A motivation letter tells a selection panel why you want this bursary, learnership or place, and why you will finish what you start. Panels read hundreds of letters, so a short, specific one stands out.
A structure that works
- Opening: what you are applying for, with the programme name and any reference number.
- Who you are: what you are studying or finished, with the marks that matter for this field.
- Why this field: one real reason, such as a person, a problem you saw or work you have already done.
- Proof: results, responsibilities and community work that show you are reliable.
- Need (bursaries): one or two honest sentences about your circumstances, without exaggerating.
- Close: what you will do with the opportunity, and how to contact you.
How long should it be?
One page, about 300 to 500 words, unless the application asks for something else. If there is a word limit, stay under it.
Make it specific
“I am passionate about engineering” could be anyone. “I fixed the borehole pump at my grandmother’s house with my uncle and want to design water systems for rural towns” is you. Name the organisation and say why its programme suits you.
Builder tip: the cover letter builder lays out a one-page letter with your name and contact details from your CV, and downloads it as a PDF.
Avoid: copying a letter from the internet (panels recognise them), marks you cannot prove with certified results, and long life stories that never say what you are applying for.