Application Guide

How to Write a Motivation Letter

What Dutch university admissions teams actually want to read — and how to write a letter that gets you accepted.

What Admissions Teams Want to See

Every strong motivation letter answers three questions. Get these right and you're ahead of most applicants.

FIT

Why this programme?

PROOF

Why you?

PLAN

What will you do with it?

Writing Styles That Win Points

It's not just what you say — it's how you say it. These principles separate good letters from forgettable ones.

Specific > impressive

Concrete details beat fancy wording.

Show fit, not hype

Avoid empty claims like "world-class" or "prestigious."

One idea per paragraph

Short paragraphs read stronger.

Keep it professional and human

Clear, calm, confident.

What to Include

  • 2–3 programme-specific references (courses, track, approach)
  • 2–4 proof points from your background
  • Clear learning goal + clear future direction
  • A logical flow (no random biography)

What to Avoid

  • Copying generic templates without programme specifics
  • Repeating your CV line-by-line
  • Long life stories unrelated to the programme
  • Overly dramatic "dream since childhood" unless genuinely supported
  • Show weaknesses (address them briefly and focus on growth)

Final Checklist

Before you hit submit, make sure you can tick every box.

  • 1
    Programme name and university spelled correctly
  • 2
    2–3 programme-specific references included
  • 3
    Evidence-based examples (not just adjectives)
  • 4
    Clear learning goal + future direction
  • 5
    Matches required word count and format
  • 6
    Grammar and tone checked (read aloud once)

Ready to Write a Letter That Gets You In?

Get expert feedback on your motivation letter, or talk to StudyPath about your full application strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Requirements vary by programme. Some specify a word count, others a page limit. Always check the instructions on your programme page and follow them exactly.
Not all, but many do — especially for selective programmes, numerus fixus, and Master's applications. Some Bachelor's programmes only require Studielink enrolment without a letter. Always check your specific programme's requirements.
No. Each letter should be tailored to the specific programme and university. Admissions teams can tell when a letter is generic. You can reuse your core narrative, but references to the programme, courses, and university should be unique each time.
Only if you can show growth. A weakness followed by what you learned and how you improved can demonstrate maturity. But don't volunteer problems without resolution — this isn't a confessional, it's a professional document.
Using AI as a brainstorming or editing tool is fine, but submitting a fully AI-generated letter is risky. Admissions teams are increasingly aware of AI writing patterns, and a generic-sounding letter won't help your application. Your letter should reflect your genuine voice, experiences, and specific knowledge of the programme.
In the Dutch/European context, they're often used interchangeably. A motivation letter typically focuses more on why you're applying to this specific programme, while a personal statement (common in the UK) is broader and more reflective. When a Dutch university asks for a motivation letter, focus on programme fit, your qualifications, and your goals.