Netherlands Masters Motivation Letter: What 11 Dutch Universities Actually Require

Not every Dutch university wants a motivation letter. Some explicitly tell you not to send one.

The University of Groningen's Faculty of Economics and Business states it plainly: "Please do not send or upload these letters." Erasmus School of Economics is equally direct: "Motivation letters will not be taken into consideration."

This is surprising for applicants who assume every European master's program requires a personal essay. But the Netherlands is not the UK, and it is certainly not the US. Dutch admissions operate on their own logic, with requirements that vary dramatically not just between universities, but between faculties within the same university.

We surveyed the motivation letter requirements across 11 Dutch universities and found word limits ranging from 300 to 1,500 words, terminology that changes from school to school, and at least one university that wants you to propose thesis project ideas before you have even been admitted.

Here is everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

• The terminology problem: it is not called an SOP
• Complete university requirements directory
• Master requirements comparison table
• The Studielink process: how Dutch applications actually work
• Application deadlines for 2026
• What Dutch admissions committees evaluate
• How Dutch requirements differ from US and UK
• Scholarship motivation letters: NL Scholarship and others
• Programs that do NOT require motivation letters
• Frequently asked questions

The terminology problem: it is not called an SOP

If you search for "SOP for Netherlands master's," you are already using the wrong term. Dutch universities overwhelmingly use "motivation letter" or "letter of motivation," not "statement of purpose."

This is not just semantics. The document itself is fundamentally different from a US-style SOP. It is shorter, more direct, and focuses less on your personal narrative and more on rational justification for why you want to study a specific program.

"SOPs are commonly referred to as a letter of motivation or personal statements in universities of Netherlands." -- Collegedunia

But even within the Netherlands, there is no single standardized term:

The practical implication: always check the specific program page for the exact document name and requirements. Do not assume what one Dutch university calls a "motivation letter" matches what another university means by the same term.

For a broader comparison of how these terms differ globally, see our Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement guide.

Complete university requirements directory

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Term: Motivation letter Word count: 1,000--1,500 words (some programs up to 2,000 words)

TU Delft has the most detailed and demanding motivation letter requirements of any Dutch university. Their application page states:

"All candidates are expected to hand in a motivation letter in which they express the legitimation of their choice, personal ambition and give two examples of envisioned thesis projects." -- TU Delft MSc Application

Specific prompts you must address:

1. Your motivation for choosing the MSc programme
2. Why you are interested in TU Delft and what you expect to find there
3. Which specialisation interests you most and why
4. What kind of thesis project you would prefer and what you want to explore (limited to three possible topics)
5. A summary of your BSc thesis work or final assignment/project (maximum 250 words)

The thesis project requirement is rare among Dutch universities and makes TU Delft's motivation letter closer to a US-style research statement. We cover this in detail in our dedicated TU Delft guide.

Resource: TU Delft provides a motivation letter checklist PDF and offers free online CV/motivation letter checks through their Career Centre.

---

University of Amsterdam (UvA)

Term: Motivation letter Word count: 300--500 words (varies significantly by program; some Law programs: maximum 400 words split into two 200-word responses)

"The motivation letter should explain why you would be a good fit for the Master's programme and which experiences have led you to this decision... demonstrate a motivation which matches the content of the Master's programme... be written in English and show your ability to communicate effectively in writing by presenting your ideas clearly, concisely, and accurately." -- UvA Master's Application

AI policy warning: UvA explicitly addresses AI-generated content in applications:

"The misuse of ChatGPT and other AI tools by applicants may affect the outcome of the selection." -- UvA Law program application guidance

This is one of the clearest AI warnings among Dutch universities. UvA has also developed its own AI chat tool (UvA AI Chat, launched September 2025) due to privacy concerns with commercial AI tools, signaling a university-wide awareness of AI in academic work. If you want your motivation letter reviewed without generating content for you, GradPilot's review service provides feedback on your own writing -- the kind of AI assistance that strengthens rather than replaces your voice.

---

Leiden University

Term: Motivational statement (Psychology); Letter of motivation (other programs) Word count: 400--1,500 words (varies dramatically by program)

• International Relations (Culture and Politics): 700--1,500 words
• Psychology specializations: approximately 400 words
• General programs: 500--1,000 words
• Master Honours Challenges: maximum 1,500 characters (including spacing)

"A letter of motivation should be a personal statement explaining why you have chosen Leiden University and what you would like to accomplish there." -- Leiden University Required Documents

Critical warning for Psychology applicants: Leiden's Psychology program enforces the strictest word count adherence of any Dutch university we surveyed. Exceeding the limit by more than 10% eliminates the possibility of an excellent score. This is not a suggestion -- it is a scoring penalty.

Psychology programs provide a specific downloadable form: Motivational Statement for Application.

For more on navigating strict word limits, see our Statement of Purpose length guide.

---

Utrecht University

Term: Motivation statement Word count: Maximum two pages (some programs specify 500 words maximum) Format: Times New Roman 11 or 12 point font, one to two pages

"The motivation statement should address: why you've chosen this Master's programme and why at Utrecht University; what experience demonstrates your interest in this field; which subject areas within the field you find most interesting and why; what makes it evident that you possess the required qualities for the Master's programme; and how the Master's programme corresponds with your career or research ambitions." -- Utrecht University Application Procedure

Notable: Utrecht provides a Motivation Statement PDF template that some programs require students to fill out. This structured form approach is unusual and worth checking before you draft a free-form letter.

---

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Requirements vary drastically by school -- this is the most internally inconsistent university we surveyed.

• Erasmus School of Economics: Motivation letters are NOT required and NOT considered.

"Reference letters, motivation letters, and work experience will not be taken into consideration." -- Erasmus School of Economics

• Media, Culture & Society: Motivation letter in English, maximum two pages.
• Strategic Urban Planning & Policies: Two assignments -- a motivation section and a research proposal -- with a prescribed format.

If you are applying to Erasmus, check your specific program. The difference between "not considered at all" and "two separate written assignments" could not be larger.

---

TU Eindhoven (Eindhoven University of Technology)

Term: Motivation letter Word count: Not publicly specified Deadline: May 1, 2026 for Fall 2026 intake

A motivation letter is required along with CV, recommendation letters, and valid passport copy. All documents must be in English or Dutch.

TU Eindhoven is notably less prescriptive about motivation letter format compared to TU Delft, despite being a comparable technical university. When a university does not specify word limits, aim for one page -- approximately 500--700 words.

---

Wageningen University (WUR)

Term: Motivation letter Word count: One page maximum

Wageningen provides some of the most candid guidance about the role of motivation letters in Dutch admissions:

"Previous education and grades are more important than the motivation letter, but this might vary from programme to programme." -- WUR Application Procedure

"Try to target the motivation letter specifically to the Master programme that you are applying for. Get as much information as possible about the programme and try to distil what kind of students the programme coordinators are looking for." -- WUR Motivation Letter Guide

"Sell the best side of you, while being open about deficiencies and your will to overcome those deficiencies." -- WUR Student Career Services

Notable: WUR does not perform interviews for most programs, making the motivation letter potentially the only "personal" element of the application. The letter is described as "optional" for some programs -- useful for explaining non-standard academic backgrounds or interest in a specific specialization.

---

University of Groningen

Requirements vary by program type:

• Most master's programs: Motivation letters are NOT required.

"Motivation and recommendation letters are only required for the selective Research Master Economics and Business. For any of the other Master's programmes, you do not need these letters. Please do not send or upload these letters." -- University of Groningen Application Checklist

• Faculty of Science and Engineering: Motivation letters ARE required for some programs.
• Faculty of Arts Research Masters: Motivation letter outlining reasons for selecting the programme, including expectations, academic interests, and ambitions.

Format: All documents must be in PDF and English.

Groningen explicitly telling applicants NOT to send motivation letters for non-selective programs is rare and counterintuitive. If you submit an unrequested document, it signals that you did not read the application instructions.

---

Radboud University

Term: Motivation letter Word count: Not specified

"Describe your future plans and what you would like to learn and research at Radboud University. You should also include what topics of research you would like to pursue." -- Radboud University Application Procedure

Process: Application via Studielink + OSIRIS Application. Students have 56 days from Studielink enrollment to upload documents.

Radboud's emphasis on research affinity suggests their motivation letter should lean more academic and research-oriented than at most other Dutch universities.

---

Maastricht University

Term: Motivation letter Word count: 1--4 pages (varies significantly by program)

• Master in Management: at least 3--4 pages (the longest requirement we found)
• International Business programs: 1--2 pages
• Other programs: varies

"Provide good arguments for why you want to do the program and why you expect you can successfully complete it." -- Maastricht University International Business

Important: Maastricht uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as its core teaching methodology. Demonstrating understanding of and compatibility with PBL can strengthen a motivation letter. If you do not know what PBL is, research it before writing -- Maastricht admissions committees will notice.

For some programs, the motivation letter is written directly in the online application portal (MyApplication), not uploaded as a separate document.

---

VU Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Term: Statement of Intent (unique among Dutch universities) Word count: 1--2 pages

"The Statement of Intent (Letter of Motivation) should be a 1-2 page letter stating your reasons for applying to the programme. If applicable, you should also specify in this letter the name of the specialization you are applying for." -- VU Amsterdam Application Documents

VU Amsterdam's use of "Statement of Intent" is unique among Dutch universities. Despite the different name, the document serves the same purpose as a motivation letter elsewhere.

Master requirements comparison table

The Studielink process: how Dutch applications actually work

Unlike US or UK applications, all Dutch university applications begin through a centralized national platform called Studielink.

How it works:

1. Register on Studielink (Dutch residents use DigiD; international students use passport/EU identity card)
2. Select your program (maximum 4 applications at any time)
3. Your application is forwarded to the university
4. Complete additional requirements on the university-specific portal

University-specific portals (step 2):

This is where you upload your motivation letter, transcripts, and other documents. Registering on Studielink alone does NOT complete your application -- it is step one of a two-step process.

"Before submitting an enrolment application, you will be asked to check previous education details or add them manually, select the study programme for which you want to submit an enrolment application, and once you answer any questions from the educational institution and confirm your selection, your application will be forwarded to the institution." -- Study in NL

Application deadlines for 2026

September vs. February intake

"Students who begin their studies in February will basically start with semester 2 and continue with semester 1 in September, which makes study planning difficult and the chances of success smaller." -- Upgrad

What Dutch admissions committees evaluate

Dutch universities sit between the highly holistic US system (where essays can make or break an application) and the purely grades-based systems in some other European countries. Here is the general hierarchy:

1. Prior academic performance (GPA, relevant coursework) -- most heavily weighted
2. Motivation letter -- demonstrates fit and intent
3. English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
4. Relevant experience (research, internships)
5. Reference letters (where required)

Wageningen is explicit about this:

"Previous education and grades are more important than the motivation letter."

This does not mean the motivation letter is unimportant. It means that it serves a different function than a US SOP. In the Netherlands, the motivation letter is primarily a screening tool for fit and intent, not a vehicle for overcoming a weak academic record. If you have a low GPA, see our guide on how to explain a low GPA in your statement of purpose.

Programs with unique selection processes

Numerus fixus programs

Some Dutch programs have limited spots and a competitive selection process:

"The term Numerus Fixus refers to programmes with a selection procedure, where the number of available places is limited." -- Erasmus University Rotterdam

Selection takes place between January 16 and April 14, with results communicated on April 15 via Studielink. These programs may involve additional tests, interviews, or assignments beyond motivation letters.

How Dutch requirements differ from US and UK

If you are also applying to UK or other European programs, see our UK and European motivation letter guide for how those requirements differ.

For US applications, our complete guide to 134 US university SOP requirements covers every major program.

Scholarship motivation letters: NL Scholarship and others

NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)

The primary Dutch government-funded scholarship for non-EU students requires its own separate motivation letter:

"The motivation letter should be a maximum of 500 words and should describe why you are a talented student, considering both your academic achievements and extracurricular activities." -- NL Scholarship / Study in NL

Key facts:

• For non-EEA students pursuing bachelor's or master's in the Netherlands
• Deadlines vary by university: February 1 or May 1 (2026)
• This is a separate letter from your program application letter
• Focuses on: academic goals + how studying in the Netherlands aligns with future plans

Tuition context

Source: Study in NL Tuition Fees

For context on how funding works for international master's students generally, see our guide on TA/RA/GA funding realities for international MS students.

Programs that do NOT require motivation letters

This is one of the most useful findings from our research. Not all Dutch programs require a motivation letter, and sending one when it is not requested can signal that you did not read the application instructions.

Programs that explicitly do NOT require motivation letters:

• University of Groningen: Most master's programs (only required for selective Research Masters)
• Erasmus School of Economics: Motivation letters are not considered

Always verify on the specific program page before investing time in an unrequested document.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is a motivation letter the same as a statement of purpose? A: No. A Dutch motivation letter is typically shorter (500--1,000 words vs. 1,000--2,000 for a US SOP), more direct, and focuses on rational justification for choosing a specific program rather than an extended personal or research narrative.

Q: How many words should my motivation letter be for a Dutch university? A: It ranges from 300 words (UvA, some programs) to 1,500 words (TU Delft) to 3--4 pages (Maastricht Management). Always check the specific program requirements.

Q: Do all Dutch universities require motivation letters? A: No. Groningen does not require them for most programs, and Erasmus School of Economics explicitly does not consider them.

Q: Can I use the same motivation letter for multiple Dutch universities? A: No. Dutch admissions committees expect program-specific content. Generic letters that could apply to any university signal a lack of genuine interest.

Q: Should I mention professors by name in my Dutch motivation letter? A: For research-oriented programs (Research Masters, Radboud), yes. For taught master's programs, focus on specific courses and specializations instead. See our guide on how many professors to name in your statement of purpose.

Q: Will Dutch universities flag AI-generated motivation letters? A: UvA explicitly warns that "misuse of ChatGPT and other AI tools may affect the outcome of the selection." Other universities likely screen for AI-generated content as well. GradPilot's review service helps you improve your own writing rather than generating content -- the right way to use AI in your application process.

---

Data compiled from official university websites across 11 Dutch institutions. All URLs verified as of February 2026. Requirements change between admissions cycles -- always confirm on the specific program page before submitting your application.

Ready to get your motivation letter reviewed? GradPilot provides instant feedback calibrated for international admissions requirements, with 99.8% AI detection accuracy. Students from 50+ countries trust us to help them write better essays -- their own way.