What Is a Motivation Letter? How to Write One That Stands Out

A motivation letter (or statement of purpose) is a key part of many university applications — especially in Europe. It tells admissions teams why you want to study that particular course and what makes you a strong candidate.
But while many students understand that a motivation letter is important, few know how to write one that truly stands out.

What a Motivation Letter Does

Unlike a personal statement (which is broader), a motivation letter is focused on:

• Your academic/professional background
• Why you're interested in the course
• Why you’re applying to this specific university
• Your future goals

Common Mistakes

Students often make the following errors:
Writing too generically

• Repeating their CV
• Failing to connect their goals with the program
• Not personalising for each university

What Makes a Strong Motivation Letter

You need to demonstrate a clear match between your background and what the course offers. This means doing research on the university, using specific examples, and being authentic.

At Unie, we support students in structuring, refining, and tailoring their letters so that they reflect both their personality and their academic potential. We don’t just review your draft — we help you develop the thinking behind it.