How to Write a Motivation Letter for European Universities: Complete Guide

You’re sitting in front of a blank document. The cursor blinks. Six tabs are open on your screen – the university’s website, a student forum, two articles on “how to write a motivation letter,” a thesaurus, and Google Translate with the word “engagement” open. The application deadline for Bocconi is five weeks away, and you haven’t written a single sentence yet. You know that this text – 500, 800, maybe 1000 words – will determine whether someone on the other side of Europe decides you are curious, motivated, and mature enough to study at one of the continent’s best universities. And you know that your high school leaving exam results, your SAT score, or your grades alone won’t be enough.

The motivation letter is your voice in European admissions. In the American system, you have the Common App Essay; in the British system, you have the Personal Statement via UCAS. But at universities in continental Europe – from Italy, through the Netherlands, Germany, France, to Spain and Switzerland – the motivation letter is the document where you tell your story. And unlike forms with checkboxes and diploma uploads, the motivation letter doesn’t have a single universal template. Each country, each university, and sometimes each program has its own expectations regarding format, length, and tone.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from the differences between a motivation letter, Personal Statement, and College Essay, to the requirements in specific European countries, as well as text structure, examples of strong openings, common mistakes, and the editing process. If you’re looking for information on a specific country, check out our guides on studying in Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, or France. And if you’re interested in scholarships, see our guide to scholarships in Europe.

Motivation Letter vs. Personal Statement vs. College Essay – What’s the Difference?

If you’re applying to universities in continental Europe, the UK, and the USA simultaneously – as many Polish applicants do – you need to understand that a motivation letter, Personal Statement, and College Essay are three completely different documents. Although all three serve to “tell your story,” they differ in philosophy, structure, tone, and what the reader is looking for. Treating them interchangeably – copying a Personal Statement into a Bocconi application form or translating a Common App Essay into a motivation letter – is one of the most common mistakes Polish candidates make.

The Personal Statement (UK/UCAS) is an academic text. It’s 4,000 characters with spaces, approximately 600 words. It goes to five universities simultaneously (because you submit one UCAS application), so you cannot write “why this specific university.” 80% of the content should focus on your interest in the program – what you’ve read, what questions you’re asking, what projects you’ve undertaken. 20% is context: extracurricular activities, skills, and qualities. Tone: serious, academic, but with personality. Learn more in our Personal Statement guide.

The College Essay (USA/Common App) is a personal text, 650 words long. It’s written in response to one of seven Common App prompts – and paradoxically, it’s least about academics. American universities want to see who you are as a person: your values, reflections, and worldview. Tone: very personal, narrative, sometimes intimate. The best essays read like short stories.

The Motivation Letter (Continental Europe) is something in between. It’s more practical than the other two. The admissions committee wants to know three things: why this program, why this university, and what you bring to the table. Tone: professional but engaged. Not as academic as a Personal Statement, not as personal as a College Essay. The most important difference: a motivation letter is tailored to a specific university – you must show that you know their program, research, and teaching approach, and explain why it’s the right fit for you. Copying the same text for Bocconi and TU Munich is a recipe for rejection.

When is a Motivation Letter Required? Map of Countries and Universities

Not every European university requires a motivation letter – but most of the universities that Polish applicants most frequently apply to do. Here’s an overview.

Italy – A motivation letter is a standard part of applications to private universities (Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, LUISS) and for some English-taught programs at public universities (Sapienza, University of Bologna). At Bocconi, it is one of the main selection criteria. For public universities with Italian-taught programs, the pre-enrollment procedure alone is often sufficient.

Netherlands – Almost all English-taught programs at research universities (University of Amsterdam, Maastricht University, TU Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam) require a motivation letter as part of the application via Studielink. Dutch universities place a strong emphasis on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) – it’s worth referencing this method in your letter.

Germany – For English-taught programs at universities such as TU Munich, LMU Munich, or Humboldt-Universität, a Motivationsschreiben is required. For German-taught programs, requirements vary – check details.

France – A lettre de motivation is standard for Sciences Po, HEC Paris, ESSEC, and most Grandes Écoles. French universities value cultural context and argumentation skills.

Spain – Private universities like IE University and ESADE require a shorter, more dynamic letter. Public universities less frequently.

Switzerland – ETH Zurich and EPFL require a motivation letter for master’s degrees and some bachelor’s programs. The emphasis is on research experience and fit with a research group.

Motivation Letter Structure – Six Elements Every Strong Text Must Contain

There isn’t one universal motivation letter template, but there is a logical structure that virtually all admitted candidates follow. This isn’t a rigid scheme that stifles your creativity – it’s a framework that helps you tell your story in a way the reader expects. An admissions officer at Bocconi or TU Munich spends an average of 3–5 minutes on your letter. If they don’t know what you’re writing about after the first paragraph, they’ll move on to the next application.

1. Opening: Hook and Context (1–2 paragraphs)

The first two sentences determine whether the admissions officer reads the rest. Do not start with “Dear Admissions Committee, I hereby wish to apply for admission to the program…” – this sentence appears in 90% of letters and immediately makes the reader lose interest. Every letter starts like that. Yours shouldn’t.

Instead, start with a specific scene, question, or moment that naturally introduces your interest in the field. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic story – but it must be true and specific. Detail is your friend. “When I first read the EU Court of Justice ruling in Google vs. CNIL during my internship at a law firm in Krakow, I understood that law is not just about codes – it’s a tool for shaping digital reality” – this opening grabs attention. “I’ve been fascinated by law since childhood” – this opening says nothing.

2. Why This Program? Academic Motivation (1–2 paragraphs)

Here, you explain where your interest in this field comes from – and why it’s deeper than “because I get good grades in this subject.” Show a trajectory: what experiences, readings, projects, or questions led you to the point where you know this is what you want to study. Connect experiences with reflection – it’s not enough to say “I participated in a math competition”; you need to say what it taught you and how it changed your thinking.

The best paragraphs on academic motivation combine concrete experience with an intellectual question. Example: “When I analyzed stock market data for an econometrics project in high school, I noticed that classical VaR models systematically underestimated tail risk. I started reading about extreme value models – and it’s this gap between theory and reality that makes me want to study quantitative finance.”

3. Why This University? The “Why Us?” Paragraph (1–2 paragraphs)

This is the most important part of the motivation letter – and also the one candidates most often fail. The committee wants to know that you know their program, not that you copied a description from the homepage. “Bocconi is one of the best business universities in Europe” is a sentence that adds no value – they know who they are.

Instead, demonstrate specific knowledge: name a professor whose research interests you. Mention a specific course in the syllabus that addresses your research questions. Refer to a particular teaching method (e.g., the case study method at Bocconi, PBL at Maastricht, Socratic seminar at Sciences Po). Show that you’ve read the syllabus, looked at department websites, maybe even spoken to current students. This requires effort – but that’s precisely the point.

4. What Do You Bring? Your Experiences and Skills (1–2 paragraphs)

This isn’t about a list of achievements – it’s about how your past experiences prepare you for this program and what you will contribute to the student community. Volunteering, internships, school projects, extracurricular activities – anything that shows you have not only knowledge but also initiative, self-reliance, and teamwork skills.

Key principle: connect experience with a skill, and a skill with the program. Don’t write “I was student council president” – write “as student council president, I coordinated a 15-person team and learned to manage projects under budget constraints – skills that will be essential for me in the project management module in the second year of the MIM program at Bocconi.”

5. Future Goals (1 paragraph)

European universities – more so than American ones – want to know where you’re headed. You don’t need a 20-year career plan, but you should have a vision: what you want to do after graduation, how this program fits into your path, what problems you want to solve. The committee looks for students who view their studies as a step in a specific direction – not as a “moratorium” before adult life.

Be realistic but ambitious. “I want to become the CEO of Google” sounds naive. “After completing the finance program, I want to join a quantitative research team at a European hedge fund, and long-term, develop climate risk models in the financial sector” – this is a goal that sounds mature and is logically linked to the program.

6. Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Concise, elegant, without unnecessary thanks. Summarize in two sentences why you are the ideal candidate for this program. Don’t repeat the entire letter – close with a strong statement, referencing your opening or your main motivation. Avoid phrases like “I would be extremely pleased if…” – it’s too passive. Better: “I am confident that program X at university Y is the best place for me to develop my interests in Z and prepare for A.”

Country-Specific Requirements – What Matters Where

European universities are not a monolith. Each country has its own academic and recruitment culture – and a motivation letter that impresses the admissions committee at Sciences Po might be completely inadequate for TU Munich. Below, I break down the key differences.

Italy: Bocconi, Polimi, Sapienza, Bologna

At Bocconi, the motivation letter is a key application component – alongside test scores (SAT or Bocconi test) and academic grades. The university seeks candidates with an analytical mind, a global perspective, and a clear career vision. Don’t write generalities about “passion for business” – instead, articulate a specific economic problem you want to solve and why Bocconi’s approach (interdisciplinarity, focus on Europe, case study method) is best suited for it. Typical length: 500–750 words.

At Politecnico di Milano, the emphasis shifts to technical skills and concrete projects. If you’re applying for engineering or architecture, showcase a portfolio of experiences: school projects, competitions, independent experiments. At Sapienza and Bologna, the requirements are slightly less formalized, but a motivation letter still helps you stand out among hundreds of applications.

If you’re taking the SAT for Italian universities, prepare with okiro.io – a platform with thousands of practice questions and adaptive practice. An SAT score of 1300+ is a solid foundation for Bocconi, and 1400+ places you among very competitive applicants.

Netherlands: Amsterdam, Maastricht, Delft, Rotterdam

Dutch universities place a unique emphasis on self-reliance and learning how to learn. This is no coincidence – the Dutch higher education system is built on the premise that students are not passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in the process. At Maastricht University, the PBL (Problem-Based Learning) system means that from day one, you work in small groups on real problems – without traditional lectures.

In your motivation letter for a Dutch university, show that you understand this approach and that it suits you. Describe situations where you independently sought solutions, worked in a team, or took initiative. Include a CV with your letter – most Dutch universities require both documents.

Germany: TU Munich, LMU, Humboldt

The German Motivationsschreiben is the most structured and academic motivation letter in Europe. TU Munich expects a letter that clearly answers three questions: why this program (academic motivation), why TUM (fit with the university), and what qualifications you possess (experiences, skills). The structure should be logical and clear – Germans value precision in argumentation more than poetic style.

For research-oriented programs (especially at the master’s level), it’s worth referencing specific research groups and faculty publications. At LMU Munich, the letter can be slightly more reflective – the university values interdisciplinarity and broad interests.

France: Sciences Po, HEC, ESSEC

The French lettre de motivation is a form where argumentation is as important as content. Sciences Po seeks students with global awareness, civic engagement, and the ability to analyze complex problems. Your letter should demonstrate that you follow current events, have an opinion on socio-political issues, and can articulate it.

At Sciences Po, it’s important to refer to one of the seven campuses – each has a regional specialization (Europe, Asia, Middle East, etc.). Show why you chose that particular campus and how its specialization aligns with your interests. HEC and ESSEC look for future leaders – here, career vision and leadership experiences are more important.

Spain: IE University, ESADE

IE University and ESADE are universities focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. Motivation letters are shorter (400–700 words), more direct, and energetic. Don’t write long introductions – get straight to the point. Show what you’ve already done (projects, startups, initiatives), not just what you plan to do. Spanish private universities value “doers” – people who take action.

Switzerland: ETH Zurich, EPFL, HSG

ETH Zurich and EPFL are universities with exceptionally high research standards. A motivation letter for these universities – especially at the master’s level – should focus on scientific fit: what research interests you, what laboratory experience you have, and which research group you would like to work with. At HSG (Universität St. Gallen), the emphasis is more on business and interdisciplinarity – mention the CEMS program and a global perspective.

Do’s and Don’ts – Motivation Letter Checklist

Strong Openings – Examples That Grab Attention

The first sentence of your motivation letter is like a first impression in a job interview – you have a few seconds to capture interest. Here are six approaches to openings that work – each with a concrete example.

How to Research a University to Write a Convincing “Why Us?” Paragraph

The “why this university” paragraph is a test of whether you genuinely want to study there – or if you’re just looking for a prestigious name on your diploma. The admissions committee recognizes generic text immediately. Here’s a concrete, step-by-step research process.

Step 1: Study the syllabus. Go to the program’s website and read the description of each course – not just the titles, but the course descriptions. Find 2–3 courses that directly align with your interests. Note their names and explain in your letter why they interest you.

Step 2: Check the faculty. Go to the department’s website and read the professors’ profiles. Who is conducting research in the field that fascinates you? What publications do they have? You don’t need to understand every scientific article – but you should be able to articulate what interests you about their research. Naming a professor in your motivation letter is a strong signal that you’ve done your homework.

Step 3: Read student blogs and media. Every large university has a student blog, newspaper, or community on LinkedIn/Reddit. Read what current students write about the program: what surprised them, what’s best, what the challenges are. This gives you a perspective you won’t find on the official website.

Step 4: Explore extracurricular opportunities. Student clubs, case study competitions, exchange programs, startup incubators – every university has something unique. At Bocconi, it’s Bocconi Students for Management Consulting; at Sciences Po, numerous debating societies; at TU Munich, labs and industry partnerships. Find one or two that genuinely interest you.

Step 5: Talk to someone who studies there. LinkedIn is your tool. Search for students from Poland in the program you’re interested in and send them a message. Most will be happy to respond. A 15-minute conversation with a current student will give you more material than an hour of browsing the university’s website.

Step 6: Connect your research with your own story. It’s not enough to list facts about the university – you must explain why it’s a good fit for you. “TU Munich conducts research on composite materials” – that’s a fact. “Professor Müller’s research on composite materials at TUM directly relates to my high school project, where I tested the bending strength of various composites – and I want to continue this work as part of my bachelor’s thesis” – that’s a connection.

The Editing Process and Common Mistakes

Writing a motivation letter is an iterative process. Your first draft will not be the final version – and that’s perfectly normal. Here’s what a healthy writing process looks like.

Week 1–2: Brainstorming and notes. Don’t start by writing the letter. Begin by answering questions: why this program? What experiences shaped me? What do I bring? Where am I headed? Write everything down – chaotically, without self-censorship. Then discard 70% and keep what’s truly important.

Week 2–3: First draft. Write the full text without worrying about style. The goal is to get the content down on paper. Don’t edit while writing – it will kill your flow. Write too much, then cut it down.

Week 3–4: Structural editing. Read the letter aloud. Is it logical? Does each paragraph lead to the next? Is there a “why this university” paragraph? Does the introduction grab attention? Rebuild the structure if necessary.

Week 4–5: Stylistic editing. Now focus on the language. Shorten sentences. Eliminate adjectives. Change passive voice to active. Check for repetitive words. Every sentence should add something new.

Week 5–6: Feedback. Have 2–3 people read your letter – and don’t choose people who will just say “great, send it!” Choose someone who will be honest. Ideally: an English teacher, a mentor with application experience, a current student at the university you’re applying to. College Council mentors – alumni of Bocconi, ETH, Sciences Po, TU Munich, and other top universities – regularly help candidates refine their motivation letters.

Week 6–8: Final version. Incorporate feedback. Read it aloud one more time. Check grammar (Grammarly, LanguageTool). Check formatting. Check the word limit. Send it.

10 Most Common Mistakes in Motivation Letters by Polish Applicants

1. Copying the same letter for multiple universities – the admissions officer will detect that the text wasn’t written for them.
2. Starting with “Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by…” – a cliché that says nothing. Start with something specific.
3. Missing a “why this university” paragraph – or a generic paragraph that could apply to any university.
4. Listing achievements without reflection – the letter reads like a prose CV. Connect facts with insights.
5. Overly formal tone – “I kindly request consideration of my candidacy.” This isn’t an application to a government office.
6. Overly personal tone – anecdotes about family and childhood without a connection to the program.
7. Translating from Polish – sentences are too long, constructions are passive, phrases are clichéd. Write directly in English.
8. Lack of specifics – “I am motivated,” “I have a passion,” “I want to develop” – these are empty words without evidence.
9. Exceeding the word limit – if the university says 750 words, write 700–750. Never 800.
10. Submitting without proofreading – typos, grammatical errors, and poor formatting signal a lack of professionalism.

If you want to avoid these mistakes with the help of experienced mentors, use College Council’s essay preparation service. Our mentors are alumni of leading European universities who have gone through this process themselves – and they know what admissions committees are looking for. You can also schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your application strategy.

How College Council Helps Write a Motivation Letter That Opens Doors

Writing a motivation letter on your own is like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions – technically possible, but the result rarely looks like the picture. That’s why hundreds of Polish candidates for European universities work with College Council mentors, who not only know what a strong letter should look like but have also successfully navigated the admissions process themselves at the very universities you’re applying to.

What do you gain by working with us?

• A mentor from your target university. Our team consists of alumni and students from Bocconi, ETH Zurich, Sciences Po, TU Munich, LMU, Maastricht University, and many others. Your mentor knows the admissions process firsthand – because they’ve been through it.
• Strategy, not a template. We don’t give you a ready-made text to sign. We help you discover your story, build the letter’s structure, and express it in a way that resonates with the admissions committee.
• Honest, professional feedback. 3–5 rounds of editing with detailed comments on every paragraph, sentence, and word.
• Knowledge of what committees are looking for. Every university and every country has its specific characteristics. Your mentor knows what Bocconi values (analytical thinking, global perspective) and what Sciences Po values (social engagement, argumentation).

Check out our essay and motivation letter preparation service or our comprehensive package for studying in Europe, which includes motivation letter support, application strategy, university selection, and test preparation. Have questions? Schedule a free initial consultation – we’ll discuss your situation and help you plan your next steps.

If you’re taking the SAT for European universities (Bocconi, IE, ESADE), prepare with okiro.io – a platform with adaptive practice and thousands of questions. For preparation for language certificates (TOEFL, IELTS), visit prepclass.io.

Summary – Your Motivation Letter is an Investment in Your Future

A motivation letter is not a mere formality to check off a list. It’s the only place in your European application where the admissions committee hears your voice – and based on a few hundred words, decides whether they want to get to know you better. With dozens or hundreds of applications for each spot, the motivation letter is the element that distinguishes “good candidates on paper” from “candidates we want at our university.”

Remember five fundamental principles. First: personalize for each university – the “why this university” paragraph is a test of whether you truly want to study there. Second: start with specifics, not clichés – the first sentence determines whether the admissions officer reads on. Third: connect experiences with reflection – it’s not a list of achievements, but a story about who you are and where you’re headed. Fourth: write in your own voice – universities seek authenticity, not perfect prose. Fifth: edit, edit, edit – the first draft is never the final version.

If you feel you need support – you’re not alone. Hundreds of Polish candidates annually work with College Council mentors to transform raw ideas into a motivation letter that opens doors to universities like Bocconi, Sciences Po, TU Munich, or ETH Zurich. Schedule a free consultation and let’s discuss your goals.

Next Steps

1. Choose universities and check requirements – visit the admissions page for each program and note word limits, formats, and deadlines.
2. Start your research – read the syllabus, check the faculty, talk to current students on LinkedIn.
3. Write a brainstorm – answer the questions: why this program? why this university? what do I bring?
4. Give yourself time – a minimum of 4–6 weeks for the entire process. Don’t write the letter the night before.
5. Prepare for the SAT – if you’re applying to SAT-accepting universities (Bocconi, IE, ESADE), practice on okiro.io.
6. Take a language certificate exam – TOEFL or IELTS with prepclass.io.
7. Gather feedback – from a mentor, teacher, current student, or College Council mentors.

Read also:

• How to Write a Personal Statement for UK Universities – A Guide
• Studying in Italy – SAT, Sapienza, Bologna, Polimi
• Bocconi University – A Guide for Applicants
• Studying in the Netherlands – SAT-Accepting Universities
• Studying in Germany with SAT – TU Munich and Other Universities
• Studying in Spain – IE University, ESADE
• Studying at Sciences Po in Paris – A Guide
• Studying at TU Munich – A Guide
• Studying at the University of Bologna – A Guide
• Scholarships for Studies in Europe – A Guide