Motivation Letter for Scholarship: How to Write a Winning Personal Statement

Motivation Letter for Scholarship: How to Write a Winning Personal Statement

Choosing to pursue a degree overseas is no small investment. Many families pool their resources in order to get one member out, for a chance at a better life. Fortunately, there are thousands of scholarships to help you ease the financial burden of your degree.

You’ll find a lot of undergraduate scholarships, but the more common ones are scholarships for master-level programs.

However, that doesn’t mean that getting a scholarship is a walk in the park — competition is high. This is compounded by the fact that there are almost always more deserving applicants than there are awards.

So, how does one stand out? Just like you made yourself stand out for college admissions through an SOP (statement of purpose), thus you will need to write a motivation letter for a scholarship.

Whether you’re wondering about the motivation letter format or seeking guidance on how to write a motivation letter for a scholarship, this article is for you. 

So, let’s get started.

What Is a Motivation Letter?

A motivation letter for a scholarship is a formal document that you personalise for each scholarship that you are applying to. It is meant to show why you deserve financial support for your education. 

This letter allows you to explain your academic background, personal achievements, and career goals. 

All in all, you’re to use it to explain how the scholarship will help you achieve those goals.

Now, motivation letters for scholarships are not to be confused with statements of purpose. They are fundamentally two very different things.

Take a look at the table below that shows you the four main differences between a motivation letter for a scholarship and an SOP:

Now, you might think that the table above was a bit unnecessary. 

But we can’t tell you how many times students have simply submitted their admission SOP as a motivation letter for a scholarship. And all of those times, their funding application has been rejected. 

Yes, writing a new letter for each scholarship may be tiring, but it’s what you have to do to secure your future, or at least ease the burden. 

Thus, knowing the difference between the two is of vital importance.

Here’s a quick example:

Letter A, a motivation letter for a scholarship will have details like how you’re going to use the help to complete a master’s degree in renewable energy. Then, it’ll mention how you will return to your home country, and implement sustainable energy solutions to align with the Paris Climate Agreement. It’ll also highlight the per-month average income in your country being much lower than the country you’re studying in. Then, it’ll highlight your stellar grades from high-school, your undergraduate transcript and any additional credit like AP exams and the SAT/ GMAT. The committee will see this letter, and your scholarship is in the bag.

Letter B, your SOP, was about why you like renewable energy, any past projects (internships and a school club), and the fact that there were no similar courses back home. 

So then, if a scholarship committee is expecting something like letter A, but they get a 500-word essay on your internship and co-curricular experience, they’ll naturally move on to the next candidate. 

And if all this is a bit overwhelming, don’t worry, we’ll show you how to write a motivation letter for scholarships in university a bit further down. 

Note: Writing a motivation letter can feel daunting, especially when so much is riding on it. Even with the perfect motivation letter, securing a scholarship can be highly competitive. For many students, education loans become a practical way to bridge the financial gap. This is where FundRight (by GradRight) steps in to simplify the process.

With FundRight, you don’t have to navigate funding on your own. Here’s how it helps:

• Expert Guidance: At any stage of your journey—even writing your motivation letter—FundRight’s experts are there to assist you.
• Access to 15+ Lenders: FundRight connects you with trusted Indian and international banks and NBFCs, all competing to offer you the best terms.
• Compare Easily: Through your personal dashboard, you can evaluate multiple loan offers based on interest rates, repayment options, and other conditions.
• No Paperwork or Bank Visits: The entire process is app-based and secure, saving you time and effort.
• Free and Safe: FundRight is 100% free for students, ensuring you get unbiased support.

So, whether it’s finding a loan or perfecting your application, FundRight ensures you’re not doing it alone.

Now, let’s dive into what makes a compelling motivation letter in the next section.

What Should You Include in Your Motivation Letter?

Every single motivation letter for a scholarship will be unique to the applicant. This is expected because no two students share the same story.

However, you are expected to have certain components in all of your motivation letters.

We have outlined these below:

• Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your letter. Start by clearly stating your name, the scholarship you’re applying for, and the degree program you intend to pursue. Add a brief sentence about why you’re a deserving candidate.

Example: “My name is [Your Name], and I am applying for the [Scholarship Name] to support my master’s degree in Renewable Energy at [University Name]. As a passionate advocate for sustainable solutions, I aim to leverage this degree to implement affordable green energy systems in my home country.”

• Academic Excellence

Show your academic achievements, but connect them to future potential. Don’t just say “I have a 3.8 GPA” – instead, explain “I have a 3.8 GPA in Environmental Science, and have done a research project on local water conservation. This shows my commitment to solving environmental challenges. I wasn’t all textbooks, I’ve been out in the real world, and can see the difference that I can make.”

• Professional Experience (If Applicable)

If you have relevant work experience, internships, or volunteer work, include it. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the program or scholarship.

Example: “During my internship at [Company Name], I developed a solar panel optimization tool that increased energy efficiency by 15%. This hands-on experience gave me my technical skills. It also solidified my commitment to addressing global energy challenges.”

• Motivation and Goals

Clearly state why you are applying for this scholarship and how it aligns with your personal and professional goals. Be specific about what drives you and how the scholarship will help you achieve your aspirations. 

• Financial Need

Briefly explain why financial assistance is essential for you. Avoid sounding overly dramatic. Instead, write about how the scholarship will let you throw yourself into your studies without constantly worrying about finances. 

Example: “Coming from a middle-income family in [Your Country], funding my education abroad is a significant challenge. This is especially true for me considering the median wage here is [insert] as compared to [target country] The [name of award] scholarship would remove all financial pressure and allow me to dedicate myself fully to excelling in my studies.”

Remember, a lot of people cannot afford the degree that you’ve been selected for. Why should the committee fund you and not just tell you to take out a loan? Aim to answer that.

• Concrete Long-Term Vision

Show how this scholarship fits into your broader life plan. Tell the committee that getting a scholarship is not a “one and done” relationship with you. You will use the scholarship money to make a real change in the world. 

Example: The [name] scholarship will let me complete my degree in renewable energy. I will use it to start solutions that reduce carbon emissions by at least 30% in major cities back home in India by 2035.

At the end of the day, even a scholarship is an investment. You need to prove through your motivation letter, that you will provide the best returns on that investment.

So, now that you’ve learnt about what to include, let’s talk about how to prepare to write a motivation letter for a scholarship.

How to Prepare Your Motivation Letter

So then, now you’re sitting down to write a motivation letter for a scholarship. Use this checklist of ours to see if you’re ready to begin:

1. Thoroughly research the scholarship. Including values, targets, and past recipients. 
2. Get a handy list of your recent (preferably related) achievements and certificates.
3. Get copies of all relevant documents (certificates, transcripts, etc.)
4. Have an excellent understanding of the program you’ve been selected to. What the industry placements are, where the alumni work, etc.
5. Make a clear timeline of your educational journey, and the first 5 or 10 years of your career.
6. You have at least two examples that show your potential. This could be in terms of leadership, time management, stress handling, pressure handling, and so on – things that universities like to see.
7. You can state your/your family’s financial situation plainly and simply, in under 20 seconds when spoken. Example: My mother is a [XYZ], father is an [ABC], and I work as a [DEF]. Our combined income is [X], and we have assets worth [Y].
8. You’ve got three to five main goals that you want to achieve (tangible).

If you’ve gotten all the above, great. You’re ready to learn how to write a motivation letter for a scholarship.

How to Write Your Motivation Letter? 

• Start with a Strong Opening

Remember, the key to writing a good letter is “start with a hook and end with a bang”. Grab the reader’s attention from line one. Then, mention the scholarship and program that you’re applying for. Include one or a maximum of two lines about why you are a good candidate. 

• Highlight Your Academic Achievements

In the next paragraph, focus on your academic accomplishments. Mention your GPA, relevant coursework, and any academic awards or recognition you’ve received.

• Showcase Your Relevant Experience

Discuss any work experience, internships, or volunteer activities that relate to your field of study or demonstrate your leadership skills.

• Explain Your Financial Need

Clearly state, plainly and simply, your financial situation using the concise statement you prepared earlier. Be honest and straightforward about why you need the scholarship. Don’t plead, don’t try and get sympathy. Not having the funds for this degree is simply an inconvenience for you, nothing more. Getting the scholarship will help remove said inconvenience. 

• Align Your Goals with the Scholarship

Demonstrate how your career goals align with the scholarship’s mission and values. Use the research you’ve done on the scholarship and program to show how this opportunity fits into your long-term plans.

• Provide Concrete Examples

Use the examples you’ve prepared to illustrate your potential. These should demonstrate qualities like leadership, time management, or ability to handle pressure.

• Outline Your Future Impact

Explain how you plan to use your education to make a difference in your field or community. This shows the scholarship committee the potential return on their investment in you.

• Conclude with a Strong Closing

Summarize your key points and restate your enthusiasm for the scholarship opportunity. Thank the committee for their time and consideration.

And that’s really all there is to talk about when it comes to the format for a motivation letter for a scholarship.

Motivation Letter Template

To help you visualise what a good scholarship letter looks like, here’s one example that we really loved. We’ve removed all the bits that could identify the student, of course:

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP]

[Email]

[Date]

Scholarship Committee

[Organization Name]

[Address]

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to apply for the Global Change-Makers Scholarship 2024. Having been accepted into the Master’s in Environmental Engineering program at Imperial College London, I am seeking support to pursue my goal of developing sustainable water management solutions for drought-prone regions.

As a graduate in Environmental Science with a 3.8 GPA from [University Name], I have already demonstrated my commitment to environmental causes through my undergraduate thesis on groundwater conservation techniques. During my internship at [Company Name], I developed a water recycling system that reduced factory water consumption by 30%. Thus, I can use textbook knowledge to make practical solutions that work.

I come from a middle-income family in rural India, where my father works as a schoolteacher and my mother runs a small grocery store. Our combined annual income of $15,000 makes the £40,000 program fee at Imperial College impossible without financial assistance. Despite these constraints, I have consistently pursued excellence, earning recognition as my university’s top environmental science student.

My five-year plan involves completing my master’s degree, gaining two years of experience with an international environmental consulting firm, and then returning to India to establish a water management consultancy. By 2030, I aim to implement sustainable water solutions in at least 50 drought-affected villages, impacting approximately 100,000 lives.

The Global Change-Makers Scholarship’s focus on environmental leadership aligns perfectly with my goals. I am particularly inspired by your past recipients’ work in sustainable development and hope to contribute to this legacy of positive environmental impact.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your mission of creating sustainable environmental solutions.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

And that was one of the better motivation letter samples we’ve seen. But, were still not done. Now that you’ve learned how to write an application for a scholarship, we must now review the letter.

How to Revise Your Motivation Letter

Use this checklist once you’ve finished writing your motivation letter for a scholarship:

• Check if your opening paragraph clearly states the scholarship name and program
• Verify all facts, numbers, and achievements mentioned are accurate
• Ensure there’s a clear connection between each paragraph
• Confirm your financial need is stated clearly and professionally
• Verify all scholarship organization names and details are correct
• Run a spelling and grammar check (Grammarly is free, and great)
• Check formatting is consistent (font, spacing, margins)
• Ensure all dates are accurate
• Verify contact information is current
• Confirm the letter meets any specified length requirements
• Read the letter aloud to catch awkward phrasing
• Ask someone else to read it (preferably an academic advisor)
• Remove any unnecessary jargon or complex words
• Ensure each paragraph has a clear purpose

So far, we’ve told you what to do, and how to do it, with respect to motivation letters. In our last section, we’ll show you what not to do. 

Mistakes to Avoid

This section is to help you avoid common pitfalls when writing a motivation letter for a scholarship.

Don’ts:

1. Never be generic. Never use the same letter for multiple applications. Each motivation letter for a scholarship should be tailored to that specific opportunity. Generic statements like “I’ve always wanted to study abroad” won’t impress anyone.
2. It’s a mistake to focus only on your need. Do mention that need is a factor, but never beg or try to create sympathy.
3. Do not make unsubstantiated claims. Every claim needs backing – and backing could be in the form of grades, experience, or achievements.
4. Don’t be unrealistic. Keep your goals ambitious but achievable. Saying you’ll “solve world hunger in five years” shows poor judgment.
5. Make basic mistakes like:

• Inconsistent spacing
• Multiple font types
• Overly long paragraphs
• Missing contact information
• Incorrect organization names

And with that, we come to the end of this article on writing a motivation letter for a scholarship.