Motivation letter

How to write a motivation letter?

The Dutch say "a good start, is half the job!"
How to prepare for writing a good motivation letter ...and get accepted?

The real aim of your motivation letter is to convince the reader to grant you a place in the study programme you are applying for. So the first step is to first believe that you are the perfect match for the vacancy. If you believe in yourself, this will also reflect in your communications (writings and interviews) and this will convince the reader of your letter too! On the contrary, if you lack belief in yourself in the first place, how can you expect the reader of your letter to believe in you?
Tailor your story to what the receiver is looking for. What are the requirements they are looking for in a prospective student? This brings us to the next important part "do your research".

Look for information about the study programme, the university's values and the qualifications/qualities they are looking for.
Sometimes universities state on their own website what they expect to read in a motivation letter in specific. Use this to your benefit!
Whom do you need to address? Try to find out the name of the decision maker, the person who will decide on the admission. If you can find more information about a specific person you can address, the better you can aim your content.

Stick to your own style and stay authentic

Next to an intro and an ending, use a maximum of 3 main paragraphs. Read in the next section called "Content" what the themes of each paragraph could be.
Start each paragraph with a sentence that highlights the essence of its content. In the rest of the paragraph you explain your point and go more in-depth.

Stick to your own style and stay authentic; avoid the impression that you are a copy-cat, this will give you credibility, also in any future interview.
Keep your tone of voice respectful and intelligent; no need for begging nor bragging. Reflect confidence in your statements.
Keep it to the point. Formulate your words sharply and stay focussed.
Achieve distinction from other candidates by using inspiring words, communicating clear ambitions and by being creative and original in the difference you want to make.
Write from the point of view of the reader; make your story interesting to read from start to finish by keeping it significant and inspiring.

Address the person who must decide directly. If you don't have a name, use "Dear Sir/Madam".
Intro: introduce yourself, your educational background and shortly explain what programme you are applying for.
1st paragraph theme (proposal): Immediately grab the readers attention by stressing why you apply at this institution in particular. In what way is there a connection between you, the study and the institution? What interests do you have in common?
2nd paragraph theme (proposal): Explain why you aspire to this programme in particular. You can do this by describing how you see your future and how this programme could contribute to this. Explain how your passion and ambitions relate to it.
3rd paragraph theme (proposal): What's your added value/contribution to the institution? What are your qualities and skills? Prove it by stating relevant experiences and past achievements. What drives you in life? Stay with the facts, but be distinctive. Also tell why doing this programme is a logical 'next step' in your life.
Ending: summarize in one or two phrases why there is a perfect match between you, the study programme and the institution. Don't forget to thank the reader for considering your application. Close off with a positive expectation like "I am looking forward to receiving your response".

Double check all the above mentioned points and remove any redundant or irrelevant information.
Ask feedback from someone with excellent communication skills or who has experience with writing these kind of letters.
Use a spelling checker to let your letter be flawless.
Try to find a native English person to check your grammar.