Professional Recommendation Letter for a Scholarship
This adaptable template helps a professor, lecturer, research supervisor, academic adviser, department head, or employer recommend a qualified applicant for a scholarship. Replace every bracketed field with accurate information and tailor the letter to the scholarship’s selection criteria.
The named referee should personally review, approve, sign, and submit the final letter.
[OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONAL OR ORGANIZATIONAL LETTERHEAD]
[Referee’s Full Name]
[Academic or Professional Title]
[Department]
[University, Institution, or Organization]
[Official Address]
[Professional Email Address]
[Official Telephone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient’s Full Name, if known]
[Scholarship Selection Committee]
[Scholarship Program or Funding Organization]
[Address]
Subject: Recommendation for [Applicant’s Full Name] — [Scholarship Name]
Dear [Dr./Professor Surname or Members of the Scholarship Selection Committee],
I am pleased to recommend [applicant’s full name] for the [full scholarship name]. I have known [applicant’s surname] for [length of time] in my capacity as [course instructor, thesis supervisor, research supervisor, academic adviser, department head, or employer] at [institution or organization]. During this period, I have had the opportunity to assess [their] academic preparation, intellectual ability, professional conduct, and potential to benefit from this scholarship.
I first worked with [applicant’s surname] when [briefly explain how the relationship began]. In [course, laboratory, research project, workplace, or academic program], [they] demonstrated particular strength in [relevant subject, skill, research method, or professional area]. Among [number, if accurate] students or colleagues whom I have [taught, supervised, or managed] during [relevant period], [applicant’s surname] distinguished [themselves] through [specific and supportable quality].
A strong example of [applicant’s surname]’s ability was [assignment, thesis, research project, professional task, or community initiative]. [They] were responsible for [specific responsibility] and used [method, theory, software, technical skill, or approach] to [objective]. Through [their] work, [they] achieved [accurate result, grade, output, finding, improvement, or contribution]. This experience demonstrated [their] ability to [relevant scholarship criterion, such as analyze complex problems, conduct research, lead responsibly, or communicate effectively].
[Applicant’s surname] has also shown commitment to [field of study, research area, professional objective, leadership, or community service]. For example, [they] [specific action or activity]. Rather than merely participating, [they] contributed by [specific personal contribution], helping to [result or impact]. This illustrates [their] qualities of [initiative, persistence, responsibility, empathy, or collaboration].
In collaborative settings, [applicant’s surname] is [two or three accurate qualities]. During [group project, laboratory work, student organization, workplace assignment, or community activity], [they] worked with [people or groups] to [objective]. When the group encountered [specific challenge], [applicant’s surname] [action], which helped achieve [result]. [They] communicate respectfully, respond constructively to feedback, and fulfill agreed responsibilities.
The [scholarship name] is particularly appropriate for [applicant’s surname] because [explain how it supports the applicant’s academic or professional development]. [Their] goal is to [short-term academic objective], followed by [realistic long-term objective]. The scholarship would enable [them] to [undertake study, complete research, receive training, access resources, or participate in an opportunity] and develop expertise in [area].
If selected, I believe [applicant’s surname] would use the opportunity responsibly. [Their] record in [academic work, research, leadership, employment, or service] demonstrates the discipline required to meet demanding expectations. [They] would also contribute to the scholarship community through [knowledge, perspective, leadership, mentorship, research, or service].
Based on my direct experience with [applicant’s full name], I recommend [them] [strongly, with confidence, or without reservation] for the [scholarship name]. [They] possess the academic preparation, motivation, integrity, and potential required to make effective use of this award. I am confident that the scholarship would support [their] continued development and future contribution to [field, institution, profession, or community].
Please contact me at [professional email address] or [telephone number] if further information is required.
Yours sincerely,
[Referee’s Signature]
[Referee’s Full Name]
[Academic or Professional Title]
[Department]
[University, Institution, or Organization]
Short scholarship recommendation
[OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD]
[Date]
Subject: Recommendation for [Applicant’s Full Name] — [Scholarship Name]
Dear Members of the Scholarship Selection Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [applicant’s full name] for the [scholarship name]. I have known [applicant’s surname] for [length of time] as [their] [instructor, supervisor, adviser, or employer] at [institution or organization].
In [course, research project, workplace, or activity], [applicant’s surname] demonstrated strong ability in [relevant areas]. A notable example was [specific assignment or responsibility], in which [they] [specific action]. The resulting [paper, project, finding, improvement, or outcome] demonstrated [relevant qualities].
[Applicant’s surname] is also [two or three accurate qualities]. During [collaborative or service activity], [they] contributed by [specific contribution] and helped achieve [result]. [Their] academic or professional goal of [goal] is well aligned with the purpose of the scholarship.
I recommend [applicant’s full name] [strongly, with confidence, or without reservation]. I believe [they] would use the scholarship responsibly and contribute positively to [program, institution, field, or community].
Yours sincerely,
[Referee’s Full Name]
[Title and Institution]
[Professional Email]
Financial-need paragraph
Use this only when the referee has appropriate, verified knowledge and the scholarship explicitly considers financial circumstances:
I understand that financial support is an important factor in [applicant’s surname]’s ability to pursue [program or opportunity]. Based only on information appropriately shared with me, the scholarship would reduce barriers related to [tuition, research costs, approved educational expenses, or participation]. I recommend that the committee evaluate this need together with [their] demonstrated academic preparation and potential.Note: Avoid disclosing private details that are unnecessary or that the applicant has not authorized the referee to share.
Leadership paragraph
[Applicant’s surname] has demonstrated leadership through [role or activity]. In this capacity, [they] identified [need or objective], organized [people or resources], and [specific action]. The initiative resulted in [accurate outcome]. This experience shows [their] ability to lead responsibly while listening to and supporting others.
Community-service paragraph
[Applicant’s surname] has contributed to [community, organization, or group] through [service activity]. [They] were responsible for [specific contribution] and helped [beneficiaries or participants] to [outcome]. This work reflects [their] commitment to [relevant value or scholarship objective].
Preparation notes
Scholarship Recommendation Letter Preparation Notes
- The referee should personally review, approve, sign, and submit the letter.
- Use official letterhead and a professional institutional email when available.
- Identify the scholarship by its complete and correct name.
- Explain how long and in what capacity the referee has known the applicant.
- Address the scholarship’s actual selection criteria.
- Support positive assessments with concrete examples.
- Distinguish the applicant’s contribution from the team’s work.
- Mention rankings only when they are accurate and based on a meaningful comparison.
- Discuss financial need only when relevant, verified, authorized, and necessary.
- Do not disclose unnecessary sensitive personal information.
- Do not invent grades, awards, publications, leadership, hardship, or achievements.
- Confirm the deadline, submission process, and confidentiality requirements.