Writing a winning motivation letter for a university abroad

Why this letter is crucial#

Your grades speak about what you have done. Your motivation letter speaks about who you are and why this university, this program, now.

It is often what tips a borderline application into an admission — or the other way around.

The winning structure#

1. The hook (10-15% of the text)#

Never begin with "My name is X and I am applying to the Y master's program". Open instead with:

• A striking personal anecdote
• A provocative question
• A concrete project or achievement

2. Academic context (20%)#

Present your journey with perspective. Which experiences shaped you? Which failures made you grow?

3. Why this program (30%)#

This is the heart of the letter. You need to demonstrate that you have read, in detail:

• The program itself
• Its standout professors
• The options and specializations
• The connections with your personal project

4. Your professional project (25%)#

Be precise but realistic. You don't need to predict the future — show that you have thought about your path and that this program is a logical link in the chain.

5. The conclusion (10%)#

Restate your commitment and express your confidence in the committee's decision. Avoid empty, hollow formulas.

The 7 mistakes to avoid#

1. Plagiarizing a template letter — instantly detected
2. Listing your degrees — that already appears in your CV
3. Excessive flattery ("your prestigious university...")
4. Unrealistic promises ("I will become a CEO within 5 years")
5. Preemptive excuses ("despite my low grades in...")
6. Language errors — proofread yourself at least 3 times
7. Too long — 1 page (500-700 words) unless instructed otherwise

The right tone#

• First person: yes, but sparingly
• Action verbs: "I led, I designed, I presented"
• Academic English or French: demanding, precise, never casual
• Authentic: your own voice should come through

Our advice#

Have your letter reviewed by at least 3 people:

1. A professor (the academic perspective)
2. A native speaker of the language (the linguistic perspective)
3. Someone who doesn't know you (the stranger's perspective)

The TISC Admission service includes 3 rounds of review with a bilingual education coach.