Austria Applications

Motivation Letters and Reference Letters for Austria

Many Austrian master's programmes that choose their students ask for a letter of motivation and a CV. Some scholarships ask for reference letters. Here is what to know.

Example letter plan

Austria Application

Letter of motivationWhy this programme

Reference letterFrom a professor

Example structure

Why this programme

Your studies so far

Your goals

Example

Example: up to 600 words

What Austrian Programmes Ask For

Each programme sets its own rules. Read your programme's admission page first.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Often called a letter of motivation.
Usually in English for English-taught programmes.
Has a word limit set by the programme.
Answers the questions the programme gives you.

Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

Not needed for most programmes on this guide.
Asked for by some scholarships, such as the Ernst Mach Grant.

Writing Your Letter of Motivation

Example from the University of Vienna's Neuroscience master's.

Format Rules (Example)

Length & Format

Up to 600 words.
A4 pages, numbered.
Your name and the total word count in the header.
Upload it in u:space (the University of Vienna's student account) as document type Letter of motivation.

Writing Style

Write in English.
Answer every question the programme asks.

Get Expert SOP Writing Assistance

Reference Letters

When a programme or scholarship asks for reference letters, follow its rules.

What the Ernst Mach Grant asks for

You can write the letter in your own words. It must have the university's printed header, a date, the writer's signature and the stamp of the university or department.

Get Expert Guidance on LORs

Mistakes to Avoid

Simple mistakes can cost you a place.

SOP Mistakes to Avoid