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Motivation Letters and References for Chile

What Chilean universities ask for, with examples from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC), Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH) and the PhD scholarship from ANID, Chile's national research and development agency.

Example: plan your letter

Example
Motivation letter (carta de motivación)Why this programme, and why you want it
Recommendation letter (carta de recomendación)From people who know your work

A Simple Structure

1

Why this programme

2

Your studies and activities so far

3

How the programme fits your plan

Example
What Chilean Universities Ask For

Personal papers differ by university and programme.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • UC bachelor's programmes, for students who finished school outside Chile: you fill in a questionnaire about your motivation inside the UC online application.
  • UC medicine: a personal letter of up to 2 pages, in any format you like.
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • UC: some programmes ask for a recommendation letter (also called a letter of presentation).
  • ANID PhD scholarship: 2 recommendation letters, received before the application period closes.

How They Are Used

UC

Each UC programme decides how to pick students. It can use a first shortlist, tests or interviews.

Writing Your Motivation Letter

A clear letter says why this programme, what you have done and what you will do next.

Essential Components of a Strong SOP

1

Why this programme

Say clearly which programme you want and why.

Effective Example:I want to join the master's programme in [programme name] at [university] to learn [one skill].
Avoid:I have always dreamed of studying abroad.
2

Your studies and activities

UC medicine asks you to mention activities outside class, if any.

Effective Example:I led a class project on water use and joined the science club.
Avoid:A list of every mark.
3

Your plan

Link the programme to your plan.

Effective Example:After this master's, I want to work on city water systems in my own country.
Avoid:I want a good job.

Length and Format

Length & Format

  • UC medicine: you choose the format of the letter.

Writing Style

  • Use simple, clear sentences.
  • Use the language your programme asks for.
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Recommendation Letters

Ask people who know your work well, and ask early.

Choosing Your Referee (the Person Who Writes Your Letter)

1

Pick people who know your work

A letter with real examples helps more than a famous name.

Ideal Choice:A teacher who supervised your project.
Poor Choice:A senior person who barely knows you.

Asking for a Letter

Asking for Recommendations

  1. 1
    Ask early

    For ANID, your letters must arrive before 27 November 2026, 13:00 Chile time.

Supporting Your Recommenders

Help your recommenders by giving them:

1
Your CV

Give your referee your CV so the letter can mention real work.

Get Expert Guidance on LORs
Common Mistakes

Mistakes that weaken an application.

SOP Mistakes to Avoid

One letter for every university

A general letter does not show why you chose this programme.

Warning Signs:
  • No programme name.
  • No link to your own studies.
Better Approach:

Write each letter for one programme.

LOR Mistakes to Avoid

Asking too late

Rushed letters are often vague.

Timeline Advisory:

Ask early and give your referee clear details.

Poor Choice:

Asking a week before the deadline.

Better Choice:

Asking well before, with your CV attached.

Questions About Motivation Letters and References

What Chilean universities ask for.

Tell us your programme and we will check what it asks for.

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