Checklist motivation letter for master scholarships

In general

 Maximum three pages. 1,5 are enough in most cases

 Consistent font type and size
 Line spacing 1 or 1.5. Standard word margins
 Alignment “justified”
 Write in paragraphs, but do not use sub-headings
 No bullet points, only continuous text

Layout

 Sender (your address) and recipient (DAAD or German Embassy Tashkent) should be written on
top of the page
 Place and date
 Use title/heading (For example: “Application for master scholarship”)
 Begin the text with an opening (“Dear ladies and gentlemen”)
 Objective ending (For example: “Feel free to contact me by mail any time. I would be happy to
answer your questions regarding my application.”)
 Close the text with your signature (Digital signature recommended)

Diction

 Use clear and precise diction

 Do not use general phrases (“Germany is a highly developed country.”)
 Emotional statements are not helpful
 Short and understandable sentences (Take the reader’s perspective)
 No colloquial language

Content

 Background (Education, professional experience, priorities)

 Skills and qualifications
 Goals and plans (professional/academic)
 Motivation and interests (Regarding studies and goals/plans)
 Reasons for choice of study programs and universities (focus on first choice)
 Details about chosen study programs
 Reasons for scholarship application (Expectations)

Typical Errors

 Spelling and grammar (Ask you friends or fellow students for feedback)
 Text too long
 No statement about chosen study programs or universities
 Retelling of CV
 Formal errors
 Focus only on your past

©Cédric Reichel, Simon Kretschmer 2020