7 Tips for Writing a Killer Motivation Letter for PhD Scholarship

So you have decided to apply for a Ph.D. scholarship? It’s not an as easy task as it looks. Especially if you have never written such kind of letter before. To convince the scholarship board or your university professor that you are the right person they are looking for, you must demonstrate your potential and research capabilities.

Here’s how to write an effective motivation letter that will get you into the university you always wanted to study at, and with that help, you build your future career by getting the desired knowledge and experience. You may want to consider following these 7 tips when writing your motivation letter for Ph.D. scholarship.

1) Research Your University-

Before you start writing your motivation letter for a Ph.D. scholarship, it’s important to do your research on the university. This means finding out what their research interests are, what kind of faculty they have, and what their campus culture is like.

By researching the university, you’ll be able to customize your motivation letter to show that you’re a good fit for their program. Don’t Overdo It: Don’t try to write an essay in your motivation letter; keep it short and sweet. As this will be one of the first things an admissions officer reads about you, you want them to be excited about reading more about you – not bored before they even get started!

2) Research the Field-

A motivation letter for a Ph.D. scholarship is your opportunity to express your interest in the program and explain why you are a good fit. It should be well-written and free of grammar and spelling errors.

-Be clear about your reasons for applying: Why do you want to study this topic? What motivates you? Which disciplines excite you? Why are these questions important to your field? 

-Prepare evidence that demonstrates your qualifications: Include supporting documents such as transcripts, degrees, certificates, or work experience related to the area of study. Provide documentation that supports any claims made in the application, and reference this documentation if necessary when responding to interview questions. 

-Establish rapport with potential faculty members: When answering interview questions, keep in mind that professors want students who will make positive contributions both inside and outside the classroom.

3) Understand The Application Process-

Before you start writing your motivation letter for a PhD scholarship, it’s important to understand the application process. Different scholarships have different requirements, but in general, you’ll need to submit an application form, transcripts, a CV, and a motivation letter. Your motivation letter should include some of the following:

– Why are you applying? 

– What are your research interests? 

– What makes you suited for this particular award? 

– How will this award help with your research?

4) Find out what they want to hear from you-

Admissions committees want to see that you’re committed to your chosen field of study and that you have the drive to succeed. They also want to see evidence of your academic achievements, research experience, and any other relevant skills or experience.

• Before you start writing, find out as much as you can about the program and the school you’re applying to. Use their website, their social media accounts, and their annual reports to learn more about what they do and what they’re looking for in applicants.

• Outline the strongest points of your application 
• Share your passion with them 
• Show them how you’ll fit in with their community 
• Get personal – share who you are and why this is important to you

5) Focus on a compelling outline-

Make a point-by-point sketch of your motivation letter, emphasizing the content’s structure. Include points addressing the following subjects:

• Why do you wish to participate in the program as a volunteer or study the course
• Your abilities or attributes that the school or nonprofit will value
• What makes the school or charitable organization appealing to you?

Ask yourself honestly if you are including all necessary information. A motivation letter for a Ph.D. program, for instance, will require more specifics about your experiences and long-term goals than one for a bachelor’s degree.

6) Add Impactful Details-

• Start by reading the scholarship requirements carefully and make sure you fit the criteria before you begin writing. 
• Next, introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the scholarship and how it will help you reach your long-term goals. 
• Be specific about your academic achievements and research experience, as well as any extracurricular activities or volunteer work that have helped to prepare you for this opportunity. 
• Elaborate on why you’re a good fit for the program and what unique perspective and skills you can bring to the table. 
• Make sure to proofread your letter carefully before sending it off, and have someone else take a look at it as well to catch any errors you may have missed.

7) Include Keywords They are Looking For-

When applying for a PhD scholarship, your motivation letter is your chance to stand out from the crowd and prove to the selection committee that you are the right candidate for the program.

• Include keywords they are looking for: In your motivation letter, list words and phrases that match their requirements.
• Demonstrate passion: Tell them why you’re passionate about this specific field of study or project and how can you apply your knowledge after the program.

Want to get a motivation letter sample! Here is my motivation letter that helped me to win the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship at the Doctoral School of Economics and Social Science at MATE, Hungary in the 2022-2023 session.

Md Tota Miah

If you want to get a pdf/docs file, just comment below. I will be in touch to provide a more authentic, winning motivation letter. Thank you.