Getting Strong Recommendation Letters
5 min read
A great recommendation letter can be the difference between shortlisted and rejected. A weak or vague one — even from a very senior professor — hurts you. Here is how to get letters that actually help.
Who to ask
The best referees are people who:
- ✓Know your work closely — a supervisor who read your thesis is far more valuable than a famous professor who barely knows your name.
- ✓Can speak to your academic or professional ability — a past employer or internship supervisor is excellent for professionally-focused scholarships.
- ✓Will write in time — a reliable junior lecturer beats an unreliable senior professor every time.
Most scholarships require 2–3 letters. Typical combinations: 2 academic + 1 professional, or 1 academic + 2 professional (for work-focused scholarships).
When to ask
Ask at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline. Referees are busy — they often write letters for many students at once. Asking late puts you at risk of a rushed, generic letter, or no letter at all.
If the scholarship deadline is 4 or fewer months away, ask immediately.
How to ask
Do this by email. Here is a template you can adapt:
Subject: Request for a scholarship recommendation letter
Dear [Professor / Dr. / Mr. / Ms.] [Last name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for the [Scholarship Name] to pursue [degree programme] at [university name], with a deadline of [date].
I would be very grateful if you would be willing to write a recommendation letter in support of my application. Given your knowledge of my work on [specific project, thesis, course, or role], I believe you would be able to speak to my [academic ability / research potential / professional skills].
I will send you my CV, personal statement, and any forms the scholarship requires as soon as you confirm you are able to help. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your name]
After they say yes — make it easy for them
Once a referee agrees, send them a single email with everything they need:
- •Your updated CV
- •A draft or final copy of your personal statement
- •A short paragraph reminding them of your work together — which project, which year, what you achieved. This helps them write specific rather than generic things about you.
- •The exact deadline and how they submit (email, online portal link, or paper form)
- •Any specific questions the scholarship asks referees to answer
Sending a reminder
Send a polite reminder 2 weeks before the deadline, and another one 3 days before. Keep them brief and friendly:
"Dear [Name], I wanted to check in on the recommendation letter for [Scholarship Name], due on [date]. Please let me know if you need anything further from me. Thank you again for your support."
After submission
Always send a thank-you email once they have submitted. Whether or not you win the scholarship, let them know the outcome — referees appreciate hearing back, and you may need their support again in the future.
Cultural note
In many SEA countries, students feel uncomfortable "bothering" senior lecturers or professors. But a clear, respectful email request is entirely professional and expected in the international scholarship context. Most professors are happy to help — they just need enough notice and the right information.