If you are considering pursuing your studies in France, be aware that writing a motivation letter is a key element of your application. It allows you to stand out from other candidates by outlining your motivations, aspirations, and showing why you are an ideal candidate for the programme in question. While your CV is a formal document summarising your academic background, the motivation letter gives you the opportunity to express yourself more freely.
In this article, we will help you understand the five essential parts of a motivation letter for Campus France or other higher education institutions in France.
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Before you start reading, if you need personalised support in writing your motivation letter, I invite you to get your Private Pass. With this Private Pass, you will have private audio/video sessions (the number of sessions depends on the chosen Private Pass) with experts in the field to spice up and boost your motivation letter. Give yourself the chance to gain admission and perhaps a visa afterwards? Make the right decision!
In any case, your motivation letter must answer the following 3 questions:
1. Why the institution and/or France? 2. What is your motivation for this specific programme you have chosen? 3. What is your academic project, professional project or future project?
Also read: Your motivation letter commented and corrected
The Header
The header is the first section of your motivation letter. It should include your contact information, namely your name, surname, full address (or at least the city and country), phone number, and email address. Don’t forget to mention the subject of your letter, for example, « Application for the Bachelor’s Programme in Modern Literature at the University of Paris. »
NOTE: It is important to remember here that in the Études en France application, where students submit applications to institutions connected to Campus France, the header does NOT exist!
The Institution
In this part, you must show that you have researched the institution you are applying to. Explain how you heard about this institution. Mention what you particularly appreciate about it, whether it’s its reputation, programmes, or other elements that led you to choose it. Show that your choice is not random.
Example: >I chose to apply to institution XYZ after gathering testimonials from former students, including NAME OF FORMER STUDENT who completed such a programme and now works at XXX as a XXXX. What I particularly appreciate about your institution is its commitment to academic excellence and immersive pedagogy. I was impressed by how your educational programmes prepare students to tackle real-world challenges in the industrial world or society.
Why this institution and/or France
After discussing the institution, explain why you want to study in France. Relate this decision to your academic background by explaining how the studies you have already undertaken relate to the programme you wish to pursue in France. Mention the specific advantages that France offers in your field of study, whether in terms of education quality, research, or professional opportunities.
My choice to study in France stems from my current training in XXX at the XXX School of XYZ. France is my natural choice due to its reputation for quality education, research, and professional opportunities in the field of XXX. My interactions with former students of INSTITUTION NAME have simply reinforced this choice.
Your Future Project
In this section, you must explain how your studies in France will contribute to achieving your personal and professional project. Talk about your aspirations and what you hope to accomplish once you have completed your studies. Be specific and show how the programme you are applying to will help you reach your goals.
Passionate about « marine biology, » I wish to deepen my skills to contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems. By joining your programme in « oceanography » in France, I am convinced that I can achieve this goal thanks to the expertise and resources offered. France’s reputation in « marine » research makes it an ideal choice for my studies.
Conclusion
To conclude, reiterate your enthusiasm for the programme and show your availability to answer any questions. Mention that you have included your CV and transcripts with your application to provide more information about your academic background.
Your motivation letter must be formal, but that does not mean it should be cold and impersonal. Use formal address, but maintain a clear structure and respectful expression.
Also read: Studying in France: The 10 Commandments of a Successful Motivation Letter! (Campus France)
If you need further advice, do not hesitate to seek help from the community or trusted individuals.
However, if you need personalised support in writing your motivation letter, I invite you to get your Private Pass. With this Private Pass, you will have private audio/video sessions (the number of sessions depends on the chosen Private Pass) with experts in the field to spice up and boost your motivation letter. This will greatly increase your chances of obtaining a favourable SCAC opinion and protect you from « witches » casting spells to make universities refuse your admission. So, ready to add some zest to your application?
Siankam Inesse assisted by ChatGPT Your Community Happiness lady
About World like Home World like Home supports students in their study projects in France. To learn more: World-like-Home.com