Generate a professional motivation letter for research project, internship or programme applications.
A motivation letter (also called a letter of motivation or letter of intent) explains why you want a specific opportunity and why you are the right person for it. It is standard for European university applications, many fellowship programmes, and some industry positions. While similar to a cover letter, it tends to emphasise personal motivation and future goals more than demonstrated achievements.
Opening: what you are applying for and a direct statement of your motivation. Background: relevant academic and professional experience (two to three paragraphs). Motivation: why this specific programme, institution, or organisation — be genuinely specific. Future goals: what you intend to do after the programme and how this opportunity enables it. Closing: concise and professional, with contact details.
Many applicants write motivation letters that are really just CVs in prose form — listing qualifications without explaining the motivation behind them. The key question to answer is "why": why this programme, why now, why this institution specifically. Any applicant can list their grades; the motivation letter is your opportunity to explain the reasoning behind your choices.