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Mundus Masterplan

Document guide

Motivation letter

Your argument for why this programme, why now, and what you will do with it. The document that most often separates candidates with similar grades.

What it is

A letter, usually one to two pages or a set word count, explaining why you are applying, why this programme in particular, and how it fits your background and plans. Some programmes call it a cover letter or letter of intent; some use a form with set questions (EMHRPP uses an assigned form).

Why programmes ask for it

To assess motivation, fit and communication. Committees use it to rank candidates with similar academic records and to check that you understand what the programme is.

Who issues it

You.

What it usually contains

  1. Opening: what you want to do and why this programme is the route. Skip life stories that start in childhood.
  2. Background: the academic and practical experience that prepares you, with specific evidence.
  3. Why this programme: named courses, tracks, universities, research groups, thesis or internship arrangements, and why they matter to you.
  4. Why mobility: what studying in these countries adds.
  5. Plans: what you intend to do after graduating, specific enough to be credible.
  6. Close: a brief, confident summary.

How to prepare it

  1. Find the limit and follow it. Examples from official pages: EMLDS 500 words; Europubhealth+ 600; HYGIEIA 750; CoMEM+, IPCVai, MIR and Neurasmus 1,000; AquaH and InterMaths one page; RESCO two pages. Scholarship-only letters at GloFor and M3EP are about 500 words.
  2. Answer the programme's questions if it sets them (HYGIEIA asks for reasons, expectations and future plans).
  3. Draft a base version, then rewrite the programme-specific paragraphs entirely for each application.
  4. Show, do not claim: "I built a sensor-fusion pipeline for my thesis" beats "I am passionate about robotics".
  5. Have someone in your field and someone outside it read it.
  6. Use the motivation letter planning sheet.

Common mistakes

  • Exceeding the word or page limit.
  • Naming the programme but describing a generic master's.
  • Repeating the CV line by line.
  • Wrong programme name left in from another application.
  • Claims about the programme that are not true (for example, a track it does not offer).

Quality-control checklist

  • Within the limit, counted the way the programme counts.
  • At least three specific, accurate references to this programme.
  • Every claim about yourself supported by the CV or transcripts.
  • Correct programme name and universities throughout.
  • Proofread by two people.

Lead time (planning estimate)

Two to three weeks for a strong base letter with several drafts; two to four days for each tailored version.

Commonly useful or programme-dependent?

Commonly useful. Most programmes ask for one; some ask only scholarship applicants (GloFor, M3EP). Length and format are programme-dependent.