When I first began applying for international scholarships, I never imagined that I would one day be selected for two different Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees – WAVES and SEAS 4.0 – and later receive a fully funded scholarship to Cardiff University. But what changed everything for me was learning how to write a motivation letter that speaks for me.
Most students underestimate the importance of the motivation letter. They think it’s just a page where you explain why you want to study. But for Erasmus Mundus, a life-changing and extremely competitive scholarship, your motivation letter is your pitch, your voice, and your story. Thousands apply, only a few are chosen. And often, the motivation letter is the deciding factor.
In this guide, I will share what I personally used, what worked, and how you can create a powerful motivation letter even if you think your story is “ordinary.”
Why a Motivation Letter Matters in Erasmus Mundus
Your CV explains what you have done.
Your documents prove who you are on paper.
But your motivation letter shows your purpose, your journey, and your future impact.
Erasmus committees look for:
- Clear academic and career goals
- A personal connection to the programme theme
- Evidence of leadership and community mindset
- Global perspective and adaptability
- Passion for mobility, cultural connection and problem-solving
If your letter is generic or copied from someone else, they will know immediately.
What Makes a Strong Erasmus Mundus Motivation Letter
A successful motivation letter must be:
✔ Personal
✔ Honest
✔ Story-based
✔ Structured
✔ Relevant to the programme
It is not just a summary of your CV. It must show:
- Why you want that specific Erasmus Mundus programme
- How your past shaped your goals
- What you want to contribute to society after graduation
How to Structure the Motivation Letter (Proven Working Format)
This is the exact 5-part structure I used that helped secure multiple scholarships:
1. Opening – Your Personal Story
Start with a hook – an experience, problem, challenge, or turning point that shaped your academic interest.
Example:
Growing up near a flood-affected region, I watched how environmental disasters destroyed livelihoods. That is where my curiosity for sustainable water solutions began.
This immediately makes the reader feel connected.
2. Academic and Professional Background
Link your past achievements to the programme theme:
- Courses you studied
- Research or thesis
- Internship, job, or volunteering
- Awards or community work
But avoid listing. Narrate how these moments shaped you.
3. Why Erasmus Mundus and Why This Programme
Show that you researched the programme deeply:
- Mention mobility path
- Professors
- Unique courses
- Consortium universities
- Career opportunities
Committees like applicants who clearly know what they are applying for.
4. Future Goals – How This Program Will Change Your Life
Explain your long-term plan:
- What will you do after graduation?
- How will you contribute to your community or country?
- How will skills learned in Europe create impact?
Be visionary but realistic.
5. Ending – A Powerful Closing Statement
Close confidently and respectfully:
I am confident that this program will transform my future and allow me to contribute meaningfully to global challenges. I look forward to contributing my voice, skills, and passion to the diverse Erasmus community.
Common Mistakes Students Make
❌ Copying online templates
❌ Writing like a CV in paragraph form
❌ Mentioning many unrelated activities
❌ Using emotional begging tone
❌ Not mentioning programme-specific details
❌ Forgetting to describe future career plans
Motivation Letter Sample Template (Free Format)
Below is a structure you can copy, personalize, and refine:
Dear Selection Committee,
My name is [Your Name], and I am applying for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Program in [Programme Name]. My interest in [Field] began when [personal experience or context].
During my Bachelor's at [University], I gained strong academic knowledge through courses like [Subjects]. My final project on [Topic] helped me develop skills in [skills].
In addition, my internship/volunteering at [Place] taught me [soft skills], which strengthened my desire to pursue advanced studies internationally.
This Erasmus Mundus program particularly inspires me because of its multidisciplinary curriculum, mobility track across [countries], and the opportunity to learn from global experts. I am excited about courses such as [course names] and the chance to conduct research under the supervision of [professor or lab].
After completing this degree, I aim to [future career plan], where I will [impact goal]. With the exposure and expertise gained through Erasmus Mundus, I hope to contribute to [community, sector, country].
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A downloadable Word and PDF template will make this easier. Let me know, and I can prepare it.
Tips to Write a Motivation Letter More Effectively
- Write your first draft freely, then refine it
- Show your heart, not just achievements
- Mention numbers: percentages, rankings, results
- Read the programme website before writing
- Ask a mentor or professor for a review
- Do NOT exceed 1-2 pages (usually max 1000 words)
My Personal Advice For You – From Someone Who Sat Where You Are Now
When I applied for Erasmus Mundus for the first time, my letter was full of achievements only – no story. I was rejected.
Next year, I wrote a letter that spoke from my heart – my story, my failures, my vision. I got selected for two programs.
So remember:
Your story is your superpower.
The world does not need perfect students. It needs students who care.
Believe in yourself – and start writing today.
Conclusion
A strong Erasmus Mundus motivation letter is not written overnight. It is built through reflection, storytelling, and clarity. Treat it as your voice to the world – your chance to show who you are beyond documents.
If you want free templates, examples, review help, or downloadable files, I will gladly share what helped me succeed.
Stay consistent. Your journey is worth it.
– Usman Awan
Erasmus Mundus Scholar (WAVES & SEAS 4.0)
Cardiff University – Fully Funded Awardee
