How to Get Strong Recommendation Letters for Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, your recommendation letters can be the deciding factor between a good and a great application. A well-written reference helps scholarship committees understand who you are beyond grades and test scores. It reveals your motivation, character, and potential impact.

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to get compelling recommendation letters that truly make your scholarship application stand out.

1. Choose the Right Recommenders

Start by identifying people who know you well academically or professionally. Ideally, this could be a professor, project supervisor, or mentor who has seen your growth over time.

Moreover, avoid selecting someone just because of their job title. What matters most is that they can speak confidently about your achievements and personal qualities. A detailed letter from a lecturer who knows you well is far stronger than a generic one from a high-ranking dean.

2. Ask Early and Politely

Good recommendation letters take time to write. Therefore, give your referees at least 3–4 weeks’ notice before the scholarship deadline. Politely explain what the scholarship is about and why you are applying.

For instance, you could write:

“I’m applying for the Chevening Scholarship, which values leadership and community impact. Would you be comfortable writing a letter highlighting my experience leading our student research team?”

This kind of clarity helps your referee tailor the letter to the scholarship’s focus areas.

3. Provide Supporting Information

Don’t assume your recommender remembers every detail of your work. Make it easier for them by sending:

• Your updated CV or resume
• A summary of the scholarship and its goals
• A short list of key achievements or projects you’d like mentioned

Additionally, remind them of specific examples — like your final-year project, volunteering, or leadership roles — that demonstrate qualities scholarship panels value, such as initiative, teamwork, or resilience.

4. Align the Letter with the Scholarship’s Values

Every scholarship has its own criteria. Some prioritize academic excellence, while others focus on leadership, community service, or innovation.

For example, the Chevening Scholarship emphasizes leadership and networking potential, while the DAAD Scholarship values academic and research excellence.

To ensure alignment, share the exact wording of the scholarship’s requirements with your recommender. This makes their letter sound more relevant and intentional.

You can find detailed examples of such requirements on the DAAD official website.

5. Follow Up and Express Gratitude

Once your recommender agrees, send a polite reminder one week before the deadline. After submission, send a sincere thank-you message or note. Gratitude goes a long way — especially if you might need another recommendation in the future.

You can write something simple like:

“Thank you again for supporting my scholarship application. Your letter really means a lot, and I deeply appreciate your time and effort.”

6. Keep a Backup List of Recommenders

Sometimes, people get busy or miss deadlines. To stay on track, always have a backup recommender — maybe another lecturer, a course advisor, or even a research supervisor. This ensures your scholarship application isn’t delayed at the last moment.

7. Learn from Previous Applications

If you’ve applied for scholarships before, review the feedback or outcomes. Reflect on whether your recommendation letters highlighted your strengths clearly. Use that insight to guide your next application.

Also, remember that many universities or scholarship programs allow you to reuse a recommendation letter with slight updates. Always ask for permission before doing so.

FAQs: Recommendation Letters for Scholarships

1. Who can write my scholarship recommendation letter?
Professors, mentors, internship supervisors, or research advisors — anyone who knows your work well and can speak about your achievements.

2. How long should a good recommendation letter be?
Usually one page (300–500 words). It should be specific, detailed, and personal.

3. Can I submit more than two recommendation letters?
Only if the scholarship allows it. Quality matters more than quantity.

4. What makes a letter stand out?
Specific examples of leadership, problem-solving, or community engagement make a huge difference.

5. Can I see the letter before submission?
Some recommenders share a draft for review, but others prefer to submit directly. Respect their preference.

Final Thoughts

A strong recommendation letter is more than a formality — it’s a story about your potential. By choosing the right recommenders, preparing clear background materials, and aligning the letter with your scholarship goals, you’ll make a lasting impression on selection committees.

To strengthen the rest of your application, also read The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to UK University Admission Process and How to Get an MOI Certificate for Scholarship Applications — it explains how to prepare your documents and language waivers effectively.