Motivation Letter (SOP) and LOR for Germany
How to write the motivation letter German universities and the visa ask for, and when you need letters of recommendation.
Example: letter planner
What to Cover (visa letter)
Why Germany
Why this course and university
How you found the university
Your plans after graduation
German universities ask for different papers. The visa also needs a motivation letter.
- Explains your choice of course.
- Each course sets its own length.
- Some universities ask you to declare you wrote it alone.
- Some universities ask for letters from former teachers or professors.
- Check each course page to see if letters are needed.
How Universities Use Your Papers
Besides grades, universities can use interviews, work experience or tests to choose students.
uni-assist (a service that checks papers for many German universities) matches your letter to a university by the name at the top.
For Students From India and Pakistan
The visa asks for these points. Universities ask for similar ones.
Essential Components of a Strong SOP
Why Germany
Explain why you want to study in Germany.
Why this course and university
Explain why you picked this course and this university, and how you found it.
Your plans
Explain what you plan to do after you graduate.
Format
Length & Format
- Follow each course's limit, for example two A4 pages at TUM Chemistry.
- Put the university and course name in bold at the top for uni-assist.
Writing Style
- Use your own words.
- Keep it matching your CV.
Tips for International Students
- 1
Write it yourself
The visa letter cannot be written by someone else.
- 2
Typed or handwritten
For the visa there is no set format. By hand or on a computer is fine.
Some German universities ask for letters from people who taught you.
Who to Ask
Teachers or professors who taught you
Universities ask for letters from your previous university teachers or professors.
What to Give Them
Supporting Your Recommenders
Help your recommenders by giving them:
A full CV set out as a table helps them write about you.
These can hurt your application or visa.
Letter written by someone else
TUM Chemistry and the visa both ask for a letter you wrote.
- An agent or friend wrote it.
Copying
Do not copy other people's words. German universities do not accept plagiarism. Penalties can include removal from the university.
- Text copied from the internet without quotes or sources.
Common questions about motivation letters and recommendation letters for Germany.
Need help with your letters? Contact us.
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