A scholarship application letter is often the text in which selection committees learn the most about you. The motivation letter (Motivationsschreiben) shows the path you want to take, why funding matters for it and what you have already done. This guide explains structure, content and length and gives an outline you can start from.
Short answer: A scholarship application letter links your past achievements with your goals and your motivation. Requirements differ by foundation: some ask for a motivation letter, others for a written justification of your application. The Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk sets a maximum length of two pages for its study scholarship (as of October 2026, per a third-party overview).
The most important points at a glance
- The motivation letter is part of the application, and the exact requirements are set out in each foundation’s call.
- Length is not fixed everywhere. Where a maximum length is stated, it is binding.
- A clear structure of introduction, path, goal, engagement and closing helps readers assess your letter.
- Concrete examples from your studies or volunteering are more convincing than general statements about values.
- Before you submit, check that all documents are complete, the data protection consent is signed and the deadline is met.
What belongs in a scholarship application letter?
Selection committees want to know who you are, what you study or plan to study, and why funding would move you forward. A good letter answers these three questions without simply repeating your CV. The CV shows your stations, while the letter explains what shaped you and where you want to go.
| Section | What to include | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Degree programme, university, semester and a short, concrete reason for your interest | Avoid clichés; describe a situation you can explain |
| Path | Two or three experiences from studies, training, work or volunteering | Name results or insights, not only activities |
| Goal | What you want to achieve after your degree or doctorate | Keep it realistic and specific |
| Motivation | Why this foundation, and how its offer fits your plans | Refer to the call itself rather than general praise |
| Closing | One short sentence that sums up the application | Do not introduce new topics |
How long may a motivation letter be?
Length depends on the foundation. An overview of application documents for the foundations that support students in Germany lists a clear limit for some and only asks for a motivation letter without a length for others. The table below reproduces that overview. It comes from a third-party source without a date, so always check the current call of the foundation.
| Foundation (per overview) | Requirement per overview |
|---|---|
| Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk (study scholarship) | Motivation letter, maximum two pages |
| Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung | Motivation letter, no length stated |
| Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Motivation letter, no length stated |
| Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft | Written justification of the application instead of a motivation letter |
| Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung | Written justification of the application instead of a motivation letter |
If a foundation asks for a justification instead of a motivation letter, the structure stays similar. The difference is the focus: a justification explains why you fit this foundation and its profile, while a motivation letter puts your personal path at the centre. In both cases, name your goals clearly and refer explicitly to the requirements of the call. For an overview of funding routes, see Scholarships for students: Types, providers, requirements.
Example: outline of a motivation letter
The following example shows only the outline, with placeholders in square brackets. Replace them with your own details. Do not take over phrases word for word, because borrowed sentences make a letter sound less credible and less like you.
- Introduction: In the winter semester of 2026 I begin studying [subject] at [university]. My interest in [topic] grew when [concrete occasion].
- Path: During my studies so far I have carried out [concrete project, seminar or internship]. There I learned [insight you can back up].
- Goal: After my degree I want to [concrete goal]. For this I need [qualification or experience], which I can build on through [offer of the foundation].
- Engagement: Alongside my studies I am active in [activity]. There I took on [responsibility or effect].
- Closing: I would be glad to pursue my goals within the framework of a scholarship.
What to pay attention to while writing
The strongest sentences are those you can back up. Instead of “I am committed”, write what you did, for how long and with which result. Keep the form in mind too: the text should be free of errors, well structured and written in full paragraphs. Factual wording works better than pathos. Many foundations also ask for a signed data protection consent and a tabular CV, so completeness is part of the preparation.
If you want to win a scholarship through engagement rather than grades, the guide Stipendium ohne Einserschnitt: Wo Engagement zählt (in German) gives further hints on criteria and focus areas.
Frequently asked questions
Must I write the motivation letter myself?
Yes. The letter should show your own motivation, and selection committees want to get to know you. How much support is acceptable differs between foundations. If in doubt, ask the foundation’s office directly.
Can I use one text for several scholarships?
You can reuse the basic structure, but you should adapt the text for each foundation. Requirements differ, for example in length or in whether a motivation letter or a justification is requested. The link to each call is also different.
How much time should I plan?
There is no reliable figure, because the effort depends on your material. Plan several rounds of revision, ask someone who knows your path to read the text, and check the requirements of the call point by point at the end.
What happens if I exceed a length limit?
Length limits are part of the call. If you do not keep to them, your application may not be assessed in full. Stick to the limit, and ask the foundation’s office if you are unsure about the layout.
Do I always need top grades for a scholarship?
Not for every foundation. The criteria are set out in each call. An overview of routes without top grades is available in the German guide linked above.
What you can do now
- Read the call of the foundation and note the length, content, documents and deadline.
- Collect the stations from your studies, work and volunteering with dates and results.
- Write an outline following the example and fill every section with your own details.
- Have the text proofread and check length, salutation, date and spelling.
- Submit all documents on time through the route the foundation specifies.
Related guides
- How to Apply for a Scholarship: Tips That Impress
- Scholarships for students: Types, providers, requirements
- Is a Scholarship Taxable? Tax and Social Insurance
- Stipendium ohne Einserschnitt: Wo Engagement zählt (in German)
Sources: Overview of application documents of the scholarship foundations, e-fellows.net (no date stated, copyright 2026); ELES Studienwerk application documents (PDF, dated 2017 in the file name).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
