Letter of Intent for Graduate School — Free Template
Graduate programs often ask for a letter of intent, sometimes called a statement of purpose, to understand why you want to study with them and whether you're ready. The strongest letters connect your past experience to specific goals and to specific features of the program, such as faculty, research areas or a practicum.
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Free to preview[Your full name]
[Your email and phone]
October 15, 2026
[Who you're writing to]
[Their company, school or organization]
Re: Letter of intent — [What you intend to pursue]
Dear [Who you're writing to],
I am writing to formally express my intent to pursue [What you intend to pursue].
[Your background and qualifications]
[Why you want this, and what you'd bring]
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you and would welcome the chance to discuss next steps.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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Follow the program's instructions first
Graduate programs vary widely in what they want. Some ask for one page, others for 1,000 words or more, and many pose specific questions about your research interests or career plans. Read the instructions carefully and answer every question they ask, in the order they ask it if that makes sense.
If the program specifies a format or word limit, stick to it. Going over the limit can suggest you don't follow directions, which matters in academic work.
Show fit, not just enthusiasm
Name specific faculty, labs, courses or partnerships that match your interests, and explain why. A committee wants to see that you've chosen their program for real reasons and that you'll contribute to it.
Connect your past to your future. Explain what experience led you here — research, work, volunteering — and what you plan to do after the degree. A clear arc from background to goals is more persuasive than a list of accomplishments.
Tone and editing
Write in a confident, professional voice, and use first person. Avoid dramatic openings and broad statements about your lifelong passion; concrete experiences say more.
Ask a professor, mentor or your school's writing center to read a draft. Fresh eyes catch unclear sentences and gaps in your story.
What to do, step by step
Decide what kind of letter of intent you need
A letter of intent can be for a job, a graduate program, a scholarship or a business deal. Read any instructions from the employer, school or seller first, since they may say exactly what to cover.
Fill in the letter
Answer the questions above. State clearly what you're pursuing in the first line, then explain your background and your reasons in specific, concrete terms.
For a business deal, keep it non-binding
If you're proposing to buy a business, list the key terms and keep the non-binding statement in place. Have any deal letter reviewed before you sign it, since some sections of a letter of intent can be binding.
Edit for length and tone
Keep it to one page if you can. Cut general claims and keep specific achievements, numbers and examples.
Send it and follow up
Email it or submit it as instructed, keep a copy, and follow up politely if you don't hear back within a week or two.
What if you don't hear back after sending your letter of intent?
Give it a reasonable amount of time — usually one to two weeks for a job or business letter, and longer for school admissions, which often follow fixed decision dates. Then send a short, polite follow-up restating your interest and asking whether they need anything else from you.
If you still hear nothing, it may simply mean there's no opening right now or the timing isn't right. For a job, keep watching for postings and apply formally when one appears. For a business purchase, the seller may be talking to other buyers; ask whether they're open to discussing terms.
Whatever the outcome, keep your letter on file. A well-written letter of intent can be adapted quickly for the next opportunity, whether that's another employer, another program or another business.
Example letter of intent for graduate school
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Daniel Okoye
daniel.okoye@email.com · (303) 555-0187
October 5, 2026
Admissions Committee
School of Public Health, Lakeside University
Re: Letter of intent — admission to the Master of Public Health program at Lakeside University for fall 2027
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to formally express my intent to pursue admission to the Master of Public Health program at Lakeside University for fall 2027.
I earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Fairmont State University in 2022 and have since worked as a research coordinator at the Northside Community Health Center, where I manage data collection for a study on diabetes prevention in low-income neighborhoods.
My work has shown me how much health outcomes depend on access, education and community trust. I want to build the skills in epidemiology and program evaluation to design prevention programs that work. Professor Alvarez's research on community health workers aligns closely with my goals, and the program's practicum would let me apply what I learn locally.
I have enclosed my resume, and my transcripts and recommendation letters have been submitted through the application portal.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you and would welcome the chance to discuss next steps.
Sincerely,
Daniel Okoye
Frequently asked questions
Is a letter of intent the same as a statement of purpose?
Often, yes. Many programs use the terms interchangeably for a letter explaining your goals and fit. Some programs ask for both a statement of purpose and a separate personal statement, so check what each requires.
How long should a graduate school letter of intent be?
Follow the program's limit if it has one. Without a limit, one to two pages is common. Every paragraph should earn its place by showing your preparation, your goals or your fit with the program.
Should I mention specific professors?
Yes, if their work genuinely matches your interests, especially for research-based programs. Briefly explain the connection. Avoid listing names without a reason, which can read as padding.
What is a letter of intent?
It's a letter stating that you intend to pursue something specific — a job, admission to a program, a scholarship or a business transaction — and explaining why. For jobs and schools it works like a focused cover letter. In business, it outlines proposed deal terms before a final agreement.
Is a letter of intent legally binding?
Letters of intent for jobs or school aren't contracts. Business letters of intent are usually meant to be non-binding, but some sections, such as confidentiality or exclusivity, can be binding depending on the wording. That's why this template states clearly that a business letter is non-binding.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.