1. The Motivation Video: What the Programme Expects
The motivation video should provide a clear overview of your intention to study in the AISS joint master’s programme and how your interests connect with current research topics and the future workforce.
This is your opportunity to:
- Connect your academic and/or professional background with your preferred topic
- Envision possible projects or outcomes for your Master’s thesis
- Demonstrate why AISS is a critical step in your journey
- Show who you are
Key requirements:
- Maximum length: 1 minute and 30 seconds
→ Videos that exceed this limit are automatically rejected, with no possibility of correction - Do not speed up the video speeding up also leads to rejection
- You must appear in the video
→ Voice-over videos with only text or background visuals are not what the programme is looking for - Accepted format: Upload via the DreamApply system
→ Videos hosted on TikTok, Instagram, X, or other social media platforms are not accepted
The goal is simple: the selection committee wants to see you! how you think, communicate, and position yourself within the field of AI for sustainable societies.
2. Check Out Venus’ Tips
How one of our students approached her motivation video:
Meet Venus Schwidrowski
- From: United Kingdom
- Background: Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia and Creative Technologies
- Currently in the Master’s student in AI for Sustainable Societies
“My motivation video was designed to show, not just tell, how my background and life goals perfectly match the mission of this master’s programme.”
Here is the framework she used to stay organised and authentic:
The Research Phase
Venus began by identifying the overlap between the programme’s mission and her own experience.
She carefully reviewed what AISS looks for in candidates and connected those expectations to her skills, values, and long-term goals, making it clear how the programme supports her future direction.
The Visual Dump
To structure her narrative, Venus created a visual wall-map, placing all her ideas in one space, from course values to her creative background. This helped her first collect ideas freely, and then organise them into a natural, coherent flow that felt true to her.
“I used a visual wall-map to align my values with the course, first collecting my ideas and then ordering them.”
Authentic Storytelling
Instead of listing achievements, Venus focused on honest storytelling. She used her own footage, stayed on camera, and wrote a script that clearly expressed:
- Her understanding of the programme
- Why AISS matters to her personal journey
- How sustainability and interdisciplinary learning shape her ambitions
Feedback Loop
Venus spent four weeks refining her application.
She actively sought feedback from people she trusted, helping her clarify her message and gain confidence in the final version.
“Applying is a marathon, not a sprint. I spent four weeks on this because I was sure this course was the right step for me.”