Motivation letter planner
This worksheet helps you plan what to say, paragraph by paragraph. Answer the prompts in rough notes first, then write the letter yourself. A committee can tell instantly when a letter was written to a formula, so use this for structure, not for sentences.
Opening: why this, why now
Prompts to answer in your notes:
- What specifically do you want to study or do, in one sentence?
- What moment or experience made this matter to you? Be concrete.
- Why is now the right time in your path?
Middle: evidence you can do it
- One academic or work achievement that proves your ability, with a result
- One example of leadership, initiative, or service, and what changed because of you
- Why this programme and this funder specifically, tied to your goal
Close: what you will do with it
- What will you do after the award, concretely, in the next few years?
- How does the award bridge where you are and where you are going?
- If there is a return or impact expectation, how will you meet it?
Write the letter in your own voice from these notes. Do not submit anything you did not write yourself.
Put it to use
Browse scholarships open for application now, or read the advice guides for the detail behind each step.