How to Write Letter of Motivation for German Universities? (Sample PDF)

A letter of motivation for German universities admission explains your goals, achievements, and reasons for applying to a specific program. To write an effective letter, you must start with a strong introduction outlining your interest in the program. Thereafter, you need to highlight relevant academic and professional experiences. Also, you must outline your skills and achievements. Furthermore, you should clearly explain how the program aligns with your career aspirations and how you can contribute to it. Lastly, conclude your letter of motivation for German university with enthusiasm, showing commitment. 

To know what is a letter of motivation and how to draft an effective letter of motivation for German universities, keep reading the blog.

What is a Letter of Motivation for University?

A Letter of Motivation (LOM) is a document where the applicant can showcase his/her motivation to pursue an education in their chosen study program. With the help of an LOM, the student can demonstrate his/her skills making them stand apart from the rest of the applicants. Additionally, they will also be able to convince the admission officers to get an admission and why he would be an excellent fit for the program selected.

Do Universities Require LOMs?

Yes, all German universities require students to submit a Letter of Motivation at the time of filling out the application form. German universities that offer programs in Bachelor’s and Master’s in both English and German language require applicants to submit this document.

However, this document goes by different names such as ‘personal statement’, ‘Statement of Purpose (SOP)’, ‘Letter of Motivation (LOM)’ and ‘Cover Letter’. You will get more clarification between all these documents as you read further. 

Difference Between Letter of Motivation, Cover Letter and SOP

Here is the key difference between the letter of motivation, cover letter and SOP summarised in short in the table mentioned below.

Features	Letter of Motivation	Cover Letter	Statement of Purpose
Purpose	University Applications	Job Applications	University/Graduate School Applications
Focus	Suitability for a specific program	Relevance to a specific job	Academic and professional background, research interests, career goals
Tone	More informal and personal	More formal and professional	More formal and academic

Also Read: Motivation Letter Examples, Format & Samples for Job, University

Types of Letter of Motivation 

When you start planning to study in Germany, you will find out that you will need to write more than one letter of motivation for German universities. Let us give you a basic understanding of the types of letters of motivation and which one will be relevant for you.

Letter of Motivation for Bachelor’s

If you are moving to Germany to pursue a Bachelor’s then writing a letter of motivation will be quite relevant for you. Here’s why. This is because more than 80% of Bachelor’s programs in Germany enlist this document as a standard requirement. 

Letter of Motivation for Master’s

The Letter of Motivation is also highly relevant if you are planning to pursue a Master’s in Germany. This document is required by all the universities at the time of enrollment. 

When preparing your LOM for a Master’s course in Germany, see that you answer the following questions:

• Why do you want to do a Master’s in Germany?
• Why did you choose this field of study?
• What previous qualifications or experience do you have which are suitable for this course?

Letter of Motivation for DAAD

If you are planning to study in Germany with a DAAD scholarship, you will need to prepare a separate application package which will also include a letter of motivation. In this case, the LOM will be quite different different from the LOM that you would submit to a German university.

Some of the basic differences will include the following:

• Content
• Length
• Structure of the LOM

Letter of Motivation for Other Scholarships

There are numerous scholarships available for students who wish to go abroad for higher education. However, there are top 10 scholarships for Indian students from which they can consider going abroad (eg. DLD Executive MBA Scholarship, Jacobs University Scholarships). These organisations also require students to submit the LOM. However, the specific requirements can vary such as the content, and format for each organisation. 

Letter of Motivation for Visa

If you wish to apply for a German study visa, you will have to apply for it at the local German Embassy/Consulate. Keep in mind that the letter of motivation is part of the application package. 

Keep in mind that when preparing LOM for the study visa, the document focus is more on your future goals and how they are connected to your planned studies in Germany.

Click here for the checklist for applying for a German national visa.

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Importance of Letter of Motivation for German Universities

A Letter of Motivation is one of the most crucial documents in an applicant’s portfolio when moving to Germany for education. This piece of documentation becomes the deciding factor for admission after the GPA. A well-written LOM will help the student demonstrate his/her enthusiasm for the program and why you are fit for the university and distinguish yourself from other applicants. 

Here are some of the key reasons why the Letter of Motivation for German universities holds significant importance:

1. Demonstrating your motivation and suitability
2. Setting yourself apart from the competition
3. Explaining any gaps or inconsistencies
4. Articulating your future goals

Know the Requirements To Study In Germany For Indian Students

How to Write a Motivation Letter for University Admission in Germany?

Before beginning with ‘How to Write a Motivation Letter for University Admission in Germany’, one must note that preparing this document should not be taken lightly. Do not think that you will be able to write the LOM in one sitting. Instead, it will require you to carry out proper research on the requirements and pay attention to the smallest details. 

Here are some of the top tips which one must follow to prepare a successful letter of motivation.

1. Begin your LOM with a broad statement of purpose, stating who you are, why you are qualified and what motivates you to study. Do NOT start your letter of motivation by repeating your CV.
2. Make sure you read your LOM from the reader’s perspective.
3. Go into detail about what the university wants from the student.
4. With a neutral writing style, make sure to include your details. 
5. Check your writing for consistency
6. Be particular about proofreading to ensure there are no grammatical errors or typing mistakes.
7. Give yourself time to write a great letter of motivation (LOM).

Know how you can Study in Germany without IELTS

Letter of Motivation for German Universities: Guidelines

Now, let us take a look at the following guidelines for preparing a Letter of Motivation which one must keep in mind. 

Introduction

Start your LOM for Germany with a current story that demonstrates why you are motivated to get a master’s degree in the field of your choice.

Academic Background

Talk about your academic history, beginning with your undergraduate studies. Your favourite topics, relevant projects completed and lessons learnt, internships completed and lessons learnt, and any additional coursework, research projects, or paper presentations that enhanced your undergraduate experience should all be included.

Professional Experience

You must go into great detail about any full-time work experience you have, including the organisation’s name, city, title, tasks and responsibilities, and lessons learnt. To demonstrate how you provided value to your organisation, you should also highlight any honours or honours you have received at work.

Reasons for Pursung Course 

The candidate must explain why they wish to pursue the course in the specific field and why this program is the ideal choice for them at this moment.

Future Career Goals

The professional ambitions, which demonstrate how well your plans connect with the program you are applying for, are the most crucial section of the Letter of Motivation for Germany. 

Reasons for Selecting Germany

You must explain your reasons for selecting Germany as your study destination in this crucial area. You can discuss the German educational system, university partnerships with the industry, the country’s friendly approach towards foreign students, and other aspects that you find appealing.

Extracurricular Activities

You can highlight your diverse personality in this optional portion of the LOM for Germany by discussing your involvement in sports, the arts, culture, volunteer work, and other endeavours.

Format for Letter of Motivation for Admission to German University

Here is the required format for the Letter of Motivation which students will have to follow when preparing the document to get admission to a German university. 

1. Margins: 2.5 cm, or one inch, on all sides
2. Font size: 11- or 12-point Times New Roman
3. Line spacing: Single
4. Text alignment: Justified

See that the format for the Letter of Motivation for admission will vary for each university. Before writing, ensure that you go through the official university website for guidelines and format for the LOM.

Check out: 25+ Questions About Studying in Germany for International Students 

Letter of Motivation for German University Admission: Sample 1

Here is a Sample of a  Letter of Motivation for the Technical University of Munich, one of the top-ranked universities in Germany:

Rohit Paswan D 118, Noida Sector 12, Gautam Buddh Nagar, PIN- 201301 Uttar Pradesh, India Email: [email protected] 1 January 2025 Admissions Office Technical University of Munich Arcisstraße 21 80333 Munich Germany  Dear Members of the Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my strong motivation to pursue an MBA at the Technical University of Munich. With a profound interest in leveraging technology to drive business innovation, I believe TUM’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and management in the context of engineering aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where I graduated with honours. During my academic journey, I developed a strong analytical mindset and a passion for problem-solving. I have gained valuable experience working as a project manager at Google (Alphabet Inc.), where I led a cross-functional team to implement a new software solution that improved operational efficiency by 30%. This position allowed me to blend my technical knowledge with management skills and reinforced my desire to expand my expertise further in the field of business. The diverse curriculum and the rich learning environment at TUM, combined with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students from various backgrounds, are factors that greatly attract me to your MBA program. I am particularly excited about the potential to participate in real-world projects and engage with industry leaders, which I believe will provide me with the skills and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of the global market. Furthermore, I am eager to contribute to the TUM community by sharing my insights from the tech industry and collaborating on innovative projects. I am confident that my background and experiences will enable me to add a unique perspective to classroom discussions. In conclusion, I am passionate about advancing my knowledge in business management and contributing to the future of technology-driven enterprises. I would be honoured to be a part of the Technical University of Munich’s MBA program and look forward to the possibility of contributing to and learning from this prestigious institution. Thank you for considering my application. I hope to have the opportunity to further discuss my aspirations during the interview process. Sincerely,  Rohit Paswan

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Letter of Motivation for German University Admission: Sample 2

Here is a sample letter of motivation for German universities admission. In this sample, we have a motivation letter for the University of Freiburg. You will find a LOM for pursuing MA Ancient Civilization Studies at the University of Freiburg.

Ifra AhmadHouse Number 2, 1-Bagan Area, Kashidih East, Jamshedpur, East Singhbhum Jamshedpur, PIN- 831001 Jharkhand Phone: +91 0099008800 Email: [email protected] 7 September 2024 Admission Office University of Freiburg, Friedrichstraße 39,  79098 Freiburg Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my keen interest in pursuing the Master’s program in Ancient Civilisation Studies at the University of Freiburg. With a strong academic foundation in history and a profound passion for exploring the intricacies of ancient societies, I am eager to contribute to and benefit from the program’s interdisciplinary approach and research opportunities. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in History (Hons.) from SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi, where I developed a strong understanding of historical methodologies and cultural analysis. During this time, my coursework and research projects nurtured my curiosity about ancient civilisations, their socio-political structures, and cultural exchanges.  Building on this foundation, I pursued a Master’s degree in History at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), one of India’s premier institutions. At JNU, I specialised in ancient history, delving into subjects such as the evolution of early urban societies, the development of script systems, and trade networks in antiquity. My thesis focused on “Trade and Cultural Interactions in the Indian Ocean during the Classical Period,” which allowed me to explore the dynamic interplay between ancient civilisations. In addition to my academic pursuits, I had the privilege of interning with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), where I gained hands-on experience in archaeological research and conservation. Assisting in the documentation and analysis of artefacts from excavation sites deepened my appreciation for material culture as a crucial source for understanding ancient societies. This practical experience complemented my theoretical knowledge and reinforced my desire to engage in advanced research in ancient studies. The University of Freiburg’s Master’s program in Ancient Civilisation Studies stands out for its emphasis on interdisciplinary research and the integration of archaeological and historical perspectives. The program’s focus on exploring ancient societies through diverse methodologies aligns perfectly with my academic interests and career aspirations. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to engage with the university’s esteemed faculty, whose expertise in ancient history and archaeology promises an intellectually enriching experience. Furthermore, the program’s access to research facilities and collaboration with institutions across Europe offers a unique platform for comparative studies of ancient civilisations. My long-term goal is to contribute to the academic and cultural understanding of ancient civilizations by pursuing a career in research and academia. I aim to investigate how ancient societies’ cultural and economic interactions shaped the foundations of the modern world. The rigorous training and global perspective offered by the University of Freiburg’s program will undoubtedly equip me with the skills and insights necessary to achieve these objectives. I am confident that my academic background, research experience, and unwavering passion for ancient history make me a strong candidate for this program. I am eager to bring my dedication, intellectual curiosity, and diverse perspectives to the vibrant academic community at the University of Freiburg. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to and grow within this esteemed program. Yours sincerely, Ifra

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Letter of Motivation for German University Admission: Sample 3 (Free PDF)

Here is a sample letter of motivation for students planning to take admission to German universities. You can download this PDF for reference while you draft your motivation letter for German universities.

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