it. This may be the only chance you have to wow the review committee.

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Motivation letter for scholarship applications – general guidelines

Usually, the application will not specify how long your motivation letter should be. You will need to use your best judgment to write a concise motivation letter. The letter should include:

• The most important elements of your resume
• Your education
• Your professional experiences and plans for the future.

Motivation letters are usually around 500-1,000 words. Split them into paragraphs for easy reading.

Tailor your motivation letter to fit the sholarship

Your motivation letter should link your future plans with the goals of the scholarship . How will you benefit from continued education in this field? How will you use this knowledge to support the mission of the scholarship provider?

Say that the scholarship is from an agency that supports wildlife preservation. Your letter should explain how you plan to apply your education towards a career in that field.

You also need to establish why you deserve this application more than other applicants. What specific experiences do you have now that set you apart from the rest? What specific plans do you have that will address a current issue in the world? Even if you currently have limited knowledge about the issue, use that to your advantage. Explain how you could thrive with more education and solve even more problems in the future.

The structure of a scholarship motivation letter

Scholarship motivation letters vary by award, but they usually consist of three elements:

• An introduction
• Three body paragraphs
• A conclusion

Your introduction should include your name, level of education and the degree program.

Your first body paragraph should include any work-related experience you have. This can include both paid and unpaid internships. You should show the growth of your career in chronological order. Finally, suggest where your career will go with continued education.

Your second body paragraph should explain what you hope to gain from your education. Think of which problems you aim to solve or uncover.

Your final body paragraph should explain your holistic plans for the future. Some ideas for inspiration:

• You can include extra education you plan to pursue after education.
• You can write about companies or agencies you’d like to work for after graduation.
• You can talk about programs or organizations you would like to develop.

Finally, your conclusion should re-emphasize why you are a good candidate for the scholarship.

What NOT to include when writing a scholarship motivation letter

Your scholarship motivation letter should be well-written with no grammar or spelling errors. Use a professional tone and advanced phrasing (no slang). Provide specific examples about your past, present and future. Stay away from vague generalizations. Vagueness suggests a lack of care or knowledge. Neither of  these are impressive to a scholarship review committee.

Some final tips

Writing a motivation letter for scholarship applications takes time and commitment. Plan what you will say in advance, and allow at least three days to write the letter, review it, step away from it and edit it. This extra time will provide the best chance of success with your application.

A Sample Scholarship Motivation Letter

Julie Moore 9876 Smith St. Stillwater, OK 74074The Scholarship Committee 123 Learning Rd. Suite 4A Oklahoma City, OK 73127

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Julie Moore and I am a third year student at Oklahoma State University. I am currently pursuing a five-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree. My plan is to follow up with a one-year master’s degree after I graduate.

In high school, I worked extensively with my local Habitat for Humanity branch to help build homes for low income families. I learned about the construction process from the ground up, and I discovered the importance of function in architectural design. The homes we built during my four years as a volunteer were never extravagant. They served their purpose and became a beacon of hope for their owners.

My education has been focused on this mindset: function over form, stability over showmanship. I have enrolled in several classes that crossover to the Architectural Engineering major. My goal is to have a comprehensive view of how design meets structure. I have worked on three extra-credit residential design projects under the supervision of my architecture professors (Dr. X and Dr. Y). This helped speed up my research and education.

My goal is to become an architect to create accessible, affordable housing opportunities in underprivileged communities. Living in a college town, I have seen countless rental properties available. Yet there are few homes for sale that are affordable enough for college students and first-time buyers. This is the case in many towns throughout America, especially areas with a low standard of living. I want to create neighborhoods that include affordable starter homes. This would enable low and middle-class families to build equity, avoid excessive debt, and create financial stability for their futures.

This summer, I will intern with  LMNOP Architects. Upon completion of my master’s degree, I hope to continue there as I further develop my skills. After working under acclaimed residential architects Suzan Craft and Peter Wood, I would like to open my own architectural firm focused on developing inexpensive, high-quality housing. I also would like to work with Habitat for Humanity again, this time as an architect instead of a general laborer. I believe firmly in their mission to build “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” I appreciate your consideration. With your help, I can continue my schooling in architecture and design to bring accessible homes to those in need.

Sincerely, Julie Moore

• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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How to Write a Successful PhD Motivation Letter

Table of Contents Hide

What are phd motivation letters, understanding the key components of a phd motivation letter, initiating your phd motivation letter, do your research, aim for clarity and conciseness, connect your background and experience, show your research potential, demonstrate your connection to the program, be authentic, effective conclusion for your phd motivation letter, ideal length of a phd motivation letter, formatting the phd motivation letter, common mistakes to avoid in phd motivation letter writing, writing a successful phd motivation letter.

When you are applying to a PhD program, one of the requirements is likely to be a motivation letter. This letter is similar to a personal statement in which you will describe reasons why you want to pursue the degree and explain why you should be accepted into the program.

A well-written motivation letter for a PhD can easily become a deciding admissions factor. If you are competing against hundreds of applicants, your letter should help you stand out from the crowd.

No matter what your specialization is or the type of program you’ve chosen, you need to learn how to write a motivation letter for a PhD. Otherwise, your application may not look as persuasive as it could.

Let’s dive deeper into writing a successful motivation letter for your PhD studies.

PhD motivation letters are also known as statements of purpose or personal statements. While not all PhD programs require applicants to submit these letters, writing one can improve your chances of getting accepted.

A motivation letter gives you a priceless opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee and explain why you are the top candidate. In this letter, you won’t just express your motivation, list research interests, and show yourself in the best possible light. You will demonstrate your commitment to studies and your mastery of words.

While the admissions committee already knows all about your credentials, they want to get to know you as a person. In this letter, you will be showing your passion for getting a PhD in a specific niche.

Interestingly enough, the Ph.D. motivation letter isn’t just a way to conquer the committee members’ hearts. It’s an opportunity to look deeper into what you really want. By writing and reading this statement, you can gain unexpected insight into what’s best for your professional future.

The structure and content of a motivation letter aren’t always the same. Each university may have a list of requirements. So, you won’t be able to write one letter and use it for each program you apply to. However, you can create a framework that makes writing several letters easier.

Here is what a general PhD motivation letter should include:

• Introduction – a short introductory paragraph or two that catches the reader’s attention and explains what the letter will be about.
• Research interests – a list and a brief explanation of your research interests, specific research questions, and topics you plan to explore during your PhD  studies.
• Academic background – you can add a short summary of your academic background (degrees, coursework, research experience, publications)
• Motivation – this is the most important part of the letter. You need to be clear about your motivation for pursuing a PhD in general and the reasons why this program is the perfect fit for your needs. This section must reflect your passion and enthusiasm.
• Goals – briefly explain what your long-term career goals are and mention how obtaining a PhD  within this program can help you achieve them. Your ambition and commitment must shine through the words.

While the university may provide some requirements that can help you structure your motivation letter, the majority of it is your own creativity. Keep in mind that you aren’t just sharing cold facts but showcasing your personality.

In most cases, the introduction is the most important part of your PhD  motivation letter. While the committee is likely to read the entire letter anyway, if you don’t catch their attention immediately, they might simply skim through it.

Always begin with a compelling opening sentence. Consider using a thought-provoking statement or a curious question related to your potential field of study. For example, “My unwavering fascination with the intricate workings of the human brain is the power behind my passion for forensic psychology.”

Next state your purpose for writing the letter and your intention to apply for the specific program. Make sure to immediately highlight your enthusiasm, motivation, and genuine interest in pursuing the subject matter.

For example, “The opportunity to go further into the subject of forensic psychology and contribute to the advancements in the criminal landscape fills me with immense excitement and determination.”

How to Structure the Motivation Letter for PhD

Once you finish the introduction, you can go on to the body of the letter, which should include research interests, academic background, motivation, and goals. Here are a few important tips that can help you make the most out of this structure.

Understanding how to write a motivation letter for Ph.D. studies begins with in-depth research about the program. While you’ve probably done a lot of browsing online already, you’ve been mainly focusing on the way the program meets your needs.

Now, you need to do similar research from a different perspective. Ask yourself, “How do I meet the needs of the program?” The answer can help you make the right statements within your letter.

The admissions committee has to go through hundreds of documents and letters. A long letter with complex and confusing sentences is likely to cause frustration. This is exactly what you need to avoid.

Don’t include any unnecessary details or lengthy explanations. Just share the facts wrapped in positive emotions. If you manage to demonstrate your passion without boring the reader, you can stand out from the crowd.

Make sure to highlight all relevant academic, and especially, research experience. List and discuss projects or publications that demonstrate your knowledge. Talk about how the experience, whether professional or educational, has shaped your research interests. This is a great place to explain where your motivation comes from.

You need to demonstrate to the admissions committee your immense potential to excel in research. Here, you have to show that you possess the necessary critical thinking abilities and problem-solving solving skills. List research methodologies you have experience with.

Explain why this Ph.D. program is a good fit for your research goals. Discuss faculty members whose work aligns with your research (here is where your research will prove highly useful). Make sure to single out at least one unique opportunity that attracts you to the program. Show that you’ve done your homework and know exactly what you are applying for.

While it may be tempting to ask for assistance or use ChatGPT, outsourcing your motivation letter isn’t a good idea. An important part of the letter is demonstrating your own voice. You are the only one who can do it genuinely. Try to avoid any generic statements. Inject each sentence with passion and desire to achieve your educational goals.

The conclusion is the final impression you make on the reader. This is something they are likely to remember you by. Make sure to summarize the points you’ve made in the letter succinctly. This will serve as a reminder.

Next, talk about your goals for the future. Don’t try to share all of your educational and professional plans here. One strong goal is sufficient and easy to fit into a short conclusion.

Finally, express your gratitude to the program for the opportunity to apply and eagerness to hear from the committee soon.

Close the letter with “sincerely” or “best regards” and your full name. Don’t forget to provide your contact details.

The school of your choice is likely to define the length of your motivation letter for PhD. Usually, it’s between 500 and 1,000 words. However, even if the program doesn’t try to limit your writing, it doesn’t mean you have to go “all out.” The ideal letter should fit into one page. The font size shouldn’t be larger than 12 pt.

The font itself must be easy to read. Opt for Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid fancy fonts that can frustrate the reader.

Your motivation letter should contain several short paragraphs. Don’t make them longer than five lines. Otherwise, you could lose the reader’s attention.

Start your letter with “With whom it may concern.” Even if you know the names of the people on the admissions committee, you can never be sure which one of them will be reading the letter.

These common mistakes can hinder the quality of your letter:

• Grammatical and spelling errors
• Using generic or cliché statements
• Lack of clarity
• Overly lengthy explanations
• Failing to tailor the letter to the program’s requirements
• Lack of focus on the research interests and goals
• Failing to demonstrate genuine passion and enthusiasm
• Lack of understanding of the program
• Irrelevant or unnecessary information
• Poor organization of the letter

Many of these mistakes can easily be avoided by proofreading. Besides reading the letter several times yourself, ask someone else to do it. A fresh perspective or two can help you create a truly effective piece.

A PhD motivation letter is a wonderful opportunity to stand out from the crowd and get into the PhD program of your choice, even if you don’t meet the admissions requirements perfectly. It’s a chance to express your passion for studies and demonstrate your fit for the program.

Following a few simple formatting rules and keeping the letter authentic can help you achieve the desired admissions goals. Good luck!

PHD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Business Process Management, Faculty of Market Technologies IOM

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How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 19 Sep 2020 Scholarship Application 43,544 views

Are you looking for how to write a motivational letter for university scholarship or a motivation letter for masters scholarship? Don't worry any further. Today, we are going to deliberate on how to write the best motivation letter for scholarship.

Particularly, we will discuss the following;

• What is scholarship motivation letter?
• Difference between scholarship application letter and scholarships motivation letter.
• Parts of a scholarship motivation letter.
• What to do in scholarship motivation letter.
• What not to do in a scholarship motivation letter.
• Letter Formatting for scholarship motivation letter.
• Sample Scholarship Motivation Letter.
• Sample Scholarship Motivation Letter pdf.
• Various Scholarship Motivation Letter samples.
• Motivation letter for PhD
• Motivation letter for Master's Degree
• Motivation letter for Undergraduate / Bachelor

Before you start reading, checkout; ongoing scholarships for international students - study abroad scholarships

WHAT IS A SCHOLARSHIP MOTIVATION LETTER

A scholarship motivation letter is a statement that aims at convincing a scholarship committee that you are a perfect candidate for the scholarship. You are expected to express why you should be chosen for the award with reasonable arguments. Like in a bursary motivation letter template, you are also expected to incorporate your goals as to how you will utilise the education you receive. How important is this scholarship motivation letter?  Very important.

You see, the university board usually employs the method of requesting a scholarship motivational letter to abridge the number of people applying for the award. In essence, in order to be confident that you would continue with the application process, your motivation letter has to be smashing.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION LETTER AND SCHOLARSHIP MOTIVATION LETTER

Now in this previous article, we learnt about the features of an application letter. And you may surmise that the application letter and motivation letter are identical. Well, you are not necessarily wrong. Some sources find these two documents as interchangeable. However, these two letters serve different purposes.

A scholarship application letter is written to indicate one's interest in a scholarship award with proven examples. A motivational letter is meant to convince the committee that the author is a perfect fit for scholarship. The latter appeals to the committee's sense of empathy, compassion while the formal appeals to logic and rational evidence. Therefore, the structure, formatting and guidelines of writing a motivational letter would quite different. So follow along as we proceed with the parts of a scholarship motivation letter.

PARTS OF A SCHOLARSHIP MOTIVATION LETTER.

When composing a motivation letter for study assistance, there are a number of factors to consider. Your motivation letter for scholarship will entail pivotal elements of your resume, your work experience and past education. With the information fetched from these sources, you are expected to compose a 500 - 1000 words content. Lastly, your letter should be flexible and fit into the goal, values and aspirations of the sponsor of the scholarship. So let's see the structure of the sample motivation letter for fellowship program.

• Paragraph one : Introduction
• Paragraph two  : Work experience
• Paragraph three : Education
• Paragraph four  : Conclusion ( future aspirations)

Introduction

Start with a mouthwatering sentence and proceed with vital information. This would include your name, education and the degree program you are hoping to attain.

Work Experience

In this paragraph, you will discuss about your professional experience. Don't leave unpaid internships and volunteering out. They are equally important and they reflect your wealth of experience. You are also advised to explain your job responsibilities in detail as the reader can get full grasp of your content.

In this education section, you can briefly explain the skills you acquired and the knowledge you have so far. Then, quickly proceed with the degree you want to pursue and why. Restate the institution's goals and values and prove how you can contribute to their actualization by granting you the scholarship.

Is there any extent you wish toreach after completing the scholarship program? Perhaps a PhD? Are there companies you want to work for in the future? Are there any organizations you would like to develop? In these concluding remarks, you are allowed to incorporate all of these and end with a smashing farewell sentence.

WHAT TO DO IN A SCHOLARSHIP MOTIVATION LETTER

While writing the scholarship motivation letter, there are few facets to consider and there are other things you should exclude. Let's proceed with "what to do".

Include the core values, vision and mission of the university

The institution must have been long established them. Thus, there must be a well - structured organizational culture. It's your duty as a scholarship candidate to recognize that.

Include volunteering work and community service.

Have you served a particular community or volunteered for a non - governmental organization? This is ace in your sleeve. This would reflect team spirit, problem solving and collaboration skills on your part.

Include future plans and aspirations

Don't be oblivious of your reasons for taking up a scholarship application. Express how far your scholarship application can take you and how it may even contribute to the improvement of your community.

Don't fail to research on past scholarship .

The institution you are interested in may have initiated the scholarship application process many sessions ago. It would be very prudent on your part to take your time and research on the winning scholarship.

Don't submit without be proofreading .

Time and again in other articles , we have reiterated the importance of cross checking your work. This is equally be essential in this case. Convincing the committee of your eligibility should be error - free.

LETTER FORMAT FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Let's reiterate a point here. The content of the letter is as important as the structure of the letter. This means the motivation letter for scholarship format has to be set in a way that makes the content edible and appealing. It can also serve as a scholarship letter format for school. So how about you follow the few guidelines below:

• Use the correct spacing: 1 or 1.5.
• Don't be tempted to use justification. Left side align is easy on the eye.
• There should be one - inch margins for some white space and friendly impression.
• When it comes to the paragraph, there should be double spacing between them.
• Fonts like Calibri, Arial and Times New Roman are welcome.

SAMPLE MOTIVATION LETTER FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Here is a letter of motivation for scholarship sample that would be of great help in grasping the above steps fully.

Gregory Lions

45, Walkway, Queensland,

Michigan, USA,

P.O. 56789.

University of St Hector's,

60, Samson street,

Texas, Pennsylvania,

My name is Gregory Lions. I am a graduate of Accounting and Finance from the University of Michigan. I have passion in assisting clients with giving their shots in the stock market and real estate. My academic record and professional experience can clearly testify to the smooth path I am trying to pave in my career. Therefore, I am applying for the scholarship award for Masters in Investment Management.

I have been working as an investment banker in one of the top notch wealth management companies in the state. My job entails developing different types of financial models to value debt and equity, develop recommendations for product offering and create presentations for client portfolios. In time, I have been able to develop strong communication and networking skills.

As an intern in a commercial bank, I was opportune to practice impeccable research and quantitative analysis and learnt to explain market events. My supervisors were all proud of my ability to organize and track overlapping tasks and assingnment.

As earlier mentioned, I studied Accounting and Finance. Throughout my courseworks, I learnt to analyze and utilize financial information in order to evaluate a business financial position. I was trained in handling basic book - keeping and managing balance sheets and income statements. However, I want to take my career a step further.  That's why I would love to study investment management because I will be able to professionally determine the optimal strategy for achieving a clients' goal, perform portfolio allocation between bonds and stocks and issue buy and sell recommendations.

I understand that the values of St' Hectors University consists of consistency, commitment and efficiency. This is one of my major reasons for applying. Your core values resonate with me as they have guided me through my academic progress and work experience. I strongly believe that I can contribute to the accomplishment of the institution's mission. I am looking forward to discussing how the Department of Investment Management fosters learning for its students and how it plans to research on Investment Management.

SAMPLE SCHOLARSHIP MOTIVATION LETTER PDF

The above sample is on a motivation letter for scholarship application pdf version for faster accessibility and assistance in drafting your own motivational letter. Kindly download the sample motivation letter for scholarship pdf version

VARIOUS SAMPLE SCHOLARSHIP MOTIVATION LETTERS

So now we will proceed with manifold sample motivation letters for scholarship examples. There are various samples to look up to. Let's take a look at each purpose and back it up with a sample from various sources.

Sample Motivation Letter for Undergraduate scholarship.

What if you just jumped be out of high school want to get a bachelor's degree. Unlike a motivation letter for phd scholarship , a motivation letter for scholarship bachelor is a lot different for other degrees.

Download motivation letter for undergraduate scholarship

Sample Scholarship Motivation Letter for PhD

You may want to apply to a  University for a PhD  but might be clueless on how to wow the committee. This example of motivation letter for scholarship application  would be a perfect fit for you. Check out the following statement of motivation for scholarship.

Download motivation letter for Ph.D Scholarship

Sample Motivation Letter for Masters Degree

You may want to further your education through Masters Degree. The following example shares some very important features to consider when writing a motivation letter for scholarship master’s degree. Check this motivation letter for master scholarship out.

The above motivation letters samples are a great guide for you to proceed with your application process. It is most likely to be required by the institution or sponsor you are applying to. So being fully equipped is an amazing asset. And we have it all with a platter of gold. A successful motivation letter for scholarship, if properly composed is a tool that sets you apart from others. Before you embark on the scholarship interview ,or presentation of your resume , a motivation letter is a great opportunity to show the committee that you are the real deal

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How to Write a Scholarship Motivation Letter (With 3 Samples)

Views: 581     05 Apr, 2023

A scholarship motivation letter is an essential part of applying for scholarships. Though it may not always be required when applying for scholarships, whenever it is required, it is an important factor to determine the outcome of your application. 

Writing a motivation letter can be intimidating, especially when you have to decide what would be in it or not. This article is going to guide you on how to write a great motivation letter to go with your scholarship application. 

In this article, you would learn: 

What a motivation letter is.

The difference between a scholarship motivation letter and a scholarship application letter. 

What should be included in your scholarship motivation letter? 

How to Prepare Your Scholarship Motivation Letter

10 important tips and guidelines for writing a killer scholarship motivation letter. 

What NOT to Include When Writing a Scholarship Motivation Letter 

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Scholarship Motivation Letter

How to revise a scholarship motivation letter.

So, let’s get started!

What is a scholarship motivation letter?

A motivation letter is usually like a cover letter that you submit alongside your CV for a job, but this time, for a scholarship. It is an essay that explains your academic interest in a particular programme or scholarship to the scholarship committee. With this document, you introduce yourself, your background and your future plans to the committee. You also highlight your strengths, relevant experiences, your goals, and what you intend to achieve and show your potential overall. With this information, the scholarship committee then decides if you are the right person for the scholarship. 

A motivation letter is best written within 500-1000 words. The idea is to keep it at a good length, not too short that you don’t have enough space to present your argument, but also not too long that you include unnecessary details that won’t help you get the scholarship. At the end of the day, the most important thing about a motivation letter is to craft the content to fit into the institution’s requirements. 

Difference between a scholarship application letter and a scholarship motivation letter.

While both a scholarship application letter and a motivation letter are geared towards helping you gain a scholarship from an institution, they are not the same thing and do not cover the same function. This is why some schools still demand a motivation letter to come with your scholarship application letter. 

A scholarship application letter is simply a document that carries your application for a scholarship. It contains your academic achievements and background and focuses on how the scholarship will contribute to your academic pursuit and endeavours. A motivation letter on the other hand explains your personality, interests and strengths to the scholarship committee. The goal of the motivation letter is to explain to them why you are applying for the scholarship, that is, your motive, and why you are the best candidate for the scholarship. 

With a well-written application letter and motivation letter, it is quite easy to get into any scholarship program of any institution. 

What should be included in your motivation letter?

To have a complete and amazing motivation letter, three main sections should be included in your letter; the introduction, the body and the conclusion. 

Introduction 

Just as the name implies, the introduction is the part of your motivation letter where you give a first and formal presentation of who you are and what your letter is about. So, the introduction part of your letter will contain your details which include your name, contact details, and your previous academic qualifications. 

Also, your introduction is expected to contain the academic programme you have been accepted into and how it relates to the scholarship you are applying for. This then helps you begin to establish why you are writing the letter and also why you are the best candidate to receive the scholarship program. 

The body of your motivation letter is the one place you have to convince the committee on why you should be given the scholarship. This is the section of your letter that carries the most weight. Here are the details that should be carefully crafted into the body of your letter.

Detailed information about your professional experiences. Your professional experience may not only be about academic-related work like teaching and research experience. It could also contain work outside the academic field such as volunteering experience that shows the relevant skills and knowledge required. In this paragraph, it is also important to include your career growth in chronological order if there is any.

Your academic experiences, background and achievements. It is necessary to highlight academic achievements that are relevant to the school you are applying for. Also, to make this section of your letter authentic, do not just rely on the transcript to communicate your academic achievements. You can describe challenges you overcame in the course of your study that show your education and best qualities. 

An insight into what you hope to gain from your education and the scholarship program. Taking time to explain what you would get from the education and how it will be impactful to not just you but society as well goes a long way to prove to the committee that you are the right person for the scholarship. It shows that you are initiative, and creative and you are not just interested in their money. 

Conclusion 

To end your motivation letter, reiterate the valid points you have mentioned about yourself, your academic pursuit and the difference you would make if given the opportunity with the scholarship. Affirm that you are the right candidate for the scholarship and they would not be making a mistake by picking you. Sign off by appreciating the board and any other person involved for the opportunity. 

Here are the steps to take if you are preparing to write your scholarship motivation letter: 

1. Research thoroughly and Understand the Scholarship

a. Deep Dive into the Details

Before you start writing your motivation letter, thoroughly research the scholarship program. Have a basic understanding of the scholarship's goal, the values it upholds, and the kind of student it generally supports.

b. Align Your Aspirations

How do your academic goals and future aspirations align with the scholarship's purpose and mission? Indicate this alignment in your motivation letter.

2. Gather Your Materials and Achievements

c. Academic Transcript

Although your academic transcript provides a solid foundation, remember that the motivation letter should include more than grades.

d. Activities and Awards

Mention some extracurricular activities, volunteer work, awards, leadership experiences, or special skills that prove your uniqueness and well-roundedness.

e. Mention Your Experiences

Highlight experiences that indicate your devotion to your field of study or your capacity to overcome challenges.

3. Structure Your Letter for Impact

f. Compelling Introduction

Catch the reader's attention with a compelling opening that presents yourself and speaks of the exact scholarship you're applying for. Also, briefly state a major goal or achievement that represents the values of the scholarship program.

g. Create Body Paragraphs with a Clear Focus

Dedicate different paragraphs to state your academic achievements, relevant experiences, and future goals.

Academic Achievements: Don't just state your m grades. Mention some challenging courses, research topics, or academic awards that prove your intellectual curiosity and prospect.

Experiences: Talk about your involvement in different extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteer work, or any other unique skills that make you stand out. 

Future Goals: Explain how your academic goals resonate with the scholarship's mission. 

h. Conclusion with a Call to Action

Thank the scholarship committee for their time and consideration. Also, briefly repeat your enthusiasm for the scholarship program. Conclude your letter with a solid call to action, inviting them to learn more about you through your other application materials.

4. Write with Confidence and Clarity

i. Professional Tone

Always maintain a formal tone at all times. Also, you should avoid slang or informal expressions in the letter.

j. Conciseness is Key

Aim for a clear, concise, readable and impactful letter that doesn't exceed the stipulated word limit.

k. Proofread Meticulously

Make sure your motivation letter is completely free of typos and grammatical errors. This way, you’d create a positive impression on your audience. 

5. Tailor Your Letter for Each Scholarship

l. Avoid Generic Applications

Don't send a generic letter. Ensure that you adapt and structure your letter to highlight how your qualifications align with each of the scholarship's specific criteria.

Tips and Guidelines to write your motivation letter

Apart from understanding how to structure your motivation letter and the different sections you need, there are guidelines and tips you should keep in mind when writing your letter.

a. Do proper research on the institution and possibly the members of the deciding committee

While this may sound somewhat cliche to people, it has proven over time to be a very helpful tip while preparing your scholarship motivation letter. Before you start working on the letter, be sure to research the institution. Find out their values, the system they operate and what the institution is known for. Also knowing tiny details about those deciding on the scholarship would be very helpful. These are some tiny details you may find yourself subtly including or highlighting while getting your letter ready. 

b. Plan out your letter from the beginning and start early

Having a plan of what your letter would look like would help you to have a direction for writing your letter. It would also help you determine on time what details are necessary and what details are not necessary. Finally, it would save you from doing rush work. Take time and plan out your letter, highlighting what you want or don’t want. That way, you do better and more thorough work. 

c. State facts and not just dreams 

In as much as you believe that the scholarship is going to help you achieve your dreams, the deciding officers want to see as many facts as possible. Do not just talk about what you hope to achieve, also spend time talking about your experiences in fields relevant to the study you are applying for. The idea is not just to show your enthusiasm to them, it is also to show that you are deserving of the scholarship and you can only do that by stating facts and not just dreams. 

d. Include the contributions you would make 

Every institution wants to know what they will gain by giving you a scholarship. You are not the only one applying, however, if you are able to let them know what they stand to gain, then you up your chances of being selected. What extracurricular activities would you be involved in? What projects would you likely carry out during your stay? These are some of the things that you should include in your letter if you are going to get selected. It’s a win-win program, and your letter has to explicitly show that too. 

e. Be as concise as possible 

If you’re going to have a killer motivation letter, you must be concise with it. Don’t say the same thing in ten ways. You’d end up boring the reviewer and he may just pass over your letter. As much as you want to detail the necessary achievements and points in your letter, be concise about them. If not, you may unknowingly include unnecessary details in your letter and miss your chance. 

f. Keep your tone as formal as possible 

Keep in mind that your scholarship motivation letter is a formal document, so your tone should be formal. You could be addressing professors, management staff and a lot of other people you may not know. So, as much as you can, keep your tone professional. There should not be a playing around with your motivation letter. 

g. Keep your words simple, and your letter short

When writing your letter, avoid using complex words. You are not trying to show off, you are trying to persuade the school to pick you. To achieve that, keep your words simple and ensure your letter is short. Ideally, you shouldn’t have a letter that is beyond a page, but if you must, a page and a half are completely enough to communicate clearly why you should be considered for the scholarship. 

h. Say the truth and do not exaggerate 

Your motivation letter should have a plethora of your achievements, strengths and abilities, but do not exaggerate in your letter. Don’t try to twist the truth or say something that isn’t true in your letter. In the long run, if the things you say don’t check out, you’d likely lose the scholarship. Be honest about who you are, what you can do and where you are headed in life. 

i. Be careful to follow their requirements 

In most cases, when a motivation letter is required, certain requirements are put out. It would be a huge mistake to neglect those requirements while writing your letter. Keep to the number of words if any is specified and keep to the deadlines given. Every institution is not the same and may have some requirements peculiar to them. You must be careful to take note of that and follow them. 

j. Proofread your letter properly before submitting 

There is never an end to how many times you can proofread your motivation letter before you finally submit it. This is one of the advantages of beginning your letter early. Proofread it properly to ensure there are no errors. Also, avoid slang and cliches in your letter. You can take an extra step by giving it to a professional to proofread it for you. This will help you ensure that there are no errors in your letter and it is top-notch in every sense. 

What NOT to Include When Writing a Scholarship Motivation Letter

Your scholarship motivation letter must be well-written and free of typographical or grammatical errors. Ensure you use a professional tone and advanced phrasing (no slang) throughout the letter. Also, highlight specific instances about your past, present, and future that align with the value of the scholarship programme. Avoid vague generalisations. Vagueness indicates a lack of knowledge of care.  

Below, we’ve listed some common mistakes to avoid while drafting your scholarship motivational letter:

1. Using Generic Greetings and Introductions

Avoid using the "Dear Sir or Madam" and impersonal openings. Research the admissions officer or sponsor’s committee if possible, and write a more suitable introduction.

2. Repeating the Scholarship Description

Don't just repeat the scholarship details. Explain how your goals align with the scholarship’s mission and values.

3. Focusing on Just Grades and Scores

While your academics are important, your motivation letter should be about more than your academic achievement. Mention your unique passions, hobbies, experiences, and goals that go beyond the classroom.

 4. Grammatical Errors and Typos

Grammatical errors, typos, and unclear sentences can negatively impact your audience. To ensure that your motivation letter is polished, concise, and error-free, proofread it meticulously! 

5. Bragging and Exaggeration

Avoid heinous self-promotion or magnifying your accomplishments. Let your well-documented achievements speak for themselves. 

6. Rambling and Repetitive Content

Communicate your achievements and goals to the sponsors within the stipulated word limit. Avoid unwarranted repetition and make sure your assertions are well-structured.

7. Lack of Clarity on Financial Need (if applicable)

If financial need applies to the programme (for need-based scholarships), be honest and realistic. Exaggerating your financial situation can ruin your credibility.

8. Negativity and Dwelling on Challenges

Focus on the positive! Emphasise your strengths and persistence, but avoid dwelling on hardships, negative experiences, or past failures.

9. Ignoring Specific Requirements

Some scholarships provide specific instructions for their motivation letter. Ensure that you pay attention to these specific details and tailor your letter accordingly.

10. Forgetting the Call to Action

Conclude with a powerful closing that regurgitates your enthusiasm for the scholarship. Thank the scholarship committee for their time and consideration. You can also subtly state your interest in an interview (if applicable).

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can craft a compelling scholarship motivation letter to increase your chances of securing the funding. 

Here's a guide on how to review your motivation letter after writing:

1. Take a Break and Gain Perspective

After writing the first draft of your letter, take some time off from it. This mental break lets you come back to it with fresh eyes, allowing you to give a more objective review.

2. Self-Evaluation and Refinement

Carefully examine if your letter effectively communicates your key message. Ensure that it highlights your strengths, experiences, and future goals in a way that resonates with the scholarship's criteria. Also, remove unnecessary information or redundancies.

3. Proofreading and Polishing

Double-check for grammatical errors, typos, and punctuation mistakes. This would boost the impression your letter has on the readers. Also, read your letter aloud to find awkward phrasing or bulky sentences. Seek a letter with a smooth and natural flow. This makes it very easy to understand.

4. Seeking Feedback is Key

Ask a trusted friend, teacher, advisor, or mentor to review your letter and give constructive feedback. You can also use online grammar tools to help you identify technical errors and suggest improvement in clarity and conciseness.

Samples of scholarship motivation letter

Here are some samples scholarship motivation letters with word templates you can download and tailor for your own use. 

Sample scholarship motivation letter word 

Motivation letter for Undergraduate/Bachelor

Motivation Letter for Master’s Degree

Motivation Letter for PhD

Sample scholarship motivation letter pdf 

With these guidelines, you would be able to write your scholarship motivation letter and apply for a scholarship in any institution of your choice. Feel free to ask questions in the common section and we’d be sure to reply to you. 

All the best in your next application!

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How to write a Motivation Letter for Scholarship (5 Examples)

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 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.

Motivation letter for 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.

Also Check How to write an Impressive Academic CV for Scholarship along with Template

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 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]”

• Address + postal code
• Optional: Skype and social networks
• Header position : I recommend upper right but upper left can also be.

(2)  Introduction:

Start with 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 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 …. “

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(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.

Please also check Netherlands Government Scholarship and get Free costs of living, Free tuition fee, Free visa, Free roundtrip travel tickets and Free Health insurance

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.

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.

Also Apply for Fully Funded MEXT Scholarship

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) Less 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

Also Apply for  DAAD Scholarship and get a  monthly payments of 850 euros for graduates or 1,200 euros for doctoral candidates.

(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.

Also Check How to find job in Japan after graduation

Motivation Letter for Scholarship Samples

ScholarshipRoar.com has compiled a list of motivation letter for scholarship samples from world top university websites. We hope this list will help you in writing effective and winning motivation letter for scholarship.

• University of Washington Motivation Letter (Cover Letter) Guide and Samples
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Motivation Letter Samples
• University of Mississippi Cover Letter Tips and Sample
• UC Davis Motivation Letter Guide and Samples

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.

Jacob A. McLean

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!

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How To Write A Motivational Letter For Scholarship With Examples 

Landing a scholarship is not just about stellar grades and perfect IELTS and ACT scores. It is about telling your story, your aspirations, and how that coveted scholarship unlocks the door to your academic dreams. 

Table of Contents

One of the key components of a scholarship application is the motivational letter, also known as a personal statement or statement of purpose. This document serves as a platform for applicants to articulate their aspirations, achievements, and motivations. 

What Is A Motivation Letter For Scholarship?

A motivation letter for a scholarship, also known as a personal statement or statement of purpose, is a document submitted by a student as part of a scholarship application. The primary purpose of this letter is to provide insight into the applicant’s character, motivations, aspirations, and qualifications. Unlike academic transcripts and standardized test scores, a motivation letter offers a more personal and subjective perspective on the applicant.

The motivation letter is different from a reference letter and serves as a means for the scholarship committee to assess the applicant’s suitability for the award. It allows the committee to go beyond academic achievements and numbers, gaining insight into the applicant’s personality, values, and commitment to their chosen field of study.

How To Write A Motivational Letter For Scholarship

A well-structured motivational letter enhances readability and makes a lasting impression. While variations exist, a standard structure typically includes:

Introduction

• Begin with a captivating opening to grab the reader’s attention.
• Clearly state the purpose of the letter and the scholarship you are applying for.

Dear [Scholarship Committee], I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [Name of Scholarship] as advertised on your esteemed institution’s website. As a passionate advocate for [relevant field of study], I am eager to contribute to and benefit from the unique opportunities this scholarship presents.

Educational Background

• Highlight your academic achievements and relevant coursework.
• Emphasize how your academic background has prepared you for the scholarship.

Having graduated with honours in [Your Major] from [Your University], I have developed a strong foundation in [Key Subjects] that has equipped me with the necessary skills to excel in [Field of Study].

Personal Achievements And Experiences

• Showcase extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, or research projects.
• Connect these experiences to the values and objectives of the scholarship.

During my undergraduate years, I actively participated in [Relevant Extracurricular Activity], where I honed my leadership skills and cultivated a deep sense of community engagement. This experience not only enriched my academic journey but also instilled in me the importance of [Core Value of the Scholarship].

Career Goals And Aspirations

• Articulate your long-term goals and how the scholarship aligns with them.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the field and the impact you aspire to make.

My long-term goal is to [Your Career Aspiration], and I believe that the [Name of Scholarship] will provide me with the necessary resources and mentorship to achieve this vision. I am committed to leveraging my education to contribute positively to [Field or Industry] by [Your Contribution].

Why You Deserve The Scholarship

• Summarize why you are the ideal candidate.
• Highlight unique qualities, skills, or experiences that set you apart.

My unwavering commitment to academic excellence, coupled with my dedication to [Specific Cause or Project], positions me as a deserving candidate for the [Name of Scholarship]. I am confident that my passion and drive align seamlessly with the values upheld by your institution.

• Reiterate your gratitude for considering your application.
• Express enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to the scholarship program.

In conclusion, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to apply for the [Name of Scholarship]. I am excited about the prospect of becoming a part of [Institution’s Name] and contributing to the diverse community of scholars who share a common commitment to [Core Value]. Thank you for considering my application.

How To Write A Motivation Letter For A Scholarship Template

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Email Address]

[Scholarship Committee Name]

[Name of the Scholarship]

[Institution’s Name or Organization]

Dear [Scholarship Committee],

I am expressing my sincere interest in applying for the [Name of Scholarship]. As a dedicated student passionate about [Your Field of Study], I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Institution’s Name] and further my academic pursuits with your support.

In this opening paragraph, briefly introduce yourself and state your purpose for writing the letter. Express your enthusiasm for the scholarship opportunity.

Highlight your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any honours or awards. Connect your educational background to your interest in the scholarship.

Personal Achievements and Experiences

Share details about your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, or research projects. Emphasize how these experiences have shaped your character and aspirations.

My active participation in [Relevant Extracurricular Activity] has not only honed my leadership skills but also instilled in me a deep sense of community engagement, aligning with the values upheld by your esteemed institution.

Career Goals and Aspirations

Articulate your long-term goals and explain how the scholarship will support your ambitions. Demonstrate a clear understanding of your chosen field and the impact you aim to make.

My long-term goal is to [Your Career Aspiration], and I believe that the [Name of Scholarship] will provide me with the necessary resources and mentorship to achieve this vision.

Why You Deserve the Scholarship

Summarize why you are the ideal candidate, emphasizing your unique qualities, skills, or experiences that set you apart.

My unwavering commitment to academic excellence, coupled with my dedication to [Specific Cause or Project], positions me as a deserving candidate for the [Name of Scholarship].

Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply, reiterate your enthusiasm for contributing to the scholarship program, and end on a positive note.

In conclusion, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to apply for the [Name of Scholarship]. I am excited about the prospect of becoming a part of [Institution’s Name] and contributing to the diverse community of scholars who share a common commitment to [Core Value].

Thank you for considering my application

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Number]

Motivation Letter For Scholarship Examples

Here are two motivation letters for scholarship examples to inspire you to start writing your own.

Example 1: The Aspiring Environmentalist

From planting trees in my neighbourhood to leading protests against deforestation, environmentalism has been my compass. My research on sustainable irrigation practices in arid regions reflects this passion. The [Green Future Scholarship] aligns perfectly with my goal of pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Engineering and developing solutions to water scarcity. Witnessing my village struggle with droughts fueled my dream to combat water insecurity. This scholarship would be the oxygen that grants me the freedom to breathe life into that dream.

Example 2: The Music Prodigy

Imagine the soul-stirring symphony of a violin played not with fingers, but with the power of code. That’s my vision – creating artificial intelligence that composes music that resonates with every human heart. My journey began at five, enthralled by my grandfather’s violin. Years of practice, coding bootcamps, and winning the Junior Music Composition Competition honed my skills. The [Tech and Music Fusion Scholarship] would be the bridge between my present and my future – a future where technology amplifies the magic of music.

• Keep it concise: Aim for 500-700 words, depending on the scholarship requirements.
• Use active voice and strong verbs.
• Be yourself! Let your personality shine through.
• Tailor your letter to each scholarship you apply for.
• Showcase your achievements without bragging.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a motivational letter for scholarship.

To write a compelling scholarship motivation letter, succinctly express your passion, achievements, and future goals. Tailor each letter to the specific scholarship, highlighting unique qualities that make you an ideal candidate. Be genuine, focused, and demonstrate a clear alignment between your aspirations and the scholarship’s objectives.

What is a motivation letter for scholarship?

A motivation letter for a scholarship is a concise document submitted with a scholarship application, outlining the applicant’s qualifications, aspirations, and reasons for deserving the scholarship. It provides a personal perspective, allowing the scholarship committee to understand the candidate beyond academic achievements and assess their suitability for the award.

How to conclude a motivation letter for scholarship?

Conclude your scholarship motivation letter by expressing gratitude for consideration, reiterating enthusiasm for the opportunity, and emphasizing your commitment to contributing positively. Leave a lasting impression by summarizing key points and reinforcing how your goals align with the scholarship’s mission, leaving the reader with a strong, positive impression.

How to write a motivation letter for masters scholarship?

For a master’s scholarship, succinctly highlight your academic achievements, relevant experiences, and career goals. Emphasize the specific skills or knowledge you aim to acquire through the master’s program and explain how the scholarship will enable you to contribute meaningfully to your field. Tailor the letter to the scholarship’s criteria and mission.

How long should a motivation letter be?

A motivation letter should typically be one to two pages long, equivalent to around 300 to 500 words. It’s crucial to convey essential information concisely while maintaining the reader’s interest. Adhering to the specified word count demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively and follow application guidelines.

How to start a motivational letter?

Begin your motivational letter with a captivating introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Clearly state your purpose and express enthusiasm for the opportunity. Consider sharing a brief anecdote, a relevant quote, or a personal insight that sets a positive tone and engages the reader from the outset.

How to address a motivation letter?

Address your motivation letter formally by using a respectful salutation, such as “Dear Scholarship Committee,” or if possible, find out the name of the specific person in charge and address them directly. This shows attention to detail and a genuine interest in the application process.

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How to Write an Exceptional Research Scholarship Motivation Letter

Haven’t heard from the scholarship committee yet? Another email of rejection? Numerous drafts, constant search for an ideal template, and yet couldn’t receive the scholarship? What could be the reason? The time and effort you put in writing personal statement and creating a powerful academic CV may have gone to vain, if the scholarship review committee never even saw it. And what do you think must have kept them from doing so? Yes, it is the scholarship motivation letter that you either didn’t care to write or if you did, it wasn’t compelling enough.

In today’s age, lack of financial ability must not serve as a hindrance in attaining higher education. With rising competition, your key to winning that scholarship is by drafting an exceptional letter of motivation to make you stand out from other applicants.

Table of Contents

What is a Scholarship Motivation Letter?

A scholarship motivation letter is an opportunity to display your knowledge to the recruiter before you are called for an in-person interview. It speaks out some of the important aspects of your  research proposal  that connects it with your academic competence and personality. It is a crucial part that can make or break your application. Rather, it can be a deciding factor for the recruiters if you are eligible to be called for an interview.

A scholarship motivation letter  is similar to a cover letter; it is not needed for every application; however, critical if mentioned specifically. Moreover, motivation letters are used to narrow down review committee’s pool of applicants.

Your scholarship motivation letter must answer the following questions:

• Why are you the ideal fit for the scholarship?
• How do your skills and abilities contribute to the university or your research field?
• How you plan to execute your education?

General Guidelines to Follow While Writing a Scholarship Motivation Letter

Generally, the application does not specify how long your motivation letter should be. However, you must use your best judgment to write a concise yet impactful scholarship motivation letter.

• It should usually range from 500 to 1,000 words.
• Divide them into 3 paragraphs for easy comprehension and better readability. This eases the job of the review committee members.
• Ensure the font is universally used, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial in a font size not smaller than 12.

What Should a Scholarship Motivation Letter Include?

What is the Scholarship Motivation Letter Format?

Since there is no standard structure for writing a motivation letter for scholarship, it has been a challenge to structure a convincing one. While the motivation letters may vary by universities and scholarship awards, the 3 consistent elements are an introduction, three content paragraphs, and a conclusion.

1. Introduction

• The introduction of your scholarship motivation letter should include a brief introduction specifying the program you would like to apply for and the reason for choosing it.
• It must clearly state objective of your future projects and career.
• Most importantly, your introduction must include your name and highest educational qualification so far.

2. Three Content Paragraphs

• The first paragraph of the main body of the motivation letter should include information about your academic and professional experience. Your professional experience may not only include academic related work such as teaching and research experience, but also work outside academic sector such as volunteering that demonstrates relevant skills and knowledge. Furthermore, this paragraph must showcase your career growth in chronological order. Finally, mention your professional ambitions you plan to achieve with education from this program.
• The second paragraph should explain what you hope to gain from your education. Furthermore, how you plan to contribute to the society and the problems you aim to solve with the help of your education. Emphasize on your willingness to improve career prospects and aspiration to discover and learn new things.
• The third paragraph should demonstrate your plans for the future. This could include additional knowledge or corresponding course you plan to pursue. You need to clearly describe what motivates you and what you would like to achieve as a result of your studies. Additionally, it should provide facts of your published work. Finally, display your soft skills and explain how they could be considered beneficial for your research conduction and for your field of study in general.

3. Conclusion

• While concluding, mention the impact your study/studies may have in your life, research area, and society at large.
• Explain how the scientific community and university can benefit from selecting you as a candidate for the program.
• Furthermore, state that you are aware of the competitive nature of the program and how you will be an asset to it.
• More importantly, it must reinstate how you are an ideal candidate and why must the selection committee choose you over other applicants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Scholarship Motivation Letter

Your scholarship motivation letter will probably be the first thing you are judged by. Hence, you should be scrupulous while writing and eventually submitting it. Beware of the common mistakes to avoid in the letter:

• It should be well-written with no grammar or spelling errors .
• Use a professional tone throughout the letter.
• Avoid slangs, clichés, colloquialisms, or jargon.
• Use of vague generalizations should be avoided.
• Avoid irrelevant information.
• Do not include false achievements .
• Avoid praising the university too much.

Key Takeaways

Since a scholarship motivation letter is your way to get through the review committee and convince them how you are an ideal candidate for the position, it must be written with a plan. Allow at least three days to write the letter. Get it reviewed from your colleagues or professors. Be your critic and edit it attentively.

Now it’s your turn to draft an award winning scholarship motivation letter. Refer to the scholarship motivation letter sample below and write one yourself. Let us know how these tips helped you.

Scholarship Motivation Letter Sample

The Scholarship Committee Department of Biological Sciences Stanford University United States of America

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Steve Boult and I am a third year student at Oklahoma State University. I am currently pursuing a four-year Bachelor of Engineering Degree, and I plan to follow up with a one-year master’s degree after I graduate.

While in high school, I interned with a reputable chemical plant in the Research and Development department. I learned about the construction process of refineries from the ground up, and I discovered the importance of its function. I worked closely to develop and optimize the machinery to increase the output at the plant. Additionally, I volunteered at an NGO to design and implement new technologies in the water supply mechanism of the town.

My education is largely focused on this mindset: function over form, stability over showmanship. I have enrolled in several classes that amalgamates Chemical Sciences with Engineering in order to have a comprehensive view of how design meets structure. I have worked on four extra-credit chemical plant and oil refinery design projects under the supervision of my professors (Dr. A and Dr. B) to accelerate my research and education.

I believe in avoiding accidents than fixing the loss it causes. Thus, as an engineer, I want to create accessible, cost-effective, productive, and durable AI-based operational systems that inform us about the potential malfunctions in advance. Coming from a mechanical background, I believe that there is a need for an operational system that is reliable.

I appreciate your consideration. With your assistance, I can continue my schooling in engineering and design to put an end to uncalled for accidents in plants and other industries.

Sincerely, Steve Boult

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Fbi internship program for students, alfalah scholarships scheme form – apply now, georgia government scholarships funded, how to write a motivation letter for a scholarship: tips and examples.

Motivational letters are sometimes treated the same way as cover letters by scholarship applicants, which is not unusual. Both are commonly confused with one another even though each has a clear difference.

If you are looking for a motivation letter for a scholarship program, we will show you how to write a great one. Before we continue, let us find out what a motivation letter is.

What is a Motivational Letter?

You are more likely to have success with an excellent motivation letter if you have that motivation. Ultimately, you must believe in yourself and give it a shot. So, do not give up on your dreams if you fail the first time.

Motivational Letter Format

Pro tip : Keep your motivational letter compact, unidirectional, and between 300-500 words. Never exceed 500 words count.

How to Write a Motivational Letter Guide

Write about yourself.

Is there anything about you that sets you apart from other candidates and makes you deserving of consideration? Jot it down. However, describe how you plan to overcome these flaws and become a better person.

Look for Grammatical Errors

Expert Advice : A motivational letter is not like a cover letter. Admission committees take these letters seriously—Reserve time to craft an excellent motivational letter. Be available for at least three days to write a motivational letter.

Write about your Goals

The interviewer wants to know whether you have any future goals or ambitions that you want to attain. Tell us about your goals and why you believe this scholarship program will help you reach them. Look for inspiration factors in your life, things that led you to where you are now. Write about them. Keep it natural, but don’t make it too long on it.

Proofread / Get a feedback

A few extra tips on how to write best motivational letter, download pdf guide about how to write a motivational letter by radboud university nijmegen, motivation letter sample.

Aside from that, this scholarship will offer me a chance to make a major impact in the community. I hope to be known for my inventions in the future. Our job as humans, who share this globe, is to improve our future since the future belongs to everyone. Our children will be grateful to us when they see how tirelessly we worked to improve the world. In my opinion, my qualifications and your requirements are a perfect match.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Warm Regards,

Frequently Asked Questions

A motivation letter for a scholarship is a letter that explains why you are the best candidate for a scholarship and how receiving the scholarship will benefit you and your future goals. It is typically written as part of the application process for a scholarship and should be tailored to the specific scholarship and organization offering the scholarship.

A motivation letter for a scholarship should typically be one to two pages long. It is important to be concise and to focus on the most relevant information. Avoid including unnecessary or unrelated details and be sure to proofread your letter for spelling and grammar errors.

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Cover Letter for PhD Application: Guide for Writing One & Example From a Real PhD Student

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated March 27, 2023 9 min read

When applying for a PhD research position, you usually need to submit certain documents, including an academic CV and a cover letter for PhD application .

A PhD cover letter, also referred to as an academic cover letter, should be carefully crafted, well-formatted, and contain specific sections.

We'll show you how to do exactly that, along with a sample of an academic cover letter from a real person admitted to a PhD program at Lyon University in France.

And if you're not sure how to go about writing your PhD CV, check out this article: CV for PhD Application: How to Write One Like a True Scholar (+CV Example) .

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is an academic cover letter?

What to include in a cover letter for phd application, how to write a cover letter for phd application, how to format an academic cover letter, phd cover letter sample.

An academic cover letter is a document that PhD candidates submit alongside their academic CV when applying for a PhD. 

Essentially, it's a cover letter for a PhD application.

It's not exactly the same as your regular business cover letter. Nor is it the same as a personal statement or a motivation letter .

The purpose of a cover letter for PhD application is to explain to the reader, who's likely a researcher or a professor, what you can contribute to their institution and/or field.

Moreover, in a PhD application cover letter, you should explain why you're a good match for the research position on the program.

Differences between academic cover letter and business cover letter

Both these documents serve different purposes and people use them in different settings:

• Academic cover letter is used when applying for positions in academia — most often for a PhD. More emphasis should be on education, research background and scholarly accomplishments. Moreover, it should explain what your contribution to the institution or field could be. It should also point the reader to your academic CV.
• Regular (business) cover letter is normally used when applying for any kind of job . Hence, more emphasis should be on skills and past experience while being tailored to a specific job position. You should also explain why you're a good fit for the position at the given company. It should point the reader to your resume.

There are also other documents people often mistake for an academic cover letter. These include:

• Motivation letter is especially relevant for fresh graduates when applying to a university, a non-profit organization, or voluntary work. A motivation letter focuses more on your interests and motives for applying.
• Personal statement. Also used in an academic setting. It's always written by an applicant, often a prospective student, applying to college, university, or graduate school. You explain why you've chosen a particular course and why you'd be good at it. Other names include a statement of purpose or a letter of intent .

Like every cover letter, an academic one also needs to include specific elements and content sections. These are:

• Header. Here, provide your contact information, such as your name, address, phone number, and email in the header of the document.
• Formal salutation. In an official letter like this one, you should address the reader in a professional and formal way. If you know who'll be reading your cover letter, go with Dear Dr. [Surname] or Dear Professor [Surname] . If you don't, go with Dear Sir/Madam .
• The specific PhD program or position. Clearly state in your letter which research position you're applying for or the name of the PhD program. A cover letter is usually read before a CV, so you need to make sure everything is clear.
• Your motivation. Explain why you're interested in the specific PhD position — it's one of the key elements you should include.
• Your academic background. Now, we don't mean you should list in detail every single university course you ever took. Instead, focus on the most relevant course for the PhD and describe in detail what you learned, any projects you worked on, why it was interesting (and optionally, what knowledge gap you identified). In this way, you also show a certain level of understanding of the field.
• Your ambition. Briefly mention what your ambitions, intentions, and plans are regarding your contribution to the field when securing your PhD position. How is your research going to enrich the field? How will the institution benefit from it?
• Conclusion. Keep the conclusion short. Contrary to a regular cover letter ending , there's no place for reiterating everything here. Simply thank the reader for your consideration and prompt them to read your academic CV.
• Formal sign-off. Just pick from the usual: Sincerely, Respectfully, Regards... Then throw in your full name in the following line.

And that's all you need to include!

Now, let's take a look at how to write your cover letter step-by-step.

Applying for a PhD will be a lot less stressful if you follow these tips on how to write a cover letter for a research position:

Consider researching the background of the organization, department, ongoing research projects, and their past and current projects. All that before you start writing your cover letter. Knowing these things will help you tailor your letter to the specific PhD opening.

Before you actually start writing, try to sit down and take a moment to think first. Assess how your past experiences helped you prepare for the PhD position and scribble down those that are most relevant and significant for the specific program. These include any research experiences, research projects, courses, or internships.

In the first few sentences of your letter, you need to convey some basic information about yourself and what specific position you're applying for. The opening should also state firmly why you're a strong candidate for the position/program, by using a persuasive and convincing wording. Here's an example: "As an MChem Chemistry graduate with a narrow focus on the sustainable synthesis of biologically active molecules from the University of Dundee, I am excited to apply to a "Synthesis Of Small Molecule Inhibitors Using Enzymes" PhD programme at an institution with such a strong foundation and numerous research groups in this field."

This is the place where you may explore more extensively on the educational journey that brought you here. Set the foundation for demonstrating how your Master's degree and research experience seamlessly translate into the next phase — the PhD program. Emphasize how your thesis contributes to the field's body of knowledge. Mention any other publications that support your thesis. And, if you can, identify any knowledge gaps or topics that can be explored further.

This paragraph provides the opportunity to neatly tie in together everything the reader has learned about you so far. You can show how your previous experience, coupled with what you'll learn during the PhD program, will come together to produce something novel to enrich the field. First, identify the courses or topics within the PhD program that interest you the most and how they relate to you developing your research further. Second, introduce your future research aspirations and goals. Third, point out how this future work will enrich the field and what will the intellectual merit be.

When ending your PhD cover letter, briefly refer your reader to your academic CV and encourage them to examine all of the remaining projects, courses, publications, or references . Finally, thank the reader for their time and consideration and let them know you look forward to hearing from them. Sign off.

Put the letter in a drawer and don't think about it for a day or two. Then, when you read it again, you'll have a fresh pair of eyes to see the cover letter in a new light. Maybe you decide some things are redundant, or you think of something that's more relevant. Or you know, find a typo here and there.

Just like an academic cover letter needs to contain certain content components, the formatting should also align with the structural expectations for this type of document.

How long should a cover letter be? How to finish a cover letter? And what about the cover letter font and spacing?

Here's a recommended academic cover letter format:

• Length. While STEM PhD candidates should aim for half a page to one page, humanities candidates can do 1–2 pages.
• Font. Use one of the classics: Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial. Just no Comic Sans, we beg you. Keep the size between 10–12 points. Also remember to keep the text clean — no underlining, no bolding, and no color. However, you can use italics if appropriate.
• Spacing. Cover letter spacing isn't complicated. Just single-space your text, make sure there's a space between each paragraph, and leave a space between the concluding paragraph and your formal sign-off.
• Margins. The only rule here is that the margins on your cover letter should match those on your CV.
• Consistence with your CV. Your academic cover letter should match your academic CV in all formatting aspects — including the cover letter font and spacing. For example, Kickresume lets you choose a matching template for your CV and your cover letter, so no need to worry about this.

If the institution provided any instructions for formatting your academic cover letter, don’t get creative and follow their guidelines.

Finally, to help you tie everything we talked about together, here's a cover letter sample from a real person admitted to a PhD program at Lyon University in France.

These things ensured Herrera's cover letter was successful:

• She clearly states her motivation in the opening. In the first two paragraphs, Herrera introduces herself and her motivation to apply for the given PhD program.
• She describes educational and research background thoroughly. The main body of the letter is dedicated to describing Herrera's educational background, research projects, internships, and skills acquired throughout the way.
• She presents research aspirations in the letter. Herrera writes: "I have a history of proven results and profound findings. Given opportunity, I’m confident in my abilities to earn similar ground-breaking results while being part of your team."

Even though this example lacks some of the key elements, such as mentioning the specific PhD program or identifying the topics within the PhD program that interest her the most, this PhD cover letter still managed to impress the University of Lyon.

Lyon University PhD Student Cover Letter Sample

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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3+ Sample of Motivation Letter For PHD in PDF

Letter of Motivation for Ph.D. or  P.hd which stands for the doctor of philosophy is the highest degree which can be granted by any University after completion of all the prior academic degrees. There are various requirements for getting the P.hd degree, which is awarded by the highest educational body which governs all the Universities in the country. The requirements of getting this degree vary from one country to the other, but writing the motivation letter for P.hd is almost the same across the world. Click here for more motivational templates free for you. 

In case you are focused forward in drafting the template of motivation for P.hd but feeling too nervous and clueless then don’t be panic. Hereby we will be serving you with these written letters in the finest attainable form, which will enhance your chances of getting shortlisted for the P.hd program in that institution. We are going to split the various parts of the motivation letter for P.hd into different sections so that you can easily understand the respective parts. 

Motivation Letter For PhD Sample

A Letter of motivation for P.hd is the one which is the one which is addressed by a candidate to the educational body from where the candidate is willing to pursue the P.hd program. This is why a letter for P.hd is always a very significant letter since it can decide the fate of candidate that whether the candidate is going to get admission into that particular institution. If you want to know more information about the letter of motivation for university then please read on the further article.

Motivation Letter For PhD Application PDF

You need to mention the main purpose of the letter in clear words so that it can be comfortably presumed by the officials of the University. Next, you need to anticipate your instructive framework so that it can be appraised by the concerned educational institution. Letter of Motivation for the Ph.D. format is provided with the sample so that an aspirant can easily understand it. You can also attach your teaching or the research experience in the letter if you are having any, as may be required by the institution.

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This is the second part of the letter and since you have already provided your objective of writing this letter along with the educational background in the first part of the letter. In this section, you required to provide the clear factors, which have motivated you to pursue the P.hd program and here keep in mind that those factors must be satisfactory enough to let you be chosen as the competent candidate. So Sample Letter of Motivation for Ph.D. scholarship application is provided to enhance and to help you out in writing scholarship applications.

You can list down a few major career perspectives in this part, as to what you are looking forward to achieving from this P.hd Program in the coming years.

As per the latest research, the candidates who are having the following ambitions from their P.hd program are considered the favorite for the P.hd program.

• Candidates who are willing to improve their career prospects in the field of teaching and research work.
• Candidates who are adaptable to embrace the new changes and the challenges of the society and the nation.

It would be better if you choose any of the above factors as the motivating factor and mention it in this part.

How To Write Letter of Motivation For PhD

Well, in the third and the bottom section of the letters you just need to summarise the whole letter in a way, that why you are the competent candidate for the P.hd program of the institution and letter of motivation for Ph.D. in computer science subject is also available, one can also take reference from that.

You can end the letter by explaining the impacts that the P.hd program will have in your studies and research work, and how you can help the research work in the national domain.

You need to justify all the facts that how your contribution in the scientific field is going to help the nation, and mention that you understand the significance of each P.hd seat which is allowed to the candidates.  Finally, just end off the letter with your greetings and paying thanks to the officials for their time. We would like to suggest you keep your letter as short as it can be. Attach only the authentic documents in your letter, since if you attach any false document then it is going to make the adverse impact on your selection in that educational institution, and also later in your overall career. 

Related Article,

Letter of Motivation for Internship. 

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How to Write a Motivation Letter for PhD Programs?

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A successful motivation letter allows the admission committee of any institution to select students of excellent academic backgrounds. While applying for Ph.D. programs, a student has to submit a motivation letter that states why they wish to embark on that particular position and how appropriate they are to be studying in the chosen program. Ph.D. applications are not classified as any other random sample application. There are processes without which your chances of getting in may be reduced. For some institutions, academic qualifications are not enough to indicate whether a candidate is suitable for a Ph.D. In this sense, a Motivation Letter for Phd Programs are the perfect insight into who you really are. 

This Blog Includes:

How should you structure your motivation letter for ph.d., avoid false statements, be specific , include your skills and work experience , write in a professional manner , top things to be included in a motivation letter for ph.d. programs , sample of motivation letter for ph.d. programs , top ph.d. programs.

Ph.D. Scholarships in India

To write a strong motivation letter for Ph.D. applications you must include:

• A concise introduction that must state the program you are applying for,
• All about your academic background as well as professional work experience,
• You can include skills you possess that make you the ideal candidate,
• Your motivation and interest in applying for the program,
• Concluding remarks with thanks.

Tips for Writing a Motivation Letter for Ph.D. Programs 

Here are the best tips for acing your writing a motivation letter for Ph.D.:

While writing a Motivation Letter for Ph.D. Programs, candidates often forget to add necessary things in the letter. It is important to know that without adding important information the application wouldn’t stand out. For instance, candidates tend to write, “I work well with other people or I am good at working under pressure.” Well, this is not how you write in a motivation letter as you should provide some real examples like, “My leadership skills were demonstrated when I had to lead a group of colleagues during my internship, which required intensive marketing management ability.”

Avoid being vague and imprecise while writing a Motivation Letter for Ph.D. Programs. Be specific while putting information in the letter. For example, If you describe it as “My marketing days were very interesting in my undergraduate days”, it would be inappropriate to fit it into a motivation letter. It depicts a very informal manner of writing a letter. You should include specific details about the courses you took as an undergraduate student such as, what made you choose them and what you learned from them. 

In a motivation letter, it is essential to add the skills you possess and the work experience you have. A Ph.D. is more than a continuation of your previous academic endeavors, it is a real educational test, and education is more than obtaining degrees. A Motivation Letter for Ph.D. Programs become impressive when you write about the skills and experiences you possess over the years which are strong enough to make you a qualified Ph.D. candidate. You can flourish your research and analytical skills in a motivation letter. 

It is equally important to add information in a Motivation Letter for Ph.D. Programs professionally. It is in your own best interest to submit the motivation letter with an appropriate font, writing style, and professional grammar. This will ensure your chances of getting accepted into a Ph.D. program. Professionalism plays a vital role in sending a good insight into your personality and helps you gain acceptance. 

Benefits of Pursuing a Ph.D. after MBA

A Motivation Letter for Ph.D. Programs share similarities with a cover letter and a personal statement. All three documents describe your suitability for a Ph.D. program. However, as compared to a personal statement and cover letter, a motivation letter gives more precision to your motivation for wanting to pursue a Ph.D. 

• An introduction to the Ph.D. program: Begin with a brief introduction in clear terms that why you are applying for a particular Ph.D. program. Think of it as you telling it to a stranger. 
• A summary of your academic background: Focus on your educational background and state what you have studied here and where. It is important to highlight extra curriculums that were a part of your studies. Mention what made you interested in a Ph.D. program, especially if you are applying in the same field. In addition, summarize your professional work experience and include any relevant work experiences such as teaching roles, or charity work. 
• Reason to pursue a Ph.D.: Describe your long-term aspirations, and show your enthusiasm and passion for pursuing a Ph.D. program. You can also mention what made you interested in this field. You can also demonstrate your interest in proposed research topics such as the seminars you attended, research experience, and aspects of the subjects, and finally, specify what has convinced you to devote 3-4 years of your life to the research field. 
• The significant effect of your research on society and career goals: At the of your motivation letter, add a few sentences on the research’s impact on your life and the experience as a whole. It should conclude the new contributions it will make to your field, and how it benefits society and fits in with your aspirations. In addition, state your career goals, for example, do you want to become a researcher or pursue an academic career? This will enable the reader to judge you based on how passionate you are about pursuing a Ph.D. program. 

• Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship
• Ph.D. in Commerce
• Ph.D. in Accounting
• Ph.D. in Management
• Ph.D. in Economics
• Ph.D. in Commercial Law
• Ph.D. in Human Resource Management
• Ph.D. in Operational Research
• Ph.D. in Marketing
• Ph.D. in Healthcare and Management
• Ph.D. in Organizational Behaviour
• Ph.D. in Finance
• Ph.D. in Chemistry
• Ph.D. in Computer Science
• Ph.D. in Law
• Ph.D. in IT
• Ph.D. in Engineering
• Ph.D. in Political Science
• Ph.D. in Education
• Ph.D. in Statistics
• Ph.D in Psychology

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Ans: A motivation letter for the Ph.D. program should be 400-600 words.

Ans: Start with the introduction about yourself and the intent. Describe your experiences in the body of the letter.

Ans: A motivation letter is the exact same as a statement of purpose. You might hear colleges and companies use one or more of these letters.

This was all about Motivation Letters for Ph.D. Programs. We hope you find this insightful. Are you interested in making your career in Ph.D. abroad? Reach out to our Leverage Edu experts on 1800 57 2000 and we will help you in finding the best university.

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How to Write Motivation Letter for PhD – PDF, WORD [Doc.]

If you are considering applying for a Ph.D., you will have to write a Motivation Letter for PhD Program along with a research proposal. A motivation letter is a professional document stating your interest in the subject and mentioning to why you should be selected for the program. A good motivation letter has a significant role in getting someone into a Ph.D. program. Here is how you can do it –

The 1 st  Paragraph

A motivation letter should start with the statement of purpose along with the introduction of the applicant. You can write it like this – I, {your name}, is a 0000-year 0000 graduate from QWERTY University. I am writing this letter to apply to XXXX PhD. In the last line of the introduction, you can include a summary of your present state and what motivated you to apply for the same, and how it can secure your future.

The body – 2 nd  Paragraph

The second paragraph should talk about your USPs. So, write about your academic qualifications, past achievements, and your positive mindset that lets you get going. In case your professional or academic experiences are not so vast, try to put forth your other intangible qualities such as positive attitude, public relations, language skills, if any.

The 3 rd  Paragraph

The purpose of the 3 rd  paragraph is to convince the reader of the letter (the admission authority) that you are aware of what and where you are going to involve yourself. So, it should be written with a personal tone in order to build your persona.

Few More posts:-

• Motivation Letter for Scholarship
• Motivation Letter for Masters

Sample PhD motivation letter Example

Motivation letter for ph.d. program.

From, Jordan Calderon 430-985 Eleifend St. Duluth Washington 92611 (427) 930-5255

To, Zorita Anderson 1964 Facilisis Avenue Bell Gardens Texas 87065

RE: Ph.D. Program

Dear Zorita Anderson,

This is to inform you that I am writing this letter to let you know about my keen interest in the Ph.D. program at {name of the university. If you accept my letter, then it would be a dream come true for me. I have completed my Bachelor’s Degree in {name of the subject} and Masters in {name of the subject} in the year – YYYY and YYYY, respectively from {name of the University}. I am a very diligent student and I would dedicate all my time and efforts to give my best while pursuing a Ph.D. at {name of the university}. In regard to my qualifications, I would be a good addition to the Ph.D. Program. I have attached all the necessary documents herewith.

Thanking you for reviewing my application.

Yours Truly, (Your Signature) Jordan Calderon

Motivation Letter for PhD in Life Sciences

From, Sade Higgins Ap #287-3260 Ut St. Wilmington OR 05182 (422) 517-6053

To, Dante Bennett 481-8762 Nulla Street Dearborn OR 62401

I am penning down this letter for making an application for the Ph.D. program in life sciences from your university. I came to know about this from one of my professors, Mr./Ms. {name of the person} at my home university. After learning about it, I have become interested to join the same. It would be a great opportunity to complete my Ph.D. with your university, a leading institution in the field of life sciences. After going to the details of the program, I believe that my educational qualifications are appropriate for the same. I have completed my Master’s Degree in {name of the subject} in the year YYYY from {name of the university}. As far as my knowledge is concerned, this Ph.D. program is very good because it’s associated with your university. It would be a great honor and an opportunity for me if you accept my motivation letter for the prestigious course from an equally prestigious university.

Thanking you for your time reviewing my application.

Yours Truly, (Your Signature) Sade Higgins

If you want more samples of motivation letter for Ph.D. application pdf or word, you can always check out the World Wide Web.

Motivation Letter For Ph.D. Templates in PDF and Word (doc.) Format:

In conclusion, you should request the admission authority to call you for the interview. In case, an interview is mentioned in the criteria of admission, you should request for the same. Make sure to produce your exact and correct contact information.

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A List of Canadian Scholarships for International Students in 2024-2025

Canada is a popular destination for international students, offering high-quality education and a welcoming environment. However, studying abroad can be expensive, so many international students with strong academic profile , seek scholarships to help fund their education. In 2024, there are numerous Canadian Scholarships for International Students ranging from government-funded opportunities to those provided by universities and private organizations.

Here’s a comprehensive list of Canadian scholarships for international students in 2024.

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

The Vanier CGS program is designed to attract world-class doctoral students to Canadian universities. It financially supports students who demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership abilities.

• Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
• Value: CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years.
• Fields of Study: Health research, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
• Application Deadline: The deadline is November 1, 2024, for the 2025 competition.

2. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program aims to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent nationally and internationally in Canada. It is designed to encourage the development of leadership potential.

• Eligibility : Open to both Canadian and international postdoctoral students.
• Value: CAD 70,000 per year for two years (non-renewable).
• Fields of Study : Health research, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
• Application Deadline: The deadline is September 18, 2024, for the 2025 cycle.

3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program  

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that encourages excellence in graduate studies at the master’s and doctoral levels.

• Eligibility: Available to international students studying at an Ontario university.
• Value : CAD 5,000 per term, with a maximum of CAD 15,000 per academic year.
• Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines.
• Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by university. Generally, applications are due between October and February, depending on the institution.

4. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto is intended to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and are recognized as leaders within their school.

• Eligibility: International secondary school students whose school nominates.
• Value: Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
• Fields of Study : All undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto.
• Application Deadline : The student application deadline is usually in December. Check the university’s website for the most accurate deadlines for 2025.

5. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program

The UBC International Scholars Program offers scholarships to international students based on financial need and academic merit. UBC is committed to supporting international students through awards, scholarships, and other financial aid forms.

• Eligibility : Open to international students entering undergraduate programs.
• Value : The value varies, covering a significant portion of tuition and living expenses.
• Fields of Study: All undergraduate programs at UBC.
• Application Deadline : December 2024.

6. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

The University of Manitoba offers the UMGF to full-time graduate students (master’s and Ph.D.) to encourage research and scholarly excellence.

• Eligibility: International students must be enrolled or plan to enroll as full-time graduate students.
• Value : CAD 14,000 per year for master’s students and CAD 18,000 per year for Ph.D. students.
• Fields of Study : All disciplines offered at the University of Manitoba.
• Application Deadline : Varies by department; generally, early 2025.

7. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

These scholarships are offered to outstanding doctoral candidates in the social sciences and humanities whose work is related to one of the foundation’s four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, or People and their Natural Environment.

• Eligibility: International and Canadian students pursuing a doctoral program at a Canadian institution.
• Value: Up to CAD 40,000 annually for three years plus an annual travel allowance of CAD 20,000.
• Fields of Study: Social sciences and humanities.
• Application Deadline: December 2024.

8. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships

Humber College offers partial renewable tuition scholarships for new international students who begin classes in January and September of each year.

• Eligibility: International students applying to study in a graduate program at Humber College.
• Value: Depends on GPA (Grade Point Average)
• Fields of Study: All programs offered by Humber College.
• Application Deadline: September 2024 (fall intake), January 2024 (winter intake).

9. York University International Student Scholarship Program

York University provides scholarships to international students with vital academic records demonstrating financial need.

• Eligibility: International students with an excellent academic record applying to undergraduate programs.
• Value: Ranges from up to CAD 35,000 per year, renewable for three years.
• Fields of Study: All undergraduate programs at York University.
• Application Deadline: The deadline typically falls in February. Check the university’s official website for exact dates for 2025.

Preparation Tips For Canadian Scholarships for International Students

Eligibility criteria:.

• Nationality: Ensure you meet the specified nationality requirements.
• Academic Level: Confirm your academic level aligns with the scholarship’s eligibility.
• Field of Study: Verify if the scholarship covers your chosen field.
• Language Proficiency : If required, prepare for language proficiency tests like PTE Academic, IELTS, or Duolingo.

Prepare a Strong Application:

• Academic Transcripts and Records: Maintain updated academic records and ensure they showcase high performance.
• Letters of Recommendation: Obtain strong letters from professors, mentors, or professionals who know you well.
• Personal Statement or Essay : Write a compelling essay highlighting your achievements, leadership, and how you’ll contribute to your field.

Research and Preparation:

• Canadian Institutions : Identify institutions that align with your academic and career goals.
• Application Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the application process, deadlines, and required documents.

Develop a Study Plan:

• Field of Study: Clearly define your field of study or research area.
• Research Proposal: Draft a clear, concise, and realistic research proposal outlining your objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

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Conclusion:

With many Canadian scholarships for international students in 2024-2025, pursuing higher education in Canada has never been more accessible. From government-funded programs to university-specific offerings, these scholarships provide invaluable financial support to talented individuals worldwide.

By carefully exploring your options, preparing a solid application, and demonstrating your academic excellence and potential, you can increase your chances of securing a scholarship and embarking on a transformative educational journey in Canada. Remember, the key to success lies in thorough research, meticulous planning, and a commitment to your academic goals.

So, leap and seize the opportunity to study in Canada. With the right scholarship and dedication, you can unlock your full potential, gain valuable experiences, and pave the way for a bright and rewarding future.

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3 tips for including internship experience in a cover letter.

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How to stand out from the crowd as a new grad with internship experience

If you are a fresh graduate looking for a new job, a cover letter can help paint a helpful context of who you are and why you would be an excellent fit for the company. For seasoned professionals with considerable career milestones, resumes are often adequate to show their skillsets and how they would perform at a new job. Indicators like the type of company, pace of promotion, and scope of responsibilities paint a picture for the hiring managers of how they can expect the candidate to perform even before the interviews.

The good news for new graduates is that they are on an even playing field as they embark on a new career path with their peers. The downside is the need for additional information for the candidate to stand out from the crowd. Internship experience can be an advantage if leveraged and narrated correctly. When a company hires a new graduate, it knows the lack of experience and proof points to consider in the candidate. They are therefore looking for genuine interest, willingness to learn, and potential in new grads. If you have internship experience, including them in your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to feature these qualities. Here are a few tips on how to do this best.

Showcase Your Decision-making Process

One risk of hiring new graduates is that they may quit quickly if they find that the industry or the job function is not what they expected. If you have interned at a similar company, you can explain how that experience solidified your interest in the field and helped you narrow down the jobs you are genuinely interested in. By discussing your decision-making process and how the internship provided real-life perspective, you can demonstrate that you are a knowledgeable decision-maker rather than someone who is simply influenced by outside perspectives.

On the other hand, if you interned in an entirely different industry and position, you can use this experience to demonstrate that you discovered what you truly want to pursue. Highlight the positive lessons learned during the internship and avoid speaking negatively about past opportunities. The crucial point is to showcase what you gained from the experience and how it has strengthened your interest in the current company and role.

Be Truthful About The Scope Of Your Experience

Internship experiences can vary widely depending on the company, from simply shadowing an employee to conducting in-depth analysis or participating in structured rotational programs. However, it's important to note that internships typically don't involve holding leadership positions or having significant decision-making authority. It's essential to be honest about your role and responsibilities during an internship, as exaggerating or misrepresenting your experience will likely be noticed by hiring managers.

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In addition, you should not disclose any confidential information about the company at any time. Keep your account of the experience brief and truthful.

Highlight Relevant Skillsets And Potential

If your previous internship provided you with the skills described in the job requirements for the position you are applying for, be sure to emphasize this and explain how you used those skills, as well as your eagerness to further develop them. For example, if you gained experience in analyzing complex datasets during your internship, highlight how you enhanced the company's training through your independent learning efforts, express your enthusiasm for the skill, and illustrate how it contributed to the team's goals to demonstrate your understanding of the practical application of your work. This can show your potential for growth, desire to learn, and proactive orientation towards your job, attributes all hiring managers seek.

When hiring recent graduates, hiring managers are aware that the candidates do not have extensive pre-existing skill sets or decision-making experience. They are hired with the expectation to learn quickly, contribute enough to offset the onboarding and training efforts, and hopefully grow within the company. Including an internship experience in your cover letter can help alleviate any concerns the hiring manager may have about your genuine interest in the company and role, and your desire to learn. It also provides a context for the kind of employee you will be, in ways a resume cannot for new grads.

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• Study Protocol
• Open access
• Published: 26 August 2024

Learning effect of online versus onsite education in health and medical scholarship – protocol for a cluster randomized trial

• Rie Raffing 1 ,
• Lars Konge 2 &
• Hanne Tønnesen 1  

BMC Medical Education volume  24 , Article number:  927 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

123 Accesses

Metrics details

The disruption of health and medical education by the COVID-19 pandemic made educators question the effect of online setting on students’ learning, motivation, self-efficacy and preference. In light of the health care staff shortage online scalable education seemed relevant. Reviews on the effect of online medical education called for high quality RCTs, which are increasingly relevant with rapid technological development and widespread adaption of online learning in universities. The objective of this trial is to compare standardized and feasible outcomes of an online and an onsite setting of a research course regarding the efficacy for PhD students within health and medical sciences: Primarily on learning of research methodology and secondly on preference, motivation, self-efficacy on short term and academic achievements on long term. Based on the authors experience with conducting courses during the pandemic, the hypothesis is that student preferred onsite setting is different to online setting.

Cluster randomized trial with two parallel groups. Two PhD research training courses at the University of Copenhagen are randomized to online (Zoom) or onsite (The Parker Institute, Denmark) setting. Enrolled students are invited to participate in the study. Primary outcome is short term learning. Secondary outcomes are short term preference, motivation, self-efficacy, and long-term academic achievements. Standardized, reproducible and feasible outcomes will be measured by tailor made multiple choice questionnaires, evaluation survey, frequently used Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, Single Item Self-Efficacy Question, and Google Scholar publication data. Sample size is calculated to 20 clusters and courses are randomized by a computer random number generator. Statistical analyses will be performed blinded by an external statistical expert.

Primary outcome and secondary significant outcomes will be compared and contrasted with relevant literature. Limitations include geographical setting; bias include lack of blinding and strengths are robust assessment methods in a well-established conceptual framework. Generalizability to PhD education in other disciplines is high. Results of this study will both have implications for students and educators involved in research training courses in health and medical education and for the patients who ultimately benefits from this training.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05736627. SPIRIT guidelines are followed.

Peer Review reports

Medical education was utterly disrupted for two years by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of rearranging courses and adapting to online platforms we, with lecturers and course managers around the globe, wondered what the conversion to online setting did to students’ learning, motivation and self-efficacy [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. What the long-term consequences would be [ 4 ] and if scalable online medical education should play a greater role in the future [ 5 ] seemed relevant and appealing questions in a time when health care professionals are in demand. Our experience of performing research training during the pandemic was that although PhD students were grateful for courses being available, they found it difficult to concentrate related to the long screen hours. We sensed that most students preferred an onsite setting and perceived online courses a temporary and inferior necessity. The question is if this impacted their learning?

Since the common use of the internet in medical education, systematic reviews have sought to answer if there is a difference in learning effect when taught online compared to onsite. Although authors conclude that online learning may be equivalent to onsite in effect, they agree that studies are heterogeneous and small [ 6 , 7 ], with low quality of the evidence [ 8 , 9 ]. They therefore call for more robust and adequately powered high-quality RCTs to confirm their findings and suggest that students’ preferences in online learning should be investigated [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].

This uncovers two knowledge gaps: I) High-quality RCTs on online versus onsite learning in health and medical education and II) Studies on students’ preferences in online learning.

Recently solid RCTs have been performed on the topic of web-based theoretical learning of research methods among health professionals [ 10 , 11 ]. However, these studies are on asynchronous courses among medical or master students with short term outcomes.

This uncovers three additional knowledge gaps: III) Studies on synchronous online learning IV) among PhD students of health and medical education V) with long term measurement of outcomes.

The rapid technological development including artificial intelligence (AI) and widespread adaption as well as application of online learning forced by the pandemic, has made online learning well-established. It represents high resolution live synchronic settings which is available on a variety of platforms with integrated AI and options for interaction with and among students, chat and break out rooms, and exterior digital tools for teachers [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Thus, investigating online learning today may be quite different than before the pandemic. On one hand, it could seem plausible that this technological development would make a difference in favour of online learning which could not be found in previous reviews of the evidence. On the other hand, the personal face-to-face interaction during onsite learning may still be more beneficial for the learning process and combined with our experience of students finding it difficult to concentrate when online during the pandemic we hypothesize that outcomes of the onsite setting are different from the online setting.

To support a robust study, we design it as a cluster randomized trial. Moreover, we use the well-established and widely used Kirkpatrick’s conceptual framework for evaluating learning as a lens to assess our outcomes [ 15 ]. Thus, to fill the above-mentioned knowledge gaps, the objective of this trial is to compare a synchronous online and an in-person onsite setting of a research course regarding the efficacy for PhD students within the health and medical sciences:

Primarily on theoretical learning of research methodology and

Secondly on

◦ Preference, motivation, self-efficacy on short term

◦ Academic achievements on long term

Trial design

This study protocol covers synchronous online and in-person onsite setting of research courses testing the efficacy for PhD students. It is a two parallel arms cluster randomized trial (Fig.  1 ).

Consort flow diagram

The study measures baseline and post intervention. Baseline variables and knowledge scores are obtained at the first day of the course, post intervention measurement is obtained the last day of the course (short term) and monthly for 24 months (long term).

Randomization is stratified giving 1:1 allocation ratio of the courses. As the number of participants within each course might differ, the allocation ratio of participants in the study will not fully be equal and 1:1 balanced.

Study setting

The study site is The Parker Institute at Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. From here the courses are organized and run online and onsite. The course programs and time schedules, the learning objective, the course management, the lecturers, and the delivery are identical in the two settings. The teachers use the same introductory presentations followed by training in break out groups, feed-back and discussions. For the online group, the setting is organized as meetings in the online collaboration tool Zoom® [ 16 ] using the basic available technicalities such as screen sharing, chat function for comments, and breakout rooms and other basics digital tools if preferred. The online version of the course is synchronous with live education and interaction. For the onsite group, the setting is the physical classroom at the learning facilities at the Parker Institute. Coffee and tea as well as simple sandwiches and bottles of water, which facilitate sociality, are available at the onsite setting. The participants in the online setting must get their food and drink by themselves, but online sociality is made possible by not closing down the online room during the breaks. The research methodology courses included in the study are “Practical Course in Systematic Review Technique in Clinical Research”, (see course programme in appendix 1) and “Getting started: Writing your first manuscript for publication” [ 17 ] (see course programme in appendix 2). The two courses both have 12 seats and last either three or three and a half days resulting in 2.2 and 2.6 ECTS credits, respectively. They are offered by the PhD School of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Both courses are available and covered by the annual tuition fee for all PhD students enrolled at a Danish university.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria for participants: All PhD students enrolled on the PhD courses participate after informed consent: “Practical Course in Systematic Review Technique in Clinical Research” and “Getting started: Writing your first manuscript for publication” at the PhD School of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Exclusion criteria for participants: Declining to participate and withdrawal of informed consent.

Informed consent

The PhD students at the PhD School at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen participate after informed consent, taken by the daily project leader, allowing evaluation data from the course to be used after pseudo-anonymization in the project. They are informed in a welcome letter approximately three weeks prior to the course and again in the introduction the first course day. They register their consent on the first course day (Appendix 3). Declining to participate in the project does not influence their participation in the course.

Interventions

Online course settings will be compared to onsite course settings. We test if the onsite setting is different to online. Online learning is increasing but onsite learning is still the preferred educational setting in a medical context. In this case onsite learning represents “usual care”. The online course setting is meetings in Zoom using the technicalities available such as chat and breakout rooms. The onsite setting is the learning facilities, at the Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

The course settings are not expected to harm the participants, but should a request be made to discontinue the course or change setting this will be met, and the participant taken out of the study. Course participants are allowed to take part in relevant concomitant courses or other interventions during the trial.

Strategies to improve adherence to interventions

Course participants are motivated to complete the course irrespectively of the setting because it bears ECTS-points for their PhD education and adds to the mandatory number of ECTS-points. Thus, we expect adherence to be the same in both groups. However, we monitor their presence in the course and allocate time during class for testing the short-term outcomes ( motivation, self-efficacy, preference and learning). We encourage and, if necessary, repeatedly remind them to register with Google Scholar for our testing of the long-term outcome (academic achievement).

Outcomes are related to the Kirkpatrick model for evaluating learning (Fig.  2 ) which divides outcomes into four different levels; Reaction which includes for example motivation, self-efficacy and preferences, Learning which includes knowledge acquisition, Behaviour for practical application of skills when back at the job (not included in our outcomes), and Results for impact for end-users which includes for example academic achievements in the form of scientific articles [ 18 , 19 , 20 ].

The Kirkpatrick model

Primary outcome

The primary outcome is short term learning (Kirkpatrick level 2).

Learning is assessed by a Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) developed prior to the RCT specifically for this setting (Appendix 4). First the lecturers of the two courses were contacted and asked to provide five multiple choice questions presented as a stem with three answer options; one correct answer and two distractors. The questions should be related to core elements of their teaching under the heading of research training. The questions were set up to test the cognition of the students at the levels of "Knows" or "Knows how" according to Miller's Pyramid of Competence and not their behaviour [ 21 ]. Six of the course lecturers responded and out of this material all the questions which covered curriculum of both courses were selected. It was tested on 10 PhD students and within the lecturer group, revised after an item analysis and English language revised. The MCQ ended up containing 25 questions. The MCQ is filled in at baseline and repeated at the end of the course. The primary outcomes based on the MCQ is estimated as the score of learning calculated as number of correct answers out of 25 after the course. A decrease of points of the MCQ in the intervention groups denotes a deterioration of learning. In the MCQ the minimum score is 0 and 25 is maximum, where 19 indicates passing the course.

Furthermore, as secondary outcome, this outcome measurement will be categorized as binary outcome to determine passed/failed of the course defined by 75% (19/25) correct answers.

The learning score will be computed on group and individual level and compared regarding continued outcomes by the Mann–Whitney test comparing the learning score of the online and onsite groups. Regarding the binomial outcome of learning (passed/failed) data will be analysed by the Fisher’s exact test on an intention-to-treat basis between the online and onsite. The results will be presented as median and range and as mean and standard deviations, for possible future use in meta-analyses.

Secondary outcomes

Motivation assessment post course: Motivation level is measured by the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) Scale [ 22 ] (Appendix 5). The IMI items were randomized by random.org on the 4th of August 2022. It contains 12 items to be assessed by the students on a 7-point Likert scale where 1 is “Not at all true”, 4 is “Somewhat true” and 7 is “Very true”. The motivation score will be computed on group and individual level and will then be tested by the Mann–Whitney of the online and onsite group.

Self-efficacy assessment post course: Self-efficacy level is measured by a single-item measure developed and validated by Williams and Smith [ 23 ] (Appendix 6). It is assessed by the students on a scale from 1–10 where 1 is “Strongly disagree” and 10 is “Strongly agree”. The self-efficacy score will be computed on group and individual level and tested by a Mann–Whitney test to compare the self-efficacy score of the online and onsite group.

Preference assessment post course: Preference is measured as part of the general course satisfaction evaluation with the question “If you had the option to choose, which form would you prefer this course to have?” with the options “onsite form” and “online form”.

Academic achievement assessment is based on 24 monthly measurements post course of number of publications, number of citations, h-index, i10-index. This data is collected through the Google Scholar Profiles [ 24 ] of the students as this database covers most scientific journals. Associations between onsite/online and long-term academic will be examined with Kaplan Meyer and log rank test with a significance level of 0.05.

Participant timeline

Enrolment for the course at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, becomes available when it is published in the course catalogue. In the course description the course location is “To be announced”. Approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins, the participant list is finalized, and students receive a welcome letter containing course details, including their allocation to either the online or onsite setting. On the first day of the course, oral information is provided, and participants provide informed consent, baseline variables, and base line knowledge scores.

The last day of scheduled activities the following scores are collected, knowledge, motivation, self-efficacy, setting preference, and academic achievement. To track students' long term academic achievements, follow-ups are conducted monthly for a period of 24 months, with assessments occurring within one week of the last course day (Table  1 ).

Sample size

The power calculation is based on the main outcome, theoretical learning on short term. For the sample size determination, we considered 12 available seats for participants in each course. To achieve statistical power, we aimed for 8 clusters in both online and onsite arms (in total 16 clusters) to detect an increase in learning outcome of 20% (learning outcome increase of 5 points). We considered an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.02, a standard deviation of 10, a power of 80%, and a two-sided alpha level of 5%. The Allocation Ratio was set at 1, implying an equal number of subjects in both online and onsite group.

Considering a dropout up to 2 students per course, equivalent to 17%, we determined that a total of 112 participants would be needed. This calculation factored in 10 clusters of 12 participants per study arm, which we deemed sufficient to assess any changes in learning outcome.

The sample size was estimated using the function n4means from the R package CRTSize [ 25 ].

Recruitment

Participants are PhD students enrolled in 10 courses of “Practical Course in Systematic Review Technique in Clinical Research” and 10 courses of “Getting started: Writing your first manuscript for publication” at the PhD School of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Assignment of interventions: allocation

Randomization will be performed on course-level. The courses are randomized by a computer random number generator [ 26 ]. To get a balanced randomization per year, 2 sets with 2 unique random integers in each, taken from the 1–4 range is requested.

The setting is not included in the course catalogue of the PhD School and thus allocation to online or onsite is concealed until 3–4 weeks before course commencement when a welcome letter with course information including allocation to online or onsite setting is distributed to the students. The lecturers are also informed of the course setting at this time point. If students withdraw from the course after being informed of the setting, a letter is sent to them enquiring of the reason for withdrawal and reason is recorded (Appendix 7).

The allocation sequence is generated by a computer random number generator (random.org). The participants and the lecturers sign up for the course without knowing the course setting (online or onsite) until 3–4 weeks before the course.

Assignment of interventions: blinding

Due to the nature of the study, it is not possible to blind trial participants or lecturers. The outcomes are reported by the participants directly in an online form, thus being blinded for the outcome assessor, but not for the individual participant. The data collection for the long-term follow-up regarding academic achievements is conducted without blinding. However, the external researcher analysing the data will be blinded.

Data collection and management

Data will be collected by the project leader (Table  1 ). Baseline variables and post course knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy are self-reported through questionnaires in SurveyXact® [ 27 ]. Academic achievements are collected through Google Scholar profiles of the participants.

Given that we are using participant assessments and evaluations for research purposes, all data collection – except for monthly follow-up of academic achievements after the course – takes place either in the immediate beginning or ending of the course and therefore we expect participant retention to be high.

Data will be downloaded from SurveyXact and stored in a locked and logged drive on a computer belonging to the Capital Region of Denmark. Only the project leader has access to the data.

This project conduct is following the Danish Data Protection Agency guidelines of the European GDPR throughout the trial. Following the end of the trial, data will be stored at the Danish National Data Archive which fulfil Danish and European guidelines for data protection and management.

Statistical methods

Data is anonymized and blinded before the analyses. Analyses are performed by a researcher not otherwise involved in the inclusion or randomization, data collection or handling. All statistical tests will be testing the null hypotheses assuming the two arms of the trial being equal based on corresponding estimates. Analysis of primary outcome on short-term learning will be started once all data has been collected for all individuals in the last included course. Analyses of long-term academic achievement will be started at end of follow-up.

Baseline characteristics including both course- and individual level information will be presented. Table 2 presents the available data on baseline.

We will use multivariate analysis for identification of the most important predictors (motivation, self-efficacy, sex, educational background, and knowledge) for best effect on short and long term. The results will be presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The results will be considered significant if CI does not include the value one.

All data processing and analyses were conducted using R statistical software version 4.1.0, 2021–05-18 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria).

If possible, all analysis will be performed for “Practical Course in Systematic Review Technique in Clinical Research” and for “Getting started: Writing your first manuscript for publication” separately.

Primary analyses will be handled with the intention-to-treat approach. The analyses will include all individuals with valid data regardless of they did attend the complete course. Missing data will be handled with multiple imputation [ 28 ] .

Upon reasonable request, public assess will be granted to protocol, datasets analysed during the current study, and statistical code Table 3 .

Oversight, monitoring, and adverse events

This project is coordinated in collaboration between the WHO CC (DEN-62) at the Parker Institute, CAMES, and the PhD School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. The project leader runs the day-to-day support of the trial. The steering committee of the trial includes principal investigators from WHO CC (DEN-62) and CAMES and the project leader and meets approximately three times a year.

Data monitoring is done on a daily basis by the project leader and controlled by an external independent researcher.

An adverse event is “a harmful and negative outcome that happens when a patient has been provided with medical care” [ 29 ]. Since this trial does not involve patients in medical care, we do not expect adverse events. If participants decline taking part in the course after receiving the information of the course setting, information on reason for declining is sought obtained. If the reason is the setting this can be considered an unintended effect. Information of unintended effects of the online setting (the intervention) will be recorded. Participants are encouraged to contact the project leader with any response to the course in general both during and after the course.

The trial description has been sent to the Scientific Ethical Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (VEK) (21041907), which assessed it as not necessary to notify and that it could proceed without permission from VEK according to the Danish law and regulation of scientific research. The trial is registered with the Danish Data Protection Agency (Privacy) (P-2022–158). Important protocol modification will be communicated to relevant parties as well as VEK, the Joint Regional Information Security and Clinicaltrials.gov within an as short timeframe as possible.

Dissemination plans

The results (positive, negative, or inconclusive) will be disseminated in educational, scientific, and clinical fora, in international scientific peer-reviewed journals, and clinicaltrials.gov will be updated upon completion of the trial. After scientific publication, the results will be disseminated to the public by the press, social media including the website of the hospital and other organizations – as well as internationally via WHO CC (DEN-62) at the Parker Institute and WHO Europe.

All authors will fulfil the ICMJE recommendations for authorship, and RR will be first author of the articles as a part of her PhD dissertation. Contributors who do not fulfil these recommendations will be offered acknowledgement in the article.

This cluster randomized trial investigates if an onsite setting of a research course for PhD students within the health and medical sciences is different from an online setting. The outcomes measured are learning of research methodology (primary), preference, motivation, and self-efficacy (secondary) on short term and academic achievements (secondary) on long term.

The results of this study will be discussed as follows:

Discussion of primary outcome

Primary outcome will be compared and contrasted with similar studies including recent RCTs and mixed-method studies on online and onsite research methodology courses within health and medical education [ 10 , 11 , 30 ] and for inspiration outside the field [ 31 , 32 ]: Tokalic finds similar outcomes for online and onsite, Martinic finds that the web-based educational intervention improves knowledge, Cheung concludes that the evidence is insufficient to say that the two modes have different learning outcomes, Kofoed finds online setting to have negative impact on learning and Rahimi-Ardabili presents positive self-reported student knowledge. These conflicting results will be discussed in the context of the result on the learning outcome of this study. The literature may change if more relevant studies are published.

Discussion of secondary outcomes

Secondary significant outcomes are compared and contrasted with similar studies.

Limitations, generalizability, bias and strengths

It is a limitation to this study, that an onsite curriculum for a full day is delivered identically online, as this may favour the onsite course due to screen fatigue [ 33 ]. At the same time, it is also a strength that the time schedules are similar in both settings. The offer of coffee, tea, water, and a plain sandwich in the onsite course may better facilitate the possibility for socializing. Another limitation is that the study is performed in Denmark within a specific educational culture, with institutional policies and resources which might affect the outcome and limit generalization to other geographical settings. However, international students are welcome in the class.

In educational interventions it is generally difficult to blind participants and this inherent limitation also applies to this trial [ 11 ]. Thus, the participants are not blinded to their assigned intervention, and neither are the lecturers in the courses. However, the external statistical expert will be blinded when doing the analyses.

We chose to compare in-person onsite setting with a synchronous online setting. Therefore, the online setting cannot be expected to generalize to asynchronous online setting. Asynchronous delivery has in some cases showed positive results and it might be because students could go back and forth through the modules in the interface without time limit [ 11 ].

We will report on all the outcomes defined prior to conducting the study to avoid selective reporting bias.

It is a strength of the study that it seeks to report outcomes within the 1, 2 and 4 levels of the Kirkpatrick conceptual framework, and not solely on level 1. It is also a strength that the study is cluster randomized which will reduce “infections” between the two settings and has an adequate power calculated sample size and looks for a relevant educational difference of 20% between the online and onsite setting.

Perspectives with implications for practice

The results of this study may have implications for the students for which educational setting they choose. Learning and preference results has implications for lecturers, course managers and curriculum developers which setting they should plan for the health and medical education. It may also be of inspiration for teaching and training in other disciplines. From a societal perspective it also has implications because we will know the effect and preferences of online learning in case of a future lock down.

Future research could investigate academic achievements in online and onsite research training on the long run (Kirkpatrick 4); the effect of blended learning versus online or onsite (Kirkpatrick 2); lecturers’ preferences for online and onsite setting within health and medical education (Kirkpatrick 1) and resource use in synchronous and asynchronous online learning (Kirkpatrick 5).

Trial status

This trial collected pilot data from August to September 2021 and opened for inclusion in January 2022. Completion of recruitment is expected in April 2024 and long-term follow-up in April 2026. Protocol version number 1 03.06.2022 with amendments 30.11.2023.

Availability of data and materials

The project leader will have access to the final trial dataset which will be available upon reasonable request. Exception to this is the qualitative raw data that might contain information leading to personal identification.

Abbreviations

Artificial Intelligence

Copenhagen academy for medical education and simulation

Confidence interval

Coronavirus disease

European credit transfer and accumulation system

International committee of medical journal editors

Intrinsic motivation inventory

Multiple choice questionnaire

Doctor of medicine

Masters of sciences

Randomized controlled trial

Scientific ethical committee of the Capital Region of Denmark

WHO Collaborating centre for evidence-based clinical health promotion

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Acknowledgements

We thank the students who make their evaluations available for this trial and MSc (Public Health) Mie Sylow Liljendahl for statistical support.

Open access funding provided by Copenhagen University The Parker Institute, which hosts the WHO CC (DEN-62), receives a core grant from the Oak Foundation (OCAY-18–774-OFIL). The Oak Foundation had no role in the design of the study or in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data or in writing the manuscript.

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Contributions

RR, LK and HT have made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the work; RR to the acquisition of data, and RR, LK and HT to the interpretation of data; RR has drafted the work and RR, LK, and HT have substantively revised it AND approved the submitted version AND agreed to be personally accountable for their own contributions as well as ensuring that any questions which relates to the accuracy or integrity of the work are adequately investigated, resolved and documented.

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Correspondence to Rie Raffing .

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Ethics approval and consent to participate.

The Danish National Committee on Health Research Ethics has assessed the study Journal-nr.:21041907 (Date: 21–09-2021) without objections or comments. The study has been approved by The Danish Data Protection Agency Journal-nr.: P-2022–158 (Date: 04.05.2022).

All PhD students participate after informed consent. They can withdraw from the study at any time without explanations or consequences for their education. They will be offered information of the results at study completion. There are no risks for the course participants as the measurements in the course follow routine procedure and they are not affected by the follow up in Google Scholar. However, the 15 min of filling in the forms may be considered inconvenient.

The project will follow the GDPR and the Joint Regional Information Security Policy. Names and ID numbers are stored on a secure and logged server at the Capital Region Denmark to avoid risk of data leak. All outcomes are part of the routine evaluation at the courses, except the follow up for academic achievement by publications and related indexes. However, the publications are publicly available per se.

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Raffing, R., Konge, L. & Tønnesen, H. Learning effect of online versus onsite education in health and medical scholarship – protocol for a cluster randomized trial. BMC Med Educ 24 , 927 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05915-z

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05915-z

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