What is a motivation letter? Instructions on how to write an effective motivational letter

24/04/2025
Hong Hanh
News study abroad in Germany
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If you are in the process of preparing your application for vocational study in Germany, you must have heard of the term motivation letter. This is not only a mandatory part of the visa application but also a “door” to help you clearly demonstrate your determination and direction to the visa review board. So, what is a motivation letter? What is a motivation letter?, how to write to be convincing and stand out among hundreds of other profiles? Let's SHD Academy Find the answer in the following article!

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What is a motivation letter?

A motivation letter is a letter that explains why you chose vocational training in GermanyIn the letter, you need to clearly express your desire to study, the reason for choosing a specific career, why you want to study and work in Germany, as well as your future self-development orientation.

A cover letter is an integral part of German vocational study profile and is also a factor that many businesses and vocational schools in Germany pay special attention to. A clearly written, sincere and specifically oriented letter will help you score points and increase your chances of being accepted for training and visa approval.

In other words, a Motivation letter is not only a letter of recommendation but also an opportunity for you to affirm your seriousness in your journey of learning and working in one of the countries with the world's leading vocational training quality.

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Tìm hiểu motivation letter là gì — *Motivation letter is a letter stating the reason why you choose to study vocational training in Germany (Source: Collected)*

The importance of Motivation Letter in the German visa application process

Motivation Letter is an important part of German student visa application, helping you clearly demonstrate your study goals and future orientation. To increase your ability to convince the visa review board, when writing a motivation letter, you need to clarify the following three factors:

Affirm the purpose of studying abroad

Motivation Letter is your opportunity to clarify your purpose of studying in Germany. The motivation letter helps you explain why you chose Germany as your study destination, the field of study you want to pursue and the school you have chosen. It is also an opportunity for you to share the knowledge and skills you hope to gain from German vocational training program. The visa review agency will rely on this letter to better understand your determination and study goals.

Demonstrate academic ability and future plans

Motivation Letter not only helps you clarify the reason for studying abroad, but also proves your academic ability and preparation. You can share your academic achievements, work experience, or research projects related to your chosen field of study. This information helps the visa authority believe that you have the ability and preparation to study in Germany. In addition, do not forget to clearly state your career plan after completing the course. This shows that you have prepared well for the future and have clear goals after studying abroad.

Express your individuality

Motivation Letter is also a place for you to express your personality and passion for your chosen field of study. This is not only a document stating the reason for studying abroad, but also an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, feelings and determination. A sincere, clear and coherent motivation letter will help you stand out from other candidates, and at the same time make a strong impression on the Embassy and schools and businesses in Germany.

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Định nghĩa motivation letter là gì — *Motivation letter helps you express your personality (Source: Collected)*

Presentation and layout of a motivation letter for vocational study in Germany

A motivation letter to study in Germany usually includes the following main parts:

Briefkopf

Sender's name, address and email
Name and address of the vocational training school you are applying to
Place and date of writing (For example: Ho Chi Minh City, date… month… year…)
Letterhead (Betreff)
For example: Bewerbung für ein Studium an der Universität ABC

The body of the letter

Greetings (Andrede)

If you know the recipient's name: Sehr geehrte Frau/Herr [Name]
If you don't know: Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

Introduction

Make an impression with a catchy opening sentence.
Briefly introduce yourself and the purpose of writing the letter.
For example: Ich heiße … und komme aus Vietnam. Mit diesem Schreiben bewerbe ich mich um einen Studienplatz an der …

Body

Introduce yourself in more detail: Education, work, interests related to the field of study.
Why did you choose your major and school?
Future educational and career goals.
Why are you a good fit for this program: strengths, skills, relevant experience.
Start date of the study programme (Eintrittstermin) if required.

Conclusion (Schluss)

Summarize your motivation and desire to study at the school.
Express your expectation of an interview or a response from the school.
For example: Ich freue mich über die Möglichkeit, mich in einem persönlichen Gespräch weiter vorzustellen.

Closing the letter (Grußformel und Unterschrift)

Greeting: Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Full name (typed or handwritten)

Note:

Letters should be at least 1 A4 page long, maximum 2.5 pages.
The sections need to be presented in order: Absender – Adresse – Ort/Datum – Betreff – Anrede – Einleitung – Hauptteil – Schluss – Grußformel – Unterschrift

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Bố cục motivation letter là gì — *Layout of a motivation letter for applying for a German vocational study visa (Source: Collected)*

Notes when writing a motivation letter to apply for a German vocational study visa

To avoid unnecessary mistakes when writing a motivation letter for a German vocational study visa, you need to note a few important points below:

Letter layout

The letter should be clearly presented with three parts: introduction, body and conclusion.
Content needs to be coherent, avoid being wordy and repetitive.
Pay attention to form: check spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and spacing.
Use formal, serious language, avoid conversational, unprofessional style.

Letter content

Highlight your vocational study abroad goals: reasons for choosing Germany, professions that match your personal orientation.
Provide specific evidence: relevant education, work, or real-life experience.
Absolutely do not mention negatively about the German education system, culture or people.
Avoid copying existing templates, express your personal touch clearly.
Maintain a confident but humble attitude, showing sincerity and seriousness in your choices.

When you join SHD Academy, you will no longer have to worry about writing a motivational letter. SHD's team of experts will directly guide you step by step, from how to present content, select information, to how to express your personality and career orientation in the clearest and most convincing way.

Not only does SHD Academy provide support in writing letters and preparing documents that meet the requirements of the German Embassy, it also organizes visa interview training right from when students start learning German at level A2. Early practice helps you increase your confidence, improve your language reflexes and communication skills needed in the interview. As a result, you will be more comprehensively prepared, increase your chances of getting a visa and get closer to your journey of vocational study in Germany.

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Hopefully the information in the article has helped you better understand What is a Motivation Letter? and know how to write a proper and convincing motivation letter. If you are having difficulty or are struggling to know where to start, do not hesitate to contact us directly. SHD Academy via hotline 0336 760 276 – We are always ready to accompany and support you step by step to complete your German vocational study application.

I passed the university entrance exam in Vietnam but chose Germany because I felt this was the direction I wanted to take. Thanks to studying at SHD, I can communicate in German fluently...