How to craft a successful motivation letter for a master's degree

The importance of an excellent motivation letter

Applying for a master’s degree is a major step toward advancing your academic and professional career. A well-crafted motivation letter is crucial, providing a personal perspective beyond academic records. It allows the admissions committee to understand your aspirations, qualifications, and alignment with the programme.

A strong motivation letter helps you:

• Define your short- and long-term career objectives: Clearly state what you aim to achieve and how the programme fits into your broader career plan.
• Demonstrate how the master’s programme aligns with your aspirations: Explain why this programme is the right fit for you, referencing specific aspects of the curriculum or university culture.
• Highlight relevant academic, professional, or personal experiences: Show how your background has prepared you for the master’s programme and how it supports your future goals.
• Showcase personal qualities such as motivation, resilience, and commitment: Admissions committees look for candidates with strong character, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose.

A compelling motivation letter sets you apart in competitive programmes, making your application memorable.

Key elements of a strong motivation letter

1. Research: Building a motivation letter for your Master appplication

Before writing, research the university and programme in-depth. This step is crucial because it ensures that your motivation letter is specific and demonstrates a genuine understanding of the institution.

• School values and culture: An important part of your application 

Every School has unique values, teaching philosophies, and approaches to education. Read about the institution’s mission, vision, and core values. Identify how they align with your academic and personal beliefs.

• Programme structure and curriculum: Covering the main points

Go beyond general descriptions and delve into the specific courses, electives, and unique opportunities offered by the programme. Mention particular modules that interest you and explain why they are relevant to your career aspirations.

• Faculty and resources:

Look into the faculty members, their research interests, and the resources available at the School, such as career services, mentorship programmes, industry partnerships, and research centres. Relating these to your personal interests shows you have a well-thought-out plan.

For example, EDHEC Business School’s Master in Management programme ranks 4th worldwide (Financial Times 2024) and focuses on leadership, global business, finance, and data & tech. Highlighting your interest in these areas and how the programme meets your needs makes your application stronger.

2. Motivation letter format: How to structure a strong statement motivation

Your cover letter should be well-organised and easy to read. Structuring your letter properly will ensure clarity and logical flow.

• Introduction: Making a Strong First Impression
  Begin with a well-crafted introduction that presents your name, academic background, and purpose for applying. Clearly state what drives your interest in the programme and how it aligns with your professional aspirations. Keep it concise and compelling, ensuring the reader immediately understands your motivation.

• Body paragraphs: Key elements to include
  • Background and experience: Detail your academic achievements, professional experiences, and skills relevant to the programme. Provide concrete examples of projects, internships, or extracurricular activities that have shaped your interest in this field.
  • Motivation and goals: Discuss your short-term and long-term career goals. Be specific—mention industries, job roles, or areas of research that you aspire to contribute to.
  • Fit with the programme: Clearly articulate why this specific programme and institution align with your goals. Highlight unique features of the programme and how they directly contribute to your aspirations.

• Conclusion: End on a strong note, summarising why you are an excellent candidate. Express enthusiasm for the opportunity and appreciation for the admissions committee’s time.

Admissions committees review many applications, so ensure your letter is concise, engaging, and free of unnecessary information.

3. Personalisation and specificity

Avoid generic statements and tailor your letter to each programme:

• Mention relevant courses, projects, or faculty members that interest you: Show that you have done your homework by referencing aspects of the programme that genuinely attract you.
• Demonstrate how the programme’s offerings will help achieve your career goals: Make a direct connection between the programme’s curriculum and your professional development.
• Describe how your background and skills add value to the School community: Schools look for students who will contribute to their academic and cultural environment. Highlight how your experiences and perspectives can enrich the programme.

4. Professional tone and authenticity

• Be genuine: Admissions committees appreciate honesty and authenticity. Avoid exaggeration or making claims you cannot support.
• Proofread carefully: Grammatical errors and typos can weaken your application. Review your letter multiple times and use tools like Grammarly.
• Seek feedback: Have a mentor, professor, or colleague review your letter for clarity, coherence, and overall impact.

Structuring your motivation letter for a Master at EDHEC Business School

Beginning: Showcasing your interest in EDHEC Business School

Your introduction should immediately establish a strong connection between your background and EDHEC Business School. Instead of a general opening, focus on what specifically attracts you to EDHEC’s academic approach, international environment, or industry-oriented curriculum. Highlight what makes EDHEC the ideal choice for your aspirations and how you see yourself thriving within its community.

Body – Answering key questions for EDHEC

When structuring your letter for an EDHEC Master’s programme, ensure you address these essential questions:

• What are your career goals, and how does this programme help you achieve them?
  • Show how EDHEC’s curriculum, specialisations, and career support align with your ambitions.
• What academic and professional experiences prepare you for this master’s degree?
  • Go beyond listing experiences—explain how they have shaped your career vision and how EDHEC will build upon them.
• Why have you chosen this specific programme and institution?
  • Highlight what makes EDHEC’s approach unique compared to other institutions. Mention specific courses, faculty, or networking opportunities that attracted you.
• How will you contribute to the School community?
  • Demonstrate how your background, mindset, and career aspirations will enrich the classroom and student life at EDHEC.

Impactful conclusion

Wrap up your motivation letter with a closing statement that reflects your deep motivation to join EDHEC. Emphasise how this programme is a good fit for your goals and an essential step in your career path. Express gratitude for the opportunity and show confidence in your ability to contribute to and benefit from EDHEC’s learning environment.

A strong conclusion should leave a positive impression and reinforce your commitment to succeeding at EDHEC.

EDHEC Business School’s Master’s Programmes

EDHEC Business School, ranked #7 Business School in Europe by the Financial Times 2024, offers a diverse range of master’s programmes designed to equip students with specialised knowledge and practical skills in key business areas.

EDHEC's Master in Management programme

The Master in Management (MiM), ranked #4 worldwide by the Financial Times 2024, provides a strong foundation in business management with the flexibility to choose from four tracks (finance, business management, tech & data, and data science & AI), global learning opportunities, and a dedicated professional immersion year. 

EDHEC's Master of Science (MSc) programmes

For students looking for focused expertise, EDHEC’s Master of Science (MSc) programmes cover fields such as finance, business management, marketing, tech & data, sustainability, and innovation & entrepreneurship. These programmes are structured to provide hands-on learning, industry connections, and global exposure, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for dynamic career paths in an evolving business landscape.

Crafting a motivation letter for an EDHEC Master programme

A strong motivation letter is crucial when applying to EDHEC Business School. The admissions team evaluates motivation letters based on three primary criteria:

• Career trajectory – A clear link between past experiences and future goals.
• Programme fit – How well you align with EDHEC’s curriculum and values.
• Post-master goals – Your vision for your career after graduation.

Tailoring your letter for EDHEC Business School

The motivation letter (personal statement) is your opportunity to showcase your alignment with EDHEC's values, your chosen programme, and your career aspirations. To make your letter stand out, keep these key guidelines in mind:

• Be straight to the point and concise – Avoid unnecessary details and focus on the most relevant aspects of your background and goals.
• Highlight your career trajectory – Explain how your studies and experiences have prepared you for this master's programme.
• Clearly articulate why you are an ideal candidate – Discuss specific skills, relevant courses, or experiences that make you a great fit.
• Explain your post-master career goals – Describe your ambitions and how this programme will help you achieve them.
• Demonstrate how this master’s programme aligns with your professional objectives – Show your understanding of EDHEC’s curriculum and how it fits your aspirations.

Key questions to address in your motivation letter

To ensure a well-structured and compelling motivation letter, reflect on these essential questions:

• Why France? – What attracts you to studying in France? Is it the educational system, international exposure, or cultural experience?
• What are your reasons for choosing EDHEC ? – Mention EDHEC’s reputation, rankings, global network, and teaching approach.
• Why this specific programme? – Explain how the curriculum, specialisation tracks, or industry partnerships align with your career goals.
• How do you envision contributing to the EDHEC community? – Highlight leadership experience, teamwork skills, or cultural diversity you bring.
• What are your career goals, and how does this programme help you achieve them? – Be specific about yourjob title aspirations and industry focus.
• What makes you a unique candidate? – Discuss your passion for the subject, professional background, or any distinctive qualities.

Tailoring your letter to demonstrate a thorough understanding of EDHEC's offerings ensures you stand out as a well-prepared and committed applicant. A well-thought-out motivation letter highlights your qualifications and reflects your enthusiasm and dedication to professional development.

For a detailed guide on how to apply for an EDHEC Master’s degree, check out their official step-by-step application guide.

Formatting and presentation guidelines

Addressing and salutation

Address your cover letter to the appropriate recipient. If unavailable, use a general greeting like “Dear Admissions Committee.”

Length and spacing

Most universities recommend a length between 500 and 1,500 words. EDHEC advises double spacing for clarity and readability.

Final checklist before submission

Before submitting your motivation letter:

• Proofread carefully: Avoid grammatical mistakes and typos.
• Get external feedback: Ask a mentor, professor, or friend to review your letter.

Final tips for writing your motivation letter

• Start early: Give yourself time to reflect, write, and revise.
• Be concise: Keep it one to two pages long.
• Highlight achievements: Focus on accomplishments relevant to the programme.
• Express enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in the opportunity.

By aligning your experiences and goals with what EDHEC’s master’s programmes offer, you can create a compelling motivation letter that resonates with the admissions committee.