Study while discovering Europe.
One of the best opportunities that European universities allow you (and the reason why you are reading this).
However, there are many who, because they do not know how to write a motivation letter, have been left out of Erasmus.
Don’t be scared. It will not be as difficult as passing the semester clean.
However, the motivation letter for Erasmus requires certain formalities and aspects to take into account that not many students know. It is similar to the employment cover letter, but there are several points to pay attention to.
In this guide, you will see a practical example of a motivation letter, applicable to your situation, plus a step-by-step guide to make yours without making mistakes or forgetting fundamental aspects.
Let’s go for it.
Motivation Letter for Erasmus: Step by Step
A motivation letter must follow a clear structure with well-stated ideas. Let’s get started:
Prepare the format of your letter
- Use a letter or A4 size Folio.
- The font size must be between 10 and 12 points.
- Margins of 2.5 cm.
- The spacing of 1.5.
Yes, you are including a resume too, try to make both documents have a similar design. You can always use a CV template and then adapt it for your motivation letter. You can also check out our list of cover letter templates.
Pro Tip: Don’t overdo the size of the letter. The person in charge of reading it will have a lot to read and taking his time can end up being a bad move. A size of approximately half a sheet will be enough. If you have questions about how to make a short document, check out our guide to cover letters with short examples.
Start with your contact details and those of the university.
- Start with the sender’s information shifted to a margin.
- Name and surname.
- Telephone.
- Email.
- Next, the recipient’s information in the opposite margin.
- Name and surname.
- University or College.
- Address.
- Include the date you wrote the letter.
Pro Tip: If you do not know the name of the person in charge of reading your application, you can put “responsible for applications”, “responsible for the selection process” or something like that.
Show that you deserve the Erasmus
- Begin the motivation letter with the greeting and the reason why you are writing to them.
- Give context about your situation current academic:
- What are you studying?
- Where do you want to go?
- Why do you want to study at that university or in that country?
- In what way will professionally benefit you?
- If you have outstanding academic achievements or have participated in projects relevant to your studies, make mention of them.
- Don’t forget to check the spelling and vocabulary you use very well. The content must be good, as well as the way of presenting it.
- Synthesize each idea or part of your letter in short paragraphs of no more than 4 lines.
This process is similar to how to start a cover letter, you just have to adapt it to your academic context.
Pro Tip: When writing the body of the letter, you should avoid exposing sentimental reasons, leisure, or language learning as the main reasons. That you have your partner living in Austria or that you are passionate about English football, no compelling reasons why they will accept you. Your reasons must revolve around your professional future.
Conclude with the Farewell
- Express your desire to receive a positive reply.
- Looking forward to their response.
- Thank you in advance for your time.
- Take a formal goodbye:
- Receive a warm greeting.
- Best regards.
- Please include your full name.
Pro Tip: Don’t abuse formalities when saying goodbye. Be brief, polite, and concise.
Having clear ideas when writing your motivation letter, you will be one step closer to being able to embark on this adventure as a student in Europe that will make you live unforgettable experiences and unrepeatable.
Take the first step to make yours.